Healthcare organisations and universities across the region have been honoured at the inaugural East Midlands Innovation in Healthcare awards.

The seven winning entries highlight the astonishing range of innovations that are improving services and saving lives throughout the region.

The awards, launched by the East Midlands Academic Health Science Network (EMAHSN), recognise and celebrate the work of NHS, health and social care organisations to develop new - and ensure better delivery of existing - healthcare services for local people.

The winners include a tool to improve survival chances of people suffering heart attacks, a messaging service benefiting 100,000 school children and wrist bands that are reducing deaths. Over 90 entries were submitted and the finalists showcase an incredible depth of frontline innovation. The winners – who each receive £2,000 to help develop their innovation - are:

• Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, "Oxygen saturation wristbands": use of coloured wristbands to signpost the correct target oxygen saturation for patients

• East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust, "Cardiac biomarkers": a diagnosis tool to support clinicians in diagnosing heart attacks

• Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, "ChatHealth": a messaging service that puts secondary school pupils in touch with a school nurse

• Rampton Hospital (Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust), "Electronic Integrated Care Pathway": a centralised electronic record of patients' care across all services

• University of Derby and Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, "DRIFT": using social media to make information more accessible to patients, parents and carers

• University of Leicester, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and Health Education East Midlands, "ePIFFany": training inspired by Team GB's Olympic success, building on the idea small changes lead to big gains in learning

• University of Nottingham, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust and Nottingham CityCare Partnership, "Guide to Action in Care Homes": a fall prevention programme

Entries were invited from staff at all levels including those on the frontline and at more junior levels. Submissions focused on ideas to tackle problems and improve services for patients – particularly for those who may be less effectively served by health and social care systems such as people from Black and minority ethnic communities and people with learning difficulties.

Independent Chair of the East Midlands Academic Health Science Network, Martin Hindle, said: "The quality of the submissions highlights the commitment and expertise of teams across our region. The depth of innovation is absolutely incredible and it is clear that great ideas and solutions are being generated every day throughout our region by frontline staff.

"The NHS faces major challenges to meet increasing demands for services and financial pressures, and innovation is central to overcoming these challenges. Our awards were launched to identify great ideas that address health challenges and to showcase work we know is out there but don't always find out about. The innovations are of critical importance to the future of our NHS and have potential to be spread throughout our region and beyond."

The awards were presented at the East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham on Wednesday 22 October.

-ends-

PHOTO CAPTION: Representatives from the seven award winners are pictured with EMAHSN Independent Chair Martin Hindle and event Host Kevin Parr. From the left: Kevin Parr, Host, Pip Logan from the University of Nottingham - 'Patient Dignity and Experience', Peter Mason from East Midlands Ambulance Service - 'Medical Technology', Sue Smith of the Royal Derby Hospital - 'Frontline Innovations', Rakesh Patel from the University of Leicester - 'Frontline Innovations', Ilona Kruppa of Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust - 'Software and Telehealth', Jimmy Endicott of Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust - 'Improving access, experience and outcomes for underserved communities', Gemma Ryan of the University of Derby - Mental Health and Martin Hindle, Chair of the East Midlands Academic Health Science Network.

Individual photos of award winners are available from Lucy Hose (contact details below).

Note to editors

More background about the winners along with the full shortlist can be viewed here.

The awards are coordinated by the East Midlands Academic Health Science Network (EMAHSN), one of 15 Academic Health Science Networks in England. It brings together the NHS, universities, industry and social care to transform the health of the region's 4.5M residents and stimulate wealth. Priorities focus on identifying and spreading innovations that address challenges including obesity, diabetes, mental health, respiratory disease, stroke and support for frail older people.

Media enquiries: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 0115 748 4243 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 0115 748 4242