An East Midlands network that is playing a major role in improving the health of the region's 4.5m residents, has appointed two experts to key roles.

Commercial Director Chris Hart and Head of Clinical Partnerships Karen Glover have joined the East Midlands Academic Health Science Network (EMAHSN). They will support the organisation to bring together NHS organisations, universities and industry to drive innovations and tackle the major health issues that affect the region, including stroke, liver disease and obesity.

The duo have a wealth of experience across health and industry:

Chris Hart has worked for over 25 years in healthcare and technology industries across Europe and the United States, most recently as Business Development Director with UK-based firm Allocate Software PLC.

His Commercial Director role will focus on building closer links between healthcare and businesses; identifying new services and products that can be introduced for the benefit of patients throughout the region – as well as marketed throughout the UK and abroad, providing wealth creation opportunities across the East Midlands.

"The East Midlands has a reputation for world-class expertise in health research and product development," said Chris. "Local companies already export health products and services to dozens of countries. By helping these enterprises accelerate the introduction of new products and services throughout NHS organisations we will not only improve local health services, but also boost the region's economy."

Karen Glover joins EMAHSN as Head of Clinical Partnerships. In her previous role she served as Director of Nursing and Compliance with the East Midlands Ambulance Service. Her new post will build partnerships with health and social care agencies and universities to identify proven research that can be spread throughout the region's healthcare system.

"I am very excited about the post," said Karen. "A key part of my role will be external engagement across the NHS and beyond to help put the findings of research into clinical practice, to improve the health of the East Midlands population."

Karen has a dual role - in addition to her post with EMAHSN she has been appointed Director of Partner Relations and Operations with health research agency NIHR CLAHRC East Midlands (the Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Research and Care).

The East Midlands Academic Health Science Network (EMAHSN) was set up by NHS England in 2013, and brings together dozens of partners across the region.

The network's twin aims are to identify and spread innovation throughout health care, and to facilitate economic growth by helping businesses develop and market new healthcare products and services.

EMAHSN Managing Director Rachel Munton said: "The East Midlands is one of the most diverse regions of the UK with many complex health challenges. Only by working together will our health and social care organisations tackle the really big issues facing our towns, cities and rural areas, such as stroke, obesity, diabetes and liver disease.

"I'm delighted that we have strengthened our partnership with the appointments of Chris and Karen, two experts in their fields who bring a wealth of experience with them.

"They will play central roles in building links between health, social care and industry. By working closer together across each of these sectors we will put innovative ideas into practice to bring about rapid and lasting improvements in the health and care of local people."

Posted on Thursday 17th April 2014