Smart investment in new footcare devices supports better patient care
Electronic devices which can quickly identify the risk of foot disease are helping to deliver better care for people with diabetes in Northamptonshire - thanks to a smart investment from NHFT's Innovation Fund.
The new medical gadgets are being used by the Trust's Diabetes and High-Risk Foot Service, one of many community healthcare services provided by NHFT across our county.
People with diabetes are at higher risk of losing blood flow to their feet, which can lead to complications like ulcers, infections and even gangrene.
The service provides care to around 20,000 people in Northamptonshire, and these devices give an instant reading of patients' blood flow for a quick and accurate understanding of foot disease risk.
Healthcare professionals can then take appropriate action - whether that is a referral for emergency care in high-risk cases, a course of treatment in the community for medium-risk cases, or confirmation that no action is needed for those at low risk.
Previously, clinicians relied on physical checks or less advanced technology to examine patients - often resulting in long waits for a hospital scan before their risk could be properly understood.
A test of just one of the new devices over just two weeks led to two patients avoiding the need for hospital treatment, five being referred quickly for the surgery they needed, and seven given the all-clear.
With 12 devices purchased for use across the county, it is expected that many more people will now benefit from better and speedier care.
Funding for the initiative was awarded by NHFT's dedicated Innovation Fund, which runs regular 'Dragons' Den'-style events to allocate money for innovative projects like this one.
Since June 2023 it has awarded around £250,000 to worthy initiatives across many areas of the Trust's services.
Dr Mo Ellahi, Consultant Podiatrist at NHFT, says: "By using this diagnostic device we've saved time and we've reduced the burden on our hospitals, because patients aren't now having to go to hospital but can get the treatment they need in a clinic near to where they live.
"Using the device with patients already in hospital also means we can help them return home more quickly as they don't have to now wait for scans. Staff have been excited to get this device and they're really keen to be trained so they can use it in all their different areas. It will make a huge difference to our service and our patients."