Professor Ben Bridgewater has been appointed as the new Executive Chair of the Health Innovation Network (the Network), representing England’s 15 regional health innovation networks nationally. He will spearhead the Network’s mission to harness innovation to improve health outcomes and drive economic growth.
The 15 health innovation networks accelerate the adoption and spread of proven innovations across the NHS and life sciences sector, working with health and care systems, academia, and industry. In the past year alone, Network activity benefited over one million patients, leveraged almost £500m of investment through support to innovators, and created or safeguarded more than 900 jobs in the UK.
Ben will continue in his role as Chief Executive of Health Innovation Manchester while also taking up national responsibilities on behalf of the Network. He brings extensive experience as a former cardiac surgeon, clinical leader and innovator, with a track record of delivering national policy, leading digital transformation, and forging major NHS-industry partnerships.
Since 2018, Ben has led Health Innovation Manchester through a period of growth and transformation, securing significant external investment and delivering nationally recognised programmes such as the Greater Manchester Care Record and pioneering work in obesity care.
