January 2025 Newsletter

Welcome to Our Monthly Newsletter
January 2025

Formed through a collaboration of three NHS Boards — Borders, Fife and Lothian, with the latter taking on the role of lead host Board, HISES has a pivotal role in delivering innovative solutions to the health and social challenges, both regionally and nationally. Need to contact us?

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NHS Lothian gives patients access to AI Physiotherapy in UK-first

A new AI-powered physiotherapy clinic, which provides same-day appointments for back pain with zero waitlist via a smartphone app, is now available to nearly 1 million patients across the Lothian region. The pilot means anyone registered with one of the 126 GP practices within NHS Lothian can now self-refer directly to Flok’s digital MSK clinic via existing self-referral portals or can be referred by participating GP practices.

This large-scale pilot follows a series of successful early trials of the technology last year including a pilot trial with NHS Lothian Occupational Health and support from the South East Innovation Hub and MSK services. The clinic has been created by a team of physiotherapy and AI experts in Cambridge and is the first digital MSK clinic to have been approved by the Care Quality Commission. The new service has been deployed as a collaboration between NHS Lothian, Flok Health and HISES.

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From Air to Care: Drones Transforming Healthcare in Scotland

The final trials of Project CAELUS have wrapped up, showcasing the power of drones to revolutionize healthcare logistics:

  • Cutting delivery times from 2.5 hours by road to 80 minutes.
  • Connecting remote communities to life-saving care.
  • Faster diagnostics and emergency support

The final drone flight trials of Project CAELUS have taken place between Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin and Aberdeen during November and December 2024, and you can watch the trial video here on YouTube.

 

 

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Applications are open for the Biomedical Science Registration Training Portfolio Programme!

Recruitment is now open for cohort 2 of the NHS Scotland Academy (NHSSA) Accelerated Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Registration Training Portfolio Programme. It is the first national (non-applied) Biomedical Scientist training programme in Scotland and has the endorsement of the IBMS.

Programme Dates: Tuesday 4 February – Wednesday 12 March 2025.

Deadline for application: Monday 20 January 2025.

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Innovate UK Smart Grants closing soon!

UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £25 million for game changing and commercially viable research and development innovations that can significantly impact the UK economy. This funding is from Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation.

The grant supports micro, small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their partners to develop the best game changing and world leading innovative R&D projects. It offers funding where other opportunities are not available or appropriate, and where timing is key to ensure swift and successful commercialisation, post project completion.

This competition closes at 11:00am on 22nd January 2025.

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Transform Public Services: Practical Insights for Scottish Leaders

Senior Leaders in Public Services face the complex challenge of delivering smarter, more proactive public services that exceed citizen expectations, all while managing limited resources. Priorities may include boosting efficiency and reducing costs; using data insights to anticipate and meet citizens’ evolving needs; and making smarter, evidence-based decisions that strengthen public confidence. Re-Imagining Public Services: 7 Practices for Proactive Governments is a practical guide created by Salesforce, a trusted partner in public sector innovation, offering clear, actionable steps to help you:

  • Drive meaningful transformation in service delivery
  • Maximise the impact of technology and data
  • Lead digital change with purpose and confidence

Download your free copy today.

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Academy of Medical Sciences Scotland Cross-Sector Hub Launch Event

The new Academy of Medical Sciences Scotland Cross-Sector Networking Hub launch event is taking place on 24th January 2025 at the Golden Jubilee National Hospital. The focus of the event is Engaging with the Life Sciences Industry and Entrepreneurship in Scotland.

This event is likely to be of significant interest to early-to-mid-career professionals from any sector already working in or interested in working in/with the Medical and Life Sciences Sector

Attendees will benefit from:

  • In-depth insights into the life sciences industry and entrepreneurship in Scotland
  • Strategic networking opportunities across multiple sectors
  • Scope to identify and engage with potential collaborators from a range of professional backgrounds
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Save the Date - NES Annual Conference 2025

Following on the growing success of the 2024 conference, NES is delighted to confirm that it will once again be hosting the conference, titled ‘Learning for Change: Tackling Health Inequity through Education and Workplace Learning’.

This conference will take place online across 24th & 25th April 2025 and suitable for colleagues from all professional disciplines across health and social care with an interest in education and training, workforce development and digital solutions.

 

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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.

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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.

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Save the Date for the NHS Scotland Event 2025!

We’re delighted to announce that the NHS Scotland Event 2025 will take place on Monday 9th June 2025 at the Technology & Innovation Centre, University of Strathclyde, in Glasgow.

Make sure to put the date in your diary for Scotland’s key networking and educational event for those who work in and with NHS Scotland.

To ensure you receive all the latest information on the NHS Scotland Event, visit the Events home page and sign up for all the latest news and announcements.

 

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Health & Care Transformation 2025

FutureScot Health & Care Transformation 2025 will take place on 11th March 2024 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.

 

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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
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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.

Registration is expected to open in February 2025 with full details of tickets and prices. You can download the ‘Save the Date’ calendar hold and find out more online.

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Applications for Cohort 26 of the Digital Health and Care Leadership Programme now open!

Led by NHS Education for Scotland and funded by Scottish Government, the DLP programme is designed for anyone who would like to develop their leadership skills and is interested in digital health and care, we welcome applications from employees in NHS Scotland, social care, social work, housing, charities and the third sector.

As part of the programme, participants will develop and lead a digital improvement project in their organisation.  There will be an opportunity to develop project ideas in the early stages of the programme.

More information about the programme, including application guidance can be found on the DLP site.

The application deadline for Cohort 26 is Monday 3rd March 2025 and will start in May 2025.

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