A sustainable 3D printer, a digital personal health record and an integrated care platform connecting patients and healthcare professionals are the products that will be the focus of Yorkshire & Humber Academic Health Science Network’s (AHSN) inaugural ‘green’ accelerator programme.
Commissioned by West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership and delivered by Yorkshire & Humber AHSN, the Propel@YH Net Zero pilot programme will provide companies Automedi, Patients Know Best and Dignio with access to a structured course of bespoke support and advice around the environmental sustainability of their products.
All of the organisations selected have sustainable or ‘green’ innovations or have existing products that can support the NHS’ commitment to reduce its carbon impact; achieving its ambition of having ‘net zero’ emissions by 2040 and which is set out in its report ‘Delivering a Net Zero National Health Service’.
Automedi is an easy-to-use 3D printer which makes healthcare products from sustainable plastics. Like a vending machine, users choose equipment from its on-screen catalogue, and it is made in front of them. It removes delivery costs, delays and reduces climate impact.
Patients Know Best (PKB) is a digital personal health record platform that allows both patients and healthcare professionals to access healthcare records anytime, anywhere.
It allows patients to access tailored resources created by their healthcare teams to enable self-management of their condition.
Dignio is a digital integrated care platform that connects both patients and healthcare professionals, providing virtual remote care. It is patient-focused and empowers the user to self-manage their condition with the support from healthcare professionals.
Kathy Scott, Deputy Chief Executive at the Yorkshire & Humber AHSN said:
“Innovation is all about change and if we are going to address this massive issue, we need to bring about change in the way we think and operate. The AHSN is perfectly positioned to support the drive for environmental sustainability at every stage and every level and support the development and uptake of innovations that support this crucial agenda.
“All three of the selected companies offer innovative green solutions to help the NHS achieve its target of reaching net zero by 2040 and we will work closely with them to enable them to bring their innovative green solutions to the region.”
Frank Swinton, Climate Change Lead for West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership said: “Climate change and health are intricately linked in that they both affect one another in a circular fashion. It is therefore imperative that we work to break the cycle and ensure that our health and social care services are as environmentally friendly as possible going forwards.
“This scheme is a great way to help innovators bring their green med solutions closer to being everyday tech that is used across the sector and we’re delighted to be able to offer this programme in West Yorkshire and Harrogate where we aspire to being global leaders in our response to climate change.”
