Let’s take a look at some of the health tech news stories that have caught our eye in March.
My Medical Record integrates with NHS App at University Hospital Southampton
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust has announced the integration of its My Medical Record platform with the NHS App, meaning patients can now use the app to view outpatient appointments and referral information.
Patients will still be able to view appointment details, documents, blood test results, and condition specific content from the My Medical Record platform. They can also use the service to update details about their height, weight, and blood pressure, as well as to add notes relating to their condition and overall health.
Children given free access to app to combat anxiety in Gloucestershire
Children in Gloucestershire are being given free access to a new app designed to help combat anxiety, with the Lumi Nova app developed for children aged 7-12 with the aim of offering them a “fun, safe, and interactive environment” to access anxiety support.
Available on Apple and Android devices, the app is free to download for anyone living in Gloucestershire.
Benedict Leigh, director of integrated commissioning for NHS Gloucestershire, said: “We are delighted to offer children in Gloucestershire, and their parents, the chance to use Lumi Nova. We know there can be moments in every child’s life where they feel uncertain, scared or worried. Lumi Nova is a great way to help children with feelings of anxiety; whether that is being scared of the dark, worried about school or not being able to sleep. With Lumi Nova children can select from a number of different challenges within the app which offers support to meet their needs. We’ve seen a great number of sign ups in the first six weeks and we’ve had positive feedback.”
DadPad app for new and expectant dads relaunched in Coventry
The DadPad app, which offers support and guidance for new and expectant dads, has been relaunched in Coventry to help dads “prepare for and transition into new parenthood”.
Covering things like nappy changing, safer sleep, available support, infant feeding and first aid, the app is intended to “develop a relationship of trust and confidence between dad and the frontline perinatal healthcare professionals, bringing dad into settings that he’s traditionally and historically been excluded from”.
The app’s latest developments have included a more user-friendly interface, and a community group area to help dads connect with others in their area.
New platform empowering children and young people in Coventry and Warwickshire
A new Positive Pathways platform has been launched in Coventry and Warwickshire, offering children and young people the opportunity to access activities in their local area, support with skills and employability, and the ability to connect with groups and services in their community.
As well as offering these functionalities for young people, the platform also supports parents in getting involved in their children’s health, and supports health professionals who are working with young people who may be struggling to access support, streamlining referral processes to “non-medical support services”.
Lyn Ranson, clinical consultant lead West Midlands Trauma Vanguard at NHS Coventry and Warwickshire, called the platform “a valuable tool for children and young people and professionals alike” and said: “The platform represents a repository of opportunities and activities in an easy-to-use format to foster positive outcomes for the children and young people across Coventry and Warwickshire. In addition, the Vanguard commissioned the development of a look up tool for Warwickshire to compliment the already established navigation tool in place for Coventry. This resource is a fantastic example of how the Vanguard project is promoting a person-first approach and empowering our local young people to choose how they access support that is right for them.”
New website for mental health support in Portsmouth
A new website is offering Portsmouth residents the chance to access mental health support “before they reach crisis point”, building on work already done on the Portsmouth Mental Health Hub in 2023 to provide telephone support for those aged 16 and over.
The Hub has already taken over 3,000 calls, with 1,500 residents being referred for further support. It is hoped that the website will add an additional way for patients, friends and families to find support for themselves or those close to them.
Abi Clarkson, head of access at Solent NHS Trust, said: “We are really pleased to be expanding our mental health offer with the website – giving people the choice of how they seek mental health support as we know that people’s preferences are different, especially when taking that brave first step. Throughout people’s lives, we fully recognise that many situations can contribute to poor mental health such as financial, housing and relationship matters. That is why we encourage the city’s residents to reach out to the Portsmouth Mental Health Hub by phone or online to get help to improve their mental health before they reach crisis point.”
Our last news in brief article featured a VR app for blood transfusion training, cyber security e-learning, online kidney donor education, and more.
