Chamberlink


Swiss insurer goes hi-tech


Birmingham technology business Spica has snapped up an app development contract with international insurance business Zurich. As part of the new project


for Zurich, Spica will be producing the app for employees based at, and visiting, the insurer’s new Quai Zurich Campus headquarters in Switzerland. The app will allow employees to find and book meeting rooms, request help from facilitates management, provide feedback and view security access. Using data collected by the


app, Zurich’s corporate real estate and facilities management teams will also be able to analyse how employees use buildings and spaces on the campus. Spica will use its existing


Luna workplace experience app to as a basis for the Zurich app, as well as its GemEx software, which collects data for use in different app functions, such as security modules. David Morley, head of


workplace transformation at Zurich, said: "At Zurich, we are passionate about the future of work and workplace transformation. “The implementation of


Spica’s Luna Workplace Experience App and GemEx platform will help us to provide more supportive, immersive, and pleasurable employee experiences.." Spica CEO Tim Streather


said: “More than ever, it will be essential for employers to design workplaces that are healthy, productive and fun destinations for employees and visitors, while creating desired experiences.”


Technology


Remote treatment trial to help in pandemic fight


New high-tech equipment developed during the coronavirus pandemic to help doctors treat patients remotely is being trialled by the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB). The remote diagnostic station


has been developed by phone giant BT to help doctors and consultants from having to move between various locations to assess or diagnose patients, and uses mobile technology.


‘The remote diagnostic station very much fits with the trust’s vision of innovation’


The station includes a high definition (HD) camera that can be worn by a nurse, for example when they are with a patient, giving clinicians the opportunity to make an assessment. UHB is currently trialling the


station in its Norman Power Centre, an off-site, purpose-built facility for patients who are preparing to return home. Doctors from the Queen


Elizabeth Hospital, supported by nursing colleagues at the centre, have been testing real-time and virtual consultations using the device. The trial complements UHB’s


outpatient video consultation project, which has been used to provide clinical expertise away from the trust’s hospitals during the Covid-19 pandemic. Professor Zoe Wyrko, consultant


geriatrician, said: “The remote diagnostic station very much fits with the trust’s vision of innovation.


“It allows us to link professionals


and teams in different settings with each other so that skills and expertise can be shared. “Patients can be treated


effectively and safely in the best environment for them. The trial at Norman Power has shown us the potential of the equipment, and I believe that such innovations will help strengthen relationships and co-working with health and social care partners across the


Helping hand: The remote diagnostic


station being tested in Birmingham


Birmingham and Solihull system.” BT’s Fotis Karoni said: “At a time


when the NHS needs more support than ever before, our remote diagnostics station is significantly reducing care time and enhancing the efficiency of NHS professionals that are already so time-constrained. “We know that technology can


make a significant difference for our healthcare system and the connected station is another great example of this.”


Code-breaker is role model for youngsters


Aston University is working with schools across Birmingham to inspire female pupils to take up careers in cyber security. Vladlena Benson, Aston Business


School’s professor of cyber security management, has been working with Aston University’s student recruitment and outreach team to develop a set of digital educational resources for Cyber Girls First, which pupils and teachers are able to access from home. The Cyber Girls First initiative


was the brainchild of Pat Ryan, who 54 CHAMBERLINK August/September 2020


worked as a code-breaker at Bletchley Park during the Second World War. Her aim was to improve the number of girls wanting to choose STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects at GCSE and A-level. It has since grown into a not-for-


profit community interest company, which works to promote the importance of getting more girls into the technology and coding industry. The online resource includes


activities to engage 11 to 14 year-old


girls in Years 7, 8 and 9, while they are away from the classroom during lockdown, as well as giving them a valuable insight into jobs in cyber, data science and e-business and inspirational careers advice from senior women in the STEM fields. The digital pack is being


distributed to 20 schools in Birmingham and is expected to reach up to 700 pupils. Professor Vladlena Benson,


Aston University said: “Cyber security is increasingly important as work and social practices have


moved online during the pandemic. “Having a diverse workforce is


very important as cyber security solutions must work effectively for all.


“We are engaging with girls


aged 11 to 14 from local schools because we hope to inspire them before they reach the age when they have to choose their two year GCSE courses. “More talented graduates from a


variety of disciplines, from business to data science, are needed in this thriving sector.”


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