During a recent visit, Dr Vin Diwakar, NHS England’s National Director for Transformation, witnessed firsthand the cutting-edge technologies making a real impact at the Trust.
Among the highlights was Jimmy, a state-of-the-art pharmacy robot that has significantly increased efficiency and improved patient safety. In addition, Dr Diwakar experienced the potential of interactive 3D hologram technology, developed by HoloCare, which allows surgeons to visualise a patient’s organs in detail using AI-enabled headsets. This innovation aims to reduce surgical complications and enhance patient outcomes by enabling more precise preoperative planning.
Welcomed by Professor Phil Wood, Trust Chief Executive, Dr Diwakar toured a series of pioneering developments in pharmacy, home-based rehabilitation, and recovery, all designed to improve patient care and optimise hospital resources. He engaged with staff and patients, discussing how these innovations are enhancing safety, streamlining workflows, and enabling healthcare professionals to dedicate more time to direct patient care.
His visit also included an in-depth look at the groundbreaking work being conducted at the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre (HRC) and the National Pathology Imaging Cooperative (NPIC), further underscoring the Trust’s commitment to cutting-edge research and technology-driven solutions.
Reflecting on his visit, Dr Diwakar said:
“It has been truly inspiring to see the dedication of the teams at Leeds Teaching Hospitals in driving forward innovation. The use of technology here is not only improving patient outcomes but also enhancing the efficiency of healthcare delivery. Seeing these advancements in action reinforces the importance of national collaboration to bring the best solutions to NHS patients.”
Following a brief lunch with members of the team, Dr Diwakar visited the catheter labs at Leeds General Infirmary where he was given an insightful tour of the facility and introduced to the ‘Virtual Wards’ programme—a remote care service that enables patients to receive high-quality care in their own homes when it is safe to do so.
Dr Diwakar also met with the Innovation Pop Up team, an initiative designed to foster the latest developments in science, research, and technology at the Trust. This visit provided a valuable opportunity to discuss the future of NHS innovation and how Leeds Teaching Hospitals is playing a crucial role in shaping cutting-edge healthcare solutions.
Speaking about the visit, Professor Phil Wood said:
“It was a pleasure to welcome Dr Diwakar and to showcase the incredible work our teams are doing to push the boundaries of healthcare innovation. From the integration of digital solutions in pathology to home-based care models, we are committed to harnessing the power of technology to enhance patient experience and outcomes. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with NHS England to drive transformative change across the NHS.”
Dr Diwakar’s visit highlighted the Trust’s commitment to embracing innovation and reinforcing its position at the forefront of medical technology and patient-centered care.