Last week, the Health Innovation Network brought together MPs with its 15 local networks, including Health Innovation West of England, to discuss the importance of innovation in tackling the NHS’s most pressing challenges, such as reducing waiting lists, tackling health inequalities and improving the update of medicines.
The health and life sciences sector offers a huge opportunity for driving economic growth. Since 2018, Health Innovation Network’s support to innovators has contributed £2.6bn to the UK economy, have safeguarded or created over 10,000 jobs and for every £1 invested in the Network, there is a £2.81 return.
Karin Smyth, MP for Bristol South and Minister of State at the Department of Health and Social Care, said: “Meeting with and hearing from innovators from across the country has been so inspiring. Health innovation is vital to helping the Government deliver on our core missions of developing sustained economic growth and building an NHS that is fit for the future. With so many programmes delivering real results for patients, the Health Innovation Network is improving patient outcomes while also driving regional and national growth.”
The reception in Parliament showcased innovators from across the country and they used the reception as an opportunity to urge the Government to take action to ensure innovation is at the heart of reforms to the healthcare system by:
- Ensuring a national focus on the implementation of innovations within the health and social care sector, including creating the right environment where innovation can more easily be delivered
- Defining multi-year health innovation priorities within the 10-year plan
Alex Leach, Deputy Director of Programmes at Health Innovation West of England, who attended the event, commented: “It’s been fantastic to be able to showcase our work to MPs and, particularly, our work with innovators both locally and nationally to support the health and wealth of our local region as well as the country, working alongside the wider Health Innovation Network.”
Richard Stubbs, Chair, Health Innovation Network, added: “As the key organisation in England responsible for implementing innovation in health and care and driving economic growth, the Health Innovation Network was delighted to meet with Karin Smyth to discuss innovations in Bristol. Working closely with MPs and policymakers enables us to deliver local change faster and more widespread ensuring all patients benefit from innovation. By doing this we can support a thriving life sciences sector across the regions with a growing economy.
“We are proud that, every year, our programmes release more than 100,000 hours of NHS staff time, increasing productivity to help tackle waiting times and get through the backlog.”
Bringing together innovators and MPs at this event, Health Innovation Network continues to demonstrate the vital role the network plays in making the UK a global powerhouse for health and life sciences.
Posted on April 1, 2025
