This is broadly how it works:

Source: NHS England

Because the NHS is squeezed from all sides this provides a great escape valve for trusts if the innovation can be scaled and used across the board to improve efficiency. The AHSN’s and other groups have developed to help facilitate this and there are now various financial incentives appearing via NHS reimbursement schemes.

The Clinical entrepreneur programme has come about precisely because this need has been recognised. Late definitely beats never, and this in conjunction with the NHS accelerators will hopefully start to gain traction and lead to #development.