A senior Scottish government minister has praised the ‘real integration’ of technology and community-based support at a Lanarkshire care facility.
Health secretary Neil visited the Blantyre LIFE hub this week where he met staff and service users who are benefiting from technology designed to help them remain safely at home and received an overview of the site’s pioneering digital work.
The facility, which opened in 2023, combines a 20-bedded intermediate care facility and 20 new technology-enabled properties, all equipped with state-of-the-art telecare systems to support independent living.
It is currently pioneering a suite of smart health technologies and a ground-breaking Amazon-powered healthcare pilot. The technology boasts Alexa-enabled devices and wearable monitoring systems to support virtual wards and enhance personalised care.
Mr Gray said: “This is exactly the kind of preventative, community-based approach we need to see in the NHS and across social care services across Scotland. What’s been particularly impressive is the real integration of services and how closely Blantyre LIFE is connected to the local community.
“The use of digital innovation here offers real potential to transform care and empower people to manage their health more independently.”
Paul O’Neill, head of health and social care at South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “Blantyre LIFE is setting a new standard in digital health and care innovation through a series of pioneering technology initiatives aimed at transforming patient outcomes and integrated care delivery.
“Among the most exciting developments is the introduction of an Amazon-powered healthcare pilot, which includes the use of Alexa-enabled devices and wearable monitoring systems to support virtual wards and enhance personalised care.”
He said they were preparing to launch a Technologically Enriched Rehabilitation Gym here at Blantyre LIFE in partnership with the University of Strathclyde – a specialist facility that will provide stroke survivors with greater access to evidence-based rehabilitation and support recovery after hospital discharge.
Lesley McDonald, integration joint board vice chair, added: “The innovation we are showcasing at Blantyre LIFE reflects our commitment to transforming how care is delivered, shifting away from reactive models to more proactive, preventative support.
“The digital programme here is central to our mission of delivering forward-thinking, personalised care that helps people stay well at home, regain confidence, and return to their own homes with greater independence and control.”
