Propel@YH

Propel@YH Net Zero: Accelerating sustainable health innovation

Propel@YH Net Zero is a sustainable health accelerator pilot programme for SMEs who either have new innovations that can support the NHS’ drive towards ‘net zero’, or who have existing products that can be made more sustainable, for the benefit of the West Yorkshire region.

Commissioned by West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership and delivered by Yorkshire & Humber AHSN, the Propel@YH Net Zero pilot programme provided its 2021 participants with access to a structured course of support and advice tailored to their needs.

The Yorkshire & Humber AHSN have made a commitment to support the Net Zero and Environmental Sustainability agenda across three areas:

  • Support health innovations with an environmental impact
  • Support innovators to consider environmental sustainability within their work
  • Identify innovations / best practice with an impact from other sectors and bring into the NHS

The programme

The three-month programme provided the selected organisations with unique and tailored guidance and support services to enable them to bring innovative green solutions to the region.

Benefits for the SMEs included:

  • Expert support and guidance tailored to the needs of the organisation including: carbon impact assessments, access to funding, and needs identification to support business cases
  • Improved visibility of products to NHS organisations in West Yorkshire and Harrogate health and care system
  • Development of next steps on the journey to support net zero in the NHS

The three companies selected for the programme are:

Automedi is an easy-to-use 3D printer which makes healthcare products from sustainable plastics. Like a vending machine, users choose equipment from its on-screen catalogue, and it is made in front of them. It removes delivery costs, delays and reduces climate impact.

Dignio is a digital integrated care platform that connects both patients and healthcare professionals, providing virtual remote care. It is patient-focused and empowers the user to self-manage their condition with the support from healthcare professionals.

Patients Know Best (PKB) is a digital personal health record platform that allows both patients and healthcare professionals to access healthcare records anytime, anywhere. It allows patients to access tailored resources created by their healthcare teams to enable self-management of their condition.