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Topic : News and Press Type : Press Release

The NHS is moving towards greater local autonomy, creating new ways for members to collaborate on technologies that address local needs and enable integrated care. By engaging with local leaders and regional innovation clusters, we are brokering connections that support this shift and align with the NHS 10-Year Health Plan. Building on this approach, I am pleased to announce that we have expanded our regional strategy through a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Barts Health NHS Trust. As one of the largest in the country, the Trust covers five hospitals, serving over 2.5 million people from 97 nations in North East London, and up to 6 million people across the UK in specialised services.

The agreement is designed to strengthen North-east London’s healthcare innovation cluster around the Royal London Hospital, bringing together industry, the NHS and academia to create clearer routes for HealthTech development and adoption. Work will focus on supporting more personalised care, tackling health inequalities, and attracting investment to deliver wider benefits for patients, staff and the local economy.

We are planning a joint event in early 2026, offering members a forum to engage with Barts on the partnership’s priorities, and I look forward to extending an invitation in due course.

Commenting on the partnership, Shane DeGaris, Group Chief Executive at Barts Health NHS Trust, said: “Our patients’ needs must always come first, and the right HealthTech can make a real difference in improving outcomes and tackling inequalities. Just as importantly, it can empower our workforce, giving staff the tools, time and confidence to deliver the best possible care. Through this partnership with ABHI, we can accelerate the introduction of technologies that support both patients and staff alike, while addressing the specific needs of the local population we serve."