Trials of new wireless technologies to help improve patient care and strengthen connectivity in A&Es and ambulance bays are set to launch across seven NHS trusts following new funding from NHS England.
Around £1m has been awarded to seven trusts as part of NHS England’s Wireless Trials programme, which seeks to make the most of cutting-edge wireless technologies to improve patient care while freeing up more staff time to spend with their patients.
Stephen Koch, Executive Director of Platforms at NHS England, said: “I have been impressed with the innovative ideas coming from the system, and we are delighted to be able to award this funding to the successful trialists to develop new or improved wireless solutions for the NHS.
“We’ll be monitoring the outcomes of the trials and are very hopeful that a number of these will be able to be scaled more broadly across the health and social care system to save clinical time, improve patient care, and save money for the system.”
Where will the wireless technology trials be happening?
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust will trial an innovative approach to improve patient care by combining satellite and cloud-based wireless solutions to enhance connectivity across their ten hospital sites and wider community services.
Mid-Cheshire and Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS trusts will use the funding to install wireless trackers on medical equipment and hospital beds, which allow real-time monitoring and location tracking so that staff can easily find what they need.
The North West and East of England ambulance services trusts will also roll out improved wireless connections in A&E and ambulance areas, speeding up the transfer of essential patient care data from ambulances to hospitals.
Another project run by Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust will introduce a new app that allows staff to take observations on tablets and smartphones by a patient’s bedside, reducing the time spent typing up patient notes and providing more time to spend with patients.
A trial at the Countess of Chester NHS Foundation Trust will wirelessly link modern diagnostic devices with the trust’s electronic patient records system, speeding up assessment time for patients.
Long-term solutions to improve patient care
“As one of the country’s largest NHS trusts, it’s essential that we can provide continuous patient care with minimum disruptions,” explained Dan Prescott, Group Chief Information Officer at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.
“With the Wireless Trial, we’re aiming to create a reliable, fast, and secure network access solution to address unexpected connectivity issues, even in areas of poor connectivity.
“This is vital in supporting key initiatives for our staff and working to improve patient care in the best possible way.”
This Wireless Trials programme aims to provide NHS organisations with the capability they need to deliver the challenging digital ambitions set out in the NHS Long Term Plan.
The trialists will benefit from funding for their project, advice and guidance from NHS England, and the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded organisations.
NHS England will also capture best practices from successful trialists and share this across the wider NHS.
Applications for the next series of wireless trials will open later this year.
