Tag: health

Spectrum.Life Surpasses 300 Employees and Eyes Growth to 500 by End of 2025 

Spectrum.Life, a leading Irish whole-of-health digital partner, today announced plans to add 200 new colleagues in the coming months, growing its workforce to 500 employees by the end of 2025. The roles will be for jobs across the UK, Ireland and remote.

The announcement was made at Enterprise Ireland’s UK and Irish Business Leaders Dinner hosted by Ambassador Fraser on October 8 at the Embassy of Ireland in London.

On the back of the company’s rapid expansion in the UK, the company recently surpassed the milestone of 300 employees. This considerable expansion solidifies its position as a key player in the rapidly evolving HealthTech industry.

A significant portion of these new roles will be remote, spanning various sectors, including clinical positions, senior leadership, and business development, and contributing positively to local economies across Ireland and the UK. This expansion underscores Spectrum.Life’s strategic focus on harnessing the rich talent pools in both markets, further establishing the company as a dominant force in the HealthTech industry.

“We are incredibly proud of our talented team and the impact they make every day. Our commitment to job creation in Ireland and the UK reflects our vision of leading the HealthTech industry driven by both our people and our innovative solutions that save and improve lives. As we expand, Spectrum.Life remains steadfast in its mission to revolutionise digital mental health. This journey isn’t just about growth – it’s about transforming and saving lives. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, we differentiate ourselves, building a brighter future for our clients, employees, and communities, and solidifying our position as a leader in HealthTech innovation,” said Stephen Costello, Co-founder and CEO of Spectrum.Life.

Attending the Irish Business Leaders Dinner in London, Leo Clancy, CEO of Enterprise Ireland said: “Across the UK and Ireland, Spectrum.Life is providing digital mental health and wellbeing support to thousands of organisations. The addition of these 200 roles across the UK, Ireland and globally will support the company’s growth trajectory as more organisations adopt health tech solutions. Enterprise Ireland has supported Spectrum.Life since its beginning, supporting with investment, international growth and R&D projects.”

Spectrum.Life’s growth is further demonstrated by the expansion of its cutting-edge digital gym network, with a flagship location in Dublin, now joined by a second hub in Manchester. The new UK facility plays a pivotal role in in the company’s strategic growth, enhancing its ability to serve clients across both Ireland and the UK. Positioned as a key centre for content creation and client collaboration, the Manchester site is integral to meeting the rising demand for Spectrum.Life’s services in both markets.

In the face of Brexit challenges, Spectrum.Life has turned potential obstacles into opportunities. With a strong export strategy underpinned by innovative solutions and a customer-focused approach, the company continues to thrive internationally, reinforcing the connection between Ireland and the UK.

Spectrum.Life’s growth story also serves as a testament to the success fostered by Enterprise Ireland, highlighting the organisation’s crucial support in establishing Ireland as a global leader in HealthTech and technological advancement.

See how online creativity is connecting young people with lifelong health conditions and disability across Ireland

An upcoming nationwide art exhibition series will highlight the benefits being brought to the wellbeing, confidence and social connectivity of young people across Ireland living with lifelong physical health conditions by Helium Arts’ Distance Creates online art programme.

Helium Arts is a national charity supporting children in Ireland with lifelong physical health conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, heart conditions, spina bifida, juvenile arthritis and rare conditions, among others. The charity runs a range of art programmes dedicated to improving the wellbeing of these children and young people.

Helium Arts has announced that its Creativity Unlimited art showcase will open on 16th October in Limerick City Gallery of Art, where a flagship exhibition will run until 25th October. A family day will be taking place on Saturday, 19th October, with special events and activities. Follow-on exhibitions will be taking place in several Connected Hubs’ locations across the country, including in Cork, Galway and Dublin during November. All of the exhibitions and associated events will be open to the public free of charge.

Creativity Unlimited will display creative works by young people aged between six and 16 from across Ireland who have been participating in Helium Arts’ Distance Creates online programme. The theme ‘About Me’ celebrates the creative stories of the online participants presented through zines exploring identity, and the children and young people’s journey through the online programme.

Distance Creates is the online component of Helium Arts’ wider creative health programme, which also delivers in-person, artist-led, medically supported creative workshops in hospital paediatric outpatient clinics and community settings in locations in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, the Mid West, Galway and the West.

In 2023, 114 children and young people from across 22 counties in Ireland living with lifelong physical health conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus and cystic fibrosis participated in Distance Creates online.

