how we help

Ready to turn your idea into an NHS-ready solution?

We'll guide you through every stage, from initial enquiry to real-world testing and evaluation within the NHS.

how we help

Ready to turn your idea into an NHS-ready solution?

We'll guide you through every stage, from initial enquiry to real-world testing and evaluation within the NHS.

how we help

Ready to turn your idea into an NHS-ready solution?

We'll guide you through every stage, from initial enquiry to real-world testing and evaluation within the NHS.

We make innovation easier to navigate

Many promising health innovations never reach patients, not because they lack potential, but because navigating the NHS can be complex. From approvals and governance to finding the right people and settings, we help guide you through the process and turn ideas into real-world opportunities.

The Innovation Framework

Explore each stage of the innovation journey, from early ideas to real-world implementation. Discover what happens at every step, the key questions to consider, and the outcomes that will help you move forward with confidence.

RESEARCH

Steps 1 and 2

STEP 1

Describe, Understand & Define

STEP 2

Explore & Identify Solutions

EVALUATION

Steps 3 and 4

STEP 3

Develop Solutions

STEP 4

Creating Evidence & Proving Value

DEPLOYMENT

Steps 5 and 6

STEP 5

Adoption, Adaptation & Deployment Readiness

STEP 6

Spread & Scale

STEP 1 · RESEARCH

Describe, Understand & Define

Describe current activity, resources, facilities, costs and performance. Gain a deep understanding of the challenge, set aspirations, objectives and opportunities, and assess early alignment with strategic priorities.

KEY PROMPTS

  • What services or processes exist today, and what actually happens?

  • Who does what, where, and with what equipment or facilities? What does it cost?

  • What is measured, and what level of performance is achieved?

  • What problems are we trying to solve, and for whom?

  • What outcomes do we want to improve?

  • What does the data tell us about unmet need, inequality, demand growth or variation?

  • What are the implications if we do not change?

EXPECTED DELIVERABLES

  • Problem definition and scope statement

  • Stakeholder map

  • Baseline metrics and data sources

  • Initial objectives and success criteria

  • Strategic alignment statement

RESEARCH

Steps 1 and 2

STEP 1

Describe, Understand & Define

STEP 2

Explore & Identify Solutions

EVALUATION

Steps 3 and 4

STEP 3

Develop Solutions

STEP 4

Creating Evidence & Proving Value

DEPLOYMENT

Steps 5 and 6

STEP 5

Adoption, Adaptation & Deployment Readiness

STEP 6

Spread & Scale

STEP 1 · RESEARCH

Describe, Understand & Define

Describe current activity, resources, facilities, costs and performance. Gain a deep understanding of the challenge, set aspirations, objectives and opportunities, and assess early alignment with strategic priorities.

KEY PROMPTS

  • What services or processes exist today, and what actually happens?

  • Who does what, where, and with what equipment or facilities? What does it cost?

  • What is measured, and what level of performance is achieved?

  • What problems are we trying to solve, and for whom?

  • What outcomes do we want to improve?

  • What does the data tell us about unmet need, inequality, demand growth or variation?

  • What are the implications if we do not change?

EXPECTED DELIVERABLES

  • Problem definition and scope statement

  • Stakeholder map

  • Baseline metrics and data sources

  • Initial objectives and success criteria

  • Strategic alignment statement

What makes an innovation a good fit?

We look for innovations that address a real health or care need, have the potential to make a meaningful difference, and are ready to be explored in a real-world NHS setting. If that sounds like your idea, we'd love to hear from you.

Clinical value

Does it genuinely improve care or outcomes for patients or staff?

Clinical value

Strategic importance

Does it line up with NHS and national priorities?

Strategic importance

NHS appetite

Is there real demand, and a credible route to adoption?

NHS appetite

The process

Three steps to get started

You don't need a polished pitch or a finished product. Simply tell us about the challenge you're trying to solve, and we'll help you explore the best route forward.

1. Enquire

Tell us about your idea and the problem you're trying to solve by completing our initial enquiry form.

1. Enquire

2. Assessment

We'll discuss your idea, assess the health or care need it addresses, and explore whether there's a clear opportunity for testing and evaluation within the NHS.

2. Assessment

3. Outcome

If your innovation is a good fit, we'll agree a pathway forward and begin planning how it can be tested in the most appropriate NHS setting.

3. Outcome

Am I ready to engage?

Not sure what stage you're at? Use our simple decision tool to understand where you are on the innovation journey and identify the best next step for your idea.

QUESTION 1

Is your project a new product or a service to be used in a different way?