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 

???? Women’s health company Natural Cycles, which developed a birth control app, has closed Series C financing round led by Lauxera Capital Partners. The $55 million financing will be used to invest in commercial acceleration, new product development, and healthcare reimbursement automation. 

???? A new 24/7 mobile response service has been launched to support lifeline alarm users in Neath Port Talbot in south-west Wales owing to a partnership between Neath Port Talbot Council and Llesiant Delta Wellbeing. The one-year pilot programme aims to increase the support provided to users of the council’s lifeline service. 

???? Bruntwood SciTech has announced the launch of its new Life Science Accelerator programme at Alderley Park in a move aimed at supporting even greater innovation and economic growth in the region. It has been designed to cater to the unique needs of early-stage life science companies from across the UK, offering comprehensive support and specialist facilities to fuel their growth and development.  

???? Lifespin GmbH, a pioneer in health status detection software, has announced that it has teamed up with Acıbadem University in Turkey and Acıbadem Healthcare Group to launch an AI-enabled, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance-based metabolomics precision medicine platform. The agreement also encompasses the creation of a regional data analysis and data production centre laboratory, which will support the development and distribution of Lifespin’s products globally.

???? Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with Canon Medical Systems UK, has expanded its in-house Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) capacity. Utilising last-minute funding awarded to Greater Manchester from the NHS, the hospital has designed and delivered a bespoke, purpose-built MRI suite that will serve as a permanent solution for the hospital. 

❓ Did you know that? 

Almost every (98%) GP practice in England has now upgraded its phone tech, meaning that phone lines can be expanded and will not be engaged, NHS England said in a press release published on 30 May 2024. 

NHSE adds that “the remaining practices are agreeing dates within the next month for upgrades to happen with tech suppliers”.    

Every GP practice must offer face-to-face appointments as well as telephone and online consultations, with some patients choosing remote appointments where it is clinically appropriate and more convenient for them.

The NHSE data shows that 65.4% of appointments in April 2024 took place face-to-face.

???? What we’re reading

Harnessing Technology Can Lead to More Mental Health Care Options, Expert Says – Doug Smalley, senior product director at Optum Behavioral Health talks about ways technology continues to shape how we understand and address mental well-being.

???? This week’s events 

29-31 May, Rome – HIMSS24 Europe