We have received 67 expressions of interest from NHS and care organisations across the region in response to our productivity innovation fund, offering awards of up to £25,000 to support the implementation of innovations that improve productivity.

 The fund, launched in September, aims to help deploy digital and Medtech solutions that free up staff time and enhance patient experience.

Applications closed on Thursday 16 October, and all applicants will shortly be notified of the outcome. The competitive phased application process will see shortlisted applicants have the opportunity to complete a full application form. The final stage will see successful applicants invited to take part in an interview in early December.

The fund will seek to fund between three and five projects, and these will be confirmed from Friday 12 December.

Dawn Plummer, Digital Health Innovation Lead and Deputy Head of Innovation Pipeline Development, Health Innovation East Midlands, said: “We are pleased to see the strong response to this fund, and it just shows the appetite across the region for innovations that can ease the administrative burden and create more time for patient care. The implementation of these types of innovation is key to the delivery of the 10 Year Health Plan for England.  We look forward to announcing the successful organisations from 12 December.”

The awards follow an Innovation Exchange event, which showcased a range of innovators with solutions that can:

• Accelerate and improve processes, freeing time for optimal patient care
• Support and empower patients on their care journey
• Improve access and coordination across care settings

Visit our dedicated webpage for more information, including a recording of the event and a catalogue of innovators featuring videos and company summaries that can support in this space.