Health Innovation East has supported a number of clinical entrepreneurs. One of them is 52North, a Cambridge-based start-up, whose pioneering innovation Neutrocheck® is helping keep patients receiving chemotherapy safe.
Some cancer patients may be at risk of neutropenic sepsis, which can occur as a side-effect of some chemotherapy drugs. Neutrophils in our blood help us to fight infection. When the number of neutrophils drops, neutropenia may arise, increasing the risk of infection.
Neutrocheck® is a low-cost finger prick blood test and digital platform, which helps doctors to identify when patients may benefit from antibiotic treatments, and to avoid unnecessary Emergency Department attendances.
Dr Saif Ahmad is an Academic Consultant Clinical Oncologist at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the Co-Founder and Chief Scientific & Medical Officer of 52North. He successfully enrolled onto the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme in 2019 as part of cohort 4.
The Clinical Entrepreneur Programme (CEP) aims to empower healthcare staff to develop and learn, through a one-year programme, that can fit around applicants’ work. The programme includes mentoring, events, workshops and professional development to help them achieve their goals.
This allows entrepreneurs and creative thinkers to pursue their innovation without having to leave the health service. Support can include developing skills and providing networking opportunities, to testing innovations and seeking industry support.
The programme supported Dr Saif Ahmad through educational events and networking, mentorship, and connections with leaders who have helped him to progress his product.
Health Innovation East has been working with the 52North team since 2020 and directly supported their successful application to the UK government’s prestigious £10 million Innovative Devices Access Pathway (IDAP) programme. The IDAP aims to accelerate the adoption of medical technologies in the NHS, so that patients can access the most effective solutions faster.
The mentorship and advice on the programme has been really valuable for me. I have received support from professionals of all different backgrounds. The programme team are great at connecting people and have helped me to have conversations with high-profile leaders to progress my innovation.
Their Pit Stop events don’t just provide you with educational information, but give you access to network of support, which makes you feel that you are not alone on your innovation journey. The programme is so very valuable, it helps you to learn a lot of transferable skills and build a strong network. There have been so many benefits!
Read more about Health Innovation East’s work with 52North and a case study of their CEP journey.
Launched in 2016, the programme is a free workforce development programme aimed at NHS staff and healthcare professionals. Budding entrepreneurs can apply if they have an innovative idea that has the potential to benefit patients, staff and the wider NHS.
The programme is part of the Accelerated Access Collaborative which brings together industry, government, regulators, patients and the NHS to remove barriers and accelerate the introduction of new ground-breaking treatments and diagnostics which address NHS challenges. In turn, the scheme contributes to economic growth through investments in health, social care, and life sciences.
The CEP holds an ongoing series of in-person events and online webinars where you can find out more about the programme and hear from clinical entrepreneurs. Find out more and register here.
You can also find information and advice on how to apply and the timelines for the next cohort on the CEP website.
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