A landmark tech partnership in West Yorkshire could change the way that patients are diagnosed and treated.
The Health Innovation Network Yorkshire & Humber, Nexus (University of Leeds), West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board and Kidney Research UK have signed a memorandum of understanding to create a world-first digital twinning partnership.
Teams will develop a population health “digital twin” – a virtual model that mirrors real-world systems – so that researchers can test interventions.
“This approach has the potential to enhance patient care and population health, whilst alleviating pressure on the healthcare system by reducing the risk of long-term, complex multiple health conditions and advancing efficiency across services,” explained Katherine Forbes, Director of Health System Partnerships at Kidney Research UK.
“Forming this partnership reflects a shared vision and commitment to collaboration, laying the groundwork for an ambitious population health Digital Twin model—one with the potential to transform care across the NHS and improve outcomes for kidney patients.”
They are focusing on chronic kidney disease (CKD) as that is one of West Yorkshire’s most urgent health challenges.
The aim is to identify CKD earlier, improve patient outcomes through timely interventions, and enable the NHS to target staff, equipment and technology more effectively, ultimately reducing costs and easing pressure on health services.
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“This is a significant moment not just for West Yorkshire, but for the wider health sector”, stated Nathan Berry, Head of Collaboration and Healthtech Lead at Nexus.
“This partnership shows what can be achieved when innovation communities, health specialists, and research charities unite behind a shared vision. West Yorkshire is a driver for healthtech innovation, and we are proud to play a leading role in a collaboration that could help to improve lives across the UK, and beyond.”
The project is one of just 8 international testbeds chosen by the global Digital Twin Consortium.
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“The power of collaboration is at the heart of this pioneering approach to innovation. By uniting the Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber, the NHS, academia, the charity sector, and industry, we have a unique opportunity to transform the outlook for people living with chronic kidney disease, while accelerating the ambitions set out in the 10 Year Plan,” added Amy Lochtie, West Yorkshire Innovation Hub Director at Health Innovation Network Yorkshire & Humber.
“Recognition by the Digital Twin Consortium, with West Yorkshire selected as one of only eight international testbeds, is a powerful endorsement of the region’s innovative spirit and collaborative strength. It highlights the ability of our health and care partnership to lead on world-class solutions that can make a real difference to population health.”
Dr. Sunil Daga, Clinical Associate Professor and Honorary Consultant Nephrologist, LIRMM, University of Leeds, added that this was just the start:
“Chronic kidney disease is often overshadowed by other major health issues, yet it both contributes to and is impacted by them. Digital twin technology is a real leap forward – letting us safely explore interventions and predict outcomes before making changes to patient care on the ground. If successful, this approach could revolutionise how we manage not just kidney disease, but other complex health conditions too.”
