NHS Scotland – a proud history, an exciting future

The annual NHS Scotland event returns for 2018, taking place at SEC, Glasgow on Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 June. In its thirteenth year, it provides the opportunity for those working in and with the NHS in Scotland to come together to consider challenges, share best practice and consider innovative approaches to delivering high quality care.

This year also marks the 70th Anniversary of the NHS providing an opportunity to celebrate what this has meant for people in Scotland, recognise and thank staff for their outstanding contribution, confirm continuing commitment to the founding principles of the NHS for the future and look forward to the next 70 years.

Shaping the NHS of the future requires strong investment in research and innovation helping deliver a new model of healthcare that meets the challenges and expectations of modern society

Whilst Scotland has a proven track record of medical innovation, services must evolve to meet new patterns of care, increased demand and technological advances. Innovation is at the heart of rising to this challenge, creating a service that is modern, sustainable, adaptable and at the forefront of medical advances.

With over 160,000 staff working across NHS Scotland we are fortunate to have not only a dedicated workforce providing high-quality healthcare across Scotland, but also a rich resource of ideas and innovations to improve patient care. Harnessing the talent and entrepreneurism that exists within our health service and providing a nationally supported approach to innovation is central to the work of SHIL.

For over 15 years we have been working in partnership with NHS Scotland to identify, protect, develop and commercialise healthcare innovations, developing viable products and services to transform patient care, improve quality and productivity, and drive efficiency.

Some of these successes will be showcased on Stand 77 including SCRAM bag, Prism Glasses, the Ambulance Child Restraint and some new innovations due to launch later in the year. We will also be explaining more about SHIL spin out companies and the success being achieved by these innovative companies originating in NHS Scotland. Importantly we will also be providing advice, support and resources to support health professionals who may have an innovative idea to share.

Scotland already has a proud history of innovation, and the accomplishments, milestones, innovations and breakthroughs that help tell the story so far of the NHS in Scotland will also be celebrated in the 70th Anniversary Theatre on Monday 18 June 13:00 – 13:20. Hosted by NHS Research Scotland and Scottish Health Innovations Ltd (SHIL) it will celebrate a proud history and consider how we harness the collective power of the NHS across Scotland to translate research and innovation into excellent individual healthcare.

SHIL will also present a poster - Innovation and Collaboration – a powerful combination (VS-11) with facilitated viewing on Monday 18 June 13:30 – 14:45 and Tuesday 19 June 11:10 – 12:15

The importance of continual investment in research and innovation cannot be underestimated and services must always evolve to meet new patterns of care, increased demand and technological advances. Take some time to attend the sessions, view the posters or speak to colleagues on Stand 77 about how this work is supported across Scotland. Also don't miss the opportunity to win £50 Amazon voucher with our on-stand competition.

You can follow event updates via @NHSScotlandEvnt #nhsscot18 and #nhsscot70. You can also follow @ScotHealthInno and @NHSResearchScot.