Have you got an idea for a new service or technology that could benefit patients?

Social enterprises reinvest the money they make back into their business or the local community.  Social enterprises combine the need to make savings and efficiencies with genuine innovation, transformation and reform.  They involve partnership working across different sectors, including service users and third sector organisations.

Benefits

• Members of the public and patients may favour organisations, which they feel reflect community values or preferences

• Social enterprises can raise funds through donations and investments as well as having potential access to numerous grants and incentives

• Social Enterprises generally benefit from a higher rate of reinvestment due to surpluses not being distributed to shareholders

• Key partner organisations, such as local authorities, may be prepared to work more closely with a social enterprise rather than a for-profit organisation

Examples

Integrated Care 24 (IC24) places an emphasis on new product and service innovation for an improved patient experience and reduced demand on other services. mylittleone is a unique example of how they have utilised technology to meet patient needs; to promote bonding between mother and baby when a child is placed in neonatal care.