Feedback conducted by Helium Arts through surveys and consultations with the young people, parents and programme coordinators involved in the online programme showed how the process of being creative was a joyful and calming experience, that it promoted confidence and a sense of self, and fostered new friendships and connections between participants, who can often feel socially isolated.*

Announcing Creativity Unlimited, CEO of Helium Arts, Helene Hugel, said: “Our online programme has allowed us to widen our reach and bring the benefits of art and creativity to more children and young people living with the effects of illness or disability every day. Distance Creates facilitates them to take part from anywhere in Ireland, whether that is in the comfort of their own home, during a stay in hospital, or within a community context. I’m very grateful to Limerick City Gallery of Art and the Connected Hubs network for providing space for the exhibition series as a way of recognising the talent and accomplishment of our young artists in the heart of their own communities, while connecting with a new, wider circle of social support online.”

Welcoming being a venue partner for Creativity Unlimited, Connected Hubs’ National Hubs Network programme manager, Stephen Carolan, said: “Connected Hubs is delighted to support Helium Arts’ innovative online programme, which empowers children and young people across Ireland to engage in creative activities, no matter their health condition or location. This complements our innovative Art in the Hubs partnership with the Contemporary Irish Arts Society to place pieces of art in hubs all over Ireland.”

How Distance Creates works

The Distance Creates programme offers a blend of online and offline creative activities. Upon signing up, children and young people receive an ‘art box’ in the post, curated by Helium Arts, containing all the necessary art materials. Participants then receive creative activities, demonstrations, and tips from a professional artist via email, allowing them to complete projects and get creative at their own pace. Additionally, there are opportunities to connect with others through Zoom sessions and ‘post pal’, where you are connected with another participant around the country to exchange artwork by post.

Distance Creates is open to young people aged between six and 16, and like all Helium Arts programmes, it’s free of charge.

What participants have to say

Jason Harper, age 15, from Kilkenny, lives with the genetic condition 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Jason is a participant of Helium Arts’ Distance Creates online programme for ages 13-16 and will have his work featured in Creativity Unlimited.

Commenting on the experience and benefits for him of the online programme, Jason said: “The tutors were really friendly and welcoming. The art pack they sent had lots of supplies. I enjoyed the watercolour painting and rice maps. The techniques I learned at the camp are currently helping me with my Junior Cert art project as I am using the same techniques for my project. I look forward to learning more.”

David Savage from Mullingar is dad to Aisling, age eight. Aisling lives with epilepsy and is a participant of the Distance Creates online programme for ages six to eight. Aisling will also have her work featured in the showcase.

Commenting on the experience and benefits for Aisling of the online programme, David said: “Aisling’s favourite thing about the online workshops is being able to see other people’s work. She loves to see the different ways other people have done the project, and she also loves seeing their names and ages. She knows they all have conditions too. This makes her feel less alone. Aisling also adored the post pal and stayed in touch with her pal, a girl the same age as her living in Roscommon. They wrote letters to each other and shared art by post which was great fun and so lovely to see.”

For more information about Helium Arts, including about its Distance Creates online programme and the Creativity Unlimited art showcase, visit www.helium.ie.

Helium Arts’ national Creative Health Programme is supported by Rethink Ireland, Community Foundation Ireland, the Arts Council and the Lakeside Fund. The Programme is also funded by the Communities Integration Fund. Helium Arts’ national Online Creative Health Programme is funded thanks to a generous donation from an anonymous trust as well as a grant from the ESB Energy for Generations Fund.

Gamgee Launches AI-Powered Fall Detection System for Seniors: Instant Alerts, No Wearables Needed

In a bold move to redefine the elderly care and smart living eco-system, Gamgee BV has released a Wi-Fi Fall Protection system. This innovative technology promises to dramatically enhance the lives of seniors by offering an unobtrusive yet highly effective safety net. By harnessing the power of Wi-Fi signals, this system marks a significant departure from traditional fall detection methods, eliminating the need for wearables and invasive cameras.

What Sets Gamgee’s Wi-Fi Fall Protection Apart?

  • No Wearables Required: Leveraging advanced Wi-Fi technology, our system operates without the need for any wearables, gadgets, or cameras, providing comfort and convenience for seniors.

  • Presence and Fall Detection: With high accuracy and no false alarms, the system reliably detects falls, ensuring the safety and well-being of your loved ones.

  • Real-Time Alerts: The moment a fall is detected, the system immediately notifies family members and caregivers, enabling swift action to be taken.

