How Handheld Ultrasound Is Supporting Earlier Diagnosis and More Accessible Care Across the NHS

Overview

Improving access to timely diagnostics is a central priority within the NHS Long Term Plan, which outlines a future built on earlier diagnosis, digital innovation and more care delivered closer to home.

Handheld and point of care ultrasound systems (POCUS) support these aims by providing real time imaging at the point of care, helping clinicians make faster decisions and enhancing the patient experience.

As the NHS continues its shift towards community based and digitally enabled care, handheld ultrasound is becoming a valuable point of care resource that aligns with national priorities, whilst supporting day to day clinical practice.

Benefits

• Portability: Small enough to fit in a coat pocket for use anywhere.
• Quicker diagnosis: Being able to scan at point of care gives clinicians immediate information whilst assessing the patient. This means patients receive clearer, more immediate guidance or reassurance.
• Helps reduce unnecessary referrals and streamline patient flow: By providing prompt insight, clinicians can avoid ordering additional imaging that may not be needed once an initial scan is performed.
• Supports continuity of care: Clinicians can use the same device across multiple settings during the day.
• Clinical confidence: High-resolution imaging and easy connectivity ensure reliable decision-making.

Main clinical users

Suppliers on our frameworks

• Biospectrum
• Butterfly Network
• Esaote
• Fujifilm UK
• Fujifilm Healthcare (previously Hitachi)
• GE Healthcare
• Mindray
• Orca Medical
• Philips Healthcare
• Prosys International
• Uniphar
• Medtech UK (Cardiac Services).