The Welsh Government has announced a £150,000 Covid-19 Digital Solutions Fund for healthcare firms to find new ways to use digital technology to combat coronavirus.
It has called for applications for shares of up to £30,000 each to quickly trial solutions to improve remote diagnostics, data collection and monitor the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE).
The decisions will be made by a panel with representatives from the NHS, the Welsh Government and industry, and the money will support the rapid piloting and evaluation of new digital platforms, apps and technologies to determine their long term use and potential in the health service.
Four themes have been identified for the greatest potential impacts: remote diagnosis and triage of patients; optimising data collection and processing; tracking, managing and reporting on PPE availability and usage; and remote citizen support and treatment.
The projects will run through July and August with the potential to roll out the technology from early September.
Urgent need
Health Minister Vaughan Gething said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted an urgent need for new digital technology to help us contain and respond to the virus.
“This call to action could make a massive difference not only in our immediate response to the pandemic, but in our day-to-day health services. It is important we embrace digital technologies and use some of its potential to improve routine care.
“We have already received more than 180 offers of new ideas, products and services from industry, offering staff time, new apps and services during the Covid-19 pandemic. This call to action will help us evaluate the best options and their long term value.
Applications can be submitted at www.sdi.click/coviddigital. The closing date is June 8.
Image by Sergio Santos, CC BY 2.0
