App developed at Morriston Hospital could transform pressure ulcer care
An award winning team at Morriston Hospital in Swansea has created an app that could transform the care of patients with pressure ulcers (Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board, 2017). It may eventually be available to people at home with, or at risk of developing, pressure ulcers, as well as the health professionals caring for … Continue reading App developed at Morriston Hospital could transform pressure ulcer care
Swansea University’s smart bandages to be trialled “within 12 months”
Swansea University scientists have said bandages which can detect how a wound is healing and send messages back to doctors could be trialled within the next twelve months (BBC News, 2017). The bandages would use real time 5G technology to monitor what treatment is needed and also keep track of a patient’s activity levels. The … Continue reading Swansea University’s smart bandages to be trialled “within 12 months”
Welsh Government to provide £7.3m in funding for health technology projects
Wales’ Health Secretary, Vaughan Gething, has agreed to fund eleven innovative projects through the Efficiency Through Technology Fund following the 2016 open call (Welsh Government, 2017). The Efficiency Through Technology Fund (ETTF) supports health and social care projects that use innovative technology to improve the efficiency of healthcare services. Projects that have secured funding include … Continue reading Welsh Government to provide £7.3m in funding for health technology projects
How to prevent tooth decay in children
A Cardiff University-led study has found applying fluoride varnish to children’s teeth is just as effective at preventing tooth decay as the alternative method of sealing teeth, and could save the NHS money (Cardiff University, 2017). The “Seal or Varnish?” study, in collaboration with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board Community Dental Service, treated just … Continue reading How to prevent tooth decay in children
Clinical trial to target head and neck cancer
Detailed imaging techniques will be used to help doctors target head and neck cancers more effectively in a £720,000 clinical trial (MediWales, 2017). The trial aims to improve the treatment and survival rates at Cardiff’s Velindre Cancer Centre and Swansea’s Singleton Hospital. The 3D scanning pinpoints the exact site of a tumour and maps the … Continue reading Clinical trial to target head and neck cancer
App to help people with brain injuries live independently
A new app has been developed to help people with acquired brain injuries in Wales live independently by assisting them with everyday tasks such as cooking and making hot drinks (MediWales, 2017). MASCOT is being put together by SymlConnect Ltd, with support from Wrexham Glyndwr University, after Betsi Cadwaldr University Health Board identified a need … Continue reading App to help people with brain injuries live independently
First person in Wales undergoes pioneering robotic surgery
Denise Casey, who has epilepsy, has become the first person in Wales to undergo pioneering robotic surgery (BBC News, 2017). The robot, built by Renishaw in Rhondda Cynon Taff, implanted probes into the woman’s brain. Denise Casey, of Skewen, Neath Port Talbot, was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of thirty one and has had … Continue reading First person in Wales undergoes pioneering robotic surgery
Launch of Wales Institute of Digital Information
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) and the NHS Wales Informatics Service (NWIS) have joined forces to create the Wales Institute of Digital Information (WIDI) (University of Wales Trinity Saint David, 2017). Through WIDI, NWIS will have access to the talent of students and graduates by providing part-time employment opportunities, work placements and … Continue reading Launch of Wales Institute of Digital Information
Clinical trial offers lifeline for patients with aggressive brain tumours
A cutting-edge treatment for people with aggressive brain tumours is being made available in Wales for the first time (WalesOnline, 2017). A new trial, undertaken at Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff, will look at the effects of a drug called Lynparza, also known as olaparib, combined with radiotherapy for patients with aggressive brain tumours. Glioblastoma … Continue reading Clinical trial offers lifeline for patients with aggressive brain tumours
Number of people with Type 2 diabetes trebles since 1991
A Cardiff University study has concluded the number of people in the UK with Type 2 diabetes has trebled over the last two decades (Cardiff University, 2017). The new findings, based on data collected by GP services in the UK between 1991 and 2014, also show a marked increase in life expectancy for people with … Continue reading Number of people with Type 2 diabetes trebles since 1991
