‘We will be showcasing what is brightest and best about the NHS and healthcare in the UK’

Dear colleague,

The NHS has a long track record of innovation and I am proud of the way we have consistently developed and improved the way we take care of patients. Developing innovation - especially in a system as big as the NHS - demands brilliant people with brilliant ideas and we have both of those. But we also need a better approach to taking those ideas and developing them so that they are systematically put in to everyday use right across the NHS. Innovation must be encouraged and nurtured by each of us. More than ever before, innovation has a vital role to play if we are to continue to improve outcomes for patients at a time when we face our toughest ever financial climate.

With that in mind, I would encourage each of you to attend the second NHS Healthcare Innovation Expo, which will be held at the Excel Centre in London on 9 and 10 March. This will be a key forum to share, learn and get informed about what is happening across the service to drive forward real improvement.

The first Expo was attended by more than 5,000 delegates, mostly from the NHS. Feedback from participants, exhibitors and speakers was universally positive, and drew media interest from specialist and mainstream media both here and overseas. It also attracted blue chip organisations, SMEs, business leaders and innovation experts from across the globe, creating more than £46m in transactional value for UK companies.

As well as showcasing what is brightest and best about the NHS and healthcare in the UK, the Expo will put a spotlight on QIPP and what is already happening nationally and locally to drive up quality and value. It will also focus on the commitments made in the White Paper - Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS, and consider the emerging provider and commissioner landscape as we move through transition.

That will allow delegates from the public, private, academic, scientific and business communities to hear about and discuss the role innovation can play in putting patients and the public first; improving outcomes, autonomy and democratic legitimacy; and increasing efficiency.

The event will be in three parts;

  • a world class main stage programme featuring Andrew Lansley (health secretary) and a range of other government ministers; myself and senior NHS leaders including Jim Easton (national director of QIPP);
  • a detailed seminar and master class programme (over 250) allowing delegates to hear from a range of national and international experts including Paul Wicks (director of US based PatientsLikeme), Andrew Thompson (CEO of US based Proteus), Lord Victor Adebowale (Turning Point), Ian Dalton (DH national managing director of provider development) and David Kester (CE Design Council) and;
  • a trade fair featuring innovations that have the potential to generate immediate improvements in quality and productivity.

We are also delighted that UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) will be a major partner in Expo 2011, alongside the Office of Life Sciences. UKTI is flying in buyers from around the world to create a marketplace for UK SMEs. These partnerships will help provide an international showcase for the NHS and the UK healthcare industry.

Expo 2011 will be a unique experience, and I sincerely hope you will take up the opportunities it provides.

If you would like to register for the event or view further information about Expo 2011, please the Expo website at:

Yours sincerely,

Sir David Nicholson KCB CBE

NHS Chief Executive

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