Health IT news in brief

This week’s health IT news in brief covers a new sharing device for NHS trusts in the West Midlands, BT’s new public sector strategy, the launch of a new smartphone to keep healthcare workers safe and the need for video surveillance technology for people living with dementia.

NHS trusts in West Midlands to benefit from sharing service

UK based enterprise imaging provider, Insignia Medical Systems, will provide its regional sharing service to the West Midlands Genomic Medicine Centre’s which covers 18 trusts. Insignia will provide its InSight Sharing Service to deliver real-time regional clinical viewing of images to support delivery of the project.

The first trusts will go live this summer, and the others by March 2018. According to Insignia managing director Richard Dormer, it has the potential to extend beyond the life of the 100,000 Genomes Project, improving patient care and clinical outcomes.

Doro launches smartphone to keep vulnerable healthcare workers safe

Doro, a global provider of mobile phone technology has launched 8020X, a smartphone designed to keep lone workers safe and secure during their professional lives. If a nurse enters an environment where they are at risk, they can set a timer on their Doro 8020X, if not turned off in a pre-determined time, the device will send an SMS with the worker’s GPS location to up-to five pre-programmed contacts.

It will then dial the numbers in rotation until answered. Employers can also remotely check for inactivity, low battery or alerts to provide support where required.

BT strengthens local sales teams to support new decentralised public sector model

BT has announced a new public sector strategy which ties in to the appointment of six new regional directors across the UK. The new approach will place a greater focus on delivering services to public sector organisations on a regional and devolved basis. The new directors will be responsible for implementing BT’s public sector strategy in their geographic area.

This includes working with local NHS healthcare organisations, councils, schools and universities, as well as developing BT’s smart cities portfolio across the UK. BT has more than 1,800 public sector customers across the UK, providing a range of fixed and mobile networking, contact centre, cloud and security solutions.

Ulster University dementia research reveals need for video surveillance technology

With the number of people living with dementia (worldwide) set to rise to 136 million by 2050, Ulster University’s research explored ethical considerations around the use of camera-based systems. Ulster University professor and lead researcher Maurice Mulvenna said it helps those with dementia to live more independently at home for longer, while providing peace of mind for their family in terms of their wellbeing.

“This Ulster University research highlights support for the technology, however, it also indicates a need to define home video surveillance clearly so that both carers and those living with dementia are aware of how it works in practice”, Mulvenna said.

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals launches new online disability access guide

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has launched a comprehensive online accessibility guide. It allows patients, visitors and staff to find a whole range of accessibility information, such as where a department is located, parking spots, whether there are lifts to access other floors or if a hearing loop is fitted at reception.

The trust’s patient experience manager, Sam Fogg said he hopes the guide will help disabled patients and visitors plan their visit to hospital and provide them with the best possible experience.

Patient Opinion integrates health and social care feedback

Award-winning feedback platform for UK Healthcare, Patient Opinion, evolves to become Care Opinion. The change reflects the need to respond to the increasing integration of health and social care services across the UK.

People can post feedback on Care Opinion about a wide range of health and care services. Service staff are automatically alerted, where possible, and can respond directly via the site.