Mobile health and apps news in brief
GP app Push Doctor expanding to Birmingham and the ever app happy Matt Hancock feature in January’s mobile health and apps news in brief.
Push Doctors agrees deal with primary care networks in Birmingham
GP app Push Doctor has agreed a deal with two primary care networks in Birmingham.
The app, which allows patients to access a doctor online in minutes using your smartphone, tablet or laptop, has agreed a deal with Urban Health and I3.
The networks help improve primary care and consist of 13 practices catering for more than 88,000 patients.
Push Doctor will initially be piloted at the Halcyon Medical surgery in central Birmingham, with the intention to roll out to its other practices in due course.
Wais Shaifta, CEO at Push Doctor, said: “Making digital health consultations more widely available through the NHS benefits patients and the surgeries themselves – as well as chiming with the Government’s intentions to more effectively utilise technology in healthcare – and this partnership will do just that.”
Hancock visits FutureNova to see FlipPad
Matt Hancock has visited the offices of FutureNova to see its FlipPad technology.
Chelmsford-based, FutureNova developed a case for the Apple iPad which allows clinical staff and surgeons to use it in sterile environments.
Joined by his chief technology advisor, Hadley Beeman, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care viewed prototypes and witnessed how FlipPad worked with surgical gloves.
The case is both splash and shock-proof and can be kept sterile with standard infection control sprays.
It can withstand harsh infection control chemicals, whilst the touch-sensitive screen allows staff to control the iPad even when wearing surgical gloves in any sterile environment.
Furthermore, the specialised iPad case allows patients to watch a movie in the comfort of their bed.
It also gives parents the opportunity to research their child’s condition, view their medical records and upcoming clinical regimes, as well as discuss their child’s health plan with clinicians.
Mike Casey, CEO of FutureNova, said: “A lot of our design work with Apple and Microsoft will have a significant impact on digital healthcare. Mr Hancock has a vision of radically improving digital access to healthcare and was extremely interested to see the benefits of our technology for himself.”
OMRON Healthcare to launch wearable oscillometric blood pressure monitor in Europe
OMRON Healthcare is set to launch a wearable oscillometric blood pressure monitor in Europe this year.
HeartGuide, which takes the form of a smartwatch, for those who want to keep close watch on their blood pressure anytime, anywhere.
The gadget uses oscillometric measurement to determine medically accurate blood pressure readings, which is the same technology used in a doctor’s office.
It was announced at this year’s CES show in Las Vegas that it would be available in Europe this year.
Omron Healthcare President and CEO, Ranndy Kellogg, said: “Consumer response has been overwhelming. HeartGuide is another example of how Omron is going for zero heart attacks and strokes – by creating innovative tools that help patients monitor their blood pressure and engage with their heart health in new ways.”
