Meet The Startups Disrupting Traditional Healthcare

The UK healthcare system has its fair share of challenges and has been under strain for a number of years. With the National Health Service (NHS) waiting lists skyrocketing and staff shortages, it’s become very clear that the traditional way of doing things is no longer working nor viable for the future.

At the same time, individuals and families are shifting to take a more proactive approach to their health. This means that they need clarity and support when it comes to making some of life’s most difficult decisions.

And those who have identified this need have become some of the country’s most innovative healthcare companies. While digitising paperwork and making admin more streamlined is a great step in the right direction, it’s not their core objective. It’s about redefining what it means to be prepared before a crisis hits.

 

The Startups Who Are Disrupting Traditional Healthcare

 

These startups are stepping up to help people plan and prepare for the complexities that come with healthcare and life planning. And they are doing so in a way that is not only faster and convenient but also supportive to those who, at that time of their life, need extra support the most.

 

1. Power Of Attorney Online

 

 

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) plays a critical role in healthcare planning because it gives an individual the choice to decide who needs to make decisions for them if they lose the capacity to do so. Yet, most people put it off because it’s associated with complicated forms full of legal jargon and costly solicitor fees.

Power of Attorney Online has removed the LPA stigma of an intimidating legal process to one that is affordable and fast with guided support along the way. 

While up to 85% of LPA applications have errors which can delay the process and can take weeks to finalise, Power of Attorney Online has implemented safeguards to pick up on mistakes before submission and it can be completed within minutes. 

But the real impact of their services extends beyond convenience. It’s about giving every individual, regardless of their background, a voice in their care and the opportunity to plan ahead.

 

2. MyWishes

 

 

MyWishes is tackling one of the most sensitive areas when it comes to healthcare planning and that is how an individual wants to be looked after in both life and in death. 

With their online platform, users are able to create a digital care plan where they can outline their funeral wishes and any other decisions in advance. In addition to giving people more control over their future, it also eases the weight off their loved ones when the inevitable happens. 

When an individual hasn’t made their wishes known, it can cause a lot of confusion and delays in care among the family and medical teams. MyWishes is changing that and offering individuals the dignity they deserve but is so often disregarded.

 

3. Settld

 

 

When a loved one passes, the following weeks and months can be incredibly emotionally overwhelming for the family. But in between the grief and healing, family members are burdened with admin tasks like closing accounts, settling outstanding bills and informing any service providers associated with the individual of their death.

Settld has created a platform where multiple companies can be notified simultaneously so that families can grieve without any additional strain. 

Their platform has been able to intricately combine innovation with empathy to help family members through some of the hardest transitions without piles of unnecessary paperwork and slow processes.

 

 

 

4. Compassion In Dying

 

 

There aren’t many conversations that are quite as difficult and sensitive as those around end-of-life care. But just because they are hard to have doesn’t mean they’re not important or should be neglected.

Compassion In Dying was created to help people navigate such conversations and to also make their death wishes legally binding to ensure that they pass with dignity and clarity.

The company offers tools for creating Advance Decisions (ADRTs) which specify which medical treatments one would or wouldn’t want to have if they were unable to make the decision at the time. 

For individuals, they can make their desired decision while healthcare professionals don’t need to make a call with little to no guidance when the time comes.

 

5. Which? Wills & LPAs

 

 

It’s often thought that innovation means creating something entirely new. In some cases, it can actually be making existing services more accessible to those who would not have benefitted from it in the past. 

Which? Wills & LPAs has done precisely that, offering digital tools to help people create their wills and LPAs. 

Which? is already a trusted consumer brand in the UK which gives users some peace of mind when planning for their future which they may have otherwise avoided. The combination of brand trust with digital convenience is making the conversation around wills and LPAs more common in households where they previously didn’t exist.

 

6. MindED

 

 

Mental health is one of the UK’s fastest-growing healthcare challenges with around 22.6% of the adult population suffering from a mental health condition. It’s also one of the most overlooked problems which is why Minded was created to give people more control over their mental health.

The company offers a range of tools to assist individuals with preparing for potential outcomes and more access to their mental health records in addition to support systems where those struggling can communicate their needs.

With a structured, proactive approach to mental health care, Minded aims to prevent misunderstandings and help patients to be in charge of their own wellbeing.

 

7. Octopus Legacy

 

 

Wills, LPAs and funeral planning are all very sensitive but essential things that need to be done in one’s lifetime. Octopus Legacy is a tech-forward company offering a digital platform where users can easily access these services.

They also offer professional guidance to assist users through the process for peace of mind and confidence in the planning of their future. 

The company aims to target a younger, tech-savvy audience who may not have thought to start planning for later in life and to make it more accessible for them, thus normalising the conversation around life planning among these generations.

 

8. Accurx

 

 

Good healthcare is founded on clear, efficient communication however, this isn’t always the case. In the NHS, patients have experienced countless phone calls or emails that go unanswered along with outdated processes that only cause delays and frustration.

Accurx was founded to tackle this head-on, creating a platform where NHS staff can communicate with patients directly and securely. 

Patients are able to receive reminders about upcoming appointments, access test results and speak with their medical team when required. Additionally, they can access links with follow-up instructions or treatment information.

 

9. Patchwork Health

 

 

The NHS can’t work effectively without its people and yet, workforce shortages are one of its biggest ongoing challenges. The impact is chaos with existing staff placed under more pressure and increased waiting times for patients.

Patchwork Health has created a digital platform to help the NHS manage their staff better through matching available professionals with open shifts and allowing staff to see and book their shifts in real time. 

The platform also offers data insights for NHS trusts to see a predicted forecast demand to be able to allocate their resources more intelligently.