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Health Services: Innovation

Asked by Preet Kaur GillLabour (Co-op)Department of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 16 April 2026UIN 124934

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what progress has been made in establishing Regional Health Innovation Zones as part of the Life Sciences Sector Plan.

Answered by Dr Zubir Ahmed

Work to establish Regional Health Innovation Zones is ongoing. Given the cross-cutting nature of the policy, spanning health, research, local government, and economic systems, significant engagement and careful policy design are essential before any Regional Health Innovation Zones can be formally established.

Officials have conducted substantial internal engagement across Government departments and with NHS England to build out the conceptual model and ensure it is aligned with wider strategic priorities. Substantial engagement with local government, National Health Service systems, and industry will happen in due course.

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