“Transformation isn’t just an aspiration, it’s an imperative.”
That was the rallying call as the Bevan Commission hosted the first-ever System Transformation Lab (STL), bringing together nominated leaders from across NHS Wales to explore how innovation can tackle the major challenges facing the health and care system in Wales.
Over three days, senior healthcare staff from NHS Wales health boards and trusts worked side by side using design thinking, innovation sprints, and rapid prototyping techniques to help find solutions to common challenges together. The aim was to generate bold, practical, and sustainable solutions that could ease system pressures and improve patient care and outcomes.
Dr Tom Howson, Head of Transformation and Innovation at the Bevan Commission, described the Lab as a turning point in how leaders approach change. “This wasn’t just about learning; it was about doing,” he said. “The group rolled up their sleeves to design innovative solutions to common system-wide issues. It was such an inspiring event, and we’d like to thank everyone who took part for their commitment, enthusiasm and drive to make a difference.”
The STL builds on the success of the Bevan Commission’s Innovation Intensive Learning Week, but with a sharper focus on sprint-style collaboration. Leaders combined national insight with local expertise to share priorities, challenge assumptions, and fast-track new ideas. Each participant left with a proposal to take back to their organisation for further development and implementation.
The proposals generated during the Lab will now be refined into practical projects with clear value, measurable impact, and timelines for testing. The Bevan Commission will continue to work closely with participants and their organisations to drive forward this work, ensuring alignment with national priorities, wider sharing and engagement and ongoing system transformation programmes.
