Cancer Innovation Programme

We are working in partnership with the Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon and Gloucestershire (SWAG) Cancer Alliance to deliver a dynamic Cancer Innovation Programme aimed at transforming cancer care and improving outcomes for the 3.3 million people living across the region.

Recognising that cancer remains a priority for the NHS, with over 1,000 new cases diagnosed daily in the UK, this programme is supporting the SWAG Cancer Alliance to develop and deliver an Innovation Strategy for 2025-28.

The strategy will set out a clear vision to improve cancer clinical outcomes by driving the development, adoption, and spread of innovative solutions, ensuring earlier and faster diagnosis, enhanced treatment pathways, and better patient care.

The two-year Cancer Innovation Programme is led by Programme Manager, Becky Clack, who is jointly hosted by both organisations.

Identifying innovative approaches based on evidence of need

A core component of the programme involves developing a deeper understanding of the need for innovation across Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon and Gloucestershire. This will be achieved by creating statements of need, utilising frameworks like the NHS approved Quality, Service Improvement, and Redesign (QSIR) framework, and actively engaging with the workforce, patients, and the voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector to identify the true challenges preventing earlier and faster diagnosis.

We will focus on identifying key challenges within cancer services and co-developing solutions that address these issues, and prioritise innovations that improve early diagnosis, streamline treatment pathways, and enhance patient experiences.

Horizon scanning for adoption-ready innovations

The programme will also include horizon scanning for adoption-ready innovations. This will involve actively seeking out and identifying cutting-edge solutions in research, technology, and clinical practice with the potential to address identified needs and improve cancer services.

By working in partnership with us, the SWAG Cancer Alliance benefits from direct access to our expertise and resources, including the Health Innovation Network’s national innovation pipeline, featuring over 1,200 proven technologies. Our collaboration also facilitates connections with other Cancer Alliances and Health Innovation Networks to share learning and understand best practice.

Real-world evaluation

A crucial aspect of the Cancer Innovation Programme is support for real-world evaluation of promising innovations. This will involve testing new technologies within clinical settings to measure their impact, assess their feasibility and scalability.

The focus on evidence-based solutions will ensure that the adoption of new innovations is grounded in tangible benefits for both patients and the workforce.

Integration of innovation

Ultimately, the programme aims to lead to the successful adoption of new innovations by cancer services within the SWAG region. The seamless integration of innovation in clinical settings will be supported through staff training and education, effective governance and collaboration, working closely with national and regional partners, research institutions, industry leaders, and patient groups.

The programme is committed to ensuring that innovation reduces health disparities and is accessible to all patients, regardless of background or geography, aligning with the SWAG Inequalities and Engagement Strategy.

Through this collaborative effort, Health Innovation West of England and the SWAG Cancer Alliance are committed to fostering a culture of innovation, improving patient outcomes, reducing health inequalities, and positioning the region at the forefront of digital and technological advancements in oncology.