New podcast explores how digital innovation can support the mental health crisis pathway
In a new podcast from the South West Academic Health Science Network (South West AHSN), our Communications Director Anna Lodge hears from Amy Manning, founder of S12 Solutions, about her journey from a social worker with a great idea to an entrepreneur with a successful health tech innovation.
S12 Solutions was developed in 2017 when Amy, who was working as an Approved Mental Health Professional, wanted to address the delays in patients accessing mental health care. The result was a platform that makes it more efficient for mental health professionals to complete Mental Health Act assessments by bringing together the most appropriate team for the task.
Amy talks openly about how she developed a digital solution with no prior technical experience and the challenges she experienced both professionally and personally along the way. She also has some great advice for those starting out, including how reaching out to organisations such as NHS England and Academic Health Science Networks can help innovators to achieve their goals quicker.
With a lot of hard work, funding from NHS England, support from our Innovation Exchange and from our experience of evaluating impact and applying learning, Amy’s platform is now being used in 44 sites across England. Learn more about the innovation on the S12 Solutions website.
Are you an innovator looking for support with your health or social care solution? Our Innovation Exchange can help you meet the needs of the health and care system. Please get in touch with us by emailing innovation@swahsn.com.
You can also register for the AHSN Network’s Bridging the Gap event in Exeter on 22 March for help with developing your innovation and understanding how Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) operate.
