North East and North Cumbria innovators shine at prestigious Bright Ideas in Health Awards

The Bright Ideas in Health Awards 2024 celebrated groundbreaking healthcare innovations from across the region.

Nearly 400 health and social care professionals gathered at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead last night (21st November 2024), to celebrate the 19th Bright Ideas in Health Awards. The event showcased groundbreaking innovations from individuals and teams across the North East and North Cumbria, representing industry, NHS Trusts, universities, and VCSE (voluntary, community, and social enterprise) organisations. Together, they are striving to improve health and care services through their creative ideas.

Hosted by Geordie comedian, Steffen Peddie, the highly anticipated evening also featured a special appearance from TikTok’s favourite surgeon, Dr Karan Rajan. Donations on the night have so far totalled £1,945 in support of the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA), with contributions still coming in. The SIA provides vital support to people living with spinal injuries across the region.

This year’s winning ideas spotlighted a wide range of impactful projects, including a lung cancer service, initiatives to improve care for people with Parkinson’s disease, using X-ray appointments to screen for osteoporosis, and outreach efforts to address healthcare inequalities.

A highlight of the evening was the introduction of a new category focused on Women’s Health Innovation, with the winning project earning praise for its focus on improving maternal mental health.

Jo-Anne Smith, Consultant Dietitian and a contributor to the Research for Local Health Needs Award-winning project, reflected on their achievement: “We are delighted to have won this award for our research supporting people living with severe mental illness to access healthy, affordable food whilst reducing food waste. The ready meal we produced evaluated very well. The success of the project is a testament to the excellent partnership working between Teesside University, Teesside, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust and Middlesbrough Environment City.”

This year’s awards underscored the North East and North Cumbria’s position as a leading hub for health innovation in the UK.

Dr Nicola Hutchinson, Chief Executive Officer of Health Innovation North East North Cumbria (HI NENC), which organises the awards, highlighted the importance of the event: “The Bright Ideas in Health Awards celebrate the incredible talent and determination within our healthcare community, who work tirelessly to advance patient care and wellbeing. This year’s winners are a testament to the ingenuity and commitment found across our region. Congratulations to all who continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in health and care.”

Claire Riley, Chief Corporate Services Officer for the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “Innovation remains at the heart of delivering better outcomes for patients and transforming our health and care system. This year’s Bright Ideas in Health Awards have once again highlighted the incredible creativity, dedication, and talent within the North East and North Cumbria.

“We are proud to have been the headline sponsor of these prestigious awards, which shine a light on the individuals and teams who are working to develop innovative solutions that directly benefit the people and communities we serve.

“Congratulations to all the winners and finalists – your contributions inspire us all and demonstrate what is possible when expertise, passion, and a drive to make a difference come together.”

This year’s awards spanned ten categories, recognising everything from Digital Innovation in Health and Social Care to sustainable healthcare and advancements in Women’s Health. Winning projects receive a cash prize and continued support from HI NENC experts to further scale their work.

Winners in Each Category:

Innovative MedTech Award, sponsored by The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI)

Turning Every X-ray into an Opportunity to Diagnose Osteoporosis – IBEX Ltd

Outstanding NHS Industry Collaboration

Gateshead Secondary Prevention Service – Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust

Innovation in Clinical Education, sponsored by NHS Find Your Place North East and North Cumbria

Flippin’ the Way Health Professionals Think About, Talk About, and Treat Chronic Pain – Connect Health

Demonstrating an Impact upon Patient Safety (joint winners)

Improving the In-patient Care of People with Parkinson’s – Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Reducing Surgical Never Events with CareScan – North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

Innovation Champion Award

Northumbria Healthcare Lung Cancer Service – Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Digital Innovation in Health and Social Care

Home-based Care for Parkinson’s Self Management – Newcastle University

Towards Net Zero Award

Assessing the Impact of Immediate Release Morphine Tablets Compared to Oral Morphine Solution – The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Innovation and Improvement in Reducing Healthcare Inequalities Award

Primary Care Outreach Team – Hartlepool and Stockton Health

Innovative Women’s Health Award, sponsored by the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board

VCSE Maternal Mental Health Innovation Prototypes – Ways to Wellness

Research for Local Health Needs, sponsored by the NIHR Research Delivery Network NENC

Increasing Access to Healthy, Affordable Food for Adults Living with Severe Mental Illness in Teesside – Teesside University