The Dorset Innovation Hub (DIH) is set to begin a new chapter following agreement from partners on future hosting arrangements.
The DIH is a strategic partnership, currently hosted by NHS Dorset, which brings together Dorset’s NHS organisations, public services, local authorities, academia, business partners and the voluntary and community sector to drive innovation that improves outcomes for local people.
With the formation of the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW), Dorset and Somerset Integrated Care Board, partners reviewed the future hosting arrangements for the Hub.
Partners unanimously agreed a joint expression of interest from federated trusts Dorset County Hospital, and Dorset HealthCare, and Health Sciences University to host the DIH.
The new arrangement reflects the Hub’s collaborative ethos and shared ambition to help people live better in Dorset through innovation, prevention, population health and reducing inequalities.
Dawn Dawson, Deputy Chief Executive of Dorset HealthCare and Dorset County Hospital said:
“We’re delighted that our two trusts are co-hosting this important facility with Health Sciences University. Developing innovative ways to deliver services for the future is essential in our drive to improve the health of our communities and we look forward to helping lead the next phase of the hub’s work with our partners.
Professor Lesley Haig, Vice-Chancellor, Health Sciences University, said:
“The Dorset Innovation Hub has already demonstrated the transformative power of collaboration, bringing together partners from across health, care, academia, business and the community to develop innovative solutions that improve outcomes for the people of Dorset.
We are delighted to be co-hosting the Hub alongside Dorset County Hospital and Dorset HealthCare as it enters this exciting new phase. This partnership provides an exceptional opportunity to build on the Hub’s strong foundations, creating an even more powerful platform for innovation, research and knowledge exchange that can deliver meaningful improvements in population health and help tackle health inequalities.”
Sarah Chessell, Dorset Innovation Hub Lead, said:
“The strength of the DIH has always been its collaborative approach, and I am confident that this next chapter will build on our achievements and create even greater opportunities to drive innovation that improves outcomes, experiences and wellbeing for people across Dorset.”
10th August 2026
