Dr. Vishaal Virani, MBBS

Commenting on The Health Innovation Network’s Impact Report 2023-24, Dr Vin Diwakar, Interim Director of Transformation for NHS England, said: “The latest report highlights that investing in innovation, research and life sciences can significantly enhance patient outcomes and benefit the UK economy and society.” Read the report: https://lnkd.in/eKYmriY2

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👩‍⚕️ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐇𝐒: 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐇𝐒 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 🏥 Today at GIANT Health Event I enjoyed the fireside chat where health policy analyst Roy Lilley interviewed Richard Meddings, the chair of NHS England. Hugely popular session, standing room only! Here are some of the highlights: 🌍 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞, 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞, 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞! 👉The healthcare workforce shortage is not just a UK issue. Nations are competing for talent, making recruitment increasingly difficult. 👉Upskilling allied health professionals (AHPs) and expanding training pathways is vital. 👉While long-term workforce plans are necessary, they’re only one part of the picture. 📱 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 🔸NHS App: This is evolving into a powerful hub, but integration with legacy systems remains a challenge. Progress has been made, with 44,000 healthcare systems moved to the cloud—more work still needed. (https://lnkd.in/eEgUP3ZW) 🔸Federated Data Platforms: Tools like Palantir are providing a “translation layer” to unify data across institutions, ensuring interoperability and analytics potential (https://lnkd.in/eakTYhu5) 🔸NHS Number: This universal identifier could hold the key to connecting health records into insights on economics, habits, and preventative care. 🔸AI in Action: From ophthalmology to breast screening, AI is already helping diagnostics. Ambient documentation pilots (voice-to-text tech) are also underway, promising significant time savings for clinicians. 🏥 𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬: 𝐀 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲? 🔸With 95,000 hospital beds operating at 97% capacity, virtual wards are a key strategy for tackling overcrowding. 🔸Over-65s make up 25% of the population but drive 50% of hospital admissions and 74% of bed occupancy. 🔸Proactive virtual care for conditions like UTIs could reduce unnecessary admissions and free up critical capacity. 🚀 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 🔹NHS Priorities: Digital, prevention, and community-based care will be central to the long-term plan (https://lnkd.in/e2XVyXaa) 🔹Exponential Innovation: We’re achieving what seemed impossible five years ago, and the pace of change is accelerating. 🔹Focus on Fewer Initiatives: To drive real breakthroughs, the NHS must concentrate resources on core strategies, avoiding the risks of fragmented funding. 🔮 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 Richard Meddings offered a hopeful outlook for the NHS five years from now. Despite exponential demand and structural pressures, innovation holds the key to transformation. He ends by stating the vision of a health system that is free and accessible remains worth fighting for!

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Reference to some strong evidence in this article. Worth reading 🤓

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Privileged and exited to be one of the mentors for the Accelerating FemTech programme . 21 of the best start-ups, university spinouts and entrepreneurial-minded academics who have early-stage innovations for women’s health. These innovations have the potential to address urgent challenges in women’s health, including menstruation management, maternity and neonatal safety, menopause management and sexual health. LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/dhfA3K4d #AcceleratingFemTech

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In a time when the NHS is facing financial constraints, why is #patienteducation more critical than ever? Investing in #patienteducation not only enhances patient understanding but also empowers self-management. This leads to fewer GP visits, reduced medication misuse, and substantial cost savings for the NHS. A modern approach to patient education is essential for driving better healthcare outcomes and ensuring long-term financial sustainability. According to Health Education England, 42% of adults struggle to understand health information, and NHS England reports that poor health literacy can lead to 3-5 times more hospitalisations. Furthermore, traditional methods like leaflets are often ineffective—only 15% of patients read them thoroughly. In contrast, video and animation can boost retention by up to 95% (Wyzowl, a video marketing statistics provider). The Sound Doctor’s films and animations present complex medical information in an engaging, easy-to-understand format, aligning with how people consume content today. Video-based education increases adherence to treatment plans by over 50%, leading to better outcomes and fewer complications (Patient Education and Counselling Journal). Check out our engaging explainer on managing high blood pressure, and join the conversation! How can we improve patient education in today's healthcare landscape? #HealthLiteracy #NHS #HealthcareInnovation #PatientCare

