Industry news in brief

January’s industry news in brief features a new mobile X-ray unit going down a storm at Nuffield Health Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospital, and the launch of a national search for technological solutions that could help those suffering from dementia. Across the pond, an app and website that helps identify safe sports supplements has been launched in the US.

Nuffield Health in Newcastle welcomes new mobile radiology unit.

A new mobile X-year unit has been introduced at Nuffield Health Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospital’s radiology department.

The Fujifilm FDR nano promises to be agile and flexible due to its lightweight and small size. Its image processing technology allows radiologists to capture high-quality images while limiting the amount of radiation patients are exposed to.

Amanda Cumersdale, radiology manager at Nuffield Health Newcastle, said the new unit had become a “key part” of the hospital’s service delivery.

“We wanted our new mobile unit to be intuitive, easily manoeuvrable and small, and the FDR nano ticked all of those boxes,” said Cumersdale.

“Many of our staff are new to DR and to FUJIFILM, and they have found it very intuitive and have learnt to navigate the unit with minimal training. The compact size makes it ideal for our department and ward spaces, and we’ve been surprised at how versatile it is and how much we’ve used it.”

National search for dementia innovations and technologies launched

The first national search for innovations and technologies that help people with dementia has been launched.

Challenge Dementia, which is supported by Nesta and led by Essex County Council, is a UK-wide prize initiative.

The challenge is open to individuals, teams and companies from across the UK with ideas for products, technologies and services that will enable people living with dementia to remain connected to the people around them, and “maintain their identity.”

In May, a panel of judges will invite up to 10 finalists to test and develop their ideas in Essex over a six-month period.  Each will receive £5,000 and access to dementia experts from across the community, voluntary, public and private sector as well as people living with dementia.  £100,000 will be awarded to the winner who successfully meets the entry and judging criteria.

The deadline for applications is noon on 13 April, with the winner expected to be announced in December.

Arjo announces partnership with Sony Mobile to launch equipment-tracking tech

Arjo has announced it is partnering with Sony Mobile in order to launch a solution for tracking medical equipment.

The cloud-based solution uses sensors to help clinicians keep tabs on equipment and reduce the amount of time spent looking for it.

“The partnership with Sony Mobile is an important milestone in our digitalisation efforts to help our customers improve healthcare efficiency,” said Joacim Lindoff, president and CEO of Arjo. “With this state of the art technology from Sony Mobile, healthcare providers can focus their resources on ensuring the best possible care at a lower cost.”

US study reveals increasing interest in telehealth

A US study has revealed an increasing interest in telehealth.

Vidyo, which provides high-definition video calling, spoke to more than 300 clinical and IT professionals with decision-making authority over telemedicine and telehealth investments and practices in the US.

The survey revealed 75% of healthcare delivery organisations are investing in telehealth.

It also showed that telehealth itself ranks as one of the top four investment priorities for providers across all healthcare domains.

Diabetes prevention programme provider hopes to expand outside the US

Diabetes prevention program provider Blue Mesa Health has partnered up with a German-based science and technology company to expand its services outside the US.

Merck KGaA Darmstadt has developed a pre-diabetic medication called Glucophage, which has more than 60 years of clinical use.

On the other side, Blue Mesa Health has designed and commercialised two chronic disease prevention programmes, one of which uses a smartphone app.

The pair are hoping to work together to pilot a behavioural change program.

App that identifies safe sports supplements is launched

An app and website that helps identify safe sports supplements has been launched in the US.

NSF International, a global public health and safety organisation, launched the Certified for Sport app to help protect athletes and consumers from potentially harmful ingredients and banned substances in dietary supplements.

The app features search capabilities, side-by-side product comparisons and a barcode scanner that allows users to check whether a supplement contains a banned substance.

Technology to reduce symptoms of Parkinson’s disease showcased in the Middle East

A new technology that purports to be able to help reduce the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease has been showcased at an exhibition in the Middle East.

The London Clinic, a London-based private hospital and charity, took the Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) technology to Arab Health.

It involves a surgical procedure during which electrodes are implanted into the areas of the brain that control movement.

Patients are given an easy-to-use iPod controller, which they can use to adjust their DBS settings within a pre-set range (set by their consultant), giving them greater control over their symptoms.