Digital Health Christmas Coffee Briefing

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

News

Derby-based medtech firm Pennine Healthcare has raised £2,000 for Prostate Cancer UK through a year of fundraising which culminated in Christmas Jumper Day and a Christmas raffle. The raffle generated £555 in ticket sales, with prizes donated by local businesses. Funds will support the charity’s mission to improve the lives of those affected by prostate cancer and advance research into the disease.

Yorkshire Cancer Research is celebrating new research with an installation of stars outside the Bexley Wing at St James’s Hospital in Leeds as part of its ‘Help Yorkshire Shine’ campaign. The charity is raising awareness of the pioneering FOxTROT 3 clinical trial, which is helping to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer in Yorkshire. These life-giving medical breakthroughs are giving people in Leeds and beyond more Christmases to enjoy with their family and friends, the trust said.

Young patients from Evelina London Children’s Hospital, part of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, have enjoyed a festive Thames cruise with Santa, organised by the Port of London Authority and Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. Children and their families sailed from the London Eye to Tower Bridge, where Santa arrived on a decorated boat with gifts in hand.

  Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCft) is encouraging people to reach out for mental health support if they feel overwhelmed during the festive season. While Christmas is traditionally seen as a time for celebration, the additional pressures can easily leave people feeling overwhelmed and anxious, the trust said. LSCft’s talking therapies service provides free psychological support for a variety of issues and is available in person, online or over the phone, with self-referrals open through the NHS website. Similar services are available across the UK.

 Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity’s annual Christmas fair has raised almost £1,500 to support its dementia appeal, which aims to enhance care for patients living with dementia. Held at Rotherham Hospital, part of the Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, the event featured stalls from local businesses offering crafts, gifts and baked goods, alongside festive performances from toddlers at Busy Bees Nursery. 

The NHS has urged people to be vigilant for signs of dementia as they gather with family over the festive period, as new data reveals that more individuals than ever before have been diagnosed with the condition in England. According to health service figures from November 2024, 499,068 individuals have received a dementia diagnosis – an increase of 19,416 within a year. Dr Jeremy Isaacs, NHS England national clinical director for dementia, said symptoms often develop slowly and people should be alert to changes in relatives they haven’t seen for a while.

Did you know?

Patients with acute and chronic pain using telehealth services are more likely to spend time with friends and family this Christmas, according to research from Zerenia, a UK medical cannabis clinic and telehealth provider.

A survey of Zerenia’s clients found that 70% of patients were “very satisfied” with telehealth consultations compared to in-person visits, highlighting its convenience and accessibility. With winter travel and busy schedules often worsening chronic pain, 60% of patients reported that virtual care was particularly valuable for managing symptoms during the festive season.

Before accessing telehealth services, 80% of Zerenia’s patients said they had missed social occasions due to chronic pain. 

What we’re reading

NHS Highland’s Technology Enabled Care team has shared a light-hearted festive story showing how virtual care can make a difference. 

‘How Tech Saved Christmas‘ highlights the benefits of virtual healthcare during busy times and is spread across five chapters. In the first chapter, How the magic of Near Me helped save Christmas, Santa finds himself juggling Christmas preparations while worrying about his mum, Mrs. Claus. Thanks to NHS Highland’s Near Me virtual appointment service, Santa can check in on her care without leaving the workshop.

Upcoming events

30 January 2025, virtual event – NHS Digital Transformation 2025