Defence technology experts look to future of healthcare

13th November 2012

Security and defence experts from across the UK will be showing how technology usually used by the military and defence can be used to save lives at home.

John Innes from Selex Galileo and Giles Huby of Copernicus Technology will both be presenting at the P4 Digital 2012 conference at Eden Court in Inverness on November 20 and 21.

Over 200 doctors, researchers, technical experts and business leaders from across the country are gathering at the fifth national conference to discuss the latest developments in digital healthcare.

Organised by development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), P4 Digital 2012 is focusing on the innovative use of digital technology to promote health and prevent illness.

Dr Steven Dodsworth, Head of Life Sciences at HIE, said: “Many people find it surprising to think that the latest technology may have been developed for an entirely different purpose but can prove life changing in a very positive sense when used in an innovative way. The conference looks to show that digital health and care does not need to rely solely on current ways of thinking.

“There will also be two “Crowd Appeals” – where a number of organisations including Albyn Housing Society and NHS Highland are calling on the expertise and capabilities of the attendees to help them with a specific healthcare-related pilot project.”

P4 Digital 2012 is the latest in a series of successful events looking at the cutting edge of digital healthcare. These events have evolved from a unique network of forward thinking leaders from industry, academia and statutory healthcare who are actively working to create new and different ways of delivering health and care in response to growing global challenges.

Professor George Crooks OBE, Medical Director at NHS 24, is opening the conference by presenting the 10 year plan for digital healthcare in Scotland. Olympic gold medalist Mo Farah's Physiologist, Dr. Barry Fudge - who is Senior Physiologist at the English Institute of Sport - will explain the role of technology in the delivery of physiological support to world class track and field athletes. Other speakers include representatives from the Food Standards Agency, Brand Aura, The Alloy, and Inverness College UHI.

Topics on the programme include the role of digital technology in mental health, the changing role of primary care, P4 and diabetes, doing business in an accelerating market, and disruptive technologies. Each day will also include a number of break-out sessions, with panels hosted by leading experts across digital technology and healthcare. These include Pennie Taylor, journalist and health communications specialist; Dr Ken Proctor, NHS Highland Associate Medical Director; and Dr Bradley Wilson and Dr Haidar Samiei of iED Applications.

P4 Digital 2012 will take place at Eden Court on November 20 and 21. For more information or to book your place, please visit http://www.hie.co.uk/growth-sectors/life-sciences/p4-digital-conference.html or contact Mairi Macleod at Mairi.macleod[AT]hient.co.uk

You can also follow the event on Twitter - [AT]HILifeSciences #P4Digital2012