First digital health accelerator launched in Yorkshire and Humber

A digital health accelerator programme has been launched in Yorkshire and the Humber to encourage technological advances and improve patient outcomes.

Propel@YH, set up by the Yorkshire and Humber Academic Health Science Network (AHSN), will deliver specialist training and product development support for each organisation that signs up.

Six organisations will be chosen to take part in the six-month programme, which includes one-to-one support from someone with strong clinical or NHS provider experience, clinical safety and NHS procurement processes.

Those taking part will also have access to expert partners including NHS providers and commissioners; academic organisations; and primary care representatives.

Neville Young, director of enterprise and innovation for the Yorkshire & Humber AHSN, said: “This is a great opportunity for innovative companies to access a raft of support specifically tailored to their needs and equip them with the knowledge and contacts to drive their businesses forward.

“The benefits of providing this support will not only enable citizens to have quicker access to innovative products that help to improve healthcare in the region, it will also bring economic growth and jobs into the Yorkshire and Humber area.”

The programme will be run in Leeds and delivered by mHabitat, NHS co-designed experts in digital care.

A further six organisations will be chosen to receive support packages, including access to specific courses and sessions.

The accelerator programmes are run by the AHSNs, which was established by NHS England in 2013 to spread innovation.

Each AHSN works across a distinct geography serving a different population in each region.

Schemes have also been set up in London, Manchester, the South West, East Midlands, Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

As reported by Digital Health News in June last year, NHS England has increased the funding it provides to Academic Health Science Networks (AHSNs) to help speed up the rate at which new digital innovations are distributed.

To sign up visit www.propel-yh.com.