Health minister Lord Darzi invites partnership applications

Health minister Lord Darzi is encouraging organisations to apply for partnerships at the centre of new government funding.

Aimed at delivering high-quality care to patients, the Heath Innovation and Education Clusters (HIEC) will be funded by £10 million of financial support.

HIECs have been developed to improve NHS skills and knowledge as well as drawing on staff’s abilities currently helping the system.

“These projects will attract and encourage the best talent who can recognise and rapidly adopt new and innovative healthcare and treatment,” Lord Darzi said.

He described HIECs as “special partnerships”.

The Department of Health has published guidance for organisations intending to apply. A selection process is scheduled for September of this year.

Late last week, new chief executives were appointed at Strategic Health Authorities.

Bill McCarthy and Ian Cumming were welcomed to Yorkshire and Humber and West Midlands respectively.

Both said they were “delighted” to have been given the roles.