Health IT news in brief

This week’s health IT news in brief covers concerns over protection of personal data in the UK, the enhancement of clinical trials and patient safety through a new industry partnership and a multi-million pound health tech hub to accelerate development of pioneering healthcare technology.

Survey reveals concerns about protection of personal data

UKCloud Health, the specialist healthcare division of UKCloud, recently revealed its findings into the general public’s stance on data protection. The survey of more than 2,000 UK adults identified that 75% were concerned about the protection of their personal data – such as financial, tax and criminal records – and 72% said they were concerned about the protection of their personally identifiable data, including their date of birth or address.

The survey also showed that the British public would rather that organisations keep their personal data in the UK, with 82% of British adults stating that the government should seek their permission before storing and processing their personal data with non-UK businesses.

Newcastle Joint Research Office and Ideagen team up to enhance clinical trials and patient safety

Newcastle Joint Research Office (NJRO) is working with software firm Ideagen to implement Ideagen’s Q-Pulse quality management software, enabling them to move away from paper-based and manual processes.

Lesley McShane, information manager at the NJRO said Q-Pulse – which is already in place within several departments at The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – will provide them with a robust system for quality. The NJRO is a partnership that bridges researchers in both Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals supporting the joint development, implementation and delivery of world-class research.

£2 million health tech hub to accelerate development of pioneering healthcare technology

Ulster University is to invest £2 million in a new health technology hub. The hub will support the rapid research and development of new life-changing and life-saving healthcare technology. It aims to make a global impact on healthcare costs and improve patient treatment, working with clinicians and industry to quickly develop ideas and concepts into reality.

Jim McLaughlin, director of Nanotechnology and Integrated Bioengineering Centre at Ulster University said by bringing together knowledge and expertise within the new health technology hub, he hopes to improve research outcomes, optimise the potential of collaboration between researchers from industry and academia and put Ulster University in a strong position to bid for new research funding in the international health technology.

Medica confirm continued contract with Insignia

UK-based enterprise imaging provider, Insignia Medical Systems, announced a five-year renewal of their contract with Medica, who provide a NHS equivalent reporting solution in the UK.

Medica first selected Insignia as their PACS provider in 2007, ten years later they have again selected to renew their contract for another five years. Insignia provides Medica’s digital imaging services, through its InSight PACS, for more than 250 radiologists who report over 1.3 million images a year for over 100 UK trusts.

Each of the 100 plus trusts has an Insignia Departmental Server connected to their Trust PACS, and Medica has a central IMS and departmental server to manage these complex workflows. Richard Dormer,  Insignia Medical Systems managing director, said being able to support so many NHS trusts and their patients is testament to our beliefs as a company.