The Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt was commissioned to lead an independent review of integrated care systems (ICSs) in November 2022. The Hewitt review, which launched earlier this month (April 2023), found that Academic Health Science Networks (AHSNs) should be seen as ‘integral’ in embedding innovation throughout the health and care system.
The report calls for ‘strengthening and embedding a culture of research and innovation in the health and care sector’, which places AHSNs at the centre of the recommendation: “Regional AHSNs should work together, and with the national AHSN Network to identify and spread best practice, innovative pathways, enabling each system to import proven interventions including from academia and industry from elsewhere in the country, while ensuring that their own innovative approaches become part of the wider pool.”
Gary Ford, Chair of the AHSN Network and Chief Executive of Oxford AHSN said: “We warmly welcome the findings and recommendations laid out in the Hewitt review. Healthcare innovation is vital to help tackle some of the biggest challenges facing the NHS. The AHSN Network is committed to supporting and scaling the best innovations both locally and nationally to improve health outcomes for patients, building strong partnerships with NHS organisations such as ICSs and ICBs and achieving economic growth.
“This month marks AHSNs 10th anniversary, so it’s fantastic to receive this recognition at such a significant time.”
The review sets out considerations on the oversight and governance of ICSs in England and the NHS targets, priorities and mandates for which ICBs are accountable.
Read the Hewitt review.
The Accelerated Access Collaborative (AAC) has published our case studies about how AHSNs are supporting their local ICSs.
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
