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Innovators with projects which improve health and wellbeing can apply to join the next cohort of NHS Innovation Fellows.

The call for applications from the NHS Innovation Accelerator is looking for solutions which address one of three themes: NHS response to COVID-19; mental health; and supporting the workforce.

The Accelerator is an NHS England initiative supported by the Innovation Agency and all other Academic Health Science Networks.

It is open to local, national and international healthcare innovations supported by passionate individuals from any background, including SMEs, clinicians, charity/third sector and academics. 

In the North West Coast, there are four NIA Fellows - Dave Burrows of Damibu; Liz Ashall-Payne of ORCHA; Charles McKinnon of Continuing Healthcare; and Lee Omar of Safe Steps.

Dave Burrows said: ““It isn’t easy to introduce innovations into the NHS, which is why it has really helped me to be part of a diverse group of people who have shared the journey of commercialising products and finding our way into the NHS.

“The programme has opened doors and opportunities which wouldn’t otherwise have been available to me.”

Liz Ashall-Payne said: Being a part of the NHS Innovation Accelerator has completely transformed ORCHA’s work across the NHS - and beyond.

“It has provided a platform to promote our innovation, to build trust in what we do, and provide access to knowledge, support and mentorship.

“I can't recommend the programme highly enough and I would encourage anyone who is ready to scale their innovation to get involved!”

Any innovator in Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire and South Cumbria who would like help with an application can contact the Innovation Agency at: info@innovationagencynwc.nhs.uk. 

Applications are open until 16 October 2020: https://nhsaccelerator.com/apply-2021/