  • Comprehensive Health Monitoring: By analyzing daily activity patterns, the system provides invaluable health insights, allowing for proactive health management.

  • Real-Time Alerts: The moment a fall is detected, the system immediately notifies family members and caregivers, enabling swift action to be taken.

  • Comprehensive Health Monitoring: By analyzing daily activity patterns and health insights, the system provides invaluable health insights, allowing for proactive health management.

Paul Hendriks, CEO and Co-Founder of Gamgee, emphasized the emotional and practical benefits of the new system, stating, “We’re not just launching a product; we’re launching a new era of compassionate, tech-smart eldercare. Our technology doesn’t just protect; it empowers and connects, enhancing the lives of our seniors and their families.”

Similar to fall protection, Gamgee also introduces its Wi-Fi Home Alarm System, leveraging the technology to distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar movements within the home. This not only enhances home security but also significantly cuts down on false alarms, simplifying home safety in a smart, efficient way.

Additional Features and Future Plans:

  • Automatic System Management: The system intelligently arms and disarms itself based on family presence, making security seamless and hassle-free.

  • Integration with Smart Home Devices: Looking forward, Gamgee plans to integrate this system with other Wi-Fi-enabled home devices, paving the way for a fully automated, smart living environment.

Dedicated new app launched to support people living with rare disease, Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension to improve health outcomes and quality of life

Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, SFI CONNECT Centre for Future Networks & Communications (CONNECT), Maynooth University and Mater Misericordiae University Hospital announced a new partnership today to introduce an innovative health app.

This application has been specifically developed using award-winning technology deployed by many UK-based hospitals and is designed to provide essential tools and information for patients living with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), supporting improved health outcomes and quality of life right from their homes. The app also enables medical teams to educate patients about their condition and encourages proactive health management.

PAH is a rare form of pulmonary hypertension, which is high blood pressure in the lungs with an annual incidence rate of 3.11 patients per million of the total population of Ireland. Symptoms of PAH include: breathlessness, particularly during physical activity; fatigue; dizziness; syncope (fainting or passing out); peripheral oedema (swelling to lower legs or hands) and chest pain.

These symptoms can severely impact a patient’s ability to carry out normal daily activities. As the disease progresses, some patients may experience constant dyspnoea (shortness of breath or breathlessness) and fatigue so that even simple tasks, such as getting dressed and walking short distances, become difficult which can severely impact a patient’s quality of life.3

The Mater Hospital is the National Centre of Excellence for PAH and is attended by patients from across Ireland. The initial rollout of the app will benefit up to 250 people living with the rare disease who attend the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital for treatment, empowering them to manage their disease more effectively, from their homes.

The app’s integration into the patients’ care routine is expected to:

  • Improve the quality of life of patients, empowering them to self-manage elements of their condition through access to credible and localised information about the management of their condition, their treatment pathways and online support services.
  • Improve medication adherence by providing patients with medication support and education.
  • Reduce hospital appointments by providing patients with self-management information and the use of a health tracker to enable patient-initiated reviews. This would positively impact patients who are not located close to the hospital, to reduce the burden of travel, parking and support from loved ones.
  • Provide holistic guidance and education to patients on their emotional, physical and nutritional wellbeing with the aim of improving their quality of life.
  • Improve the quality of care through personalised, up-to-date medical advice from trusted clinical teams as well as deploying remote education for healthcare professionals through the app.
  • Enhance the experience of healthcare professionals by streamlining patient interactions and reducing administrative burdens, creating greater efficiencies that benefit both the professionals, and the patient.

This partnership brings together the expertise and resources of Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, formerly known as Janssen, alongside Maynooth University, CONNECT and the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital to offer innovative support for patients. It underscores the commitment of both public, private and academic sectors to enhance patient care, improve quality of life, and address the increasing demands on the Irish healthcare system, serving as a national pathway personalised to local clinical and system needs.

A presentation about the new app will be made today at the International Digital Health Summer School 2024, hosted at the Innovation Value Institute, Maynooth University.

Developed by Health and Care Innovations (HCI), the CONNECTPlus app has been designed in collaboration with nurses, clinicians and PAH patients, to ensure it closely supports the local pathways of care, patient needs and challenges faced by people living with PAH which will be optimised over time to incorporate user feedback.

Speaking about the partnership, Lisa Wallace, Business Unit Director and Head of Business Transformation at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine said, “This partnership aims to not only support patients living with pulmonary arterial hypertension, but also reduce the demand on a busy health system, improving the quality of care and supporting the clinician’s engagement with patients. We are living in a world where the demand for healthcare is increasing, and we need to shift to innovative ways of working where more patients are at the centre of personalised care that is delivered closer to home.”

