Health Innovation KSS drives economic growth and transforms patient care in 2023-24

Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) has published its Annual Review for 2023-24, showcasing a year of remarkable growth and impact. The organisation, part of the National Health Innovation Network that leveraged over £475 million in funding, has made significant strides in supporting healthcare innovation adoption and economic growth. Of note, Health Innovation KSS has provided targeted support to high growth innovators such as Leo Cancer Care and supported 393 companies to develop their ideas and solutions.

Health Innovation KSS has this year championed 45 innovative programmes spanning cardiovascular disease, health inequalities, medicines optimisation, patient safety, and more. A standout achievement includes the organisation’s appointment as the MedTech Funding Mandate national product lead for Apos Health, an innovative treatment for knee, lower back, and hip pain.

Professor Hatim Abdulhussein, CEO said: “It’s been a transformative year marked by strong economic growth and delivering real impact for people living in our region. Thank you to all of our colleagues and stakeholders who have been integral to helping us to achieve these results. I’m particularly proud of our collective efforts to address health inequalities, mental health, AI and digital, and women’s health.”

The review highlights KSS’s commitment to five core themes: inclusion and equity, workforce transformation, patient safety, co-design, and environmental sustainability. These principles underpin the organisation’s work across all initiatives, ensuring a holistic approach to healthcare innovation.

Through its connection with the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Kent Surrey Sussex (ARC KSS), Health Innovation KSS has advanced translational research in dementia, social care, primary health, and children’s and young people’s mental health. Case studies of note include a Migrant mental health Community of Experience, providing people living with dementia access to trusted information and helping innovators to connect with young people digitally.

COO Lisa James said: “I’m immensely proud of our team’s achievements. This report offers a snapshot of some of our work, but it’s by no means an exhaustive account of all we’ve accomplished. Our dedication to supporting the spread and adoption of the best healthcare innovations remains steadfast, and we look forward to building on our partnerships and programmes of work in the coming year.”

Looking ahead, Health Innovation KSS remains committed to fostering innovation, enhancing patient care, and contributing to economic growth in the health and social care sector. The organisation’s achievements in 2023-24 set a strong foundation for future success and continued positive impact on healthcare in the region and beyond.

Read the full Annual Review here.