Tag: NHS
UK government abandons NHS contact tracing app
In an embarrassing and costly U-Turn, the UK has ditched the current NHS coronavirus contact tracing app, developed by NHSX, in favour of a solution from tech giants Apple and Google. The current system, piloted on the Isle of Wight, is to be abandoned after research found it could only identify four per cent of…
Vodafone provides 30 days of free unlimited data to NHS staff
Vodafone has announced it will be extending its 30-day free access to unlimited mobile data offer, by upgrading customers who have personal Pay Monthly contracts and who are registered in its systems as working for the NHS. These customers will receive a text informing them of this upgrade from April 6th. Vodafone has already upgraded…
Halfords offering NHS frontline workers FREE 10 point car checks
Halfords is offering all NHS frontline workers free 10 point car checks during the Coronavirus pandemic. The check, available from today (Friday), includes top-ups of tyre inflation, screen wash and checks on oil levels, headlights and brake lights, to help keep vital NHS workers moving at this critical time.A survey of more than 1,000 nurses…
Vodafone offers free access to NHS UK services
With the spread of the Coronavirus across the UK, access to reliable health information has never been more crucial. As a result, Vodafone has decided to give all of its mobile customers, including VOXI and TalkMobile customers, free access to NHS UK online, including the web sites of NHS England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales,…
Mental Health app could help young people who self-harm
A smartphone app designed to manage negative emotions and periods of anxiety could help to reduce self-harm in young people, according to research. BlueIce is a prescribed app – meaning access must be given through medical professionals – and is designed to be used alongside traditional face-to-face therapies. It was developed by clinical psychologist Professor…
NHS cyber attack ‘hero’ thankful after avoiding jail in US on malware charges
The British computer expert who helped shut down the WannaCry cyber attack on the NHS said he is “incredibly thankful” after being spared jail in the US for creating malware. Marcus Hutchins was hailed as a hero in May 2017 when he found a “kill-switch” that slowed the effects of the WannaCry virus affecting more…
Urinary tract infections smartphone app test could save NHS millions
A smartphone app test could save the NHS millions of pounds by helping women find out if they have a urinary tract infection without having to see a doctor. Women will be offered a Dip UTI test – a standard dipstick urine test used by GPs with a smartphone app that can accurately scan the…
Now Google admits listening to your smart speaker recordings
Following Amazon's admission that Alexa listens to your recordings, Google too has now said it gives workers access to audio recordings from its Google Home smart speakers. The technology giant said it uses language experts around the world to study a small number of audio “snippets” from users. Google said this work helps with developing…
You can’t trust tech firms with anonymous NHS data, survey suggests
The majority of the public would not trust NHS patient data being in the hands of multinational tech giants, even if it is made anonymous and unidentifiable, a survey suggests. While seven in 10 people acknowledged that sharing anonymous patient data could improve healthcare and help develop more effective treatments, the same amount indicated that…
NHS ‘hero’ who shutdown WannaCry admits cybercrime charges in US
The British computer expert who helped shut down the WannaCry cyber attack on the NHS has pleaded guilty to criminal charges in the United States, court documents show. Marcus Hutchins, 24, from Ilfracombe, Devon, who is also known as Malwaretech, said he had admitted two charges relating to writing malware. The cyber expert was hailed…