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A new podcast exploring NHS entrepreneurship and how to successfully develop and scale innovation within the NHS is now available.
The latest episode from Health Innovation East Midlands features Tim Robinson, Commercial Director, in conversation with Caroline Palmer, Clinical Lead, and David Williams, Group Director of Strategy and Business Development at Leicester Partnership NHS Trust. Together, they share the story of ChatHealth – one of the most successful examples of NHS entrepreneurship in the past decade.
Health innovation is often associated with industry developing new technologies. However, across the NHS, clinicians and staff generate ideas every day that improve care, increase efficiency and make services more cost-effective.
ChatHealth was originally developed by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust for local residents. It is a safe and secure messaging service that enables patients to communicate with healthcare professionals via mobile devices about a range of health concerns. The platform has since expanded rapidly across England and beyond with support from the national Health Innovation Network, benefiting millions of people by improving access to clinically safe, secure and high-quality advice from healthcare professionals.
Now adopted by more than 80 NHS organisations and healthcare providers, ChatHealth demonstrates how innovations developed within the NHS can deliver impact at scale while generating income that can be reinvested back into frontline services.
In the podcast, the speakers discuss ChatHealth’s journey along the innovation pathway -from an initial clinical insight through to national adoption and commercialisation. They explore the barriers innovators can face within the NHS and highlight the practical steps needed to turn a promising idea into a sustainable service.
Listeners will gain practical insight into NHS entrepreneurship, including how organisations can retain ownership of innovations, build the right systems and culture for innovation, and develop leadership approaches that support ideas born within the NHS to succeed.
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The podcast offers tangible examples and lessons for those interested in this topic, especially those wanting to bring new ideas to the health and care system.