In a recent article published in BMJ Innovations, Dr. Tamsin Mary Holland Brown, Polly Sullivan – NHS CEP Programme Lead, and Poppy Sullivan – Medical Student, Queen Mary University of London, provide an in-depth look at the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme (CEP).
Historical Context and Founding of the CEP
The NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme is designed to support and empower NHS staff by fostering innovation within the healthcare system. The article highlights the significant role the CEP plays in retaining and empowering NHS staff, enabling them to develop and implement transformative healthcare solutions while remaining within the NHS workforce.
Historically, innovation was often unrecognised and unsupported, leading to a “brain drain” where clinicians left the NHS to pursue entrepreneurial endeavours. The establishment of the NHS in 1948 marked a pivotal milestone in global health innovation, but integrating innovation into the NHS framework has been a systemic challenge. Clinicians with the foresight to enhance patient care through novel approaches often found themselves unsupported within the NHS, leading to the loss of valuable talent and innovations.
To address these systemic barriers, the CEP was founded. Professor Tony Young OBE, with firsthand experience in navigating the challenges of establishing innovations alongside NHS work, partnered with NHS England’s Accelerated Access Collaborative (AAC) to initiate the CEP in 2016. This entrepreneurial workforce development programme was dedicated to supporting colleagues to remain within the NHS while pursuing innovative projects, signalling a paradigm shift in fostering an environment where healthcare innovation could flourish within the NHS.
Impact and Benefits of the CEP
The CEP offers a comprehensive support system for entrepreneurial NHS staff, including hybrid education and networking days, access to mentors, business planning advice, and a dedicated online platform. Initially open only to junior doctors, the programme has expanded to include all clinical and non-clinical NHS staff, with the largest cohort to date accepted in 2024. The inclusivity of the CEP is one of its strengths, welcoming applicants from Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland, and supporting a diverse range of clinical and non-clinical staff and students.
The programme has retained and reintegrated over 1000 healthcare professionals within the NHS, supporting new innovations to reach patients. This programme fosters a sense of belonging and values entrepreneurship within the NHS, contributing to broader NHS transformation. By promoting a culture of continuous improvement and adaptation to emerging medical technologies, the CEP reinforces a progressive NHS ecosystem that values and integrates clinical innovation and entrepreneurship.
Future Directions and International Partnerships
Looking ahead, the CEP aims to grow further, with additional funding needed to increase its reach and impact. There are also opportunities for international partnerships to share innovations and improve healthcare globally. The CEP’s collaboration with other NHS innovation programmes and international organisations aligns with global health objectives, fostering a culture of embracing entrepreneurship in healthcare.
Collaboration with BMJ and Open Access
We are excited to announce our collaboration with BMJ in publishing this insightful article. The BMJ has been instrumental in promoting the impactful work of our clinical entrepreneurs, helping to highlight the importance of innovation within the NHS. This article is available as open access, ensuring that the valuable insights and findings are accessible to everyone.