Space technology to shape hospital of the future
Plans for a pioneering space-enabled hospital that will enhance patient care and ease pressure on hard-working NHS staff are being supported by a collaboration between ESA and the UK Space Agency.
The agencies have today challenged British tech companies to devise innovative solutions for the proposed new hospital which will serve the people of Hampshire in southeast England.
The facility is expected to be the first of a series of space-enabled hospitals.
Up to £5 million of funding is available as part of the initiative. It is being delivered with the Hampshire Together programme, which forms part of government plans for the provision of 40 new hospitals across England by 2030.
The hospital presents the opportunity to showcase how space-enabled solutions can enhance healthcare.
Potential applications include new diagnostic tools to accelerate diagnosis and treatment, logistics solutions for keeping track of medical supplies, and telemedicine devices that enable medics to care for patients remotely.
The facility could even incorporate technologies pioneered on missions to the International Space Station
UK Science Minister Amanda Solloway said: “The UK is a world leader in using space technology and data to tackle the challenges we face on Earth, and this initiative is another example of how one of our most thriving sectors is driving improvements in everyday life.
“As we build back better from the pandemic, I am confident that UK businesses large and small will come forward to produce some truly awe-inspiring ideas to help design this space-age hospital, support our heroic NHS staff and ultimately save lives.”
With the support of ESA and the UK Space Agency, British companies have already developed numerous space-enabled medical applications that could help to inspire the hospital’s technologies.
These include several projects designed to support a coronavirus-hit NHS, such as a fleet of drones that will ferry much-needed medical supplies – including COVID-19 test kits and personal protective equipment – between hospitals, freeing up NHS staff and reducing unnecessary physical contact.
Other innovations include a 3D compact and low dose X-ray machine that enables medics to provide better diagnoses of small fractures, and a space-enabled app that connects vulnerable, isolated people with community care services.
A panel of experts will evaluate the space-connected proposals based on their potential to benefit hospital services and the surrounding community.
Selected applicants will receive the business and technical support needed to develop their ideas, before the technologies are put to use.
Elodie Viau, Director of Telecommunications and Integrated Applications at ESA, said: “As demonstrated by the many satellite-enabled solutions developed to support the coronavirus response, space has a crucial role in addressing healthcare challenges that face society.
“Working with the UK Space Agency and Hampshire Together, ESA is proud to continue to foster healthcare innovation by helping UK digital industries develop technologies designed to enhance healthcare and improve lives.”
The call is being delivered in collaboration with ESA Space Solutions, the go-to place for great business ideas involving space in all areas of society.
Nick Appleyard, head of ESA Space Solutions, said: “This is a rare opportunity to open a new hospital facility, which is designed from the start to work with the latest technology and find new solutions for our greatest public challenge: to keep our population healthy. We are very excited that Hampshire Together see the potential for satellites and space technology in the future of their life-saving work, and so we now invite the space and digital industries to step forwards and show what they can do.”
Hampshire Together’s future plans for the proposed new facility will be decided following a programme of public consultation on health services in Hampshire that is due to take place this year.