Digital Health News’ top 5 stories of the week

This week’s top stories include our latest poll which asked readers whether there should be restrictions on how quickly individuals can leave digital leadership roles in the NHS and move to the digital health private sector. Though the poll has now closed, we will be publishing the results shortly. Another top story was a care robot being tested in smart homes for dementia patients. 

1. Should there be restrictions on moving to the private sector after NHS employment?

Taking the number one spot this week was our poll which asked readers their thoughts on whether digital leaders in the NHS should face restrictions when moving to the digital health private sector. More than 400 people voted and the results are due to be published shortly so keep your eyes peeled.

2. Movers and shakers news round-up

In at number two was our latest movers and shakers round up, which this month featured some new digital appointments at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Sarah Moorhead and Andrew Haywood have been appointed associate directors of digital at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT). Both will report to Richard Corbridge, chief digital and information officer at LTHT, who said the appointments ‘bolster the leadership’ at the trust and its ‘digital vision’.

3. Remote-monitoring device for heart patients slashes Norfolk A&E visits

Next up was a case report from the recently published NHS Long Term Plan which looked into how a remote-monitoring service for people living with heart and lung conditions helped to reduce A&E admissions in Norfolk. Patients were equipped with devices that allowed them to monitor their vital signs, including blood pressure, temperature, weight, pulse rate and oxygen saturation in their own homes. Norfolk Community Health and Care Trust said this helped reduced A&E admissions by 89%.

4. First care robot linked to smart homes tested for dementia patients

In at number four was the news that a are robot which links to smart homes could be used to help patient’s with dementia live independently in their own homes. The robot is able to navigate the room to find patient on its own, provides video instructions on simple tasks and can even lead patients to their medication or food if they forget to do so themselves.

5. IT experts from Newcastle Hospitals shortlisted for Unsung Hero award

And finally, the number five spot this week went to our story on how IT experts from Newcastle Hospitals have been shortlisted for this year’s Unsung Hero Award. Sean Dodds, an IT development manager at The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, is a finalist in the ‘Everyday hero in IT’ category. He’s joined by the IT development team at the Trust, who are finalists in the ‘Team of the year in IT’ category.