Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust to become an innovation hub

“Addressing health inequalities through innovation is at the core of our approach and we will work closely with the MFT hub to undertake rapid proof of values of novel innovations, combined with our proven method, that can be scaled for wider adoption and spread to benefit citizens across GM.”

Professor Ben Bridgewater, CEO of Health Innovation Manchester

The Adopting Innovation programme is supporting four innovation hubs for two and a half years, they will act as centres of expertise and support within provider organisations to help them, and their local health systems, become better adopters of innovation. In doing this, health care organisations can create a long-lasting impact on patients and patient care.

In partnership with Health Innovation Manchester (HInM) and others, the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) Innovation Hub will support the adoption and adaption of novel, proven technologies, to improve health outcomes for the diverse population the Trust serves.

Activity within the Hub will be delivered across five inter-related work packages – people, process, culture, technology, and co-production & evaluation – with digital technology being the initial exemplar.

Professor Jane Eddleston, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust Joint Group Medical Director and MFT Innovation Hub Director, said: “We are delighted that the Health Foundation has recognised the Trust’s ambitions around innovation, through awarding funding from the Adopting Innovation call, which we will use to support the establishment of the MFT Innovation Hub.

The Hub will propel the identification, prioritisation, progression and evaluation of new technologies, and ensure they are rapidly adopted across the Trust and our region.

“Through close working with our workforce and local population, this will, in turn, drive improved health outcomes for the diverse communities across Greater Manchester who we are proud we serve – galvanised by the breadth of expertise available across our 10 hospitals, Managed Clinical Services and Local Care Organisation.”

Will Warburton, Director of Improvement at the Health Foundation, said: “This is a unique opportunity for the four innovation hubs to create change to improve patient care.

“It comes at a time where the NHS needs to accelerate effective uptake of new ideas to meet the challenges of delivering care to all who need it during the pandemic.”

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust was established in 2017 as a result of the merger of the hospital trusts of Central and South Manchester. In April 2021, MFT also became responsible for the North Manchester General Hospital.

MFT is one of the largest acute trusts in the UK and employs over 20,000 staff across its hospitals and community services. Those of its hospitals that form the Oxford Road Corridor campus are the Manchester Royal Infirmary, St Mary’s Hospital, the Royal Eye Hospital, the University Dental Hospital, and the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

Find out more about the MFT Innovation Hub on the Health Foundation website.