Find out what’s going on in health tech news with our latest news in brief. Here are some of the stories that recently caught our attention.
Sexual health digital hub launches in Leeds
A new digital hub has launched in Leeds, offering support and advice on sexual health in a quick and accessible way. Commissioned by Leeds City Council, the hub gives valuable information specifically aimed at young people, to keep them informed about emergency contraception and testing for STIs, pregnancy and HIV.
Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds GP Confederation and Forum Central, were all involved in the implementation of the new digital hub, as part of a commitment to deliver sexual health services across the city.
Amanda Hammond, Operation Head of Leeds Sexual Health Service, said: “The new Digital Hub is an important step forward in making sexual healthcare responsive to the needs of the community. Our online services make it easier than ever to access the right support when and where it’s needed.”
135,00 patients manage appointments with online portal
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS trust introduced their patient portal in 2023 and have since had more than 135,000 patients registered, with 20,000 of those patients using it regularly. The portal allows patients to access their health information online, manage appointments and receive clinical correspondence. The trust notes that it has reduced paper letters by nearly half a million.
MPFT Digital and SSHIS team up to help tackle digital poverty in Staffordshire
Midlands Partnership University (MPFT Digital) and Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Health Informatics Service have teamed up to tackle digital poverty within the Staffordshire area. They take technology that can no longer be used by staff and gift it to the community. This includes laptops, desktops, keyboards and tablets that have already served their purpose within the trust.
In one instance, equipment was donated to Stafford Manor High School, who then passed it onto students and families in need. This recycling scheme is all part of MPFT’s Green Plan, while also helping to tackle digital exclusion. One trustee shared, “with the kind support of MPFT we’ve been able to rehome 434 laptops and 32 desktop PCs for community benefit in Staffordshire and beyond. That’s at least 456 lives completely changed by the opportunities these devices have created”.
New research and innovation director appointed at Mersey Care
Earlier this month, Mersey Care appointed a new Director of Research and Innovation. Professor Dan Joyce is set to lead in the implementation of new projects and important research within the trust. He has a background in consultant psychiatry and currently works as the Chair of Connected Mental Health within M-RIC at Mersey Care and the University of Liverpool.
In his new role, Professor Joyce aims to address some of the most pressing challenges within the Mental Health Research and Innovation Centre, looking at the utilisation of more advanced technologies and methodologies. As 1st December 2024, he will be taking over from Professor Hussain, who spent the last two years guiding innovation and research within the trust.
Virtual reality used to support palliative care
Finally, over the past year, the Living Well Centre at the John Eastwood Hospice has been integrating VR technology into their care routine, helping to improve the quality of life for end-of-life patients. The partnership between Nottinghamshire Healthcare and the John Eastwood Hospice Trust has enabled patients to engage in relaxing and immersive experiences, such as spending time on the beach or swimming with Dolphins.
Feedback from patients and family members has been positive, with the VR experience showing promise in multiple areas. It is said to have helped to improve physical abilities and sparked important memories of meaningful moments from their lives. Dr Sanchia Biswas, lead clinical psychologist in Palliative Care at the Hospice commented on the VR project to say, “it has been great to see what a positive impact it has had on our patients and their families”.
