Tag: new technology

Care Home residents touch the future with new interactive touch pad

Barchester Healthcare care home Strachan House located in Blackhall has added to their services with a new high-tech touch pad at the home (writes Strachan House Care Home’s JANE LONGSTAFF).

A care home which provides expert care to residents with mobility restrictions as well as those living with dementia, the sensory trolley has allowed residents of all capacities and mobilities to enjoy different, sensory experiences without even leaving their rooms.

The specially-adapted, fully-accessible display features immersive technology, which enables users to move shapes, colours and objects through gesture and movement. The touch pad has a number of features designed to help those suffering with with dementia to relax; the cart also helps de-escalate stressful and upsetting situations experienced by those suffering with different forms of the disease.

The unit is designed with a number of key features that include: a 4K screen which allows residents to take immersive voyages anywhere in the world, a variety of dementia-friendly apps which allow multi-sensory experiences, a virtual piano, a 3D chess set and other virtual games, large piece jigsaws and other activities for residents with mobility restrictions.

The 65” screen allows residents with visual difficulties to participate in activities they would otherwise be unable to see.

STUC Disabled Workers Conference: Usdaw seeks to tackle poverty and address the impact of new technology

STUC Disabled Workers Conference 2025: Usdaw seeks to tackle poverty and address the impact of new technology

Retail trade union Usdaw has a delegation of members, reps and officials attending the annual Scottish Trade Union Congress (STUC) Disabled Workers Conference in Glasgow this weekend, 22 and 23 November.

The union is raising the impact of new technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), on disabled workers; along with seeking action to address and prevent disabled people’s poverty.

Tony Doonan – Usdaw regional secretary for Scotland says: “New technologies are dramatically changing the world of work and the daily lives of workers.

“The pace and scale of change is accelerating and disabled workers are disproportionately affected by technological advancement.

“The Scottish Government’s response remains a significant factor in disabled people’s inequality. Unless unions, and specifically disabled workers, are properly consulted about the development, application and implementation of new technologies in the workplace, including AI, disabled workers will continue to be discriminated against and excluded.”

Usdaw is calling on the STUC to work with all key stakeholders including governments to:

·         Ensure conversations and decisions regarding the introduction of new technologies in the workplace include disabled workers, to improve their access to and experiences of paid work.

·         Introduce a statutory duty requiring employers in both the public and private sectors to conduct and publish equality impact assessments specifically on the introduction of new technologies at work.

Tony Doonan continued: “Disabled people are already more likely to be living in poverty, with the continuing cost of living crisis adding to the extra costs that come with living as a disabled person.

“Disabled people also continue to face discrimination in the labour market and are more likely to be employed on short-hours contracts in low-paid work. The Adult Disability Payment in Scotland is key to enabling disabled people to meet the additional costs of being disabled, including costs associated with work.

“The recent publication of an independent review calls for a simplified and more accessible application process. Significantly, the review urges the Scottish Government to protect and improve access to ADP, advising them against restricting eligibility or introducing further barriers to application.

“We urge the Scottish Government to adopt the recommendations, including investing in sustainable funding for welfare advice services and more inclusive communication.”

Usdaw is calling on the Scottish Government to take a strategic and preventative approach to disabled people’s poverty by dealing with the long-term drivers including:

·         Reviewing the adequacy of all disability benefits and disability-related premiums.

·         Working with the UK Government to fully implement the disability pay gap reporting proposals in the UK’s draft Equality Bill.

·         Raising awareness of the crucial role the social model plays in disability equality, and ensuring that they lead by example, embedding it in their approach to policy and decision making.

1 in 3 Parents in Edinburgh admit needing to go ‘Back to School’ when it comes to Technology

A new survey has found that parents in Edinburgh are struggling to keep up with their children’s growing digital know-how, with 38% admitting they’d benefit from heading back to school themselves to brush up on their skills.

The research, commissioned by laptops specialist AO.com, revealed almost half (44%) of parents living in Edinburgh think their children or grandchildren already know more about technology than they do.

And 24% said they’d even consider going to TikTok classes to learn how to use the social media platform and keep up with their kids.

The findings highlighted a clear digital divide across generations, with parents increasingly leaning on their kids to navigate laptops, apps and online platforms.

The data also showed that across the UK, 1 in 2 (53%) of adults believe their tech skills are less than competent, average, below average or ‘in need of serious help’.

And one in ten UK adults went as far as saying they feel ’embarrassed’ by their lack of tech skills.

Nick Bunce, Computing expert at AO.com, said: “Parents shouldn’t feel embarrassed or defeated when it comes to technology – it’s moving so quickly and it’s impossible to know everything.

“At this time of the year, when children have been going back to school and other young people have college and university to think about, we see a huge increase in demand for new tech such as laptops, iPads and other items. But inevitably, that brings some challenges as people get to grips with new devices and integrate them into their daily lives.

“It can be reassuring to remember that lots of families are in the same boat, so parents should instead see this as a chance to learn alongside their children. Picking up new skills together can be a brilliant way to make that transition easier, whether it’s mastering laptops, navigating apps, or simply finding quicker ways of doing everyday tasks.”