Martin Curley, Professor of Innovation at Maynooth University and Digital Health Lead at Innovation Value Institute and CONNECT Investigator said, “Digital transformation has emerged as a vital catalyst in optimising clinical pathways for both patients and healthcare professionals. By embracing technology, we are unlocking new opportunities for seamless collaboration, efficient data management, and personalised healthcare experiences. This initiative is a great opportunity to empower patients as well as healthcare providers with the tools and insights needed to deliver timely and effective care, ultimately transforming the way we navigate and improve patient outcomes.”

Prof Sean Gaine, Consultant Respiratory Physician at the Mater Misericordiae Hospital said: “Our teams are actively involved in shaping this innovative app to ensure the technology will best suit the needs of our patients and support our goal of empowering people living with PAH to play an active role in the management of their disease. We are delighted to deliver this new innovation to help patients better manage their condition.”

 

Telefónica Tech supports encompass in the roll-out of digital patient records for the UK’s largest trust

Telefónica Tech UK&I has reached a significant milestone in its delivery of a five-year IT managed services contract to support encompass, the health and social care programme that is creating a single digital care record for every citizen who receives health and social care in Northern Ireland.

Belfast Trust, the largest of its kind in the UK, went live this month, replacing paper processes with the new digital patient record system. It follows the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, which was the first Trust to Go-Live under the contract in November 2023, with encompass then rolling out across all Trusts in Northern Ireland over a two-year period.

Telefónica Tech, which employs 330 people in Belfast and has created 20 highly skilled and technically accredited locally-based jobs to support the work, is providing the specialist IT hosting and managed services strategic expertise required to underpin encompass.

This involved building and managing all of the back-end IT infrastructure, including for the hosting and deployment of Epic, the market-leading health record management software, and then supporting the roll-out to all Health and Social Care Trusts in Northern Ireland.

Ellen Dickson, VP, Enterprise Health Services at Telefónica Tech UK&I, said: “encompass is a transformational project from an operational and medical point of view, making Northern Ireland the first part of the UK where patients have a single integrated care record. It is a highly complex project and critical to the health and wellbeing of service users in Northern Ireland. It will require the highest levels of service to support the approximately 70,000 staff members who will use the system once it is implemented across all the Trusts. We are very proud to contribute to its implementation in the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust, and most recently in the Belfast Health & Social Care Trust, the largest Trust of its kind in the UK.”

Dr. Dermot Hughes, the Senior Responsible Owner for the encompass programme, recognised the significant contributions of Telefónica Tech to the successful Go-Live at South Eastern and Belfast Trust: “Telefónica Tech have contributed significantly to the successful implementation of the Epic Platform in Northern Ireland. Their dedicated Healthcare focused team have brought experience and a collegiate partnership to the encompass programme. They have grown their Belfast based workforce and have done so by opening opportunities to all.”

Belfast-based Telefónica Tech UK&I has a dedicated team for enterprise health services and provides IT managed services to major health trusts across the UK and Ireland, including Cambridge University Hospitals Trust.

Evernorth Health Services chooses Galway City as the destination of Innovation Hub

Evernorth Health Services, the pharmacy, care and benefits solution division of global health company The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI), has chosen The City of Tribes as the location of a new innovation hub, creating 100 jobs over the next few years. Evernorth’s mission is focused on making the prediction, prevention, and treatment of illness and disease more accessible to millions of people.

Employees with Evernorth Ireland will be engaged in software strategy, architecture, and portfolio and product management of select technology products across The Cigna Group and its businesses. Evernorth will recruit top talent, from graduates to experienced technology professionals, across a range of roles in Ireland.

This project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary TD said: “Ireland’s vibrant tech community, talent and expertise as well as our ease of access to cutting-edge research and leading third-level institutions offer real opportunity to business.  Investments such as the one today continue to advance Galway’s position, in particular, as a global technology hub. I am pleased to welcome this announcement and wish Evernorth Ireland every success.”

Luke Warren, Head of Evernorth Ireland, said:
“We selected Galway as a hub because we believe it will help us drive further innovation on behalf of all those we serve. We look forward to deepening our engagement with the Galway community and benefiting from new viewpoints as we deliver on our promises to our stakeholders.”

