The use of innovative technology and 3D cameras to support treatment of foot ulcers in community settings has received national recognition at the 2018 Health Service Journal (HSJ) Partnership Awards.

Entec Health Ltd, the UK distributor for ARANZ Medical’s Silhouette® system, was named runner up in the Best Innovation in Medical Technology category at the HSJ Partnership Awards in London last night.
The East Midlands Academic Health Science Network (EMAHSN) has worked with Entec Health to roll out the Silhouette® digital solution in partnership with Derby Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust. The cameras give an accurate assessment of foot ulcers by capturing wound images and measurements which can then be shared remotely with other healthcare professionals.

Following successful implementation in South Derbyshire, the use of 3D digital imaging cameras and information sharing is now due to be expanded with an additional seven cameras in South Derbyshire, and eight new cameras in North Derbyshire later this year, improving diabetes foot care service access in the community and reducing waiting times for diabetes patients in hospital out-patient clinics.

Regular assessment of patients with diabetic foot ulcers is vital to ensure timely care and treatment and minimise risk of complications. Providing an additional 15 cameras in the community means more Derbyshire patients will be regularly monitored without the need for a hospital outpatient appointment and Diabetes Foot teams can deliver more care based on objective data - rapidly referring patients from community to hospital if required.

Since its launch a year ago, Silhouette® has helped to significantly reduce outpatient waiting times, with 72% of patients at Royal Derby Hospitals now seen within 30 minutes of their appointment time compared with only 3% previously. In the community, 71% of patients are now seen within five minutes of their appointment time.

The East Midlands Academic Health Science Network (EMAHSN) continues to work with Entec Health to extend the use of the cameras and evaluate the impact and benefits for patients and the NHS. Following the initial rollout, the cameras in North and South Derbyshire are now being provided through national transformation funding to improve diabetes care and an evaluation programme will monitor and report the qualitative and financial benefits of the expanded deployment of the Silhouette solution.

Mike Hannay, Managing Director of the East Midlands Academic Health Science Network, said: “We are delighted that the partnership with Entec Health Ltd has been recognised at national level for its innovative use of technology to improve care for patients in our region. The Silhouette project is a fantastic demonstration of moving care out of hospital and closer to home which is both welcomed by patients and more sustainable for the NHS.”

Achala Patel, Managing Director, Entec Health said: “This is a great example of how AHSNs work with companies to ensure the spread of proven innovations throughout the NHS. Through expansion into North Derbyshire, even more patents will benefit from the introduction of this technology, faster treatment times and improved data sharing between health professionals.”

Danny Connor, Podiatry Services Manager for Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We’re delighted to be involved with this innovative project and to see it rolled out more widely for podiatry patients in Derby and Derbyshire. It has already proved very popular with our patients and we welcome the chance to extend the benefits it brings in the care of diabetic foot ulcer patients by our community podiatry teams.”

For more information visit bit.ly/Silhouette3D

Media enquiries: Chris Taylor 0115 748 4242 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

ENDS

Notes to editors:

About EMAHSN

The East Midlands Academic Health Science Network (EMAHSN) is one of 15 Academic Health Science Networks in England. EMAHSN brings together the NHS, universities, industry and social care to transform the health of the region’s 4.6M residents and stimulate wealth. Current priorities focus on identifying and spreading innovations that address challenges including cancer, obesity, diabetes, mental health, respiratory disease, liver disease and support for frail older people. www.healthinnovation-em.org.uk

About Entec Health

Entec Health is a specialist healthcare technology business, dedicated to selling, marketing and supporting innovative technologies and transformation solutions for healthcare innovation. The company’s vision is to enhance healthcare quality, outcomes and cost-effectiveness in partnership with healthcare provider clients and their patients.

The company brings products to market directly and also supports medical technology companies with market development consultancy services. Entec Health’s areas of focus include health innovation in wound management, long-term conditions, patient empowerment, self-management and health informatics.

About ARANZ Medical

ARANZ Medical Ltd is an innovator of medical solutions, specializing in 3D scanning applications that transform clinical processes in wound care and orthotics/prosthetics. Key innovations include Silhouette, an FDA-approved advanced wound surveillance system which supports better wound care management and increases productivity in clinical practice, and FastSCAN 3D scanning systems for orthotics and prosthetics and other applications including film and animation. ARANZ Medical’s technology is being used in over 35 countries in a range of settings from clinical researchers in rural Africa studying Buruli Ulcer, one of the most neglected tropical diseases, to the largest healthcare providers in the United States. For more information visit www.aranzmedical.com