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 […]
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
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 […]
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 […]
People living with serious mental illness often experience poorer physical health outcomes and face significant barriers to accessing the care and support they need. Addressing these inequalities requires innovative, person-centred approaches that bring together physical and mental health services to deliver more coordinated care. A new case study in the Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria (HI NENC) Innovation Library highlights an initiative focused on improving physical health outcomes for people with serious mental illness. The resource explores how services worked collaboratively to identify health needs, improve access to care, and support individuals to manage their overall wellbeing more effectively. The case study provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals, […]
A sustainability initiative from North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC) has received regional recognition at the NHS Excellence Awards. The reusable theatre hats project was introduced to reduce the use of disposable surgical caps in operating theatres, helping to cut waste, lower costs and support the NHS commitment to a greener future. The initiative demonstrates how simple, practical changes can make a significant difference to environmental sustainability while engaging staff in positive action. The project has been praised for its innovative approach and highlights how frontline teams can lead improvements that benefit both healthcare services and the environment. For organisations looking to reduce their environmental impact, this award-winning […]
Funded places for the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism are available for health and social care staff across the North East and North Cumbria until the end of October 2026. What is this training? Named after Oliver McGowan, whose preventable death highlighted the need for better training, it equips staff with practical skills to meet people’s needs and reduce health inequalities. It is mandated by NHS England and helps meet the statutory requirement for learning disability and autism training. It has been co-produced by people with lived experience and helps staff provide safe, kind and inclusive care. Why does it matter? Autistic people and […]
Social Prescribing Link Workers across the North East and North Cumbria are being invited to take part in a new free skills development programme this autumn. Delivered by Teesside Mind in partnership with VONNE, the programme offers two practical training workshops designed to support continued professional development and strengthen person-centred practice in social prescribing. The training is provided through VONNE’s Healthy Communities and Social Prescribing Programme, funded by the North East and North Cumbria ICB’s Healthier and Fairer Programme. Workshop one: Goal setting How can I support people to identify goals that genuinely matter to them? What makes a goal realistic, meaningful and achievable? How do I maintain momentum when […]