Michael Lohan, CEO at IDA Ireland, said: “IDA Ireland very much welcomes this announcement by Evernorth Health Services.  The company’s decision to locate here reflects Ireland’s reputation as a hub for innovation and technology talent.  We look forward to partnering with Evernorth and supporting the company as it establishes and grows its Irish operations.”

Evernorth Ireland has a temporary office at the Hibernian House in Eyre Square and is now recruiting for positions. To explore opportunities to join Evernorth’s Galway operations, visit – https://www.sigmarjobs.com/evernorthireland.

What Should Be Covered By Your Health Insurance In Ireland?

Having health insurance in Ireland is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended. It can protect you from the high costs of private medical care and give you peace of mind knowing that you are covered in case of an unexpected illness or injury.

However, with so many different health insurance plans in the market, it can be difficult to know what you should be covered for. Let’s look at the essential aspects health insurance must cover in Ireland.

Public vs Private Healthcare

Understanding the Irish healthcare system is crucial when selecting health insurance. Ireland operates a two-tiered system, consisting of:

  • Public Health System: Funded by the government, the public health system provides free basic healthcare services to all residents. However, waiting lists for certain treatments can be lengthy, and some advanced procedures may not be covered.
  • Private Healthcare: This sector offers quicker access to a broader range of specialists, hospitals, and treatments. However, it comes at a cost, and private health insurance is necessary to cover these expenses.

Essential Coverages

While specific coverage details can vary between insurers, some fundamental aspects should be included in your health insurance plan:

  • Inpatient Care: This covers the cost associated with hospital stays, including room charges, nursing care, and meals.
  • Outpatient Care: This covers the cost of consultations with specialists, diagnostic tests (X-rays, MRIs, etc.), and other medical services received outside a hospital setting.
  • Day Surgery: This covers the costs of surgical procedures performed on an outpatient basis, where the patient is not admitted to the hospital overnight.
  • Maternity Care: It covers the costs associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care.
  • Mental Health: It covers the cost of consultations with psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals.

Additional Considerations

Beyond the essential coverages, you can consider the following factors when choosing your health insurance plan in Ireland:

  • Excess: This is the amount you pay upfront before your insurance covers treatment costs. Choosing a plan with a lower excess comes with a higher premium.
  • Co-payments: These are fixed amounts of money you pay for certain services, such as doctor consultations or prescriptions.
  • Sub-limits: These are caps on the amount your insurer will cover for specific treatments or procedures.
  • Network of Hospitals and Specialists: Ensure your chosen plan provides coverage for the hospitals and specialists you prefer or those located conveniently near you.

Tailoring Your Coverage

If your individual needs and circumstances drive your purchase, you’ll ultimately justify your health insurance’s cost. For this, you can consider factors like:

  • Age: Younger individuals may prioritise lower premiums, while older people may require more comprehensive coverage.
  • Medical History: If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, ensure your plan covers the necessary treatments and medications.
  • Family Planning: If you plan to start a family, ensure your plan offers adequate maternity and childcare coverage.
  • Lifestyle: If you participate in risky activities or sports, consider adding personal accident cover to your plan.

Comparing And Choosing

Once you understand your coverage needs, comparing plans from different insurers is crucial. Use online comparison tools or consult a registered health insurance broker to find the plan that best suits your budget and requirements. To make things easier, you can try Cornmarket, a reliable name in the industry with over 50 years of experience.

Empower Your Health Journey

Selecting the right health insurance in Ireland won’t look like a fruitful decision until you encounter a medical situation. So, while choosing health insurance, always keep your own requirements in mind and then pick the right plan with the right coverage.

 

Laifen Launches the Laifen Wave Electric Toothbrush, a Revolutionary New Oral Health and Wellness Experience

Laifen, a renowned leader in personal care appliances, is pleased to announce that its pioneering dual-action electric toothbrush, the Laifen Wave, is now available to audiences in the United States. The Laifen Wave features a proprietary servo system that delivers unprecedented ultra-wide 60° oscillations and a max of 66,000 vibrations/min, achieving a 3x higher brushing efficiency¹ for healthier teeth.

Ahead of World Oral Health Day on March 20th, Laifen is committed to contributing to the awareness of good oral hygiene and its impact on overall body health. Knowing that new health and wellness appliances and practices are at the top of many people’s minds, the Laifen Wave is designed to align with the dentist-recommended Bass brushing method² and provide excellent oral care in one complete package.

At the heart of Laifen’s technological innovation is an emphasis on more effective and intelligent self-care solutions. The Wave’s superior cleaning efficiency, seamless design and user-friendly customization sets it apart from legacy brands, giving consumers an accessible path to optimized oral hygiene.

