US Military a Hotbed of Medical Innovation and High Quality Care
Last week, I had the privilege of leading a group of UK HealthTech companies to Texas, as part of ABHI’s latest mission to the State. The packed week in Austin and San Antonio provided a platform to discuss mutual healthcare challenges, share learning and introduce our cohort to several healthcare providers, with the aim of future collaborations. Over the last few years, ABHI has established deep-rooted relationships with a number of Texan healthcare organisations, which has led to opportunities and alliances across the State.
During this latest mission, UK companies enjoyed meetings with different healthcare providers, including the Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin, Seton Healthcare, part of Ascension, the largest non-profit health system in the US. We also spent time with Austin Healthcare Council, a dynamic organisation that brings together health providers to tackle healthcare challenges. During the meeting with Baylor Scott & White Health, we were introduced to the clinician lead in 17 different services, including oncology and cardiology to name a few. This was a great opportunity to explore areas of joint interest and research and for companies to showcase their technologies.
One of the great strengths in Central Texas is the San Antonio Military Medical Center - Fort Sam Houston, home to the Brook Army Medical (BAMC). The centre plays a critical role in caring for thousands of wounded service members and offers both inpatient and outpatient care, as well as graduate medical education and research. The 425-bed state-of-the-art facility covers 1.5 million-square-foot and has expansion capability of 613 beds. It employs 9,000 staff and provides care for 4,000 patients each day. The centre is one of only 15 hospitals in the United States that holds both level 1 trauma certification and accreditation from the American Burn Association. In addition, it has 40 beds dedicated to the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research Burn Center. It is also home to the Center for the Intrepid (CFI), a cutting-edge facility, providing rehabilitation to severely injured military hurt in combat and war zones. The facility is over 65,000 square feet and provides rehabilitation to over 3,400 patients per month. It houses state of the art technology including a one of a kind Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment (CAREN).
Being a military hub of excellence, the San Antonio Military Medical Center is always on the lookout for new technologies that will help solve the battlefield challenges of tomorrow. The UK is a leader in health innovation and we have a range of pioneering technologies that can step up to this challenge. It is a privilege to facilitate these in-market introductions and hopefully, in the not so distant future, see UK technologies being used to care for injured military personnel.
Our next mission to Texas is this June. Contact scarlett.osullivan@abhi.org.uk to find out how your company can become involved.