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I have been digging into the strategy docs across all 42 NHS integrated care systems in England to see what the priorities and goals are. Each strategy contains exactly what you would expect to see, with objectives across - prevention and early intervention, addressing health inequalities, population health measurement and initiatives, digital health transformation, economic and social development partnerships, workforce efficiency and productivity. There are no major surprises, but there are definitely some trends- 💡 All ICS strategies emphasise tackling health inequalities, but there is sometimes a contradiction between the rhetoric and the proposed implementation, e.g. driving digital health transformation when there is a lack of digital access could actually be widening inequality. 💡 Boosting productivity and value is a key theme in all strategies, but the nuts and bolts of achieving this is often ‘workforce optimisation’ or ‘streamlining services’, which is probably cutting jobs in a lot of cases, which might have a negative impact on patient care. 💡 All strategies aim to drive local economic growth outside the system e.g. by tackling community issues like unemployment and housing - this is great, but it does feel like it stretches the role of a system too far in some cases, especially when the system has not got foundations in place, e.g. like a shared care record to connect services. It must be extremely difficult to plan and deliver an ICS strategy, it is a fine balancing act when there are so many conflicting priorities, and whilst remaining patient-outcomes focused is always the main aim, there will also always be an unavoidable clash between driving efficiencies and the human cost. I have put the strategies into a summary table, with a link to the ICS strategy doc, so it is easy to get a quick feel on each ICS strategy, (without reading through the 100+ page 🙄 strategy doc) 👉 https://lnkd.in/eKJqCwbQ.

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This is an excellent report and could be timely for those Industry Leaders that want to work with the NHS on decarbonising clinical pathways of care

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📊 New Survey Reveals Public Perceptions of UK Health and Social Care A recent survey by The Health Foundation and Ipsos sheds light on the UK public's views of the NHS and social care. Here are five key findings: 1. 📉 Low expectations: Only 28% think the NHS is providing a good service nationally, with 52% expecting standards to worsen in the next year. 2. 👩‍⚕️ Top priorities: The public wants to see improved working conditions to retain NHS staff, easier access to GP appointments, and increased recruitment. 3. 🏥 Growing concern for GP services: 78% are worried about pressures on GP practices, up from 73% in 2022. Most (55%) believe the government is responsible for addressing this. 4. 💰 Perceptions of NHS spending: 65% think the NHS often wastes money, a 12% increase since 2022. However, this doesn't necessarily mean opposition to increased NHS funding. 5. 👥 Social care workforce: 73% believe the government should focus on improving pay and conditions for UK-based social care workers rather than recruiting from abroad. What are your thoughts on these findings? Read the full report: https://lnkd.in/eVQAiJgx Homecare Association #SocialCare #NHS #GP #workforce

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This is a brilliant example of how social enterprises deliver flexible, community-based care, that supports the needs of people in their locality, and addresses health inequalities. This case study by UCL Institute of Health Equity, about UHUK member FCMS (NW) Ltd, is well worth a read. #socialenterprise #healthinequalities #communitybasedcare

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Draft budget 2025/26 for Wales: £600m “extra revenue and capital funding” for health and social care with promise for investment in digital tech Story: https://lnkd.in/ewX9wUFA

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Draft budget 2025/26 for Wales: £600m “extra revenue and capital funding” for health and social care with promise for investment in digital tech Story: https://lnkd.in/ewX9wUFA

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The dust is settling as the new government starts its term in the UK. But the need to transform the NHS remains the same, with the same drastic need to improve healthcare and increasing demand to address social care needs necessitated by the changing demographics of the country. Dealmakers say there are indications of a growing increase in M&A in the healthcare sector this year, as Murat Basboga reports Full details - the forward looking plans, financials and advisors - can be found in our article, which is live on HealthInvestor (behind paywall): https://lnkd.in/eDdAEbWi If you're not yet a subscriber, you can follow this link to find out options: https://lnkd.in/eQVEeWGX #healthcare #socialcare #MergersAndAcquisitions 

