Reflecting on a busy July, Dr Nicola Hutchinson, Chief Executive for Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria (HI NENC), looks back at the conferences she’s been involved in, which showcased the region’s priority to improve health outcomes for women and girls. She also looks ahead to the upcoming Bright Ideas in Health Awards, and the brand new category celebrating innovation in Women’s Health.

It was a pleasure to be involved in two inspiring events last month, showcasing how our region is prioritising improvements in the health of women and girls. There has been significant investment to transform women’s health and I was thrilled to engage in discussions about how innovation is driving real change to address healthcare needs for women.

Women’s Health Conference

On Thursday 11th July, the North East North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (NENC ICB) hosted the second Women’s Health Innovation Conference. It was a privilege to speak about the role of innovation in improving women’s health outcomes and driving economic growth, without widening inequalities. In partnership with NENC ICB, HI NENC also hosted a FemTech Innovation Zone, showcasing innovative technologies and services designed to enhance health outcomes and quality of life for women and girls. On the day, NENC ICB also launched its women’s health strategy, and to ensure the ongoing drive for innovation for women’s health, I was delighted to launch a ‘FemTech Innovation Accelerator’, more information on both programmes will be shared more widely in the coming weeks.

Great North Pharmacy Research Conference

The annual Great North Pharmacy conference, held on Friday 12th July, provided a platform for the pharmacy community to share ideas and explore research aimed at addressing women’s health challenges within the pharmacy field. This year’s theme, ‘Spotlight on Women’s Health: Rewriting the Narrative’ presented an opportunity to discuss topics such as endometriosis, drugs in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause. The conference also recognised and celebrated the work of Foundation Pharmacists from across the region, highlighting the passion and engagement in research of the pharmacy leaders of the future.

Bright Ideas in Health Awards

For the very first time, our Bright Ideas in Health Awards includes a Women’s Health Award, sponsored by NENC ICB, recognising individuals and teams within the health and care sector that are pushing the boundaries of innovation in women’s health. Now in its 19th year, the awards celebrate the brightest minds in healthcare across ten categories. Find out more!

As we head into August, I want to wish you all a wonderful summer. I hope you have the opportunity to take some well-deserved time off to recharge.