Laifen Wave Key Features:

60° Oscillation Combined with Vibration for a Deeper Clean
Modern Appearance, Seamless Single-Piece Design
Fully Customizable Brushing with 3 Settings / 10 Levels, Controlled by an Intuitive App
Long-Lasting Battery Life, Significantly Faster Charging, and Low Noise
Premium Antibacterial Brush Heads

FDA Approval and Product Recognition:

The Laifen Wave has been approved by the FDA for sale in the United States. Amongst other awards and roundups, the Laifen Wave’s debut made an impression at CES, earning recognition in Phandroid’s Best of CES 2024 Awards, TWICE’s CES Picks Awards 2024, PCMag’s 10 Best Health and Fitness Devices of CES 2024, and The Hollywood Reporter’s 15+ Best Smart Home Tech. The Wave stood out for its cutting-edge technology, extensive customizability, inventive brushing method, and sleek design.

Pricing Details:

The Laifen Wave is now available on Laifen EU and Amazon. To learn more about the Laifen Wave, please visit the website.

ABS (Plastic): €79.99
Aluminum Alloy: €99.99
Stainless Steel: €99.99

Mater Hospital becomes the first hospital in Ireland to integrate Artificial Intelligence technology across Radiology to accelerate emergency care

The Mater Misericordiae University Hospital has become the first hospital in Ireland to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) across its Radiology Department in order to accelerate emergency care. This has resulted in rapid notification of suspected pathologies, enhanced patient care and is freeing up valuable time for staff in the Department.

Since the introduction of the AI-assisted software this year, more than 15,600 patient scans have been analysed. Over 700 pathologies were correctly flagged by AI within 2-3 minutes of the scan being completed, with 500 intracranial haemorrhages and 200 pulmonary emboli being identified.

On out-patient scans, 50 pulmonary emboli were also flagged where the scans were being performed to assess other medical conditions. The overall accuracy of the software in real Irish clinical practice has been deemed to be highly sensitive and specific, with an accuracy rate of more than 90%.

The Mater Hospital has implemented four new technologies, including AI assistance on: CT pulmonary angiograms, incidental pulmonary embolism notification on CT scans, intracranial haemorrhage detection on CT head scans and cervical spine fracture detection on CT C-Spine scans.

The screening platform, made by Aidoc, operates on an ‘always-on’ basis, meaning it is constantly running in the background in order to analyse medical imaging data, flag urgent findings, and highlight cases that should be prioritised and brought to the immediate attention of consultants. The use of the software in Radiology at the Mater has significantly reduced report turnaround times, while also improving diagnostic accuracy and streamlining workflows.  The development of AI in healthcare clinical settings is being supported by Pillar Centre for Transformative Healthcare based at the Mater Hospital.

Mater Hospital Consultant Radiologist Professor Peter MacMahon said: “Our experiences have underscored the tangible benefits of AI, notably in expediting critical diagnoses and reducing turnaround times by rapidly flagging anomalies detected in scans. This allows Radiologists to prioritise the reading of these results and verify their accuracy before deciding upon a further course of action.”

The software underwent rigorous scrutiny, verification and testing at the Mater Hospital during a trial phase from April until August before the technology was fully deployed across the Radiology Department. The software is used to augment rather than replace the capabilities of radiologists at the hospital in emergency settings, ensuring that human scrutiny, verification and expertise is still at the centre of reading the scans.

Alan Sharp, CEO of the Mater Hospital, said: “The introduction of AI tools at the Mater’s Radiology Department demonstrates the strong emphasis we place on innovation and development. The integration of AI at the Mater serves to enhance patient outcomes and add efficiencies which ensure our patients receive the best standard of care we can possibly offer. The Mater strives to be a national leader in deploying cutting-edge technological innovations such as Artificial Intelligence in healthcare.”

Mike Burns, Director of Sales for Aidoc in the UK and Ireland, commented on the partnership, saying, “We are proud to collaborate with The Mater Hospital, a healthcare institution known for its dedication to patient care and innovation. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to improving healthcare delivery and impacting patient outcomes in Ireland.”

Early next year, the Mater plans to trial further specialised AI tools, focusing on the analysis of bone and chest X-rays in the Emergency Department. These tools, designed to promptly flag pathologies and accelerate patient triage, are set to further enhance the Mater’s diagnostic capabilities and reduce waiting times for patients, while freeing up valuable time for frontline healthcare staff.