15th May 2026
Two Southern Health and Social Care Trust colleagues have been selected to take part in a prestigious national NHS programme supporting healthcare professionals to develop new ideas that improve patient care.
Daniel Harte, Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist in Hand Therapy, and Sinéad Lee, Operational Support Lead for Medicine and Unscheduled Care (MUSC), have both been accepted onto the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme. The programme helps healthcare professionals turn innovative ideas into practical solutions that can benefit patients and services across the NHS.
Established in 2016, the programme offers structured learning, expert mentoring and access to a wide network of clinical, academic and industry specialists. More than 1,500 healthcare professionals have taken part to date, with places highly competitive.
As part of the programme, Daniel will further develop a rehabilitation innovation designed to improve outcomes for people with injuries and neurological conditions, including stroke. His work focuses on turning clinically informed ideas into practical, scalable solutions that can support patients, staff and the wider health service.
Daniel has previously led the development of innovative rehabilitation concepts within the Southern Trust, including the Bubble Buoy (a simple device designed to support wrist rehabilitation following injury), highlighting his ongoing commitment to improving patient care through innovation.
Sinéad brings a strong operational perspective, with over 10 years’ experience working across a range of departments and specialties within the Trust. Currently working as Operational Support Lead for MUSC, she focuses on improving patient experience and addressing day-to-day service challenges. She previously worked in Cancer Services for seven years and played a key role in the Encompass Go-Live as a Project Officer, supporting and training clerical and administrative staff.
Through the programme, Sinéad hopes to strengthen links between independent sector providers and NHS trusts to help streamline services, improve patient experience, reduce waiting times and make better use of resources.
Speaking about their selection, Daniel said:
“Being accepted onto the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme is a great opportunity. It will allow me to build on my clinical experience and develop an innovation that could help improve rehabilitation for people with complex physical and neurological conditions.
“The programme will support me to develop ideas that are both practical and scalable, with the potential to benefit patients, staff and the wider health service.”
Sinéad added:
“I’m really pleased to have been selected for the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to develop innovative ideas that can improve patient care and services, and I’m looking forward to learning from and collaborating with others on the programme.”
Dr Jackie Casey, Head of Research and Development for Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions, said:
“This is a significant achievement for both Daniel and Sinéad. The programme is open to healthcare professionals from across the UK and involves a highly competitive selection process.
“Their selection reflects their drive, creativity and commitment to improving healthcare. The programme will provide strong learning, networking and mentoring opportunities to help take their ideas forward.”
Their participation in the programme supports the Southern Trust’s Vision & Strategy 2030, helping to develop innovative, patient-centred services and improve care for people now and in the future.