Need to know
For #TeamEEAST Last updated: 19 May 2024 at 08:57
East of England NHS ambulance trust to pilot new technology that delivers ‘unbreakable connectivity’
Several trade publications reported on a pilot at EEAST of new technology that provides robust connectivity for ambulance crews and vehicles, even in areas where traditional cellular connectivity is impossible. Philip Elvidge, electronic patient record clinical lead at EEAST, is quoted in the articles and cites Thetford Forest as one area where the technology will be useful as it is renowned as a “complete dead spot for cellular connection.” The pilot will involve six East of England ambulance vehicles and will run between August and October 2023. Following this the pilot will be evaluated and if proven successful offered as a service to other ambulance trusts. Land Mobile, Mobile Marketing Magazine and Digital Health were among the trade publications that published the story.
New CEO for £1.4bn acute trust
The Health Service Journal (HSJ) reported on the appointment of Matthew Hopkins as the new chief executive of Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust. Mr Hopkins will join the Trust from his current role as chief executive of Worcestershire Acute NHS Hospitals Trust.
Norwich: Woman faced 20-hour ambulance wait, inquest hears
The Eastern Daily Press (EDP) and its sister paper, the Norwich Evening News, reported on the inquest of Alexis Mary Oxley-Brennan, 72, who had spent the last week of her life confined to her bed in her Norwich home after becoming increasingly ill. The inquest heard that a GP had arranged for a bed for Mrs Oxley-Brennan at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, but a call handler from EEAST advised him that there would be a 20-hour wait due to “significant pressures” on the day. Welfare checks were provided to Mrs Oxley-Brennan’s husband while they waited for an ambulance. However, the husband called 999 again after becoming concerned that his wife had stopped breathing and she was declared dead by paramedics when they arrived shortly after. EEAST were not approached for comment and the article included evidence provided by Chris Hewetson, patient safety officer, which presented the coroner with evidence of steps since taken to manage these issues. It was noted in the article that EEAST had apologised to the husband. A narrative conclusion was recorded.
North Norfolk Aid for Ukraine delivers huge amount of donations
The Eastern Daily Press (EDP) and North Norfolk News reported on a team of volunteers who have come together to help the people of Ukraine. The article lists the help the group have supplied to Ukraine which included two ambulances donated by EEAST after being contacted by co-ordinator, Matt Cole.