Back Pain & Spine Disorders: A Guide to Better Health
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents The spine is more than just a column of bones; it’s the core structural support system of your body, responsible for supporting movement, maintaining posture, and protecting the spinal cord and nerves. Nonetheless, back issues remain a daily struggle for millions of people, globally. Spinal disorders – specifically lower back pain and sciatica – are frequently reported as some of the most common disabilities in the world. These disorders can hinder mobility, productivity, and quality of life. According to WHO, in 2020, low back pain (LBP) impacted 619 million people globally, and it is predicted the number of cases will rise to 843 million cases by 2050, largely due to population growth and ageing. In this situation, our digital health platform - Cellmaflex, provides everything you need to understand and manage your spinal health more effectively. This includes online appointment booking, no need for phone calls, access to your medical history, and the ability to locate nearby doctors, pharmacies, labs, and imaging centres. All your medical needs in one platform. In this blog, we will explore: the most common symptoms of spine disorders, structural and neurological causes, postural and mechanical back complaints, systemic and inflammatory spinal conditions, injury-related and lifestyle factors, and management to improve outcomes. Most Common Signs & Symptoms of Spine & Back Disorders Spinal disorders may progress slowly or suddenly, often beginning with mild symptoms and progressing to chronic or debilitating pain. Warning signs include: Persistent or recurring lower back pain Pain that radiates down one or both legs (especially in sciatica) Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the lower limbs Limited mobility or stiffness in the lower back Pain that worsens with sitting, standing, or lifting Recognising these symptoms early can make a significant difference. Structural and Nerve-Related Disorders These spine disorders involve physical changes in the spinal structure or direct nerve compression: Herniated Disc: A spinal disc may bulge or rupture, pressing on nearby nerves and causing pain, numbness, or weakness. It’s most common in the lumbar (lower back) region. Sciatica: Caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve (the largest nerve in humans, originating in the lower back and traveling posteriorly through the lower limb as far down as the heel of the foot). Sciatica leads to sharp, shooting pain down the leg, often on one side. It may also cause burning, numbness or tingling sensations. Spinal Stenosis: This is a narrowing of the spinal canal, often due to arthritis or disc degeneration, which puts pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. Symptoms include pain, weakness, or difficulty walking. Cellmaflex helps patients manage these conditions by offering quick access to their radiology reports, enabling better-informed discussions with orthopaedic or neurological specialists. Postural and Mechanical Back Problems Not every spine disorder is due to major structural issues, many stem from habits and mechanical stress: Lower Back Strain: Bending or overstretching of a muscle or ligament is often due to lifting something heavy incorrectly, sudden movements, or twisting. It can also be simple overuse. Degenerative Disc Disease: As the years go by, the spinal discs lose water content and elastin, which reduces the ability of the disc to absorb pressure and to cushion the vertebrae. This means chronic back pain and stiffness. Scoliosis: This refers to anything ranging from normal postural action to an abnormal curvature of the spine. Usually, this is associated with lateral curvature, attendant, uneven shoulders or hips and chronic discomfort. Spinal problems of this type often respond well to physical therapy and posture retraining. Cellmaflex allows you to schedule rehab sessions and record improvements in your back health over time. Systemic & Inflammatory Conditions Affecting the Spine Some spine disorders, while less common, are systemic and sometimes inflammatory, including: Arthritis of the Spine: Generally seen in adults as a feature of aging; this inflammation of the joints of the spine can lead to pain and stiffness. Sometimes, this pain is especially noticeable after resting. Ankylosing Spondylitis: A chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints. It causes pain and stiffness that typically worsens with rest and improves with activity. Over time, it can lead to the fusion of spinal vertebrae, limiting mobility. These conditions require ongoing care and monitoring. Cellmaflex makes it easier to coordinate with rheumatologists and track lab tests, imaging, and medication effectiveness, all in one place. Injury-Related and Lifestyle-Linked Disorders: Some spine disorders result from trauma, overuse, or modern lifestyle factors: Sprains, Fractures, or Disc Injuries: Back injuries from falls, car accidents, or sports can result in acute pain and long-term complications if not properly treated. Poor Ergonomics or Sedentary Lifestyle: Sitting for long hours, poor posture, and lack of exercise lead to muscle imbalances, stiffness, and back pain. Tips for Prevention & Care: Use proper lifting techniques Maintain a healthy weight Exercise regularly to strengthen back muscles Invest in ergonomic furniture for workstations Cellmaflex can help you locate physiotherapists, track your rehabilitation plan, and access self-care tips to support daily back health. Intervention & Management Managing a spine disorder requires a holistic and individualised approach: Medications: Pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or anti-inflammatories may be prescribed to manage symptoms. Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises improve flexibility, core muscle strength, and promote proper posture. Lifestyle Modifications: Movement (exercise), a balanced diet, hydration, and a healthy BMI can effectively reduce strain on the back. Ergonomics: Use supportive chairs, lumbar pillows, standing desks, and proper lift techniques to avoid repeat back pain. While back pain is common, it should never be ignored, especially when it becomes persistent or radiates to the legs. Spine disorders can significantly impair your quality of life, but with an early diagnosis, targeted intervention, and lifestyle changes, many cases can be navigated or even prevented. Don’t wait until the pain becomes severe. Consult a healthcare provider if you’re experiencing symptoms. Use Cellmaflex to simplify your health care journey by finding doctors, managing your records and tracking your progress. Your spine
Health Visitors Empowered by Cellma for Safer Care
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents Health visitors are the public health professionals whose primary role is to support children and families during the critical early years in a child’s life. They are the health professionals who are in families’ homes and communities, helping them to be as healthy and safe as possible in all aspects of health: physical, emotional, and developmental. When public health needs are increasing and safeguarding processes are more complex, digital support through an advanced EHR – Cellma enables health visitors to provide safe, effective, timely, and holistic care to families. This blog showcases how Cellma, as a fully integrated electronic patient record (EPR) system, supports all areas of practice for a health visitor from safeguarding to developmental checks, referrals and reporting. Cellma helps health visitors to achieve the requirements established by NICE and NHS Why Health Visiting Matters More Than Ever Recent national data paints a concerning picture. In 2023–24: 399,460 children were classed as in need. 224,520 child protection enquiries were initiated. 49,990 children were on child protection plans. 18.2% of infants missed their 6–8-week review on time. Over 21% of children were not seen for their 2–2½-year review. While referrals have reduced the number of child protection enquiries remain at a high level, especially for neglect. In this scenario health visitors have a unique preventative role and require tools that enable them to focus on population health as well as individual care journeys. Health Visitors’ Role in Safeguarding and Early Intervention Health visitors are in a remarkable position to be the first service responding to early warning signs, which might range from domestic violence or drug misuse to developmental deficits, and should be able to comply with the Needs Assessment and support vulnerable families with protective strategies in a timely response. Key responsibilities of health visitors include: Attending Child in Need (CIN) and Child Protection (CP) case conferences. Supporting Looked After Children (LAC) with routine and statutory health assessments. Conducting home visits and health needs assessments. Sharing concerns and updates with social workers, GPs, schools, and police. Leading Early Help assessments to pre-empt crisis situations. How Cellma helps: Health visitors can record, access, and share safeguarding notes securely with authorised professionals. Automated reminders ensure no visit or review is missed. Multi-agency updates are synchronised in real time, enhancing visibility and actionability. Safeguarding Built In – Because Safety Starts with Awareness In health visiting, safeguarding is not a function – it’s a duty. Cellma is designed for clinicians to allow for the detection, documentation, and escalation of safeguarding concerns through workflows and alerts to aid proactive child protection. CP-IS Integration Cellma integrates with Child Protection – Information Sharing (CP-IS), providing authorised users with instant access to a child’s protection status and social care plan. This is essential in emergency and unscheduled care environments such as A&E, maternity, paediatric wards, GP out-of-hours, 111 service, ambulance teams, SARCs and others. Safeguarding flags will show up in the patient’s summary, making the clinical decision support information available quickly for informed decisions. Safeguarding Alerts Based on narrative clinical