Introduction
But to tackle health inequalities effectively and ensure equity of access to health and care services for all , we must also understand the importance of diversity within health innovation . Greater diversity and inclusion within the innovation pipeline leads to more successful innovation . The NHS has a hugely diverse workforce and through our AHSN ’ s leadership , we are working to ensure this innovation pipeline has a broader set of inputs that is representative and reflective of the staff and communities it serves . After creating and leading on the publication of the AHSN Network ’ s first
Diversity in Innovation report in 2019 , we are now working on a follow-up report which will reflect on progress against the pledges introduced in 2019 and what we have learnt so far .
We know from experience that innovation is critical in enabling us all to do things differently , and that includes helping to tackle the climate crisis . Over the last 12 months we have been able to initiate a range of programmes that support the NHS ambition to having ‘ net zero ’ emissions by 2040 . The Propel @ YH Net Zero sustainable health accelerator ( see page 8 ) has enabled us to bring green innovations into the region . We have also been working with the NHS and industry on an award-winning initiative to improve care for asthma patients and reduce the environmental harm caused by blue inhalers . We estimate that the SENTINEL programme has already saved the equivalent of 571 trans-Atlantic flights worth of CO2 emissions . You can find out more about this programme on page 23 .
This Impact Report provides further details on the programmes and initiatives we have supported this year . All our work is focused on finding , developing , and supporting the spread of
healthcare innovations that improve lives , reduce costs to our healthcare system , and drive economic growth . We would like to thank all our staff as well as our partners and stakeholders in the NHS , industry and academia for collaborating with us to aim to create a thriving and innovative healthcare system that meets the evolving needs of the population .
Richard Stubbs , Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chair of the AHSN Network
Professor William Pope , Chair
5 Transforming Lives Through Innovation