Digital Health Coffee Time Briefing
- 14 January 2025
Your morning summary of digital health news, information and events to know about if you want to be “in the know”.
News
Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has issued a tender to establish a National Framework Agreement for data validation services. The £10 million framework will enable NHS organisations to access expert support for improving and validating patient data as they migrate from outdated patient administration systems to modern electronic patient record systems. Countess of Chester Hospital will act as the contracting authority, managing the procurement process and inviting suppliers to bid for this framework. The deadline for bids is 21 February 2025.
A platelet counting technology has been launched across Europe to help prevent errors in diagnoses. Developed by healthtech company Mindray, the AI-supported technology is designed to automate the analysis of platelets in the blood – a key process in the detection of various serious illnesses. This enables laboratories to more accurately count platelets, reducing the changes of mis-diagnosis or missed diagnosis and treatment delays.
Two decontamination robots are now cleaning wards and operating theatres at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s Friarage Hospital. Designed by Irish robotics startup Akara Robotics, the machines work alongside environmental services staff to decontaminate rooms more quickly, using ultraviolet technology. Frontline staff have also created a bespoke workflow app to remove the reliance on paper checklists and providing real-time alerts when rooms are available.
Seven researchers have been awarded National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) professorship as part of the NIHR Research Professorships scheme. Each will receive a five-year award of up to £2 million. This includes three support posts, research costs and access to a leadership and development programme. Amongst those to win the award include Laura Coates, senior clinical research fellow at Oxford University, who is researching new digital trials for inflammatory arthritis management within the NHS.
Digital health company Elevate has launched an AI-assisted body scanning platform designed to help individuals identify health risks and take proactive steps to reduce the impact on their lives. The technology uses full-body MRI scanning and genetic analysis to detect early signs of conditions like heart disease and cancer, providing personalised insights to support prevention and long-term health outcomes. According to Elevate, the system has been designed to provide “the most comprehensive full body health assessment in the UK”, with the ability to detect signs of more than 500 conditions.
Did you know?
Nine in 10 (89%) senior leaders in SMEs believe AI presents an opportunity for their organisation, while one in four are already using generative AI in production, according to a BGF survey of 84 businesses.
The survey, published in November 2024, found that a third of SME have dedicated budgets for AI, while others plan to invest within a year. Eighty-three percent of business leaders who were deploying AI solutions identified the technology as a “very significant” or “definite” opportunity for their company.
More than 50% of SMEs surveyed reported feeling confident that they have the necessary in-house AI expertise, with many proactively closing skill gaps through training and recruitment.
What we’re reading
The femtech revolution is just getting started – but who are the real winners?, published in CityAM on 9 January, explores the rapid growth of femtech while questioning whether it is truly addressing women’s healthcare needs or prioritising market-driven interests.
Authors Amber Murray and Jennifer Sieg argue that, while the femtech has exploded in recent years, much of the focus remains on profitable products like fertility tracking apps. This has left more critical areas, like endometriosis, underfunded and underexplored. By way of example, they note that 11 startups focused on erectile dysfunction received $1.2bn (£0.96bn) between 2019 and 2023, while only eight start-ups addressing endometriosis received $44m (£35m).
The issue of male-dominated leadership in femtech companies is another major concern. Murray and Sieg highlight data showing that much of the funding in the sector still flows to teams led by men, limiting the scope of innovation and reinforcing existing disparities.
Upcoming events
16 January, webinar – Femtech Future: Trends & Predictions for Women’s Health Innovation in 2025