Our transforming healthcare symposium was held on Tuesday 5th November 2024. In this article, Prof Phil Richardson (Chief Innovation Officer, Mtech Access) shares his reflections from the day.
The symposium featured the following guest speakers and facilitators:
- Professor Hilary Garratt CBE (ICB NHS Non-Executive Director, Accredited Senior Executive Coach and Mentor)
- Dr Raj Patel MBE (Former Senior Medical Director in NHS England, NHS Transformation Consultant)
- Patrick McGinley (Head of Costing and Service Line Reporting, NHS Trust)
- Gail Fortes Mayer (Associate Director of Strategic Commissioning, ICB)
The symposium brought National Health Service (NHS) leaders and life sciences experts together to discuss the future of healthcare, focusing on innovation, collaboration, and transformation. The event launched with an energising discussion on the life sciences sector’s crucial role in advancing patient care. This discussion identified several surmountable barriers to partnership, which highlighted the need for new ways of working from both the NHS and industry. The ambition to make real change was evident throughout.
NHS–industry collaboration
The symposium stressed the critical importance of NHS–industry synergy to drive access, innovation, and transformation. Whilst the NHS’s complexity and constant evolution pose challenges, these partnerships can greatly improve patient outcomes and care quality. Mtech Access offer training solutions specifically designed to help industry partners navigate and understand these complexities, paving the way for more effective collaborations.
Stakeholder engagement
Understanding key stakeholders and funding models emerged as essential to building successful partnerships and optimising patient outcomes. The symposium offered a valuable platform for NHS leaders and industry representatives to connect, share insights, and strengthen partnerships for the future.
Policy and leadership
Attendees highlighted the need for strong leadership to navigate volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environments. Public dialogue and promoting integrated care promotion were emphasised as essential strategies for navigating the complexities of the healthcare system.
Digital transformation and workforce expansion
Other central themes included digital transformation, balancing finances, workforce expansion, and nurturing talent. The discussion emphasised the need for reform in social care and action to meet the needs of an ageing population.
Integrated care
Integrated Care Partnerships, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), and provider collaboratives were explored as mechanisms to improve patient outcomes, enhance productivity, reduce inequalities, and drive broader economic and social growth. These new structures present a unique opportunity for the life sciences industry to engage at scale and support the development of a more efficient, cohesive healthcare system.
Evidence-driven approach
The symposium emphasised the value of an evidence-driven approach to address population health needs and deliver proactive care. Leveraging data to improve planning and care delivery can help the NHS tackle its most pressing challenges. As an evidence-driven approach is at the heart of what we do at Mtech Access, it was encouraging to hear this advocated by both NHS and industry. We look forward to exploring how data can be best leveraged by our industry partners and the NHS to aid improved relationships and better outcomes for patients.
Challenges and opportunities
Our guest speakers also examined workforce shortages and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. Industry partners were urged to drive rapid innovation and secure funding to support these advancements.
Partnering with NHS Integrated Care Systems
Successful engagement with NHS Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) requires a strategic, collaborative approach. Key takeaways for industry partners included:
Understanding ICS structures
Each ICS has its own unique priorities and challenges. Partners who spend time learning more about the local context and specific needs of the ICS they engage with will be better positioned to collaborate effectively.
Mtech Access’s training programmes help partners develop this understanding, making the ICS landscape easier to navigate.
Building strong relationships
Establishing relationships with key ICS stakeholders, including clinical leaders, commissioners, and decision-makers, is crucial. Building trust and showing a commitment to improving patient outcomes will set a strong foundation for success.
Aligning with NHS priorities
Tailoring your initiatives to the priorities of the NHS, such as improving outcomes, enhancing productivity, tackling inequalities, and supporting economic and social growth is essential. Customised proposals aligned with each ICS’s goals can make a meaningful impact.
Demonstrating value
Clearly communicating the value that your solutions offer, including clinical, economic, and operational benefits, is key. Evidence of successful implementations and measurable outcomes can reinforce your case for partnership.
Mtech Access experts in value communication and evidence can help you communicate your proposition in a way that will resonate with NHS decision-makers.
Collaborating on evidence-driven projects
Engaging in projects that use data to identify population needs and deliver proactive care is beneficial. An evidence-driven approach can help partners address NHS complexities and improve planning and care delivery.
Being flexible and adaptable
Given the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, flexibility is essential. Industry partners should remain open to feedback and adapt to changing circumstances, including co-designing solutions with the ICS and other stakeholders.
Focusing on integrated care
Supporting initiatives that promote integrated care across all settings, fostering collaboration with various sectors and providers beyond the NHS.
The ‘triple win’
A ‘triple win’ approach emerged as a powerful framework for partnership. Focusing on solutions that deliver value across these three areas ensures initiatives are sustainable and impactful. This holistic approach not only improves patient care but also aligns with NHS goals and drives innovation within the life sciences sector.
In conclusion, the transforming healthcare symposium provided invaluable insights into the future of healthcare, emphasising the need for collaboration, innovation, and evidence-based strategies to enhance patient care and outcomes. With strong partnerships and Mtech Access’s support in understanding the structure and priorities of the NHS, both the NHS and life sciences sector can work together to overcome challenges and build a more effective, efficient healthcare system.
To fully capitalise on the insights and strategies from the transforming healthcare symposium, explore how Mtech Access can support your organisation’s journey through the NHS landscape. With services designed to make sense of policy shifts, navigate complex funding systems, and deepen your understanding of evolving healthcare structures, we can help you align your strategy with NHS priorities.
From interpreting key policy changes to understanding the financial systems that drive the NHS, our tailored solutions provide essential insights for effective engagement. Whether you’re looking to grasp the structures and decision-makers within ICBs and Primary Care Networks (PCNs), learn about prescribing pathways and budgets, or drive impactful service redesign, Mtech Access offer expert guidance every step of the way.
Connect with us to unlock opportunities for meaningful partnership with the NHS, support sustainable transformation, and advance patient care together. Email info@mtechaccess.co.uk to discuss our training and strategic consulting services.
