From Pharmacy First uptake, AI pilots to remote monitoring and more, here are some of the latest health and tech news stories we’ve found from across the UK this month.
University of Exeter awarded £2.4 million for cancer testing pilot
The University of Exeter has received £2.4 million in funding for their pilot project, which aims to help GPs detect early warning signs of cancer through blood tests. The High or Elevated Level of Platelets (HELP) Flag project uses an algorithm to apply “more personalised thresholds” to platelet counts, taking into account age and gender to help assist with testing for bowel and lung cancer.
The funding was awarded through the NHS Cancer Programme, with support from SBRI Healthcare and the Accelerated Access Collaborative and will reportedly help “test how well the new system is working to detect cancer earlier”, with the overall aim of improving patient outcomes. The pilot will take place over a two-year period, with experts claiming, “it could flag 10,000 patients a year who have a raised blood platelet count before their cancer diagnosis”, should the pilot expand across the NHS.
NHS Humber Health Partnership uses AI to improve MRI scans
NHS Humber Health Partnership have introduced the AI software known as Air Recon Deep Learning (ARDL) to their existing MRI machines, to help minimise background noise and generate clearer images in a shorter time. This has reportedly led to a reduction in the time it takes for each MRI scan “by a third in some cases”.
Each routine scan now takes 10 to 15 minutes less time to complete than it had previously, according to the partnership. “In a full day of scanning routine lumbar spine patients, staff would previously see 21 over the course of 12 hours, they can now get through 31”.
The AI software is currently being used in Hull Royal and Castle Hill hospitals, with plans to introduce full services to Scunthorpe General Hospital and Grimsby’s Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital over the coming months.
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust introduces MinderCare remote monitoring tool for dementia patients
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust now offers remote monitoring for people living with dementia, providing specialist support through their at-home service, which they hope will allow for more “appropriate interventions and earlier treatments for some of the most vulnerable people living in the community”.
The introduction of the MinderCare tool means that clinicians can now access more patient information that will help them “better understand how the person is managing their daily routine”. Once installed in a home, the service uses a network of smart sensors, which are connected to the internet, to collect data around trends in movement, breathing patterns and the patient’s heart rate. The data is then sent back to the appropriate medical team so that they check for any changes in health or care needs, with the aim to reduce hospital admissions and increase patient independence.
King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust launches detailed access guides for patients
King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has partnered with AccessAble to provide detailed access guides for patients of King’s College Hospital and Princess Royal University Hospital. The guides give patients information on different departments, wards and services through photos and videos of these areas, while also providing facts and figures that might be helpful for accessibility, including lighting levels, ramp access routes, walking distances, accessible toilets and the location of Blue Badge parking bays.
The resources are designed to help patients plan visits with “greater ease and confidence”, with over 150 different options to choose from when it comes to navigating the hospitals. “We know everyone’s accessibility needs are different,” Angela Helleur, chief delivery officer at the trust, said. “Our work with AccessAble will help make sure that our visitors and patients can visit our sites with confidence and ease, and ensure we have an inclusive, welcoming environment for everyone.”
Surgeons use LithoVue Elite tool to monitor kidney pressure in Southampton
University Hospital Southampton has introduced a new ureteroscope called LithoVue Elite, to help with monitoring kidney pressure during surgery. According to the hospital, the tool uses a tiny surgical camera with a pressure sensor, which is used during ureteroscopies to deliver precise, real-time data readings next to a live video feed, meaning that surgeons can “act immediately” when it comes to any changes in kidney pressure.
The small camera uses a high-resolution chip to capture detailed images from inside the urinary tract so that surgeons can see kidney stones, tissue abnormalities or bleeding in an “easier” way as they conduct the procedure. “The technology allows us to treat complex cases with greater confidence and precision, meaning better outcomes for our patients,” Professor Bhaskar Somani, consultant urological surgeon at the trust, said.
Over 150,000 patients use Pharmacy First service in south west London
According to NHS South West London, over 150,000 consultations have taken place across the region since the introduction of the Pharmacy First service. Now patients can be treated for a range of common conditions while also having access to urgent medicine supply without needing to see their GP or attend urgent care.
Since the service was launched in January 2024, a total of 266 pharmacies now use the Pharmacy First service across south west London, with the latest figures showing that 70,000 patients received “advice, treatment and medicines from the pharmacy in their area for conditions such as sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles and uncomplicated urinary tract infections”. A further 35,000 minor illness referrals took place, as well as 45,000 consultations for urgent medicine supplies.
