The COVID-19 pandemic stressed healthcare systems globally. Here in Mid and South Essex, the pressure was particularly felt in our care homes. Enter Whzan’s digital health boxes, a technological leap designed to support personalised care, providing a lifeline in emergency situations.
The guiding vision of Whzan is straightforward yet impactful: to support person-centred care. When the pandemic struck, local healthcare partners invested in these digital health boxes to enhance the monitoring of care home residents. These innovative devices capture critical health metrics like oxygen levels and heart rates, crucial data points for healthcare professionals to make informed decisions, especially in time-sensitive situations.
The deployment of Whzan boxes has proven to be particularly advantageous for paramedic teams. The device can generate key health information and a NEWS2 score, indicating a person’s health status. As a result, paramedics can make quicker and more accurate assessments, saving both time and lives.
The equipment itself was praised by paramedics on several occasions, it saves crucial time and provides in-depth knowledge fast in emergency situations.
Longwood Place, Care Home
Before the introduction of Whzan, Thurrock Care Home faced an outbreak of COVID-19 that overwhelmed both the care home and the local GP practice. However, when Whzan was introduced — complete with training from the EPUT team — the impact was transformative. During a subsequent COVID outbreak, signs of the virus were identified much earlier, allowing for a more controlled and effective response, ultimately saving lives and valuable clinical time.
As of September 2021, 242 out of 304 care homes in Mid and South Essex are equipped with Whzan. The device’s presence has led to fewer A&E visits, according to the latest data:
- Care Homes with Whzan: A&E attendance increased by 10.06%, NEL admissions by 8.16%
- Care Homes without Whzan: A&E attendance increased by 40.72%, NEL admissions by 37.33%
Whzan is more than just a device; it’s a catalyst for change in the approach to healthcare in Essex. The digital health box is rapidly connecting with most GP practices through SystmOne, further expanding its impact. The focus now is on the continuation of this successful roll-out, striving for a future where every care home can access this potentially lifesaving technology.