Responding to the needs of NHS partners

We also helped NHS partners validate high-impact innovations, to drive service improvement and transformation.  

Horizon scanning activity actively supports collaboration across the system, helping to strengthen decision-making, improve pathways, and enhance safety across the region. 

An insight-led, supportive approach 

This year we have refined our horizon scanning process, placing greater emphasis on the early scoping stage. This creates a clearer understanding of the challenge before considering potential solutions. 

We explore: 

• what the underlying challenge is 

• how it is experienced in practice 

• what outcome they hope to achieve 

• whether new technologies could play a role 

• whether a horizon scan is the right starting point 

This approach ensures that horizon scans: 

• are better aligned to clinical and operational need 

• act as springboards for further conversations and discovery 

• help de‑risk investment in digital and AI technologies 

• clarify workflow implications, not just available products 

• support equity and safety improvements across multiple pathways 

• strengthen our partnerships with ICBs, Trusts, and Alliances 

Impact across the NHS in Yorkshire and the Humber 

Horizon scanning helps our partners explore ideas in a structured, collaborative and evidence-informed way.  

Our stakeholders value impartial support, pathway‑aware insight and constructive challenge when considering new innovations. This approach strengthens trust across the system and supports more confident decision-making. Rather than simply producing reports, horizon scanning acts as a catalyst for shared understanding and next steps 

The evolution of horizon scanning has strengthened that trust and demonstrated our commitment to working alongside partners, not just producing information, but supporting thoughtful understanding and next steps. 

In practice, this can support a range of outcomes, from service improvement discussions and cross-ICB learning, through innovation events and funded project development. The value is created through partnership and the conversations that follow each scan. 

From insight to action 

Case study: Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust 

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust approached us to explore challenges within maternity translation and interpretation. 

Early scoping identified a wider, system‑wide issue: a national shortage of qualified interpreters affecting multiple clinical areas, particularly in out-of-hours situations.  

A horizon scan clarified the market landscape for interpretation and translation and was followed up with further support including: 

• a co‑developed and clinically validated problem statement 

• workflow mapping 

• procurement discussions 

• delivery of an Innovation Exchange event. 

This structured work led to a deeper understanding of the challenge and enabled targeted exploration of potential solutions. 

Jenny Roddy, Consultant Midwife Health Equity, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said: 

“I would like to thank Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber for their invaluable support in organising our maternity interpreting and translation innovation event and undertaking a horizon scan which helped us to understand better what innovation was available to explore further. 

“Their collaboration has helped bring together colleagues, service users and innovation partners to explore new solutions that can strengthen language and translation communication and improve equity within maternity care.  

“Their guidance has been instrumental in helping us explore innovative approaches to better support families who rely on interpreting and translation services within maternity care.”