Accelerated Access Collaborative (AAC) programme update

Sent on Behalf of the Innovation, Research and Life Sciences Group, NHS England and NHS Improvement

Healthcare scientists may be interested in learning about the seven products being supported nationally this year through the Accelerated Access Collaborative (AAC) programme.

The AAC brings the NHS, government and industry together to remove barriers to uptake of innovations, so that NHS patients have faster access to innovations that can transform care. Recognizing the role of cross-sector partnership in accelerating access to transformative health-tech, the remit of the AAC has recently increased, to 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.

The AAC has selected seven ‘Rapid Uptake Products’ (RUPs) which are NICE recommended and have potential for wide ranging economic and patient benefits (below). The AAC is working with partners to increase the adoption of these products across the NHS. 



Of note for healthcare scientists are the ‘placental growth factor’ based tests for the rule out of pre-eclampsia, Heartflow, a system for non-invasive coronary artery disease detection, and quantitative faecal immunochemical tests for colorectal cancer in symptomatic patients. The AAC is also supporting a pathway change, which is the use of high-sensitivity troponin tests in less than three hours, for the rule out of a heart attack.

The introduction of these products may have implications for laboratories. In the first instance, the AAC wanted to increase awareness of these products amongst the healthcare scientist community. However, the AAC would gladly receive recommendations or comments, and the team can be contacted at england.innovation@nhs.net.