NHS Digital is exploring how wireless technologies can support the delivery of improved health and care through a series of trials.
The Wireless Centre of Excellence allows NHS organisations to apply for funding for innovative wireless technology to support them in making connectivity improvements in health and care settings. Organisations in the process of implementing wireless solutions are encouraged to apply along with organisations considering implementations, with the trials open for application now.
The scheme is a one-year programme though longer trials will be considered. Applicants must provide an overview of their wireless project and objectives along with anticipated outcomes and impacts for delivery of health and social care, and the need or challenge they are trying to overcome.
Previous NHS Digital wireless trials include University College London Hospitals’ Find and Treat Service, in which high-tech software provides real-time remote diagnosis and referrals on board a mobile health unit, and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust’s move to become the first 5G-connected hospital in the UK.
“Wireless technologies will continue to play an increasingly important role as the NHS looks to implement new models of care to allow patients to receive treatment at home or in mobile health settings,” said Patrick Clark, NHS Digital’s Director of Infrastructure Services. “They will also help provide clinicians with access to data and digital systems wherever they need it. We are already seeing many of the benefits of cutting-edge wireless technology and innovation – from enabling real-time remote diagnosis in a mobile health unit to supporting live observations in the first 5G hospital in the UK.
“These projects are a step-forward in digital transformation and will bring an array of benefits, particularly for those least able to access healthcare and for digitally isolated hospitals and health centres. We look forward to working with successful trialists this year to further realise the benefits of wireless technologies and high-speed connectivity in improving healthcare.”
Applications close 29 July. Find out more, including how to apply, here.
