Children’s Cancer Innovation Workshop

Tuesday 18 June 2019

On the 18 June 2019, we delivered a Children’s Cancer Innovation Workshop at The Biosphere in Newcastle. The Academic Health Science Network (AHSN) North East and North Cumbria, MedConnect North, and NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) North East and North Cumbria supported the workshop.

The aim of the day was to identify potential technology solutions for unmet clinical needs in children’s cancer. Attendees heard talks on: the innovation pathway; how the AHSN, MedConnect North, the CRN, and NIHR CYP MedTech identify unmet needs and support technology developments in the NHS; an overview of children’s cancer; and identified unmet needs in children’s cancer from clinician, nurse, parent, and child perspectives.

Throughout the day, attendees worked together in multidisciplinary teams to generate ideas and develop potential projects. NIHR CYP MedTech is working with the AHSN, CRN, and MedConnect North to move these projects forward.

We had a great turn out of healthcare professionals from multiple specialities, SMEs, big businesses, academics, as well as parents of children with cancer.

Lab4Living from Sheffield Hallam University collaborated with us to facilitate the day.

We are grateful to the speakers, the AHSN, CRN, MedConnect North for supporting the workshop, Newcastle Helix for the venue, and the attendees for their input and contributions to the workshop.

Dr Quentin Campell Hewson and Dr Gail Halliday co-lead our Children’s Cancer theme.