Welcome to your daily dose of digital health news, information, and events to keep you informed and ahead of the curve.
👇 News
💬 The University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) has introduced a mobile endoscopy unit to reduce wait times for diagnostic tests. Operating seven days a week, the unit aims to clear waiting lists for planned and surveillance procedures over the next six months. Equipped with two diagnostic rooms and decontamination facilities, this initiative prioritizes efficiency and patient care.
🤖 Robotic rehabilitation coaches are being tested in Vienna as part of an international study focusing on stroke patients’ recovery. By connecting patients to a robot via a headset that monitors brain activity, the robot can interpret intended movements during exercises, providing real-time feedback. This innovative approach aims to enhance patient engagement and adherence to rehabilitation programs.
🚀 Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust has appointed its first nurse dedicated to driving digital transformation. In her new role, Carrie Calvin will offer clinical input, support the adoption of new technologies, and assist clinicians in utilizing digital systems effectively. One of her initial tasks is to facilitate the implementation of Connect, a new electronic patient handover system.
📱Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust has launched a series of digital skills workshops in collaboration with the Digital Poverty Alliance. Designed to empower older community members with essential mobile technology skills, these workshops cover making calls, navigating the web securely, and utilizing the NHS App. This initiative aims to boost confidence and digital literacy among older demographics.
🍼 East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust has rolled out an electronic patient record system, My Pregnancy Notes, in its maternity unit at Lister Hospital. This web-based system ensures comprehensive maternity care, enabling real-time communication between parents and care teams across pregnancy, birth, and postnatal stages.
❓Did you know?
According to a recent report by The Health Foundation, the UK’s performance in hospital-based care ranks poorly compared to other high-income countries. Long waiting times for specialist appointments and non-emergency surgeries, limited access to out-of-hours care, and high treatment costs contribute to the UK’s healthcare challenges.
Ruth Thorlby from The Health Foundation emphasizes the need for significant improvements in the UK healthcare system to enhance patient experiences and outcomes.
📖 What we’re reading
In a blog for the Nuffield Trust, Dr. Jess Morley warns against viewing AI as a cure-all for the NHS’s problems. She stresses the importance of realistic expectations, robust data infrastructure, clear regulatory frameworks, and ethical considerations in utilizing AI effectively in healthcare.
🚨 Upcoming events
Join the webinar on 3 September titled “Thinking Differently: Narrowing Health Inequalities” to explore innovative strategies for reducing health disparities.
