It was standing room only at the Oxford AHSN Oxfordshire locality event on 18 December.
More than 80 people heard representatives from the NHS, academia and industry set out how the Network will ensure all are pulling in the same direction to promote adoption of innovation – at speed and scale – to bring real and lasting benefits for patients and the partner organisations.
Oxford AHSN Chairman Nigel Keen and Chief Executive Officer Prof Gary Ford CBE set the scene before two of the emerging clinical networks gave an overview of their initial priorities.
Prof Stephen Gough, diabetes network co-lead, highlighted the need for better data to explain the massive variation in diabetes care and outcomes, and disseminate best practice more effectively.
Too much variation was also highlighted by Dr Belinda Lennox, early intervention (mental health) lead, particularly in relation to services for young people with psychosis making the transition from child to adult services.
Dr Nick Edwards, wealth creation programme chair, said the NHS, universities and industry could work together much better to achieve mutual success.
Prof Linda King, Associate Dean, Research and Knowledge Transfer, Oxford Brookes University, said perhaps the most important thing the Oxford AHSN will bring is improved communication and interconnectivity.
Prof Alastair Buchan, Head of Medical Sciences Division and Dean of the Medical School, University of Oxford, highlighted the role of the Oxford Academic Health Science Centre within the Oxford AHSN to promote research, education and care.
Sir Jonathan Michael, Chief Executive of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, chaired a plenary discussion which led to a wide range of questions to the panel which comprised:
- Gary Ford, Chief Executive, Oxford AHSN
- Paul Durrands, Chief Operating Officer, Oxford AHSN
- Chandi Ratnatunga, Oxford AHSN Best Care Lead
- Stuart Bell CBE, Chief Executive, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
- Nick Edwards, Oxford AHSN Wealth Creation Lead
- Sian Rees, Oxford AHSN Public and Patient Involvement, Engagement and Experience Lead
- Prof Alastair Buchan, Head of Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford
The questions and responses included:
- How to get effective public involvement – Sian Rees said people would be able to engage at both a local level and within clinical networks across the region.
- How to engage with local economic partnerships – Gary Ford said they are key partners in wealth creation.
- How can the Oxford AHSN help entrepreneurs? Gary said the Oxford AHSN should put more structured planning in place.
- How will the Oxford AHSN measure success? Gary said clinical networks would spread best practice, reduce isolation and create wealth.
- How will innovation within the Oxford AHSN be spread elsewhere? Gary said the Oxford AHSN was establishing multiple connections.
Gary Ford closed the event by stressing that the success of the Oxford AHSN depends on the commitment of the individuals and organisations it was bringing together. “There are huge opportunities to do more with what we have,” he said.
Click here for the presentations used at the Oxfordshire locality event.
Did you attend this event? Let us have your feedback by 24 January.
This was the latest of a series of locality updates. More will follow during 2014 – keep an eye on the events section of the Oxford AHSN website.