Commissioning

“Unfortunately, demand for services means that not every patient who calls 999 will be responded to by an Advanced Paramedic."

Pharmacists in the UK will be able to offer blood pressure tests to anyone over the age of 40

An east Midlands NHS trust has created a remote monitoring ward for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) – one of the leading causes of stroke in the UK. The University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust scheme is one of the first of its kind in the UK. The scheme received £274,000 in funding from NHS [...]

An AI skin patch that monitors patients for heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation (AF) cuts NHS electrocardiograph (ECG) waiting times from six weeks to just days, according to a recent trial. The Liverpool hospital trust trial found that the Zio XT patch detected more than 99 per cent of arrhythmias compared to 46.5 [...]

NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has introduced a procurement framework agreement for AI stroke-detection software. The framework enables NHS organisations to access the innovative, evidence-based, cost-effective technology to provide rapid treatment where required. The software uses AI algorithms that can speed-up both thrombolysis and thrombectomy clinical decision-making, potentially improving patient outcomes and increasing patient [...]

Drinking within NHS guidelines may still increase the risk of stroke, according to a new study. Experts said that the idea that drinking alcohol is good for you is not supported by evidence. NHS guidance recommends a maximum of 14 units per week – the equivalent of six pints of average-strength beer or 10 small [...]

The NHS has begun a world-first genetic testing pilot aimed at identifying those at high risk of cardiovascular disease. The NHS pilot, called Heart, is offering genetic tests to 1,000 healthy volunteers in the north of England aged between 45 and 64. The scheme could lead to a wider rollout of predictive genetic testing on [...]

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has backed AliveCor's KardiaMobile device for personal at-home atrial fibrillation (AF) monitoring. KardiaMobile is the only personal electrocardiogram (ECG) to be recommended by NICE for use within the NHS. The guidance recommends the device an option for detecting AF for people with suspected paroxysmal AF, who [...]

Stroke patients at a West London NHS trust are trialling a remote care tool that allows them to test for signs of atrial fibrillation (AF) at home. FibriCheck has been co-designed by the CW Innovation initiative led by Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and its charity CW+. AF is the most common type [...]

Over 30 groups supporting people with neurological conditions have united behind a campaign to appoint a specialist within the NHS to lead its neurology provision.