The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock MP, visited FutureNova to learn how FlipPad is revolutionising the way clinicians access technology.
The Essex-based company has developed an innovative solution for the Apple iPad that enables both clinical staff and surgeons to use the technology in sterile environments.
Joining Hancock on the visit was Vicky Ford MP and Hadley Beeman, chief technology advisor to the Secretary of State.
Hancock enjoyed a short tour of FutureNova’s design office, viewed prototypes, and witnessed how FlipPad worked with surgical gloves.
The visit took place during his trip to Anglia Ruskin University’s new School of Medicine.
FlipPad is both splash and shockproof and can be kept sterile with standard infection control sprays.
Featuring a wipe-clean design, the case can withstand harsh infection control chemicals, while the touch-sensitive screen allows staff to control it even when wearing surgical gloves in any sterile environment. It can be used in operating theatres, on infection control wards, and can be hung on a hospital bedrail.
The specialised iPad case also allows patients to watch a movie in the comfort of their bed and gives parents the opportunity to research their child’s condition, view their medical records and upcoming clinical regimes, as well as discuss their child’s health plan with clinicians.
FlipPad can assist the NHS in its efforts to reduce instances of Norovirus and C-Difficile by enabling the use of mobile technology everywhere in the NHS where infection prevention is important
Mike Casey, chief executive of FutureNova, said: “A lot of our design work with Apple and Microsoft will have a significant impact on digital healthcare.
“Mr Hancock has a vision of radically improving digital access to healthcare and was extremely interested to see the benefits of our technology for himself.
“FlipPad can assist the NHS in its efforts to reduce instances of Norovirus and C-Difficile by enabling the use of mobile technology everywhere in the NHS where infection prevention is important.”
Over the last two years the company has seen a high demand for FlipPad and the technology has been featured on The Resident, an American medical drama television series aired by Fox TV.
In the UK, the University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is the latest hospital trust to introduce the technology to provide better digital access for patients.
