Two projects supported by the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration North East and North Cumbria (ARC NENC) have been featured in the NIHR Annual Report 2025/26. SmartSocks: supporting earlier dementia detection The SmartSocks pilot is testing whether sensor-enabled socks can monitor sleep and walking patterns at home, helping to identify early signs of Alzheimer’s disease in adults with Down syndrome. Exploring drone: delivered defibrillators A second project examined public responses to defibrillators delivered by drone during simulated cardiac arrests. Participants supported the idea, while highlighting the need for clear guidance, confidence using the equipment and continued CPR support from ambulance call handlers. Research making a difference Both projects show how regional […]
September 4, 2026
The North East and North Cumbria Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub has published its August 2026 briefing, highlighting the free, confidential support available to anyone working in health or social care across the region. Demand for the service continues to grow. Between May and July, 755 staff contacted the Hub, including a record 288 referrals in July. The Hub still has capacity to support more people, with 99% of those providing feedback saying they felt listened to and supported, and 92% reporting that the service helped them remain in or return to work. Support when you need it The Hub offers timely appointments with experienced NHS clinicians, followed by […]
New research has highlighted how councils could use food purchasing and advertising policies to help tackle climate change. Food and drink production accounts for more than one-third of UK greenhouse gas emissions. Councils can help reduce this impact by choosing more environmentally sustainable food for schools, leisure centres and other council-run sites. They can also influence the types of food advertised on property they own or manage. Researchers from the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration North East and North Cumbria and Oxford University found that only a small number of English councils have introduced climate-friendly food advertising and purchasing policies, despite most having declared a climate emergency. The study calls for […]
September 3, 2026
An innovative AI-supported spirometry service is helping to improve respiratory diagnostics across North East and North Cumbria. By combining artificial intelligence with specialist clinical expertise, the programme is increasing access to high-quality spirometry testing, supporting healthcare staff, and helping patients receive earlier diagnosis of respiratory conditions. The approach is reducing pressure on the workforce while strengthening clinical capacity, ensuring more people can access timely, accurate care closer to home. It is a great example of how innovation can support both staff and patients, delivering practical improvements in healthcare services across the region. Read the full case study in the NENC Innovation Library: AI‑Supported Spirometry & workforce transformation
A new national opportunity is inviting health, care and community partners to work together to improve cancer care for people across the UK. Macmillan Cancer Support, in partnership with Q, hosted by the NHS Alliance, has launched the Macmillan Q Lab, an innovation programme focused on one important question: “How might we reimagine holistic cancer care closer to people’s homes?” Over a nine-month period, participants will take part in workshops, peer learning, coaching and a structured design process to develop innovative solutions that could make cancer care more accessible, equitable and community-focused. Teams will also have access to expertise from Macmillan and Q, alongside funding support of up to £75,000 […]
August 27, 2026
An innovative workforce development programme from Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has been shortlisted for a Regional Healthcare Science Award, recognising its contribution to developing skills, supporting staff and strengthening the future healthcare workforce. The programme was designed to create new opportunities for learning and professional development, helping individuals build the knowledge, confidence and expertise needed to thrive in healthcare science roles. By investing in staff development and creating clear pathways for progression, the initiative is supporting both workforce sustainability and high-quality patient care. The award shortlisting highlights the impact of innovative approaches to workforce development and demonstrates the value of nurturing talent across the health and care system. It […]
An innovative approach to cardiac monitoring is helping to support safer antipsychotic prescribing while improving the experience for patients and clinicians. Featured in the Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria (HI NENC) Innovation Library, this case study explores how AliveCor handheld ECG technology has been used to provide quick, accessible heart rhythm monitoring for people receiving antipsychotic medication. By bringing ECG testing closer to patients, the initiative has helped to streamline care, reduce delays, and support clinical decision-making. The project demonstrates how digital innovation can improve patient safety while making assessments more convenient and efficient. It also highlights the value of integrating technology into routine clinical practice to enhance […]
County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) is transforming staff education through innovative learning methods, including virtual reality (VR), gamification and immersive simulation experiences. Designed to make learning more engaging and memorable, these approaches help staff build confidence, develop skills and apply learning in realistic scenarios. By moving beyond traditional training methods, CDDFT is creating interactive experiences that support workforce development and ultimately improve patient care. The initiative demonstrates how technology and creativity can enhance learning, increase participation and help healthcare professionals retain knowledge more effectively. It also highlights the potential for innovative education techniques to support a skilled, adaptable and future-ready workforce. This inspiring example will be of […]
August 26, 2026
For the first time, the North East and Yorkshire Leadership Academy (NEYLA) will be delivering regional cohorts of the prestigious Rosalind Franklin Programme, bringing this nationally recognised leadership development opportunity closer to home. Designed for colleagues in mid to senior leadership roles, the nine-month programme supports leaders to develop the skills, confidence and capability to lead across organisations, systems and partnerships. Regional cohorts will launch from Winter 2026, with significantly reduced costs for delegates from NELA Partnership organisations. If you’re ready to take the next step in your leadership journey, now is the ideal time to discuss the programme with your line manager and register your interest. To find out […]
August 25, 2026
Women with poor access to financial, educational, and social and health resources engage less with health and care services throughout their pregnancy. This is due to a range of reasons such as social stressors, low health literacy, digital exclusion, lack of support, language barriers, transport difficulties, and stigma and judgement from healthcare professionals. Research led by the NIHR School for Public Health Research and supported by the NIHR ARC North East and North Cumbria examined these barriers, and the work has led to the development of new toolkits to support improvement of care. The toolkits aim to help policy makers and practitioners implement actionable changes to service delivery, to help […]
