The Accelerated Access Collaborative (AAC) was formed in response to the Accelerated Access Review published in 2016. The AAC aims to bring together industry, government and the NHS to remove the barriers to the uptake of innovation, so that NHS patients can have faster access to innovations that can truly transform care.
The remit for the AAC has since expanded, and it has now become the umbrella body across the UK health innovation eco-system, providing more joined-up support for innovators and setting the strategy for innovation in the health system. Under their new five-year license from NHS England, the 15 AHSNs are to play a key role in this body.
Seven innovative technology areas were identified by the AAC that improve patients’ lives but are not currently available to everyone who could benefit. This first batch of ‘rapid uptake’ products was selected by leaders in the health and care system and includes a range of treatments for conditions such as cancer, heart disease and multiple sclerosis, with the government providing £2 million to support their adoption and spread.
Supporting these rapid uptake products will not only help 500,000 patients to access new treatments, they will also provide cost savings to the NHS of £30 million, while helping to reinforce the UK’s position as a global leader in health innovation.
The products will be spread through the AHSN Network’s Innovation Exchange, which matches solutions to the needs of their local health and care systems.