Raytec has been working with medical software provider, Oxehealth, whose Digital Care Assistant (DCA) technology allows vital signs of patients to be monitored remotely.

The DCA system works by using an optical sensor (operating in conjunction with Oxehealth’s software) installed inside a patient’s room to monitor changes in their condition, such as their pulse and breathing rate.

To do this, the DCA system also requires high-quality infrared (IR) illumination so the sensor and software are capable of picking up precise levels of detail with high accuracy. This is where Raytec’s Vario2 IR illuminators play an important role. Vario2 i2 IR illuminators are installed alongside the sensors and provide essential, unobtrusive light, which allows vital signs to be monitored accurately, 24/7.

As we all play our part to increase social distancing and prevent the spread of infection during the pandemic of COVID-19, our doctors and nurses on the frontline continue to put themselves at risk as they tackle the outbreak.

The Oxehealth system helps to limit the exposure of medical staff to contagious patients, reducing the number of bed-side observations by up to 71%. Ultimately this protects staff, reduces the spread of the infection, and saves lives.

The system also helps to mitigate against staff shortages within the NHS, ensuring resource can be directed to where it’s needed most.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, NHS trusts are building the Oxehealth system into critical response plans to help protect staff and mitigate risk. This has meant a surge in demand for DCA systems, but also for Raytec Vario2-i2 illuminators.

Raytec is working closely with Oxehealth to ensure supply, and is directing as much resource as possible towards these orders as the Raytec factory continues to manufacture these products.