VR technology and educational escape rooms used to train over 600 school children in vital lifesaving skills

Over 600 high school students have so far been trained in vital lifesaving skills as part of a groundbreaking pilot training programme using innovative technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and educational escape rooms.

The Young Minds Save Lives pilot programme, which is run by the Scottish Ambulance Service and is currently funded by NHS Charities Together, provides young people with critical knowledge and skills on how to respond in a medical emergency and preventative healthcare. The programme also aims to raise awareness about future careers in healthcare and opportunities for volunteering.

Working with staff at Shawlands Academy and Holyrood Secondary School, the pilot training programme has been designed with S3 students to meet the specific needs of the local community whilst providing interest to the young people by using innovative educational tools which are not typically used in a school setting.

The programme, which is delivered to pupils by two local frontline paramedics, covers topics such as CPR where dummies and VR headsets are used, recognising strokes, chest pain and heart attacks, drug and alcohol harm, and excessive bleeding from penetrating wounds such as knives.

The young people took part in educational escape room challenges which tested their knowledge on the topics they had been taught in order to finish the programme.

Reflecting on her experience, Mia Tait, S3 student at Shawlands Academy said: “I’ve really enjoyed taking part in the Young Minds Save Lives pilot programme and have learned loads of new skills.

“It’s also really increased my confidence, so if I ever came across or was involved in a medical emergency, I’d feel like I’d know what to do now.

“Using a VR headset for our CPR lesson was great fun and when I took it home to show my family, they were keen to have a go too!

“The programme has also given me more of an insight into the work of paramedics and the potential career and volunteering options that are available at the Scottish Ambulance Service when I’m a bit older. I’d never really thought about it before.”

Michael Dickson, Scottish Ambulance Service Chief Executive said: “The Young Minds Saves Lives pilot programme is unique.

“It’s a co-designed project working with the young people using innovative technology and creative learning methods to educate them on vital skills, and it also focuses on working with the local community to support their needs and issues with the outcome of improving population health, supporting healthcare careers of young people, and wider health and wellbeing.

“The feedback we have received from staff, pupils, parents and the community whilst we’ve been running this pilot project has been absolutely fantastic.

“The University of Glasgow have undertaken an evaluation of the programme and the next step, subject to securing further investment, is to roll the initiative out across the country in order to train more high school children in vital life-saving skills and preventative healthcare areas, which will benefit additional Scottish communities.”

The pilot programme is supported by Save a Life Scotland, Resus UK, the University of Glasgow, Developing the Young Workforce Glasgow, NHS Education for Scotland, Health Improvement Scotland and Eeek Escape Rooms.

For more information about how you can support the Young Minds Save Lives initiative, contact: sas.ymsl@nhs.scot.

NHS Lothian trials new technology to help manage COPD symptoms

A new tool to help patients with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) better manage their condition is being trialled by NHS Lothian’s Midlothian Community Respiratory Team (MCRT) in collaboration with Health Innovation South East Scotland.

COPD affects approximately 120,000 people in Scotland and is the second most common reason for emergency hospital admissions.

The Dynamic Scot project (remote physiological monitoring) allows patients to monitor their condition from the comfort of their own home through a digital service that can be accessed via a smartphone, tablet or computer.

Patients are prompted each day to log on and answer questions about their symptoms and how they are feeling. This encourages them to self-manage their symptoms with the option to seek advice when needed via the messaging service. In the longer term this can flag up early signs of deterioration in their condition and help predict if they are at risk of hospitalisation.

Claire Yerramasu, Advance Practitioner Physiotherapist and lead clinician for the MCRT pilot, NHS Lothian (above) said, “COPD is the third most common cause of mortality world-wide and is a major healthcare problem.

“The prevalence of this condition is rising in the UK along with other parts of the world and we therefore need to come up with innovative ways of ‎better monitoring and supporting these patients.

“So far, I have received nothing but positive feedback from the patients currently trialling this new technology.”

Carmel Thompson, one of the patients in the trial said: “Using the online tool makes me think about the variability of my daily symptoms and how I am managing them and because of this I am more confident to wait longer to see if my symptoms resolve before using my rescue medications.

“The service gives a good level of basic information for those who are willing to engage with it and the daily questions are very easy for me to do routinely in the morning.”

Another patient also trialling the new tool, Charlotte Sweeney explained that, “I have found the service useful for recognising my symptoms and knowing what to do and when. It is reassuring to have the messaging service to be able to contact someone with questions and queries.”

Many health services have changed how they work as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic and have experimented with digital platforms. Through this approach, a whole host of benefits have been experienced including  giving patients back more control of their care, allowing them to fit their healthcare needs around their lifestyle and reducing the amount of time that they need to spend travelling to attend hospital appointments.

Dr Gourab Choudhury, Consultant Physician, Respiratory Medicine in NHS Lothian said: “We are delighted to be trialling this technology here in Lothian. It is simple to use and patient friendly and the feedback that we have had so far has been really positive.

“We hope to further expand the role of virtual platforms to other areas in Lothian through this technology and similar others in the coming months.”

