The National Health Service (NHS) has seen significant progress in addressing healthcare inequalities through the innovative efforts of healthcare professionals. The Clinical Entrepreneur Programme (CEP), delivered by Anglia Ruskin University, has played a crucial role in equipping NHS staff with the skills and resources needed to develop groundbreaking solutions aimed at improving access, experience, and outcomes for underserved populations.
At the heart of the CEP is a commitment to addressing health inequalities by inspiring clinical entrepreneurs to consider the diverse impact of their innovations. This includes overcoming barriers experienced by Core20PLUS populations, such as those living in deprived areas, ethnic minority communities, and inclusion health groups.
One notable success story is BlackandBrownSkin, a platform created by Malone Mukwende, a medical student and member of CEP’s fifth cohort. This initiative aims to improve the early and accurate diagnosis of diseases in people with darker skin, as well as boosting the confidence of healthcare professionals. The ‘Mind the Gap’ clinical handbook authored by Malone has reached over 300,000 people in more than 110 countries and has influenced changes in the language used by NHS 111 call handlers.
Another influential innovation is CardMedic, developed by clinical entrepreneur Rachel Grimaldi. This award-winning tool facilitates communication between healthcare staff and patients by providing digital flashcards covering various healthcare topics in over thirty languages, including British Sign Language and EasyRead format for children and individuals with learning or cognitive impairments.
Professor Tony Young OBE, National Clinical Lead for Innovation at NHS England and Professor of Entrepreneurship and Medical Innovation at Anglia Ruskin University, has emphasized the potential of such innovations to address barriers faced by underserved communities. He commends the CEP for embedding solutions that help narrow healthcare inequalities and highlights the program’s ability to find sustainable solutions that make a meaningful difference to people’s lives.
Furthermore, the CEP has partnered with Venture Studio from Crisis to support individuals experiencing homelessness. This collaboration aims to provide mentorship, training, and support to empower entrepreneurs from inclusion health groups, combating extreme inequalities and social exclusion.
The CEP also remains committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of its program delivery. By partnering with experts and organizations in health inequalities, the CEP continues to share learning, resources, and best practices. The program has supported over 800 entrepreneurs to date and provides equal opportunities for individuals to share their perspectives.
As the CEP prepares to launch its seventh cohort in March 2023, it remains dedicated to its mission of tackling healthcare inequalities through innovation. By collaborating with partners, the CEP aims to develop a toolkit to measure the impact of innovations in reducing health inequalities, as well as provide access to entrepreneur profiles and case studies showcasing projects that aim to address health and education inequalities in deprived areas.
For those interested in learning more about the Clinical Entrepreneur Programme and exploring the impactful ventures it supports, detailed information can be found on their website at www.nhscep.com.
In conclusion, the remarkable efforts of entrepreneurial NHS staff in narrowing healthcare inequalities are truly commendable. Through their dedication to innovation, these individuals are working towards ensuring equitable access, experience, and outcomes for all.
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