New education bodies created to promote innovation in the NHS

Health Innovation and Education Clusters (HIECs)

New bodies that combine the expertise of industry, health and education have been formed to promote innovation in the NHS, Health Minister Ann Keen announced today.

Health Innovation and Education Clusters (HIECs) are cross sector partnerships between NHS organisations, the Higher Education sector and blue chip companies such as BMW, GlaxoSmithKline and BT.

Through joint working HIECs will provide professional education and training and promote innovation in healthcare by speeding up the adoption of research. They will also provide professional education and training.

Over £11 million will be given to the 17 successful applicants that were chosen by an Independent Award Panel Chaired by Sir Alan Langlands, Chief Executive of the Higher Education Funding Council for England.

Health Minister Ann Keen said:

“HIECs are special partnerships that draw on the wealth of skills and experience of their members to improve the development of high quality care and services by quickly bringing the benefits of research and innovation directly to patients.

“These projects will attract and encourage the best talent who can recognise and rapidly adopt new and innovative healthcare and treatment.”

Independent Award Channel Chairman, Sir Alan Langlands, said:

“The standard of applications has been really high and we have been impressed by the high profile names that want to be involved in improving NHS care.

”HIECs will drive up quality standards in education and training and ensure fast adoption of innovation for the benefit of local people.

“The flexibility of the HIEC model means that the vision of each one is appropriate and specific to its local area.”

The HIEC concept was originally developed by a group of leaders from the NHS and university sector during the NHS Next Stage Review as one of the ways to deliver high quality healthcare.

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My source: NHS-HE-FORUM at JISCMAIL.AC.UK