The East Midlands Academic Health Science Network (EMAHSN) shines a light on health and social care as finalists from across the region are announced in the second East Midlands Innovation in Healthcare awards.

The shortlist highlights the astonishing range of innovations and ideas developed by frontline healthcare staff, local patients, charities, companies, GP surgeries, hospitals and universities that are transforming the health of the region’s 4.5m residents and stimulating wealth creation.

Competition has been very strong with over 100 entries submitted across six categories; a 16% increase on last year’s entries.
The 18 finalists showcase the incredible breadth of innovation taking place. The winners will be announced on 5th November.

The shortlisted submissions range from an App to assist young carers, use of a fictional African Caribbean character to educate inform communities about high blood pressure and stroke, a diabetes education programme, improved care for patients with ascites (build-up of fluid) and respiratory problems, a tool which allows junior doctors to report concerns quickly, and innovative use of iPad technology by creating virtual GP ward rounds within a Care Home.

Entries were invited from staff and volunteers at all levels, especially those working on the frontline and at more junior levels with ideas to tackle current issues and improve services for patients and the public.

Managing Director of the East Midlands Academic Health Science Network, Rachel Munton, said: “The quality of the submissions this year has been absolutely outstanding. “The range of projects proves that innovation can exist across all organisations and at all levels within them, and we’ve been particularly impressed with the fantastic ideas coming from the frontline.

“These awards celebrate innovative ideas and explore the potential to develop and adopt them on a wider scale so they benefit people throughout the region – and potentially beyond.”

The awards will be presented at an event at the National Space Centre in Leicester on November 5th. Winners will receive £3,000 to help develop their innovation, with £1,000 for two runners-up in each category.


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Notes to editors

The following organisations are finalists (see attachment for award category list, further information and contact details for and each submission)

• Breathe Easy Nottingham West (British Lung Foundation)
• Carers Federation
• Change Makers (hosted by the Renewal Trust)
• Derby Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
• East Midlands Forensic Pathology unit, University of Leicester
• Healthwatch Northamptonshire
• Leicester Diabetes Centre, Leicester General Hospital, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
• Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust
• Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Trust
• Mon0lisa Productions (Nottingham)
• Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
• Nottinghamshire Healthcare Foundation NHS Trust
• Personal Care Packs Ltd (Leicester)
• Roundwood Surgery (Forest Town, Mansfield)
• Salvere Technologies Limited (Wootton, Northampton)
• United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust
• University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

The awards are coordinated by EMAHSN, one of 15 Academic Health Science Networks in England. East Midlands Academic Health Science Network (EMAHSN) is one of 15 Academic Health Science Networks in England. EMAHSN brings together the NHS, universities, industry and social care to transform the health of the region’s 4.5m residents and stimulate wealth. Current priorities focus on identifying and spreading innovations that address challenges including cancer, obesity, diabetes, mental health, Technology Care Enabled Services and support for frail older people.

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