Health and social care professionals working with people affected by dementia are being encouraged to get inspired by innovation with a special live stream supported by formal NHS Scotland partner InnoScot Health

The event, taking place from 6pm on Wednesday 4 September, invites Scotland’s dementia specialists to be inspired by the launch of a new collaborative partnership between the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme (CEP) and the Alzheimer’s Society.

The aim is to extend support to both NHS and non-NHS health and social care professionals who are interested in innovating in this important area with dementia affecting some 850,000 people across the UK.

The free to join online event – entitled Advancing Dementia Innovation – is an opportunity to learn more about CEP, which InnoScot Health is delighted to be supporting for a third year, and its bespoke Dementia Innovators Programme.

Head of Project Management at InnoScot Health, Gillian Henderson says the live stream from London is “an ideal place to start for anyone who might be interested in applying to CEP, working in the dementia space, and is interested in learning more about the new collaboration and what it offers to progressive thinkers”.

The event will be hosted by National Clinical Lead for Innovation at NHS England and NHS Improvement, Professor Tony Young; Head of Innovation at Alzheimer’s Society, Simon Lord; and founder of Hear Glue Ear, paediatrician and Co-clinical Lead for the CEP, Dr Tamsin Holland-Brown – who was an InnoScot Health webinar speaker last year.

The 4 September session will include an introduction from Prof Young to the new Dementia Innovators Programme, an entrepreneur showcase from previous CEP participants sharing real-life success stories and testimonials, as well as Q&A.

• Register to attend

Gillian continued: “The ultimate goal is to support individuals with innovative ideas which could significantly improve the quality of life of people affected by dementia, addressing immediate challenges while also helping those people live with dignity.

“This is a priority area for the health service, requiring forward-thinking solutions which can be accelerated and scaled up effectively.

“CEP participants can play a vital role by gaining essential skills, knowledge, and access to a network of mentors, healthcare professionals, and industry experts, all focused on improving dementia care and support.

“They will further receive complementary wraparound support from the Alzheimer’s Society with all the fresh opportunities which that offers.

“The dementia launch session on 4 September is also a reminder that applications to CEP from Scottish innovators will be open from 1 October.”

Through a series of educational events and workshops focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship, CEP aims to enhance the development of forward-thinking NHS workers and allow them to discover the innovative startup world of healthcare.

InnoScot Health is proud to be part of a collaborative group of organisations – alongside The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI), NHS Education for Scotland (NES), Scottish Enterprise, and Chief Scientist Office (CSO) – supporting Scottish innovators taking part in CEP which is delivered by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and part of the NHS Accelerated Access Collaborative (AAC).

Potential CEP participants are encouraged to reach out to the InnoScot Health team if they would like to discuss their eligibility.

The new cohort will commence their development journey in late February/early March with the coordination group continuing to aid and encourage their innovation ambitions.