Digital Health Coffee Time Briefing ☕

Your morning summary of digital health news, information and events to know about if you want to be “in the know”.

👇 News

🔌 The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust has integrated Answer Digital‘s electronic referral service (eRS) with its electronic patient record (EPR) system to speed up its referral processes and enhance patient care. In collaboration with Rotherham NHS, Answer Digital developed an eRS integration that automates the extraction of referral documents and data directly into trusts’ EPR or document management systems. Rotherham NHS says the automation has resulted in a 50% reduction in the effort required to process referrals, delivering significant time savings since the solution was deployed in August 2024.

📍 South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust has partnered with Living Map to implement a digital mapping solution to improve wayfinding at Warwick Hospital. The digital map highlights accessible, stair-free routing and collects data on spatial hotspots and foot traffic, which can be used to improve patient flow and ensure more efficient hospital operations. The tool also displays public transport links, promoting more sustainable ways of travelling to and from the hospital.

🤝 Surrey County Council is rolling out a tech-powered initiative to support unpaid carers. Through a partnership with carer-led digital community Mobilise, the council will offer free access to on-demand expert advice, peer support and various tools and resources to an estimated 90,000 people providing unpaid care in Surrey. An AI-powered assistant is also available to help carers quickly and easily find specific information or support.

🚀 Sona, an ultrasound-based assessment technology developed with the National Physical Laboratory, is preparing for a 2025 spinout after securing £200k investment from the UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund. Unlike traditional mammograms, Sona’s device does not require imaging or trained radiologists, offering a more accessible way for women to monitor breast density – a key factor in breast cancer risk. Early trials suggest the technology could improve early detection and streamline screening processes.

💼 Healthcare technology company Cera has set a target for 10% of new recruits to its workforce over the next 12 months to be people returning to the workforce after a period of economic inactivity. The company hopes its ‘Back to Work Coalition’ will create thousands of digital healthcare jobs while equipping people who have been out of work with tech and digital skills – key to plugging skills gaps in the UK’s health and social care sectors.

❓Did you know?

The number of people being admitted to hospital following a stroke has risen by 28% in the last 20 years, according to data from NHS England, published on 17 November 2024. 

The analysis shows an increase to 111,137 stroke admissions in England in 2023/24, from 87,069 in 2004/5, which NHSE said is driven in part by an ageing population and lifestyle factors impacting the nation’s cardiovascular health.

There has also been a 55% rise in admissions among people aged 50-59 years-old, the highest increase among any age group. This is compared to a 42% increase for 60-69 year-olds and a 25% rise for 70-79 year-olds.

📖 What we’re reading

The Nuffield Trust’s report, What needs to improve for social care to better support people with dementia?, published 20 November 2024, examines the rising demand for dementia care and the challenges faced by the UK’s social care system in meeting these needs.

Among its findings, the report highlights the potential for technology to enhance dementia care, particularly through AI-based tools for risk prediction and assistive technologies that promote independence and safety at home. 

However, it notes that the adoption of new digital tools are frequently hindered by systemic challenges, including fragmented implementation efforts and outdated digital infrastructure. These issues, compounded by a lack of strategic investment, prevent care services from fully realising the potential of digital innovation, the report says.

🚨 Upcoming events

3 December, online – AI in Women’s Health