A note from our Chair

In March 2020, the health and care system embarked on the most challenging year in its history.

Within a matter of days, all 15 Academic Health Science Networks (AHSNs) realigned resources and refocused our existing work to support the national and regional response to coronavirus (COVID-19). We adapted and channelled our efforts to support the system where the need was the greatest, and used our model of operating as a locally connected, co-ordinated national network to add value at pace and scale during this time.

Our 2020/21 Impact Report demonstrates that as a Network we drive forward results in the most relevant areas to make a real difference for patients and service users, as well as healthcare professionals, innovators and NHS organisations. We use our unique position working across all sectors relevant to health and care and our embedded relationships as a catalyst for the greatest impacts, and this year is a demonstration of how effective that can be.

Even in the face of adversity, the system has made some incredible steps forward to adopt innovation and work even more closely with industry.

Professor Gary Ford
Chair of the AHSN Network and Chief Executive of Oxford AHSN

AHSN Network Impact Report cover

Read the Impact Report PDF. You can see more impact stories on the pages below.

2020/21 impacts

  • Polypharmacy Action Learning Set celebrates 1000th delegate

    Lesley Bull, a South London GP and our 1000th delegate chats to Lois-Hooper Ainsworth, Programme Coordinator on the National Polypharmacy Programme, about why she registered for the Health Innovation Network Polypharmacy Action Learning Set, what she got out of it and why other GPs should attend. Lesley Bull So, Lesley, could you tell [...]

  • Meet the innovator: Jo Barosa, Qbtech

    Jo Barosa is Account Director at Qbtech UK. Qbtech is a market leading provider of innovative objective tests for assessing and treating ADHD, changing the landscape of ADHD care. Driven by its mission to improve the lives of people with ADHD, Qbtech supports by providing digital and clinical solutions to improve clinical decision making, service [...]

  • Prevention may be the cure, but innovation the best course of treatment

    Dr Cheryl Crocker, interim Chief Operating Officer at the Health Innovation Network, explains the vital role innovation plays to not only reduce waiting lists and improve access to care, but to decrease system pressure by improving people’s health and keeping them well for longer.  The new Government has rightly declared its focus on moving the [...]