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🚨 Hold onto your hats – BIG news from the Spark Care HQ! 🚨 Guess what? After months of caffeine-fuelled planning, intense whiteboard scribbling, and putting ourselves firmly in the shoes of our brilliant care providers, we’ve launched our shiny new website! 🌐✨ 🎉 I’m so excited, I might just need a celebratory cup of tea (or two). But really, this has been a labour of love and a real reflection of our mission at Spark Care: Making technology work for care homes, not the other way around. 🙌 As someone who’s seen both the joys (and occasional chaos) of working in care homes AND the world of tech, I know just how much you’ve got on your plate – and it’s not just biscuits with that tea! Whether it’s managing compliance, juggling schedules, or simply trying to improve the wellbeing of those in your care – it can be a lot. That's where Spark Care steps in! 💪 At Spark Care, we believe technology should simplify, not complicate. We’re here to help you spend less time on paperwork and more time delivering the amazing care you’re passionate about. 🧐 Curious? Check out the new site and tell us what you think! 👇 https://spark-care.co.uk #CareTech #CareSector #SparkCareLaunch #TechForGood #InnovationInCare #CareHomeSolutions #DigitalTransformation

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Our care systems need a radical transformation. Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) has outlined a strategy we must adopt to ensure a sustainable and effective future for care in the UK. Here’s what must happen: 1. Seamless Integration of Services Holistic Support: Health, social care, and community services must work together to provide uninterrupted, holistic support. Integration is essential to ensure no one falls through the cracks. Collaborative Frameworks: Establish frameworks for seamless communication and coordination among service providers. Greater Manchester’s Integrated Care System is a prime example of improved outcomes through coordination. 2. Empower Individuals with Person-Centred Care Tailored Care Plans: Care must be tailored to individual needs, giving people control over their lives and promoting better health outcomes. Active Participation: Encourage individuals to actively participate in their care planning. Personal Health Budgets (PHBs) allow for more personalised and effective support. 3. Secure and Sustainable Funding Long-Term Investment: We need robust, long-term funding models to ensure care services are available and reliable for everyone. Policy Advocacy: Advocate for policies that prioritise sustainable funding for social care. The Wigan Deal shows how investing in community groups can redesign services effectively. 4. Support and Develop Our Care Workforce Comprehensive Training: Invest in training programmes that equip care workers with the skills they need to provide high-quality care. Fair Compensation: Ensure care workers receive fair wages and benefits. Valuing our care workers creates a more compassionate and effective care system. Career Pathways: Develop clear career pathways for advancement and professional development within the care sector. 5. Community-Driven Solutions Local Engagement: Engage local communities in designing and delivering care services to ensure they are relevant and effective. Grassroots Initiatives: Support initiatives that empower communities to take an active role in care provision, fostering ownership and accountability. 6. Embrace Innovation and Technology Technological Advancements: Harness technology to revolutionise care delivery. Innovations like telehealth, AI-driven care management, and digital health records can improve efficiency and accessibility. Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the care sector. The time for action is NOW! I urge policymakers and communities across the UK to come together and implement these critical changes. The future of care depends on our collective commitment and action. Together, we can build a care system that truly cares for everyone. Read more [https://lnkd.in/evym9h-h] #ActNow #FutureOfCare #WholeSystemsApproach #EmpowerIndividuals #SustainableFunding #SupportCareWorkers #CommunitySolutions #InnovateCare

