The Co-Lab Digital Innovation Hub

Satellite Applications Catapult has partnered with Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care System (ICS) and other partners, to co-sponsor a new digital innovation hub that has opened at Kidderminster Hospital and Treatment Centre, which features new technology to deliver pioneering healthcare solutions.

The Co-Lab Digital Innovation Hub is designed to provide a space for health and care teams, local businesses, schools, and universities to meet with innovative technology providers, to collaboratively explore how digital technology and better connectivity can transform the delivery of patient care. A core focus of this new space is to share innovative practices and ideas that can be tested across other innovation hubs. The space will also offer training benefits for clinical staff and encourage young people to gain insight into careers within the NHS, social care and partner organisations within the ICS.

The Co-Lab incorporates unique facilities and state-of-the-art equipment, including special meeting rooms to accommodate virtual and in-person visitors. The facilities also offer the latest technology experiences, such as a sensory pod (multi-sensory, virtual reality experience) to support mental health, and portable virtual reality (VR) headsets, for chronic pain relief and anxiety. In addition, there is a ‘Consult Station,’ which simulates a consulting room and features equipment for recording electrocardiograms (ECGs).

In addition, the Co-Lab provides an opportunity for local technology companies to work and test in the health and social care sectors, with a focus on improving connectivity. This includes working with satellite enabled technology that could aid and enhance accessibility to health services. For example, ubiquitous connectivity (enabled by 5G over satellite and terrestrial communications) would enable clinicians working in primary care or the community, to provide advanced diagnoses and treatment with the support of virtual, video-enabled clinicians operating from a clinical hub.

Satellite Applications Catapult is proud to be part of this project, which supports our own ‘Living Labs’ facilities and methodology – to bridge the gap between clinicians, practitioners and innovators. Such innovation spaces are at the forefront in transforming health and social care services, which are a key enabler for medical breakthroughs and patient care improvement in the UK.

To find out more about the Co Lab, please visit: The Co Lab Digital Innovation Hub: Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care System (hwics.org.uk)

To contact the team, please email: hw.colab@nhs.net