Upstream Health - the C4DI-based startup that specialises in innovative technology and software solutions for the health and social care sector - is currently making huge strides towards their goal of becoming a leading provider of digital healthcare solutions.
Recently, digital healthcare experts have gained several UK government accreditations, as well as two prestigious grants to help them transform the lives of patients and clinicians across the world.
"We're extremely pleased to have achieved accreditation to offer cloud-based services to the NHS under the government's latest G-Cloud 10 framework," enthuses CEO and Founder of Upstream Health, Darren Crombie.
Introduced in 2012, the initiative enables public sector organisations, such as the central government, local authorities and councils and NHS trusts to purchase cloud-based services from an approved menu of small to medium-sized businesses.
Upstream Health now appears on the GOV.UK's Digital Marketplace, supplying a suite of mobile-first population health and secondary care applications.
The pioneering tools empower organisations up and down the country to digitise and improve their services to patients and their families, boasting a range of clinical functions that aim to reduce the length of a patient's stay and provide targeted real-time intervention.
"Since its inception, £3 billion has been invested in suppliers similar to ourselves, with over 50% of this figure going directly to SMEs," adds Dr Robert Crombie, Upstream Health Medical Director and local GP for 35 years.
"Cloud-based services are set to transform the healthcare industry. It was only at the beginning of this year that they were green-lighted by NHS Digital, but this was a welcome development in the NHS' ongoing digital transformation."
Darren explains that the news of G-Cloud 10 was embraced by a vast array of NHS trusts. In fact, in January, 39% of NHS organisations said they planned to introduce cloud-based infrastructure within the next two years, hoping to take advantage of the cloud’s promise to reduce costs, save time, meet growing demand and strengthen their cybersecurity.
On top of this, Upstream has recently been accredited for the Health Systems Support Framework - previously known as ACS & STP Development Partner Framework.
Similar to G-Cloud, this scheme allows Upstream to sell population health management support to governmental bodies.
Additionally, the solutions provider has been awarded two prestigious grants from SparkFund EU and NHS Digital. The latter will assist Darren and his team in piloting an adult social and healthcare suite across Hull in partnership with Hull City Council.
“We’re very excited to be rolling out our social care radar solution, which will allow our healthcare professionals to see in real time what is happening to their patients within the social care system,” Robert tells us.
“This could make a massive difference to help integrate our health and social care processes and improve patient care.”
Upstream get to celebrate their achievements on Thursday 20 September, when they join many of their fellow C4DI members in the running for a Digital Award. The team has been shortlisted for Best Emerging Technology - and it's easy to see why.
“We’re proud to be based in Hull, surrounded by great health and social care organisations that are focused on making a difference. The recognition for Best Emerging Technology is massive for us - it recognises the progress we have made since formally launching in January this year,” Darren enthuses.
If you would like to find out more, please visit Upstream Health’s website.