NHS Digital is taking applications for a new series of trials exploring how wireless technologies can support the delivery of better health and care.
Under the Wireless Centre of Excellence programme it is providing funding for projects within a one-year scheme to use the technology to improve connectivity.
It is taking applications until 29 July. Applicants will need to provide an overview of their wireless project and objectives, the anticipated outcome and impact for delivery of health or social care, as well as the healthcare need or technological challenge they are seeking to overcome.
This builds on NHS Digital’s backing for previous wireless trials. These have included University College London Hospitals’ Find and Treat service, which uses high tech tools and software to provide real time remote diagnosis and referrals on board a mobile health unit. The service provides screening, testing and treatment for vulnerable, homeless and high risk people in London.
New mobile models
Patrick Clark, NHS Digital’s director of infrastructure services, said: “Wireless technologies will continue to play an increasingly important role as the NHS looks to implement new models of care to allow patients to receive treatment at home or in mobile health settings.
“They will also help provide clinicians with access to data and digital systems wherever they need it. We are already seeing many of the benefits of cutting-edge wireless technology and innovation – from enabling real time remote diagnosis in a mobile health unit to supporting live observations in the first 5G hospital in the UK.
“These projects are a step forward in digital transformation and will bring an array of benefits, particularly for those least able to access healthcare and for digitally isolated hospitals and health centres. We look forward to working with successful trialists this year to further realise the benefits of wireless technologies and high-speed connectivity in improving healthcare.”
