Introduction
The Manchester Rare Conditions Centre is developing a new Clinical Innovation Exchange to support shared learning, practical discussion and stronger collaboration across rare conditions services in Manchester.
The Exchange will bring together clinical, research, patient and system perspectives around the practical questions that shape rare conditions care, service development and improvement.
Why this is needed
Rare conditions often involve long and complex journeys across different services. Manchester has significant expertise in rare conditions, including specialist clinical services, diagnostics, genomics, research, education and patient involvement. However, there are still limited structured opportunities to bring people together around the shared challenges that sit across services.
Good practice and learning are not always shared. Important conversations about service models, commissioning, diagnostics, transition, sustainability and patient experience can happen in separate places.
What the Exchange will do
The Clinical Innovation Exchange will provide a forum for people working across rare conditions to share learning, discuss service models and explore common challenges.
This may include discussion around highly specialised services, other specialist rare conditions services, diagnostic pathways, genomics, commissioning, transition, research links, workforce, sustainability and patient and family experience.
The aim is not to create another meeting for the sake of it. The Exchange is intended to help connect existing expertise, strengthen relationships across services and support more joined-up thinking about how rare conditions services are developed and improved in Manchester.
Help shape the Exchange
As this work develops, MRCC is inviting expressions of interest from people who may wish to help shape, lead or take part in the Exchange.
We are keen to hear from clinicians, nurses, allied health professionals, researchers, service managers, commissioners, patient and family representatives, charities and others with relevant experience in rare conditions, service development, diagnostics, research or system leadership.
To express interest, or to find out more, please contact:
Dinesh Chawla
MRCC Manager
Dinesh.Chawla@mft.nhs.uk
Please respond by 1st July 2026.