Formed from the four regional Health Innovation Networks (HINs), the Health Innovation North team held its first conference in Liverpool on 6th June. Pulling together senior leaders from across the NHS, stakeholders, entrepreneurs, and patient representatives, the conference looked to champion the role of innovation in improving health outcomes.

BIVDA's Angela Douglas MBE and Paul Fisher attended.

Angela said “Having started my NHS career in the North of England, I’m deeply aware of the regional health inequalities but also the tradition of innovation in the North. The NHS are taking innovation seriously, evidenced by Stephen Powis opening the conference. The HINs are the ideal partner for BIVDA, and we look forward to working with them to innovate better ways of working.”

Paul said “Innovation means many things – not just new products, but new pathways, new processes, and new approaches. Seeing the commitment to change within the NHS was brilliantly refreshing, and some of the stories told inspiring. I can’t wait to help BIVDA members integrate and work with the HINs nationally, but particularly with the team in the North.”