Pioneering child-parent screening pilot identifies families at risk of inherited heart disease
News
A pioneering NHS national pilot programme has shown potential to improve the early detection of familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), following the publication of an independent evaluation. FH is a genetic condition that significantly increases the risk of early heart disease. Health Innovation Networks across England, led by Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria, developed the…
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Evaluation highlights potential of digital breastfeeding support tool in NHS pilot
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A recent real-world evaluation with NHS teams in Gloucestershire has found an app developed in the West Country is a promising digital tool for providing breastfeeding support. Despite evidence that breastfeeding benefits both babies and their mothers, the rates of breastfeeding in western countries like the UK have been low. Smartphone apps are increasingly being…
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New e-learning to supporting healthy weight in adults with a learning disability
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A new e-learning programme has been launched for people who care for or support adults with learning disabilities. It has been designed to provide people with information on how to support an adult with a learning disability to achieve a healthier weight. The training aims to help people understand the importance of nutrition and activity…
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Ben Bennett retires as Chief Operating Officer
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The team at Health Innovation West of England has bid a fond farewell to our Chief Operating Officer Ben Bennett, who retired at the start of May after 34 years with the NHS. Ben has led the corporate, HR and finance functions for the organisation since 2018. Before joining Health Innovation West of England, Ben’s…
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Exploring the potential for a health and life sciences cluster in the South West
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In recent months, Health Innovation West of England has been working with a number of partners to gather stakeholder views on the benefits and opportunities a health and life sciences ‘cluster’ might offer the region. Currently the South West is the only region in the UK that hasn’t created a formal life sciences cluster. In…
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Evaluation shows Black Maternity Matters is increasing the knowledge, skills and confidence of maternity and neonatal staff
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An evaluation of the second training cohort of Black Maternity Matters demonstrates the programme has successfully helped maternity and neonatal staff in the West of England to increase their knowledge, skills and confidence in both understanding the impacts of racism and how it penetrates healthcare institutions. Black women in the UK remain more likely to…
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Karin Smyth MP joins local Health Innovation Network in promoting economic growth through health care
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Last week, the Health Innovation Network brought together MPs with its 15 local networks, including Health Innovation West of England, to discuss the importance of innovation in tackling the NHS’s most pressing challenges, such as reducing waiting lists, tackling health inequalities and improving the update of medicines. The health and life sciences sector offers a…
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Rhys Blake joins Health Innovation West of England’s leadership team
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We are pleased to announce the appointment of Rhys Blake as our new Director of Corporate and Development. With over 25 years of senior management experience in the NHS, most recently as Associate Director for Planned Care with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in Wales, Rhys will be a senior leadership team member and will…
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“Deeply affirming” – Black Maternity Matters collaborative celebrates winning national award
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Members of the Black Maternity Matters collaborative are celebrating after scooping the award for ‘Community Project Impact’ at the prestigious Black Maternal Health Awards UK 2025. Held in London on Saturday 22 March to celebrate excellence across maternal healthcare, The Black Maternal Health Awards were hosted by The Motherhood Group. Black women in the UK remain…
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Three innovators supported by Health Innovation West of England announced as NHS Innovator Accelerator 2025 Fellows
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We are delighted that three health and social care innovators we have been working with have been announced as NHS Innovation Accelerator (NIA) 2025 Fellows. They join a cohort of 28 exceptional health and social care innovators to be welcomed onto the programme, ready to support the NHS in the areas that make the biggest…
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