Scottish healthcare innovators are being urged to apply to a ‘clinical entrepreneur programme’ – to encourage a startup mindset within the NHS.

Progressive health service thinkers and medical students are being encouraged to get involved in a series of educational online sessions this month. 

Supported by InnoScot Health, the webinars will address innovation and entrepreneurship and feature talks from founders and healthcare professionals.

Gillian Henderson, head of project management, InnoScot Health, says the programme is “transformative and inspirational for anyone looking to become an ‘agent of change’.

She said: “We’re very much looking forward to supporting and empowering Scottish health service entrepreneurs to take their learning to the next level. 

“They represent the lifeblood of NHS Scotland’s future as it embraces the opportunities of renewal and transformation – and it’s thanks to their involvement that the programme continues to flourish. 

“InnoScot Health will be looking to make a valuable contribution to their success by lending our own innovation expertise and support alongside other key partners. In the meantime, we’d suggest that they get application ready by registering for the online prep sessions. 

“CEP is the biggest entrepreneurial workforce development programme of its kind and we fully endorse its key aims which include supporting entrepreneurs to pursue their innovative ideas without having to leave the health service.”

The sessions also provide an ideal introductory foundation for applying to cohort 9 of the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme this October. 

Criteria for webinar registrants is either working in the NHS – both clinical and non-clinical – or studying a healthcare course that could lead to eventually working in the NHS. 

Such courses include, but are not limited to, medicine, nursing and midwifery, paramedic science, pharmacy, vision and hearing sciences, and clinical science. 

The four webinars cover essential innovation skills and will run from 10 June till 2 July. 

The sessions – delivered via Zoom – all take place from 6-7.30pm and are:  

  • 10 June– Why innovation in healthcare is important?
  • 18 June – Researching your innovation
  • 25 June Lean canvas
  • 2 July – How to pitch your idea

Register to attend.