Multi-million pound drive to improve patient care

In a joint initiative with NHS England to mark the service's 70th anniversary year the UK Space Agency is allocating up to £4 million to find innovative solutions to the major health and care challenges facing the NHS.

The challenges were recently outlined by NHS England’s chief executive Simon Stevens in his speech to the NHS Confederation conference They are: managing long term conditions including joining up health and care services; earlier diagnosis of cancer; transforming GP services and other primary care; and meeting mental health needs.

Innovators will bid for money to turn technology originally designed for space, from exploration to satellite communications, into medical applications that improve NHS treatment and care. From this, up to four applications will receive UK Space Agency funding to develop their ideas.

Tony Young, NHS England’s national clinical director for innovation, said: “Throughout its 70 year history the NHS has been at the forefront of healthcare innovation. Through this competition we are seeking the latest greatest, ideas and technical solutions to help address the modern challenges facing our health and care services.”

Emily Gravestock, UK Space Agency head of applications, added: “Britain’s world-leading space sector continues to grow and support vital public services like the NHS with innovative applications. We encourage all businesses and public bodies to consider the role that satellite data can play in tackling some of the biggest challenges we face, as part of the government’s Industrial Strategy.”