We’re taking a look at some of the latest stories in health tech, exploring topics such as AI pilot schemes, digital apps, virtual reality and more.
Oxford University NHS Foundation Trust joins remote monitoring trial for MND patients
Oxford University NHS Foundation Trust has joined an NHS clinical trial testing remote monitoring technology with the aim to help improve patient access to breathing support from home. As one of the 12 areas within England taking part in the DENIM trial, Oxfordshire will assess the benefits of using portable ventilators for patients with motor neurone disease (MND) and how these tools can help to “extend life and improve quality of life in MND patients, whilst also alleviating symptoms of breathing problems”.
The study is set to finish at the end of January 2028 and includes 252 people nationally, with patients initially being given the usual care before being offered more “intensive support and remote monitoring”.
Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust joins NHS pilot scheme testing AI technology
Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust is introducing AI technology as part of an NHS pilot scheme that hopes to improve the identification of possible broken bones and dislocations in emergency patients. The two-year study is being launched by NHS England by the end of November 2025. It looks at the use of cloud-based software as an “additional tool” to assist emergency department and radiography teams and how it can help with diagnosing issues more quickly and reducing patient time spent in EDs.
Explaining more about the pilot scheme, advanced practitioner reporting radiographer, Jake Bates said: “The way it works is that alongside the standard image, the patient record will also contain a near-instant AI annotated version of the image which will highlight any potential issues which the clinician may want to examine further. However, it’s important to note that this is not about replacing clinical expertise – every X Ray will still be examined by our clinicians, and they will make the final decision about the diagnosis and the correct course of treatment for that patient.”
1,000 people download the One Stockport Family Hubs app
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust has revealed that 1,000 people have downloaded the One Stockport Family Hubs app since its release in summer 2025. The app was designed to provide “easy access to information” for families, parents-to-be, parents and carers through expert advice, local information and personalised support. It includes key features for the support of young people too, offering tailored information for every stage of development, as well as dedicated sections for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust uses Interpreter on Wheels to improve patient experience
North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust are now using ‘Kez’ the Interpreter on Wheels (IOW) to communicate with patients who do not use English as their first language. This means they can discuss medical conditions and appointments and help with directing patients to the right departments and services without needing a face-to-face interpreter.
A total of 85 portable IOW stations have been implemented across the region over the past 18 months, offering 270 languages, including British Sign Language. “Whilst we cannot use the IOW in a medical or clinical capacity, it will be a great asset to enable our volunteers to access the interpreting service for more conversational challenges,” the trust’s head of volunteering, Tori Fergusson said.
University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust uses virtual reality goggles during spinal surgery
University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust has introduced the virtual reality goggles known as the Magic Leap system to give surgeons “detailed 3D images of a patient’s spine during an operation”. According to the trust, this is the first time the device is being used in the UK for spinal surgery, providing a “new level of precision”.
Vinay Jasani, consultant spinal surgeon at the trust, outlined how the tool works: “It allows us to merge multiple images, such as X-rays and MRI scans for a clearer more accurate view. In spinal surgery, the margin for error is incredibly small, so anything that reduces complications and improves patient safety is a major step forward.”
Speech therapy app being used for stroke patients at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital
Luton and Dunstable University Hospital is using a new app called CueSpeak to provide therapy to patients who struggle with speaking, reading, writing and understanding. It reportedly has a “broad range of evidence-based therapy” and is being offered to inpatients on the trust’s stroke ward to support their speech and language function.
According to Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, therapy provided through the app can be undertaken by therapy technicians, relatives or by the patients themselves. They’ve shared how the tool has already received positive feedback, with “one hundred percent of patients” recommending the app after having found it beneficial.
NHS East London NHS Foundation Trust shares update on Lumi Nova app
NHS East London NHS Foundation Trust has shared an update on the use of the mobile video game, Lumi Nova throughout the region. The game was initially commissioned by the trust in 2022 with the aim to “help improve the mental health of young people”, ease anxiety and build confidence in children aged 7-12.
The latest update from the trust reports that nearly 800 children within the area have accessed the game between April 2024 and March 2025, with 65 percent of users having experienced a “clinical-level mental health challenge” before using the app. Since then, 72 percent of those users have reported an improvement in their wellbeing, relationships and school life as a result of accessing Lumi Novi. A further 39 percent of children playing the game are from ethnic minority backgrounds, with 83 percent of them noting “improvements in their day-to-day lives” after downloading the application.
