Yorkshire healthcare technologies receive NHS funding

Two Yorkshire healthcare technology firms have secured funding to develop services for unmet healthcare needs under a new NHS initiative.

Bradford’s Dynamic Healthcare Systems and Shipley’s Advanced Digital Institute have both secured funds from the SBRI Healthcare, an NHS England supported programme that aims to develop proof of concept health services.

The two outfits will share part of the £5 million pot which is used to fund 6 month development phases for up to eight UK companies.

Dynamic Healthcare Systems are working with Sue Ryder Foundation to build VirtuCare, an internet-based self-care service for people with long-term conditions; while Advanced Digital Institute are developing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) based interventions for those living with chronic pain via smartphones software, either as a substitute for, or complement to, face-to-face sessions with a trained therapist.

Karen Livingstone, director of SBRI Healthcare commented: “The importance of new technologies in these key health areas cannot be underestimated. The successful companies will be developing products to support patients to manage pain, share family moments and prepare for their final days as part of the end of life competition.

“In the area of mental health, we had some highly innovative games for young people experiencing mental health challenges and bespoke usable apps that will support people in the breadth of their lives to feel able to manage their conditions for themselves.

“SBRI is a great means to accelerate the development of these products and we look forward to working with the successful companies.”

Following the initial 6 month development phase, those businesses demonstrating best value and greatest technical feasibility in phase 1 will progress through to phase 2 to be further supported through to commercialisation.