Pilot scheme launched to monitor critical NHS equipment
A Leamington technology company is working with the NHS on a pilot scheme to add monitoring and tracking sensors to equipment.
Everyware Ltd, which is based at the Chandos Business Centre in Warwick Street helps businesses to digitally track and remotely monitor critical or high-value products.
After receiving a grant from uxplore, the business is now working with the NHS to add sensors to equipment including 24/7 syringe drivers for pain relief for patients on the move who are receiving cancer treatment.
Annette MacDougall, managing director of Everyware, said the medical equipment is often on loan to other hospitals across the UK every day, making it important to record and assign where each item is located.
She said: “It’s actually a game-changer for us to be able to pilot our existing technology using 5G that will digitally track medical equipment used to support patients by attaching a specially-designed sensor to the medical devices which are being transported to all corners of the UK.
“The sensors will deliver the data to the healthcare provider quicker and more efficiently via 5G, so there are enhanced benefits for the patient and the NHS trust.
“Quite often, these medical devices can get lost and there is high demand, so we’re excited to be doing this (with uxplore) because it has not been done before. Not only will it, most importantly, benefit patients, it will also help the NHS to track and monitor its equipment digitally.”
Jim Vithanage, uxplore project account manager at the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) Growth Hub, said Everyware’s innovative digital technology idea would prove the capability and capacity that 5G has to offer.
He said: “As Everyware has demonstrated, uxplore is perfect for SMEs looking to develop their innovative ideas using 5G and digital connectivity as they can apply for the match-funded grants that are available.
“As well as grants, the part-ERDF funded project also offers the opportunity to join a two-day workshop, to learn more about digital connectivity technologies, such as 5G, and how they can be used in your business. Businesses less than a year old can also receive technical and entrepreneurial mentoring and support from uxplore’s experienced team.”
Uxplore is a project delivered by Coventry University, in conjunction with the wider CU group, in partnership with the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) Growth Hub and the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.
It is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
The programme aims to provide a range of digital connectivity support for businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire with fewer than 250 employees, to pilot new products, services and business models by harnessing broadband, WiFi, 4G and 5G connectivity.
