Live Event

⏳ Solace Summit 2024 is today!

The Solace Summit 2024 kicks off today (17th - 18th Oct), focusing on "Enabling the Public Sector to Deliver for Communities in Challenging Times." This event brings together the most influential voices in local government and public services to address the urgent and evolving needs of our communities. 

As part of this crucial conversation, Agilisys is proud to present a panel discussion on how AI is shaping the future of SEND services and the EHCP process. 

🗓️ When: October 17th, 16:00 – 16:50 BST 
👉 Where: 1864 Room, Solace Summit, Manchester  

Join industry experts and discover how Generative AI is helping SEND case workers: 

• Save valuable time 

• Enhance EHCP quality and consistency 

• Clear backlogs efficiently 

• Achieve better outcomes for children and families. 

Looking to discuss AI-driven solutions for public services? Connect with Darius Toomer at the event or reach out directly.

See you at the Solace Summit 2024! 

Healthcare Funding News

NHS Trusts Receive £30m for Medical Technology and Research Equipment

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) has allocated £30 million to 36 NHS organisations for medical technology and research equipment. This funding will enhance imaging devices, ultrasound, and MRI scanners, and support mobile research vehicles to increase trial participation. Modular buildings will also be funded to expand research in smaller hospitals, especially in rural and coastal areas.

Professor Lucy Chappell, NIHR's chief executive, emphasised the investment's role in providing high-quality equipment and facilities for cutting-edge research. The funding aims to reach underserved communities, boosting patient benefits and economic growth. Notable recipients include Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. The 2024 funding competition prioritised access to research and expanding capabilities in smaller NHS organisations.

Healthcare Technology

AI's Role in Transforming Healthcare: Current Uses and Future Prospects

AI is transforming healthcare by enhancing patient care and reducing administrative burdens. Currently, 79% of healthcare organisations have adopted AI, primarily using systems with limited memory for tasks like medical diagnosis and data management. These tools, such as ChatGPT, assist in analysing medical data, improving drug discovery, and enhancing patient experiences through chatbots and electronic portals.

The future of AI in healthcare is promising, with projections indicating significant growth in the global market. AI is expected to bolster medical education, improve patient data security, and alleviate clinicians' administrative tasks, potentially reducing burnout. However, the development of AI with general intelligence remains theoretical, and the focus is on augmenting human capabilities rather than replacing them.

LinkedIn Live Broadcast

AI is Shaking Up the Public Sector

Public services are under growing pressure to modernise and improve outcomes, with only 17% of digital transformation efforts in the UK public sector deemed fully successful.

With over two decades of experience, Andrew Mindenhall has been instrumental in leading Agilisys toward innovation in public service delivery. His focus on customer success and advanced solutions has positioned Agilisys as a trusted partner for organisations striving to optimise operations and implement next-gen AI tools.

Andrew will be speaking at The Great Public Sector Makeover: AI's Answer to Systemic Challenges, where he will share how his team is shaking up the public sector through AI-driven strategies and innovative solutions.

Join Andrew and explore how AI can address deep-rooted challenges in public service delivery.

🗓️ Date: 25th November 2024 (Monday)

⏰ Time: 3:00 PM - 3:50 PM BST

Register now!

Healthcare Innovation

MedTech Accelerator Supports UK SMEs Amid Regulatory Challenges

The MedTech Accelerator, a £4.2 million initiative, aims to support up to 140 UK SMEs in overcoming regulatory challenges. Funded by the UK government and delivered by CPI in partnership with the Office for Life Sciences, the programme offers grants up to £30,000 for regulatory guidance. This support is crucial for SMEs developing medical devices, including software and diagnostics, to ensure compliance and market readiness.

Research by CPI and the Association of British HealthTech Industries highlights potential delays in introducing life-saving technologies due to regulatory complexities. The MARRS Fund seeks to address these issues, fostering a pipeline of innovative medical devices. Applications opened on 9 October 2024, with only the first 300 considered. This initiative is part of a broader governmental effort to position the UK as a leader in life sciences.

Healthcare Domain

NHS Mental Health Services Treat Record 3.8 Million People in 2023

NHS mental health services treated a record 3.8 million people in 2023-24, a significant increase from pre-pandemic figures. This includes over one million children, with 16-year-olds being the most likely to seek support. The NHS is expanding services, including school-based teams, to improve access to mental health care.

Efforts are underway to address the treatment gap, with local health systems reviewing patient interactions. Additional investment under the NHS Long Term Plan aims to enhance community, crisis, and acute mental health services. Despite progress, significant work remains to ensure timely support for all in need.

The government plans to recruit 8,500 mental health workers to reduce waiting times and provide early intervention in schools and communities, addressing the root causes of mental ill-health.

Healthcare Access Issues

NHS Weight Loss Jab Rollout Faces Significant Delays and Challenges

Thousands are denied the weight loss jab Wegovy due to a slow NHS rollout, with only 800 prescriptions by April, far below the expected 13,500. Patients like Ken Pollock, needing surgery, face long waits and limited access, highlighting a "postcode lottery" in treatment availability. Dr Robert Andrews criticises the bias in funding for obesity treatment, calling it "soul destroying."

Only 14 of 42 Integrated Care Boards have made Wegovy available, often with restrictive criteria. Dr Jonathan Hazlehurst notes the lack of resources for effective obesity treatment, stressing the need for significant investment. Obesity costs the NHS £6bn annually and is linked to 200 diseases. Despite NHS efforts, many turn to private options, as seen with Sally Hardwicke, who finds the drug transformative despite its cost.