Forward - the communications tool for NHS health professionals
by Startacus Admin
Forward - the secure app for NHS clinicians to easily and instantly communicate with each other, share 
patient information, and prioritise tasks
The NHS always seems to be in the news, either as a victim of poor pay and unfair treatment of nurses or as the object of criticism. This service that the country relies on to help them when they are unwell isn’t doing particularly well in keeping up with modernity.
One way this presents itself to NHS staff is communications. In 2018, doctors and nurses are still using archaic communication systems like pagers and landlines and switchboards. This absurdly outdated, time-wasting system needs to change to save time and undue stress, and a 
group of London doctors have decided to do just that.
Junior doctors Lydia Yarlott and Barney Gilbert partnered with mobile entrepreneur Philip Mundy to create Forward, a secure app for NHS clinicians to easily and instantly communicate with each other, share patient information, and prioritise tasks.
Staff can share images to ask for opinions and advice; find anyone in the hospital through the directory, rather than needing that person’s contact number beforehand for the likes of WhatsApp; and, vitally, they can see the importance of an instant message, rather than a simple pager notification, which comes with no measure of urgency.
Security is obviously hugely important, and the app is secure all of the way. From accessing it only with an NHS-
approved email address and pin, to encryption of transmitted information, to secure cloud storage. Even within the app, users can only access information that either they themselves created or that has been specifically shared with them.
Earlier this year Forward raised $1.3m in seed funding, and the free app is already being used by 2000 clinical staff in the UK so far. Forward calculates that the app can save these staff up to an hour every day. Considering that this hour would otherwise be wasted running about answering pages and trying to get hold of other staff on landlines, etc., that’s a significant time-saving that could literally be a life-saver.
If you like the sound of this HealthTech startup, you might also want to read up on:
Phlo - an innovative app which is providing a real-time NHS pharmacy delivery service.
Storiicare - innovation in person centred care.
OurPath, which combines digital technology with lifestyle changes to help people live more active lives and prevent or lessen symptoms of type 2 diabetes.
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
Want to build an investable, scalable tech startup? The Raise Accelerator programme is now open for applications and will help you do just that.
Want to increase visual engagement for your startup's Instagram account? These tips will help you do just that.
Want to gain an edge over your business competitors? Listening to your audience is an absolute must.
The Clothes Doctor mission to fight fast fashion continues as the innovative eco clothing care brand raises £1m to support further growth.
If you plan on using social media to promote your brand, these simple rules will help, increasing both brand awareness and the number of consumers.
High-potential social impact startups from the UK sought for the 9th annual Les Tremplins by Voyage Privé programme.
The lowdown on Danish startup EvodiaBio and its innovative tech that produces sustainable aromas for the food and beverage industry.
Small Business Britain’s ‘How to Grow’ report outlines how small businesses are responding to economic challenges and how they can grow during recession.
Odd Coffee Company - the startup that's tackling coffee wastage by offering sustainably-sourced surplus coffee, rescued from British roasters.
Tech Nation shares an overview of the impact they have had on the UK's tech economy and ecosystem.
Published on: 15th April 2018
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.
- Raise Spring Accelerator programme seeking applications for next cohort 30th Jan 2023 Want to build an investable, scalable tech startup? The Raise Accelerator programme is now open for applications and will help you do just that.
- Leading French Travel Co. Offers Mentoring to two UK startups on its prestigious two-month programme 23rd Jan 2023 High-potential social impact startups from the UK sought for the 9th annual Les Tremplins by Voyage Privé programme.
- Small businesses need new model for growth in recession 23rd Jan 2023 Small Business Britain’s ‘How to Grow’ report outlines how small businesses are responding to economic challenges and how they can grow during recession.
- Tech Nation responds to the DCMS Digital Growth Grant announcement 20th Jan 2023 Tech Nation shares an overview of the impact they have had on the UK's tech economy and ecosystem.
