News and blogs

Robots are boosting the life chances of children and young adults with learning difficulties, disabilities and autism in the North West.

Recuitment will begin this month for 100 new NHS trainee associate psychological practitioners in the North West, thanks for additional funding for the region. 

Simon Bennett of the NHS Lancashire Procurement Cluster has received the NHS Procurement Outstanding Contribution Award in recognition of work during the pandemic which led to improved patient safety and a redesign of PPE distribution systems that supplied 14 million items across three Lancashire NHS trusts.

Simon said: “I was proud of the work that was recognised at this event which was the  result of teamwork across the whole of the logistics and supply chain department. I’m happy to have raised our profile and show how significant procurement is.”

Congratulations to Dr Phil Carvil on news of his election as President of the European Low Gravity Research Association.

Dr Carvil leads the development of the North West HealthTec Cluster and is co-leading the proposed development of a North West Space Cluster. His role to develop these initiatives is funded through a joint partnership between the Science and Technology Facilities Council and the Innovation Agency.

A new series of coaching courses aimed at supporting innovators in the North West Coast has been launched by the Innovation Agency, the Academic Health Science Network for the North West Coast.

The organisation’s Coaching Academy will be running three courses focussed on pandemic-related health and care innovations.

A Lancashire health tech firm has won a £500,000 funding boost to develop its ground-breaking technology that helps patients better manage their medicines in their own homes.

When I heard about this project it was an ideal opportunity for me both personally and professionally.  I’ve spent 18 years working as a nurse in acute hospital settings and making a difference to patients is why I went into nursing.  I think there are few opportunities more rewarding than improving the way in which we can look after children and young people.

Inspiring collaborations from across the north which have helped patients and the NHS cope with the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic have been recognised in the 2021 NHS in the North Excellence in Supply Awards.

The number of Blackpool mums classed as smokers when they give birth has shown a dramatic decrease.

Up to 3,000 women give birth in Blackpool each year. The percentage classed as smokers once stood at 31 per cent. Now the figure is closer to 21 per cent and falling, making the resort one of the most improved areas in the country.

Research shared by the Innovation Agency, the Academic Science Network for the north west coast, has helped provide the Blackpool team with additional insight to help mums make potentially life-changing decisions.

After dragging on for years Brexit finally happened and, having worked on European-funded activities since the beginning of the 1990s, I have to confess I’d hoped it would never happen.