Panasonic unveils Mobile Clinical Assistant

Panasonic has introduced its Mobile Clinical Assistant (MCA), the Toughbook CF-H1, in the New Zealand market, reports Geekzone.

The newest member of Panasonic's Toughbook family of ruggedised mobile computing products, the Toughbook CF-H1 is a full-featured mobile device aimed at the healthcare environment, offering improvements in workflow productivity, quality and mobility, which Panasonic says results in better outcomes for patients.

The CF-H1 has been designed in response to the needs of healthcare professionals, and Panasonic sought feedback from clinicians in all elements of research and development.

Connecting for Health can begin to connect electronic patient record systems for nearly half of GP practices in England to a central database called the Spine after getting the software approved, states Computing.co.uk.

The EMIS LV software is used by about 45% of GP practices in England and the Summary Care Record (SCR) implementation team will now begin working to connect them to the Spine where care records are stored.

James Hawkins, the SCR programme director, said: "This milestone provides a catalyst for a significant shift in pace and momentum in the roll-out of SCR nationally for those NHS Trusts implementing SCRs through EMIS LV. The news is also good for patients. It has been a long time coming but we can get on with the job of rolling out."

Science fiction is merging into modern medicine's science fact. Siemens Healthcare has introduced the Artis zeego, a floor-mounted robotic X-ray angiography system that will offer greater operating versatility for minimally invasive surgical procedures, advanced imaging and improved patient comfort, reports Business Day.

It also maximises the benefits of the growing trend known as hybrid operating theatres. These are integrated operating rooms with high-end imaging capabilities.

Graham Maritz, Siemens Healthcare sector CEO, says the Artis zeego offers surgeons significant advantages when performing procedures that would normally require invasive open surgery.