Innovative tech keeps care residents’ families in the loop

CARE HOME residents have been able to instantly share important information about their health and wellbeing with loved ones throughout the pandemic, thanks to a bespoke digital care system.

When Cramond Residence closed its doors to visitors back in March 2020, its tailored technology-enabled care system showed its true value by providing real-time updates on residents’ health and wellbeing with family, through an app called Access Care planning.

The care plans are developed with the residents and their family, as well as key workers and named nursing staff. Plans are individually adapted for each resident on their arrival to ensure it reflects their healthcare history and care needs.

It covers everything from the food they eat and exercise or physiotherapy they take, through to any prescribed medication and palliative care they may require.

The technology has been in use since the care home opened in 2018, but became indispensable during the pandemic. Throughout lockdown, families were able to log on and view their loved one’s information at the click of a button, giving them peace of mind and reassurance wherever they are in the world.

Ross Bijak, Clinical Care Manager, said: “Our online healthcare system has received a lot of positive feedback from resident’s families in recent months – it means they have access to real-time information around the clock.

“Lockdown was extremely tough for families who weren’t able to visit, and for our residents themselves. I think one saving grace has been this technology which is able to provide some comfort and reassurance to families.

“We’ve had families calling us just to chat about something they’ve read on the app, or to share their delight in seeing a specific item like physiotherapy or certain exercise in the plan.

“Although the plans are created when residents first enter the home, they are regularly updated and reassessed as people’s health and care needs change.

“For example, we have built specific care plans focused around visiting requirements and Covid-19.”

The digital care plans take into account a whole range of factors, including a resident’s skills, strengths and experiences to create the best, bespoke care plan for them which puts their needs first.

Cramond Residence provides a combination of luxury accommodation and the highest quality of care. Set in a leafy location, it offers small group-living in nine houses, with all residents enjoying a wide range of amenities and activities, delicious food and bespoke care.

To find out more, call 0131 341 4037 or visit https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

Citizens celebrate Getting Online

‘It’s made a huge difference to my life’ – 94 year old William Amcotts

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Edinburgh’s newest web surfers celebrated their computing achievements at a special event in the City Chambers on Monday when learners, volunteers and staff who contributed to the Council’s Get Online initiative toasted its success.

Among the participants was 94-year old William Amcotts, who attended sessions at Blackhall Library and is living proof that it’s never too late to learn something new!

Over the last five months more than 140 people have benefited from the scheme, run in libraries and community venues, which helps develop digital skills for those who aren’t confident using the internet. Organisers are now looking at ways to expand the project across the city.

The service also assists members of the public to use a wide range of online services offered by the Council, including council tax payments and car permit renewals.

The Council recently launched a new responsive website, which was co-designed by residents, ensuring people’s experience is adapted to their needs. By moving services online, it aims to open up more ways to access support, allowing  people  to carry out transactions from the comfort of their homes.

Culture and Sport Convener, Councillor Richard Lewis, said: “This is a great example of volunteer working in our libraries and is clearly having a positive effect on those involved. We are proud to offer a range of digital services to library users, building on recent investment which put wi-fi access into every library in the city.   Get Online will help introduce these to a whole new group of people.”

Councillor Alasdair Rankin, Finance and Resources Convener, added: “As part of our plans to make the Council more efficient we aim to offer more services online. Not only will this deliver financial savings but will save customers time and money by providing access to a range of transactions at their fingertips.

“That’s why initiatives like Get Online are so important, as they open up this potential to even more people.”

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Led by co-ordinator Kenny Sharkey (above), along with a team of dedicated volunteers, Get Online involves a series of planned and drop-in sessions where participants are introduced to the internet using different devices, including tablets and smartphones.

Amongst the volunteers were S4 pupils from Castlebrae High School, who assisted the East Neighbourhood Get Online group throughout November, advising on everything from Skype to email.

On Monday, Councillors Lewis and Rankin congratulated participants and volunteers of all ages.

William Amcotts, 94, who attended Get Online sessions in Blackhall Library, said: “It’s an excellent service, very valuable. I was given a laptop but didn’t know how to use it. Now I’m able to send emails and listen to music – it’s made a huge difference to my life.”

Valerie Crombie has been learning about the internet at Morningside Library. She said: “I’ve been looking at email and sending photo attachments. I’ve been using the Council’s library service to borrow books too. It’s great to be able to do all of these things without going out the door.”

Get Online launched in February 2014 and has delivered sessions in Central, Newington, Blackhall, Morningside, Stockbridge and Leith Libraries, East Neighbourhood Local Office and Craigmillar Library and Moira Park Sheltered Housing in Portobello. The Get Online team are ready to extend the service to more libraries, social housing associations and other local venues.

Customers are now able to access Council services 24/7 on all devices including Smart TVs, tablets, mobile phones and smartphones, with more than 30 different types of digital transactions available, including reporting missed bins or problems with street lights. By carrying out transactions online, members of the public will be able to avoid queuing in offices or waiting on the phone, saving time and money.

Find out more about the Council’s online services on the website.