Digital Health Coffee Time Briefing ☕

Your morning summary of digital health news, information and events to know about if you want to be “in the know”.

👇 News

🔬Ezra, a health-tech company providing AI-enabled MRI scans, has announced six new diagnostic sites opening in January 2026, including in Manchester, Newcastle, and Glasgow. The company aims to open another five sites in early 2026 to take its total to 11 sites across the country.

💍 Drug and consumer product dosing, dispensing, and protection technologies provider Aptar Digital Health has announced a partnership with ŌURA to integrate Aptar’s Migraine Buddy with Oura Ring. The migraine tracking app will connect with biometric data the ŌURA Ring to give users insights into their migraine patterns and potential triggers.

🏥 Plans to build a digital, net-zero hospital in Scotland are to go before the Scottish government for final approval. Construction of the New University Hospitals Monklands in Lanarkshire will begin next year on farmland at Wester Moffat in Airdrie, once final approval has been given, with a targeted opening of 2031. Designers say the hospital will use cutting-edge technology for real-time patient monitoring and integrate advanced operational command systems.

😁 Clear aligner brand Smile White has launched an online service that allows patients to upload photos for assessment by AI. The image is used to estimate treatment time and cost, before patients see a dentist for final approval.

💵 Zurich-based preventive healthcare company Ahead Health has raised $6 million in funding led by RTP Global. Ahead Health combines preventive check-ups such as MRI scans, advanced blood tests, and CT-scans into a single AI-powered platform.

❓ Did you know that?

Research from Confused.com life insurance. found that 59% of Brits are using AI to self-diagnose health conditions.

The research found that people are turning to tools like ChatGPT to expand their health knowledge and self-diagnose, and it highlights their top queries and whether the responses helped.

Symptoms checks top the list, with almost two-thirds (63%) of people in the UK using AI to search for any physical or mental effects they are feeling.

Side effects (50%) follow, with many people (38%) also researching wellbeing techniques in diet and fitness, as well as treatment options (30%) such as medication and surgery. One in five are also seeking out mental health support in the form of therapy and coping strategies.

A total of 11% claim AI has helped improve their condition, while 24% say they feel more comfortable using AI than having a face-to-face appointment.

📖 What we’re reading

Atos has launched its inaugural Community Impact Report in the UK and Ireland. The document covers the activities, outputs, and outcomes that have benefited communities throughout 2025.

Atos’ business model places society as a ‘core operational pillar’, alongside employees, clients, and profitable growth. The company’s 2025 priorities were to improve digital inclusion, increase employee volunteering, boost biodiversity, and help bridge the digital divide.

To support these goals, the company undertook community initiatives including digital inclusion programmes, STEM outreach and IT industry work experience for girls, employee volunteering, building sustainable solutions into the Atos business model, and championing ethical practices.

Michael Herron, head of Atos UK and Ireland, said: “We are committed to making a meaningful difference through business. Community impact is something that many strive for, but few manage to deliver, which is why I’m so proud of the tangible work we have done for our communities throughout this year.”

🚨 Upcoming events

21 January 2026 – Rewired 2026 conference and programme update: January 2026