National report highlights the role of PERIPrem in improving care for babies born prematurely
News
New national data demonstrates significant reductions in regional infant mortality rates New findings published by the National Child Mortality Database (NCMD) at the University of Bristol provide an important opportunity to recognise major progress in outcomes for premature infants and their families across England. The NCMD’s annual data release for the year ending 31 March…
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Prescribing with, not at: rethinking polypharmacy for #MedSafetyWeek
News
This year is the eleventh annual #MedSafetyWeek social media campaign, taking place from 2 to 8 November 2026, with the theme: ‘Side effects – don’t ignore them, report them’. As part of #MedSafetyWeek, Clare Howard, Clinical Lead for the Health Innovation Network’s Preventing Problematic Polypharmacy programme, has recorded a special podcast with Dr Lucy Pollock,…
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National audit highlights strong outcomes for premature babies across the West and South West of England
News
The latest National Neonatal Audit Programme (NNAP) report highlights strong outcomes for premature babies across the West and South West of England, including low rates of mortality, late-onset bloodstream infection and preterm brain injury. Published by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health in October 2026, the NNAP report presents findings from neonatal care…
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Empowering pharmacists for healthier futures
Blog article
To mark World Pharmacist Day on Friday 25 September 2026, Rosie Marchant, Pharmacist Clinical Lead at Health Innovation West of England, reflects on her career as a pharmacist, her journey to becoming Clinical Lead for our work as part of the Health Innovation Network’s on-going cluster, Preventing Problematic Polypharmacy, and how the programme is helping…
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Medicines Safety Improvement Programme shortlisted for national HSJ Award
News
The Medicines Safety Improvement Programme (MedSIP) has been shortlisted for Medicines, Pharmacy and Prescribing Initiative of the Year at the 2026 HSJ Awards, recognising the national programme’s work to reduce harm from opioid medicines and support safer, more personalised approaches to chronic pain management. Health Innovation West of England is supporting delivery of MedSIP as…
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PReCePT linked to national levelling up of maternity care
News
According to new research published in BMJ Open Quality by researchers at the University of Bristol, premature babies born across England have more equitable access to a treatment that reduces the risk of cerebral palsy, following the rollout of a national care improvement programme that started life at St Michael’s Hospital in Bristol. Premature birth…
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National Polypharmacy Programme shortlisted for the 2026 HSJ Awards
News
We are delighted to announce that the Preventing Problematic Polypharmacy programme, which we led on behalf of the national Health Innovation Network, has been shortlisted for Medicines, Pharmacy and Prescribing Initiative of the Year at the HSJ Awards. A record-breaking 1,300+ entries were received for this year’s Awards, with only 231 projects and individuals reaching…
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New evaluation explores impact of the Hegenberger Retractor in improving repairs for childbirth-related trauma
News
In partnership with Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, we have published a new real-world evaluation examining the implementation of an innovative device designed to optimise the repair procedure for women and birthing people after childbirth. The evaluation focused on the Hegenberger Retractor, a unique, flexible tool designed to provide steady retraction and support…
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South West leads the way with first regional ABC Intrapartum Fetal Deterioration training
News
Health Innovation West of England has brought together more than 80 maternity professionals and service user representatives from across the South West for the region’s first Avoiding Brain Injury in Childbirth (ABC) Intrapartum Fetal Deterioration (IFD) Training Day, supporting safer maternity care through improved recognition, enhanced communication and early escalation. Held at Eastwood Park in Bristol on Monday 29…
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West of England patient safety initiatives shortlisted for national HSJ Awards
News
Health Innovation West of England is celebrating the achievements of organisations across the region after a number of innovative patient safety projects were shortlisted for the 2026 HSJ Patient Safety Awards. The annual awards recognise outstanding work to improve patient safety across the NHS, celebrating projects that demonstrate innovation, collaboration and measurable improvements in the…
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