Innovators and MPs promote economic growth through health care

West Bromwich MP Sarah Coombes sponsored the event, aimed at building support for innovations helping to address urgent NHS priorities such as reducing waiting lists, tackling health inequalities and improving the update of medicines.

It was attended by 10 MPs and members of the House of Lords; leaders from the Health Innovation Network and six innovators from across the country. 

The businesses showcased the results of their collaborations with the Health Innovation Network and its 15 regional networks. They included QbTech, part of a national programme called Focus ADHD. QbTech’s innovative ADHD assessment has helped tackle NHS waiting list challenges and supported over 70,000 young people during the pilot. 

Sarah said: “Meeting with and hearing from innovators from across the country has been so inspiring. These programmes are delivering real results for patients across the country, and I know that my constituents in West Bromwich will feel the benefit of improved healthcare. The Health Innovation Network are positively impacting health outcomes and also driving regional and national growth. They are truly the engine of both health and growth in the UK.'” 

Karin Smyth, MP, Minister of State at the Department of Health and Social Care, said: “Meeting 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, Health Innovation Network is improving patient outcomes while also driving regional and national growth.” 

Innovators 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 

Tim Jones, Chief Officer, Health Innovation West Midlands, said: “As the key organisation in the West Midlands responsible for implementing innovation in health and care and driving economic growth, Health Innovation West Midlands, we were delighted to meet with Sarah Coombes to discuss innovations in West Bromwich. 

“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.”