New investment in mobile heart-rate monitors could help prevent
nearly 700 secondary strokes over the next five years,
potentially preventing more than 300 deaths in Scotland.
Scottish Government funding of £1.9 million will support the
deployment of Ambulatory Electrocardiogram (ECG) patch monitors
for around 8,000 recent stroke patients each year. These small
and easy-to-use chest patches will replace the larger and more
cumbersome models currently in use. As well as being more
practical, they provide more accurate readings to allow doctors
to make faster and more effective decisions about follow-on
treatment.
A research paper found that over the next five years, use of the
patches in NHS Scotland could prevent 689 secondary strokes and
319 deaths, while also freeing up the equivalent of 15.7
full-time cardiac physiologists for other vital services.
Cost-savings for the NHS could amount to £14.6 million in the
same period.
The compact, wireless, and water-resistant devices are worn on
the skin for up to 14 days to detect rhythm abnormalities in the
heart, particularly atrial fibrillation – a leading cause of
stroke. The ECG patch monitors are expected to be four times more
effective at detecting atrial fibrillation than current methods,
reducing diagnosis and treatment times from up to 24 months to
just three weeks.
Patients will also benefit from reduced travel, as patches can be
applied during diagnosis or conveniently posted to their homes.
Standardised access across Scotland will help eliminate regional
disparities in diagnosis and treatment.
Health Secretary said:
“The Scottish Government is clear that innovation will play a key
role in reforming Scotland's health service, and ensuring it
remains able to meet the health challenges of a changing world.
Projects such as this one are vital to improving patient
outcomes, saving lives and enabling the NHS to treat people
quicker and more effectively.
“This investment in innovative technology will make a real
difference to the lives of thousands of stroke patients across
Scotland. By accelerating diagnosis and treatment, we can help
prevent recurrent strokes and improve health outcomes. The use of
these new patch monitors is a fantastic example of how we are
adopting cutting-edge solutions to renew Scotland's NHS and
ensure it can continue to deliver high-quality, efficient care.”
Katie Cuthbertson, National Director for the Centre for
Sustainable Delivery, said:
“Through the Accelerated National Innovation
Adoption (ANIA) pathway, we are rapidly scaling technologies that
have the power to transform lives. The rollout of ECG Patch
Monitors is a prime example of how innovation can drive better
outcomes across the NHS.
“By detecting atrial fibrillation earlier and more accurately, we
are not only preventing recurrent strokes but also freeing up
vital clinical capacity to support other cardiac services. This
is innovation with impact, delivered at pace and scale."
Professor Jann Gardner, Chief Executive of NHSGGC, said:
“At NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, we are proud to be at the
forefront of using technology to improve patient care. The ECG
patch programme is a powerful example of how innovation can
enhance diagnosis, reduce waiting times, and ultimately lead to
better outcomes for patients.
“We're pleased that this work is now being adopted nationally,
and we remain committed to leading the way in delivering smarter,
more effective healthcare.”
NHSGGC Consultant Cardiologist and ANIA Clinical Lead for the
CfSD Dr Faheem Ahmad, who is also Cardiology Innovation Lead
for the West of Scotland Innovation Hub, has worked directly with
patients using the ECG patch.
“The introduction of the ECG patch has been a game-changer for
both patients and clinicians.
“We're now able to diagnose atrial fibrillation more quickly and
accurately, which means we can start treatment sooner and reduce
the risk of serious complications like stroke. The patches can be
worn just like a plaster, and in comparison to the older,
traditional Holter devices, they are more comfortable and easier
for patients to use.
Background
Healthcare Improvement Scotland
advice on ECG patch monitors
Scottish stroke improvement
programme
National Innovation Week
This initiative is a key component of the Scottish Government's
NHS renewal strategy, delivered through the Accelerated National
Innovation Adoption (ANIA) pathway. This was proposed through
Scotland Innovates, which provides a streamlined route for
industry partners to propose new technologies for adoption by the
NHS.
A 12-month phased rollout across Scotland is scheduled to begin
in November 2026 of the ECG Patch Monitors.
This initiative is a key component of the Scottish Government's
NHS renewal strategy, delivered through the Accelerated National
Innovation Adoption (ANIA) pathway, led by NHS Golden Jubilee's
national Centre for Sustainable Delivery based at NHS Golden
Jubilee.
