The AHSN Network and Academic Health Science Networks (AHSNs), including Health Innovation Manchester, are supporting the launch of the first phase of the Accelerated Access Collaborative Pathway Transformation Fund (PTF), which was announced by government in July 2017.

Funding through the new PTF will be made available to help NHS organisations integrate the rapid uptake products into everyday practices, supporting an improvement in equality of access and reducing health inequalities that exist regarding diagnosis and disease management.

The PTF can help providers overcome more practical obstacles to deploying these products, such as: training staff on how to use new equipment; pathway redesign and/or business support expertise; providing specialist nurses/clinical staff needed to implement a new part of the procedure; or covering double running costs.

Phase One
This is the first phase of AAC Pathway Transformation Fund, focusing on three of the AAC rapid uptake products:

• UroLift for lower urinary tract symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
• Placental growth factor-based for suspected pre-eclampsia – tests for early diagnosis of pre-eclampsia in pregnant women, which if unmonitored, can cause serious complications for mother and baby.
• High-sensitivity troponin testing in an under three-hour protocol – diagnostic tests that detect whether or not a patient is at risk or previously had a heart attack.

The closing date for the first phase is midnight on 16 August 2019. The AHSN Network strongly encourages any providers wishing to adopt any of these rapid uptake products to apply.

It is anticipated that awards and contracts for the successful applicants will be in place by early September 2019.

To request an application form please contact your local AHSN in the first instance to discuss with the relevant AHSN lead for each product. For providers based in Greater Manchester please contact Health Innovation Manchester info@healthinnovationmanchester.com 

Phase Two
Phase two of the PTF is expected to open phase in late September and close in October and further details will be made available in September.

For further enquiries please contact england.innovation@nhs.net.