Applications for a London-based digital health Accelerator are now open, as part of efforts to increase NHS and patient access to cutting-edge technologies.
The DigitalHealth.London Accelerator is targeting innovative healthtech businesses, and inviting them to apply to receive help to develop and deploy digital solutions to some of the NHS’ most pressing challenges.
The Accelerator programme is a partnership between London’s three AHSNs (Health Innovation Network, Imperial College Health Partners, UCLPartners), MedCity, and CW. It is supported by the Mayor of London, and is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
It has already supported the growth of over 90 technologies, including an app to provide young people access to support around mental health issues, an app to help cut A&E waiting times, and a WhatsApp-style messaging service for use in hospitals and other care settings by healthcare staff.
Since the initiative began, the Accelerator has provided over 2,000 hours of support to companies, helped secure 57 NHS contracts, and supported companies to improve the lives of 22.2 million patients.
Jenny Thomas, Programme Director of the Accelerator scheme, said: “We must work with those at the cutting-edge of health tech to help us bring the NHS into line with other industries that are already using tech to improve their services and match demand. It is imperative that NHS organisations are taking advantage of the latest technologies to improve their services for patients, but we don’t expect them to do it alone. This scheme supports innovators to ensure they are addressing the right issues, in the right way, and will work with NHS organisations to ensure they can make the best use of what is available. Digital could help better tackle some of the very real challenges the NHS is facing – long waiting times for mental health services, unhealthy lifestyles, and more of us living with long-term conditions.”
Companies should apply by 5 April at: www.DigitalHealth.London/Accelerator/Apply
