University takes role in innovative NHS scheme

National funding has been awarded to the University of Sheffield, along with NHS organisations and other universities across the Yorkshire and Humber region, to establish a new initiative to ensure patients receive better care. The Yorkshire and Humber HIEC (Health Innovation & Education Cluster) is the largest of 17 new nationally funded initiatives that will combine the expertise of the NHS, universities and industry to promote innovation in the NHS and improve quality and productivity. The Yorkshire and Humber HIEC, which has been awarded £3m of funding over the next three years, includes all regional NHS organisations and universities with healthcare faculties, making it one of the largest in the country. Initially the HIEC will focus on the three key theme: long term conditions, maternal and infant health, and patient safety. The long term conditions group will identify groups of patients with long term conditions, such as diabetes and stroke, with a view to supporting and enhancing their care through the use of new technology. It will also establish pilot sites where this new technology can be applied. The long term conditions group will aim to identify and spread best practice in relation to diabetes and stroke, increasing the number of primary care professionals trained in early diagnosis and prevention of heart disease and stroke.