December 2024 Newsletter

New Digital CT_Guided Biopsy Pilot Launched in Lothian

On 26th November 2024, HISES launched a pilot project with Pogo Digital Healthcare in determining the usage of digital technology in relation to patients who are referred to have a CT_Guided Biopsy when there is a suspected lung cancer diagnosis.  The aim of the project is to improve information sharing and communication between patients and clinicians, to improve patient experiences and mitigate the risk of late cancellations or procedures that need to be abandoned. Over the six-month pilot, the project team will evaluate its effectiveness in supporting patient decision making, and its impact on clinical time and costs associated with the process of scheduling biopsy procedures as well as assessing the engagement of a digital solution to underpin a new lung cancer pathway. The Clinical Lead for the project is Dr Rishi Ramaesh, Consultant Radiologist, NHS Lothian & NHS Fife, and NHS Scotland Innovation Fellow.

NHS Lothian Midwife invents pioneering theatre scrubs

A midwife has created a “game-changing” new product that has potential to revolutionise neonatal care and improve outcomes for tiny newborn babies. Stacey Boyle, a midwife with NHS Lothian, has invented a special set of scrubs for birth partners that have a kangaroo-style pouch to allow vital skin-to-skin contact to take place as soon as baby is born. After a huge team effort and lots of positive feedback from patients, Cozy Cuddle Scrubs (by Stacey) ™, was born. Alison MacDonald, Nurse Director, NHS Lothian, said: “I couldn’t be prouder of Stacey for her innovation and all the teams that have helped bring it to life.” Alongside NHS Lothian’s R&D team (ACCORD), formal NHS Scotland partner InnoScot Health helped protect and register the design. It means that Cozy Cuddle Scrubs can now become more widely available through manufacturing partners.

CAELUS Roadmap to a national medical drone logistics network now available

The roadmap outlining the Project CAELUS vision and next steps is now live and available for you to explore. But that’s not all – several key CAELUS deliverables have also been published, offering even more insights into the project’s direction and opportunities for engagement.

Innovation sector welcomes £321 million AI and robotics pledge

Two of Scotland’s technology and innovation centres have welcomed a £321 million government spending commitment to support emerging technology, including robotics and artificial intelligence. The National Robotarium, based at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, and The Data Lab – the innovation centre for data and AI – have responded positively to the recent Budget allocation for enterprise agency funding by the Scottish Government.

New flexible sensor can help prevent blood clots in post-operative patients

Edinburgh scientists have developed a low-cost, flexible device that can help prevent blood clots for patients after an operation. The technology is based on polymer sensors and fits underneath bandages and compression stockings, like a sticking plaster. The sensor, invented by Dr Philip Hands of the University of Edinburgh alongside Professor Marc Desmulliez and Drs Vasileios Mitrakos and Lisa Macintyre of Heriot-Watt University, is wireless, thinner, more sensitive, and more flexible than similar devices, so it doesn’t distort the compression garment as it measures the pressure. The team has received £75,000 of Scottish Enterprise High Growth Spinout funding, as they move towards forming a company, supported by Edinburgh Innovations, the University of Edinburgh’s commercialisation service.

Scotland’s emergency services workers to be assisted by AI-powered trauma app

Scotland’s emergency services workers are to be assisted by an AI-powered application to help them deal with the effects of trauma in their jobs. Researchers at Strathclyde University are working with software design company Sentinel Ltd to produce Sentinel – an AI-powered, co-created trauma management app. Sentinel are looking for people to take part in their new pilot study which will guide the development of interactive modules and resources tailored to the needs of first responders (including police, fire & emergency workers, and ambulance workers) and health and social care workers. By participating, you’ll contribute to building a more supportive, resilient work environment for all. You can register to take participate here.

Recruitment to Fellowships in Clinical AI – Applications closing!

NHS Education for Scotland (NES) works in collaboration with Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, to access the fellowship in Clinical Artificial Intelligence (Clinical AI). Fellows are recruited competitively for this 12-month programme, which is integrated part-time alongside clinical work and supports the clinical workforce to benefit and upskill in this sphere.

Applications to cohort four of this fellowship [entry August 2025] close on 19th December 2024. NES is funding 3 places, 2 for medical trainees and 1 for an Allied Health Professional. Informal enquiries will be managed via the NES Innovation team on nes.learningandinnovation@nhs.scot

Save the Date – HDR UK Conference 2025

Save the date for HDR UK Conference 2025 – the UK’s No.1 conference on health data science! Next year’s hybrid conference will feature world-class keynote speakers and opportunities to share your science through submitted talks and posters. With leading exhibitors and a variety of networking events, this is an event to add to your calendar now. We expect to open registration in February 2025 with full details of tickets and prices. You can download the ‘Save the Date’ calendar hold and find out more here.

Holyrood Digital Health and Care Scotland Conference 2025

Holyrood’s flagship Digital Health and Care Conference returns to Dynamic Earth on 18th and 19th February 2025. Bringing together representatives from across the public and third sectors with those working in industry, Holyrood’s annual Digital Health and Care conference will consider the latest policy developments and technological advancements. Through a range of panel sessions, masterclasses and keynote addresses, delegates will have the opportunity to engage in discussions around remote monitoring, e-prescribing, AI and cyber security. It provides a platform to collaborate and share learnings as we look to drive innovation and speed up implementation of technology within the health and social care space.

Holyrood Annual Digital Health and Care Awards 2025 – Nominations closing soon!

As well as the Digital Health and Care Conference, Holyrood will be hosting the Digital Health and Care Awards on 18th February 2025. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements of those working within the digital health, care, and housing sectors, so if you know of any inspiring individuals or organisations, nominate now!

The awards categories for 2025 are as follows:

• Data Driven Innovation Award
• Technology Enabled Independent Living Award
• Industry Collaboration Award
• Digital Health and Care Team Award
• Digital Inclusion Award
• Digital Service Transformation Award
• Digital Leader Award

Nominations will close on Monday 6th January 2025 at 23.59 and the shortlist will be announced on Monday 20th January 2025.

Health & Care Transformation 2025

FutureScot Health & Care Transformation 2025 will take place on 11th March 2025 at the University of Strathclyde, Technology of Innovation Centre in Glasgow. Featuring domestic and international expertise, the event will showcase the transformative impact of digital technology and data across Scotland’s NHS and social care sector, bringing together tech and policy leaders with industry and academia in a ‘triple helix’ effect – unlocking the innovation and collaboration required to bring AI, machine learning, telehealth, and integrated care systems increasingly to Scotland’s healthcare frontline.

Public Sector Data Summit 2025

Holyrood Connect’s annual Public Sector Data Summit is returning to Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh for another year! Join us on 13th March 2025 to hear about the latest developments in data and AI and learn how to maximise their potential. Through a variety of session formats, including keynote addresses, interactive panel discussions and masterclasses, you will hear valuable insights on making the most of your data, how to store it securely, and how to address concerns around AI and ethics.

Public Sector Digital Transformation 2025

Holyrood Connect’s annual Public Sector Digital Transformation event will return to Edinburgh on 12th June 2025, to delve into Scotland’s strategic direction of travel and how the digital landscape has evolved in recent years. Join us for a day packed with networking, interactive panel discussions and masterclasses and learn about:

• The future of Scotland’s public services
• Modernising IT to enhance the citizen experience
• Real-life examples of public sector digital transformation
• The importance of AI, regulation, and transparency