12/01/2012

Yesterday (11th Jan 2012) the NHS Technology Adoption Centre (NTAC) held a launch event at its new offices at 1 Portland Street, Manchester.

The event brought together over 40 guests from the NHS and industry including NICE, The Association of British Health Care Industries, The British In Vitro Diagnostics Association, York Health Economics Consortium, Academic Health Science Centres, SHA Innovation staff, The Department of Health, as well as importantly clinicians and managers from NHS Trusts.

The event was opened by Mr Robert Pearson, NTAC’s Chair who is a Medical Director and Consultant Surgeon at Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Sally Chisholm NTAC’s CEO then gave a brief presentation detailing the new NTAC and the vital role it is playing in supporting the NHS to meet the challenges it currently faces. In particular she focussed on NTAC’s record in supporting the adoption of innovation, which was recognised in the recent publication of the NHS Chief Executive’s Report – Innovation Health and Wealth. The new NTAC team includes expert NHS professionals who bring clinical and managerial provider and commissioning experience from primary, community, acute and tertiary care. This has included delivering both local and national projects involving the redesign of services, introduction of new technologies, strong collaboration with industry and expertise in the development of metrics and measurement of change.

With key projects being undertaken across a variety of therapy areas and positive relationships being established with organisations at the forefront of healthcare innovation, 2012 is a pivotal year for NTAC.

Sally Chisholm, NTAC CEO said “Being part of the NHS we are well aware of both the challenges and opportunities NHS organisations are facing. We are confident that the work NTAC undertakes leads to improved outcomes and care for patients whilst at the same time helping the NHS improve its efficiency. The implementation of healthcare innovation is not always an easy or simple task however which is why our role is so very valid and important.”