In this edition...

by Professor Gary Ford, Chief Excutive, Oxford AHSN

The pace and scale of collaboration in the Oxford Academic Health Science Network region is accelerating. Our partners – across the NHS, academia and industry – achieved much during 2015, working together and supported by the core AHSN team, to make our region a healthier place to live.
 
Our latest quarterly report covers the three months to the end of December 2015 and includes case studies on a new programme bringing patients and clinicians together to improve care (p4), early intervention improving youth mental health services and cutting costs (p6) and improving NHS staff and patient health and wellbeing through daily exercise (p8).
   
We are also increasingly working with other AHSNs and other regional networks. Examples include:

• Imaging with Yorkshire & Humber AHSN
• NHS innovators visit to 3M in Bracknell with North West Coast AHSN

The new year brings with it many exciting opportunities to strengthen this collaborative work and bring lasting patient benefits. Some of the key landmarks in 2016 are highlighted here. We hope you will join us on this journey.

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Two companies in the Oxford AHSN region have received funding from SBRI Healthcare to develop innovative products to address challenges faced by older people with complex health needs. Each received just under £100,000 for phase 1 testing.

• a sensor that warns when a stoma bag is at risk of overflow or spillage. It is the brainchild of patient leader Michael Seres based on his experiences following surgery in Oxford - 11Health and Technologies
• new electrical stimulation technology for treatment of faecal incontinence, Sky Medical Technologies

Our 'Get Physical' event on 9 December did what it said on the tin - with delegates taking part in Tai Chi and Bollywood dancing. There was a productive exchange of best practice and exploration of how best to encourage NHS staff and patients to incorporate regular exercise into their daily lives to improve their health and wellbeing.
The event was organised by the Oxford AHSN, in partnership with County Sports Partnerships in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire and Public Health England.

• A video summary of the day and report will be available shortly
• The video below provides some background to Get Physical

We are looking for patients, carers and members of the public to help lead on improvements in healthcare. The Leading Together programme is a new course that pairs lay people with a doctor, nurse or other healthcare professional to develop leadership and communication skills to influence change. The first course starts in February. Further information: leadingtogether@oxfordahsn.org