The MediWales Connects Conference 2024 was a dynamic event highlighting the latest advancements in healthcare innovation. The day was filled with insightful talks and discussions, highlighting the collaborative efforts to enhance healthcare delivery and outcomes. Here are my key take aways from the day…
Dr Rhodri Griffiths
Director of Innovation Adoption
Advancements in Oncology
I had the privilege of chairing a session on innovative solutions to improve cancer outcomes in Wales. During the session, I discussed the importance of cross-sector collaboration and talked about Welsh Government's Tackling Cancer Programme supported by Life Sciences Hub Wales, which aims to accelerate better cancer outcomes.
We can look at this as a challenge in terms of outcomes and improvements, but it’s a huge opportunity to build on what we have in Wales and how we can leapfrog ahead. Partnership working is hugely important. This will deliver changes at pace to put Wales ahead of the game, with collaborative workshops and sprints that are happening – particularly to ensure that this all aligns with existing work happening throughout Wales.
Professor Dean Harris, Clinical Director of CanSense, shared their journey in developing a colorectal liquid biopsy test. This blood test offers a more accurate and accessible alternative to the FIT faecal test, especially for under-served populations. The test allows early detection and better management of colorectal cancer, with plans to expand to lung and breast cancer.
“The blood test can produce results in 15 mins, and GPs can have these results in 48 hours. The platform has been set up over the last 5 years. Colorectal cancer is our flagship product, but we want to go into lung and breast cancer – some of the biggest challenges Wales is facing.” Professor Dean Harris, Clinical Director, CanSense.
Dean expressed his hopes for the test to be integrated into NHS pathways and used as a screening tool for various cancers. The test needs to be scalable, with its current capacity requiring a tenfold increase to cover the population of Wales, emphasising that partnerships play a crucial role.
Another advancement in oncology is the Prostad project presented by Dr. Savita Shanbhag, aiming to streamline the prostate cancer diagnostic pathway. By dedicating MRI sessions, the project has already significantly reduced 8 days of the diagnosis waiting time, with geographical scaling in Wales, and communication being the next challenge to tackle.
“It’s an incredibly stressful time waiting for results – people put their lives on hold and it’s important that we reduce this wait” – Savita Shanbhag, GP Cancer Lead, Hywel Dda University Health Board.
Innovating Together: Velindre University NHS Trust/Velindre Cancer Centre
The ‘Innovating Together’ session shed light on the power of collaboration in delivering cutting-edge cancer care across south and mid Wales. Chaired by Jennet Holmes, the session stressed the importance of forming strong partnerships to inspire innovation and improve healthcare outcomes.
Catherine Tilke and Jeremy Howitt presented a transformative initiative ‘PORTAL’, using drones to enhance the NHS supply chain’s resilience. These drones, capable of vertical take-off and landing, have already shown promise by delivering defibrillators to remote areas like Snowdonia faster than traditional vehicles.
Jenett Holmes and Mick Button introduced the new Collaborative Centre for Learning, Research, and Innovation (CCfLRI), a pivotal resource aimed at enhancing cancer care through collaboration. The centre will serve as a hub for highlighting and promoting new opportunities in cancer care, providing a physical and virtual space for healthcare professionals to come together. By bringing together a wide range of stakeholders, the CCfLRI aims to enhance research, development, innovation training and education, and achieving regional, national, and international recognition.
Collaboration is key. From leveraging drone technology to streamlining medical logistics, to establishing a dedicated centre for innovation, these initiatives demonstrated a collective commitment to improving healthcare outcomes in Wales.
Cancer innovation and partnership working: A collaborative approach
Session leaders and stakeholders converged to discuss innovative approaches and collaborative efforts aimed at improving cancer outcomes in Wales:
Moondance Cancer Initiative (MCI)
Led by Professor Jared Torkington, MCI has invested £5.5 million into cancer care projects across Wales since 2020. Initially focused on colorectal cancer, MCI now spearheads efforts against all cancers. Jared highlighted the potential for curing bowel cancer, if detected early, and introduced Keith James Grants aimed at pioneering cancer research and treatment initiatives.
Cardiff Cancer Research Hub (CCRH)
The collaborative force between Cardiff University, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, and Velindre Uni NHS Trust, focuses on improving cancer research and patient outcomes in Wales. With a strategic partnership with BioNTech secured until 2026, CCRH aims to introduce mRNA cancer vaccines and immunotherapies to cancer patients in Wales.
Life Sciences Cancer Mission
Professor Peter Johnson addressed the Life Sciences Cancer Mission’s focus on early detection and immunotherapy for rising cancer cases. Highlighting key initiatives like the Cancer Vaccine Launchpad (CVLP) for mRNA vaccine trials, and NHS Galleri trial, which uses DNA for early cancer diagnosis, with results expected in 2026.
Fighting Cancer Inequality in Europe
Julie Fitzsimmins from the European Cancer Organisation (ECO) discussed the issue of cancer care disparities across Europe. She highlighted the looming health workforce crisis and the European Cancer Community Foundation's workforce fund, which seeks to involve Wales more actively in combating these challenges.
Tackling Cancer
Jason Lintern presented insight into the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care initiative. The programme, driven by cross-sector and cross-government collaboration, aims to align to and build upon comprehensive strategies including the cancer improvement plan, diagnostic recovery transformation plan, and cancer research strategy. The Wales Cancer Industry Forum plays a pivotal role in in driving these efforts forward, with the ambition for Wales to achieve the best cancer care outcomes in Europe.
Round up
The MediWales Connects Conference 2024 highlighted the power of collaboration and innovation in transforming healthcare. From transforming early detection and diagnosis, to cutting-edge cancer treatment, the sessions highlighted the potential for significant improvements in health outcomes through innovative solutions and collaborative efforts.
The commitment to improving cancer outcomes and transforming cancer care is a consistent message, emphasising the importance of working together to achieve these goals for Wales, and beyond.
If you’re a health and social care organisation looking to drive innovation to the frontline, we’re here to help. Reach out to discover how we can collaborate and make a significant impact together. Get in touch here.