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HealthTech Predictions for 2025 The HealthTech sector is evolving rapidly. Here are my 5 predictions of what we will see more of in 2025- 1. The NHS will get hard(er!) to sell to A change in government has understandably led to significant shifts within the NHS. With the new 10-year health plan set to be introduced in Spring 2025 and the NHS workforce plan expected by Summer 2025, there will be substantial changes ahead. It is likely to become more challenging for tech companies to secure larger projects as NHS buyers remain uncertain about their spending plans over the next few years. However, companies that align their services with the three strategic objectives of transitioning from hospital to community care, moving from analogue to digital systems, and shifting from sickness care to a focus on prevention will be in a better position to succeed. 2. AI Will Go Beyond Diagnostics AI isn’t just for analysing scans or predicting patient outcomes anymore. By 2025, we’ll see AI embedded in everyday clinical workflows. Tools which support GP triaging, or DeepMind's health AI, which helps predict patient deterioration, will evolve to offer personalised treatment pathways and real-time clinical decision support. I expect greater uptake of predictive analytics in both the NHS and private healthcare​. 3. Telemedicine Will Become the Norm Following a surge during the pandemic, telemedicine is here to stay. I think that in 2025, we will see a broader adoption of telemedicine, expanding beyond primary care into specialties such as dermatology and mental health. This change will enhance access to services for individuals in rural areas or those with mobility issues, offering greater convenience for patients. It is essential, however, to ensure that patients who are not digitally savvy have access to necessary services. 4. Wearables and Remote Monitoring Will be Mainstream In line with the NHS's objective to transition from hospital care to community care, wearable and remote monitoring technologies will become commonplace. We can anticipate a rise in virtual wards, where patients receive care in their homes, with wearables and other technologies enabling remote monitoring and management, especially for chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. 5. Mental Health Tech Will Boom Mental health is receiving more attention than ever, partly due to social media. Research from AXA Health indicates that 52% of individuals aged 16-24 have self-diagnosed a mental health condition online, often due to difficulties in securing NHS appointments and long waiting times. AI-powered mental health tools like Wysa and ieso Digital Health are expected to see widespread adoption, offering scalable and affordable solutions. I expect both the NHS and the private sector are anticipated to invest heavily in tech solutions to meet the growing demand for mental health support.

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Putting messages like this into the media is both tin-eared and unhelpful to the NHS cause. Rather than lining up to suggest the only way to reform the health service is to invest an unaffordable sum of money up front, think- tanks would do well to focus instead on ways in which existing funding could be spent to improve care and further long-standing strategic objectives. Articulating these practical ideas, in the context of constrained resources, is where we need their thinking - not in fanstasing about some alternative settlement.

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The public has spoken, and the message is clear: it's time to prioritise primary and community care over hospitals. 🏥🩺 A report by the Health Foundation and Ipsos UK reveals that 60% of people believe the government should focus NHS funding on improving access to general practice and dentistry, compared to just 29% who prioritise hospitals. The call for earlier diagnosis and better management of conditions like diabetes and obesity is louder than ever. 📊 As Primary Care Dietitians, I see firsthand the impact of well-supported primary care on managing long-term conditions. Our mission aligns perfectly with the public's desire for a healthcare system that offers comprehensive and accessible services. 🌍❤️ Interestingly, around half of the public would even support raising taxes to ensure the NHS can maintain its current level of care. 💷 However, there's a significant mistrust in the government’s current policies, with only 9% confident in the direction being taken. It's crucial for the next government to heed this call and make tangible changes that reflect the public’s priorities. Let's champion a future where primary care gets the attention and money it deserves. Together, we can create a healthier nation. 🌟👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️ Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/e6AKfyj9 #PrimaryCare #NHS #HealthcareReform #PublicHealth #Dietitians #CommunityCare #HealthcareInnovation

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Interesting piece from the King’s Fund discussing health inequalities and the necessary actions the government should take in its forthcoming ten-year health plan. It highlights how factors like income, education, housing, and social inclusion are intricately connected to health outcomes. Unfortunately, health policy and reimbursement mechanisms often overlook these critical elements. The recent Darzi report emphasises the significance of prevention, but that prevention cannot occur in isolation. The social determinants of health are essential to consider in any effective health strategy. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/d-VbM9P5

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