The latest innovations in healthcare, including an AI receptionist, robot-assisted surgery, a new equity approach to medtech and much more.
AI receptionist launches
EMMA, the first DTAC-certified AI receptionist built specifically for NHS GP surgeries and created by London-based AI startup, QuantumLoopAI, has launched.
An acronym of Enhanced Medical Management Assistant, the software handles unlimited calls simultaneously, integrates with practices’ telephony and consultation tools, and eliminates phone queues.
Crucially, EMMA is fluent in the ten languages used most commonly in primary healthcare settings and supports the millions of non-native English speakers living in the UK, particularly in multilingual urban areas like London.
EMMA’s ability to cut through language barriers – it is fluent in 10 languages – removes the potential for incorrect diagnosis, incomplete symptom description, unnecessary delay, and even, in the worst-case scenario, patients avoiding booking at all. So far this year, the firm says that several NHS GP practices have seen a 100% elimination of abandoned calls.
Emma is DSPT-compliant and fully aligned with GDPR, with every call secured end-to-end within NHS-grade and approved environments. The service is currently live in practices around England and will be rolled out in Scotland and Wales during the weeks and months ahead.
“EMMA is not just answering calls, she’s changing lives behind the desk. EMMA frees up valuable time for our reception staff, allowing them to be upskilled and redeployed into direct patient care. This is one of the most meaningful innovations for frontline healthcare staff to date, with EMMA acting as the quiet linchpin between patients and professionals, ensuring that every interaction is smooth, efficient and compassionate. Importantly, technology like EMMA doesn’t replace people, it uplifts them. By acknowledging and supporting the reception and administrative teams who so often work without due recognition, EMMA is helping to create a more balanced, rewarding, and human-centred healthcare experience for all.”
HCA UK performs first robotic-assisted minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass
HCA Healthcare UK has successfully performed the first Robotic-Assisted Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass (RA-MIDCAB) in the UK private sector.
Performed at London Bridge Hospital using the da Vinci Xi robotic system, this technique enables coronary artery bypass surgery to be carried out through small keyhole incisions and combines minimal access with the precision and control of robotic technology. Unlike traditional open-heart surgery, the procedure’s minimally invasive approach avoids the need to open the breastbone; allowing for a faster recovery, minimal scarring and a shorter hospital stay.
“It’s a source of great pride that our first patient was able to return home just 72 hours after surgery, and continues to recover well. By introducing this robotic approach at HCA UK, we’re transforming lives with faster recovery and helping patients return to normal life much sooner,” said Dincer Aktuerk, consultant cardiothoracic surgeon at London Bridge Hospital.
Working from a specialised console, the surgeon’s hand movements are translated in real time to four robotic arms, allowing a range of motion and steadiness that exceeds human capability. The system’s magnified, 3D high-definition view of the heart enables exceptional visualisation and control during the RA-MIDCAB procedure – particularly crucial in treating coronary structures.
Mediplus expands S-Cath range
Mediplus has expanded its S-Cath system range for suprapubic catheterisation with S-Cath System Long, which features longer components and enhanced features to give clinicians greater choice, flexibility, and improved usability.
The new system features an extended sheath dilator, needle, and guidewire and has been developed in response to clinician demand for longer component options in suprapubic catheterisation to meet the needs of a wider patient group.
Alongside the launch, Mediplus has also revamped the original S-Cath System with upgrades, including an echogenic needle for improved ultrasound visibility and the removal of the plastic sheath housing the guidewire to reduce plastic use. The tray layout has also been redesigned to feature numbered steps to align with the procedural sequence.
“By expanding the range and improving usability, we are giving healthcare professionals more choice to deliver safe, effective, and patient-centred care, while also honouring our commitment to the environment by reducing plastic in our packaging,” said Mediplus managing director Emma Gray.
Epassi UK partners with Qured
Employee benefits technology provider Epassi UK has partnered with preventative health screening service Qured to offer remote, pain-free blood tests, onward referrals to NHS or private providers, and personalised health plans for employees to follow.
Via an easy-to-use app, Qured offers a range of personalised health services and pain-free blood collection. Its at-home screenings are as comprehensive as in-clinic yet reduce the cost for businesses and employees. This service provides a detailed health profile, a clinical results review, and a video consultation as standard for any abnormal results.
All Qured packages include optional live video-guided support, rapid results in 48-72 hours, and a detailed personalised care plan from a Qured GP. The combined solution helps both identify immediate health concerns and deliver behaviour change.
“Preventative screenings and at-home blood tests, such as those Qured offers, will be transformative, contributing to Epassi UK’s wider mission of boosting the wellbeing of workers,” said Epassi UK chief executive Matt Russell. “Not only will this partnership support employees, helping them to keep fit and well, but it will also benefit businesses, lowering insurance costs, encouraging better performance, and improving workplace culture,” he continued.
Archetype speeds up early-stage innovation
Medtech innovation management consultancy Archetype has launched a new expertise-for-equity approach to its innovation management services to speed up early-stage development of medtech products.
It aims to give companies whose product has proven potential the opportunity to access support at the earliest stages of innovation in exchange for an equity share in the company.
“Through the expertise-for-equity offer, we aim to reduce financial barriers and deliver the expertise essential to accelerating a medical product’s path to market success,” said Archetype founder and principal consultant, Stuart Grant.
The first equity partnership agreement has been signed with US-based LumipenPro, which has designed an illumination, suction and smoke evacuation tool that snaps onto electrocautery pens widely used in aesthetic surgery. Archetype has been working with the firm for the past year to help obtain EU MDR (European Medical Device Regulation) market approval.
The agreement sees Archetype provide an investment in expertise – which it values at six-figures – in exchange for an equity share in the company.
