Digital Health Transformation in Cheshire and Merseyside
Problem and Vision
Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board (ICB) has taken significant steps toward addressing the growing pressures on urgent and emergency care services. With 33% of the population living in the most deprived 20% of neighbourhoods in England, the region faces substantial health challenges, including higher rates of avoidable hospital admissions. In 2023/2024, 15.6% of patients experienced waits longer than 12 hours in Accident & Emergency departments, largely due to insufficient bed capacity.
Recognising the need for broader interventions, the region has embraced digital health solutions and has partnered with ORCHA to enhance care, build confidence among healthcare professionals and patients, and empower individuals to manage their health more proactively.
Objective
The initiative aimed to support the recovery and efficiency of urgent and emergency care services across Cheshire and Merseyside through the deployment of digital health tools. Key areas of focus included:
- Embedding digital health apps into clinical workflows – Ensuring healthcare professionals confidently recommend digital tools that complement traditional care pathways.
- Enhancing patient self-management – Providing individuals with accessible, effective digital solutions to manage their conditions outside of hospital settings.
- Developing user-friendly public-facing landing pages – Creating an intuitive platform for individuals to engage with and download high-quality health applications.
- Addressing key health challenges – Prioritising digital health interventions for respiratory conditions, cardiovascular disease (CVD), mental health, and frailty.
- Implementing solutions across multiple locations – Successfully rolling out the initiative in Liverpool, Warrington, and Wirral to maximise impact.
Results
The initiative has led to measurable progress in adopting and integrating digital health solutions across the region:
- Widespread Engagement with Digital Health Apps: Since October 2024, over 8,000 individuals have accessed recommended digital health resources, with 1 in 8 patients downloading a validated health apps recorded.
- Enhanced Patient Outcomes: The availability of digital health apps has supported individuals in managing conditions such as respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular disease, and mental health challenges. The Digital Healthy Passport, a widely used asthma management tool, has been the most downloaded app this year.
- Seamless Integration into Clinical Workflows: Healthcare professionals have been trained to incorporate digital health apps into their practice, enriching patient-provider interactions and improving service delivery.
- Broadened Public Access to Digital Health Resources: Dedicated app landing pages have provided a centralised hub for individuals to explore and download high-quality digital health solutions tailored to key health priorities.
Alleviated Pressure on Urgent and Emergency Services: Early indicators suggest a reduction in avoidable emergency visits, as patients gain the tools and knowledge needed to manage their health more effectively within their communities.
Conclusion
This initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to healthcare, demonstrating the transformative potential of digital health solutions in easing the burden on urgent and emergency care services. By integrating digital health tools into clinical practice, enhancing patient self-management, and ensuring accessibility, the region is paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient healthcare system.
The success of this approach highlights its scalability, offering a model for other regions seeking to improve healthcare outcomes through digital innovation. Ongoing engagement with healthcare professionals, continued refinement of digital resources, and sustained patient education will be essential to maximising long-term benefits.
Looking Ahead
The progress in Cheshire and Merseyside underscores the immense potential of digital health to transform healthcare delivery. If you’re part of the NHS and looking to implement a similar initiative in your region, expertise and resources are available to support tailored digital health strategies that improve care pathways, enhance patient engagement, and optimise service efficiency.
For more information on how digital health can support your healthcare priorities, get in touch with our team today hello@orchahealth.com