PocDoc, a digital platform that brings together blood testing and integrated health assessments via a smartphone app, has been chosen as one of the 2020-2021 cohort of the DigitalHealth.London accelerator programme.

The platform, developed by Vital Signs Solutions, seeks to empower users to manage their own healthcare by enabling smartphone and tablet users to test themselves for a range of diseases and medical conditions through a fingerprick, being offered comprehensive results and actionable solutions within minutes.

WHY IT MATTERS

Initially focused on cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, the app has recently redirected its efforts to expand COVID-19 testing facilities, launching a £10 10-minute rapid testing service that facilitates data capture.

The appointment to DigitalHealth.London’s accelerator programme has acknowledged the highly-adaptable platform as a health tech innovator, able to integrate other existing rapid tests onto it.

In its fifth year, the scheme aims to speed up the adoption of innovative technology into the NHS in London. By supporting up to 20 high-potential SMEs over the course of a year and offering specialised advice, an NHS Navigator mentor and a programme of expert-led events and workshops, the accelerator seeks to relieve pressure on NHS key services and empower patients to manage their own health.

THE LARGER PICTURE

Applications for the scheme ran from May to July, in the height of the UK’s initial COVID-19 lockdown. DigitalHealth.London have already supported 105 digital health companies to develop digital innovations for the NHS. Alumni include My Possible Self - the mental wellbeing app - and telehealth services Push Doctor and Babylon. With the help of the scheme, Push Doctor saw its customer numbers more than double and Babylon partnered with NHS trusts and progressed to unicorn status in 2019, with a valuation of over $1 billion.

ON THE RECORD

Steve Roest, CEO and co-founder of PocDoc says: “This is a huge milestone for us, we are so proud to be recognised by the most prestigious healthcare accelerator in Europe and be given this unique opportunity to contribute to our wonderful NHS.

“It’s amazing to see the success of some of the companies which have partnered with this scheme, and we can’t wait to see the progress that PocDoc makes in the coming months. We are confident that our smartphone-enabled blood testing technology will make a huge difference in the fight against major diseases across the world.”