As Ireland strives to modernise its healthcare system, motion plastics specialist, igus, is committed to providing engineered solutions that will support this by enhancing machine operation and improving patient care.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has launched ‘Digital for Care: A Digital Health Framework for Ireland 2024-2030’ which sets out the mission to transform health services in Ireland and improve access for patients. Ireland, known as a major European hub for technology, has faced persistent issues with outdated healthcare technology in particular.

From digital infrastructure like the lack of shared computerised patient records and unique identifiers that hinders efficient patient tracking and care coordination to inefficient medical technology that requires constant maintenance, there is significant progress to be made.

The BBC reports that Dublin’s Mater Hospital, home to Ireland’s busiest emergency department, is at the forefront of this transformation. Under the leadership of Professor Peter McMahon, the hospital has become one of the first in Ireland to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) across their radiology department where it is able to analyse medical images, ensuring that patients with urgent needs are prioritised.

The BBC reports “We use AI to immediately analyse all head scans for bleeds, all chest scans for blood clots, and all bone x-rays for fractures.”- BBC News, Europe.

What comes before AI?

Digitalisation is undoubtedly the way forward, but what about medical technology itself? Using the right components in medical furniture, laboratory or medical technology and rehabilitation equipment is an essential part of patient care.

Providing care and comfort is at its core, human, but the smooth movement of hospital beds or the reliable performance of MRI scanners are the work of engineers. igus produce a wide range of high-performance polymer products designed for medical alongside hundreds of other industries.

Director of igus Ireland, Matthew Aldridge, says, “Unexpected downtime due to machine failure is time consuming and costly for any business but in the healthcare sector there’s no room for error,”

igus components for medical technology are cleanroom-compatible, chemical-resistant and quiet-running for the highest medical requirements. Both lubrication and maintenance-free, they are perfect for use in heavy duty and sterile environments. For example, igus plain bearings are used in X-ray robots, treatment chairs, hospital beds and prostheses while igus maintenance-free energy chains protect and guide cables in operating theatre devices and rehabilitation systems.

“The future of medical technology is bright. That’s why igus wants to ensure the medical industry can manufacture reliable and long-lasting equipment that gives complete confidence in their machinery and allows for the focus to be shifted to the digital future of healthcare.”

Find the full BBC article here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cly7yxm3py5o

 

For more information, please contact:

Taylor Macdonald

Tel: 01604 677240

Email: tmacdonald@igus.net