NHS England’s recently published guidance on access to diagnostics on virtual wards highlights the main requirements “for the delivery of effective virtual wards” and shares recommended priority tests, measures and assessments that “all virtual wards should consider making available to their patients”. The guidance notes that all patients on virtual wards […]
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Lincolnshire Partnership launches Virtual Autism Hub with up to £100,000 in grants for autism support groups
Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has launched a new Virtual Autism Hub to offer non-clinical advice, with the aim of bolstering support for autistic people and their families across Lincolnshire. The hub employs specialist autism navigators, whose role includes providing information and guidance by email, phone, video call or face-to-face […]
92 percent of GP practices in England have cloud-based telephony in place, says NHSE
NHS England has shared an update around GP telephony, stating that 92 percent of GP practices in England now have cloud-based systems in place with remaining practices agreeing dates for upgrades within the next month. During trials, NHSE reports that use of digital phone systems “increased patients’ ability to get […]
NHSE priorities and operational guidance for 2024/25 emphasises need for “strong digital foundations”
NHS England has released priorities and operational planning guidance for 2024/25, with “strong digital foundations” highlighted as “essential for transformation, supporting access, quality and productivity”. Regarding the technology investment announced in the spring budget, NHSE states that “robust plans” will be developed in collaboration with systems, and adds that measurement […]
Pilot scheme trials VR training for medical students at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals
A pilot scheme at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) has trialled the use of VR training for medical students, using a computer-generated scenario in which participants can virtually interact with patients, administer tests, ask patients questions, interact with other medical professionals, diagnose and provide medication. The VR pilot makes […]
Black Country Local Maternity and Neonatal System implements digital feedback platform
The Black Country Local Maternity and Neonatal System has announced a three-year partnership with ImproveWell, a digital platform designed to use real-time feedback to identify areas for improvement, which will see the solution used in maternity services region-wide. The platform provides an avenue for staff to provide their own ideas […]
NHSE board highlights planned development of digital workforce plan, digital maturity as a priority, and more
The NHS England board met on Thursday last week, with discussion emphasising the need to digitally support the workforce and highlighting increased digital maturity as a priority over the next two years. As part of the board meeting, the national director of digital channels summarised progress to date around the […]
Plans for increased digitalisation highlighted in South East London ICS estates and infrastructure strategy
For our latest strategy focus, we’re taking a look at the estates and infrastructure strategy from South East London ICS, with digital noted to play a role in two key estate objectives – working towards net zero estate by 2040, and making smart use of estate through utilisation of technology. […]
NHS Education for Scotland shares plans to update digital platform and review existing architecture
The latest learning and education strategy from NHS Education for Scotland (NES), set to run until 2026, shares a number of plans with a digital focus including updating its digital platform and holding a review of existing data architecture. Within the strategy, NES states that its purpose is to be […]
Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust awards contract for dental patient management software service
Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust (SCFT) has awarded a contract for a dental patient management software service to Newcastle-based Systems for Dentists Limited, for a reported value of 107,117.50. Set to run for five years to February 2029, the contract looks to replace previous patient management software, which was no […]