notes, coded data or combinations of symptoms – Cellma alerts staff that immediate action is required and justify concerns with possible harm. Structured Safeguarding Pathways Fully customisable templates for child protection plans, LAC documents, MASH, CAMHS, Early Help, and multi-agency referrals – all with timelines, actions. Embedded Care Plans Shared care plans for safeguarding situations, with named worker responsibilities, contact histories, alerts for parental mental health or substance misuse, domestic abuse and social care involvement – all version-controlled and audit-ready. Audit-Quality Documentation Every action taken is time-stamped, traceable, and aligned to CQC and statutory reporting requirements, giving paediatric teams assurance of no red flag being unobserved. From initial check-in to follow-up case management, Cellma makes safeguarding visible, structured, and central to child healthcare delivery. Child Developmental Checks Made Smarter with Cellma Health visitors routinely monitor a child’s growth, physical and emotional development, and family dynamics. Key health checks include: New birth visit (10–14 days) 6–8-week check 12-month review 2–2½-year developmental check (including ASQ-3 screening) Cellma’s health visiting module supports: Automated scheduling and alerts for due and overdue checks. Input of growth metrics like weight, head circumference, and height. Capture of ASQ-3 scores and red flags for early intervention. Maternal mental health questionnaires with flagging for perinatal mental health referrals. Referral Pathways: A Seamless Process with Cellma Health visitors are responsible for identifying needs and ensuring families are connected with the right services. These may include: Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) CAMHS or neurodevelopmental teams (for suspected autism or ADHD) Community Paediatrics Dietetics and nutrition advice Housing support teams Family hubs, parenting support, and community groups With Cellma, these referrals are: Logged within a central EPR. Linked to outcomes tracking. Auto routed to the correct departments with updates visible to the original referrer. Accompanied by relevant clinical notes and developmental concerns. Clinical Conditions Managed by Health Visitors Beyond the social and developmental responsibilities, health visitors are trained to manage or identify a range of clinical conditions Feeding difficulties and faltering growth Childhood eczema, allergies, and skin issues Constipation and toileting issues Immunisation education and catch-up planning Maternal postnatal depression and anxiety Sleep and behavioural concerns Oral health education and dental referrals Unexplained injuries or bruises (often first noticed during home visits) Cellma allows structured templates for clinical documentation, early warning scores, symptom tracking, and integration with GP and paediatric systems reducing duplication and enabling proactive care. BI Reporting, NICE Compliance, and Timely Documentation Health visiting is governed by multiple standards and reporting frameworks, from the Healthy Child Programme to NHS Digital data returns. Cellma’s advanced BI reporting tools and compliance features ensure: Reports on missed or late visits and reviews. Audit trails of safeguarding activity and multi-agency engagement. Real-time dashboards to flag regional or demographic risks. Data extraction for public health reporting, inspections, and funding reviews. Alignment with NICE guidelines and local authority frameworks. Supporting Diverse and Changing Populations with Cellma The demographic landscape is evolving: Children in need are increasingly older
Muscle Disorder: Signs, Causes & How to Take Control
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents Your muscles do not only facilitate movement: they help to maintain balance; they assist with breathing; and they help us to complete daily tasks. However, what happens if something happens to your muscle’s health? The consequences that arise from a muscle disorder can greatly impact how you move, how you live, and how you feel; they can even affect your autonomy and the quality of your day-to-day living. With digital tools like Cellmaflex, managing muscle health can be made easy. With Cellmaflex you can book appointments online without having to make phone calls, access your medical history anytime, anywhere, or search for the nearest doctors, pharmacies, labs and imaging centres, all in one place. In this blog, we will address what defines a muscle disorder, outline the significance of looking after muscle health, discuss the different types and aetiology of muscle disorders, including describing the major signs and symptoms to watch for, and showing you how Cellmaflex can assist your journey to care. What Is a Muscle Disorder? A muscle disorder is any problem that affects muscle tissue’s structure or function. It may affect strength, endurance, coordination, or ability to do everyday tasks. Depending on the cause and when it is treated, a muscle disorder may be temporary or permanent, mild or severe disability. From genetic conditions like muscular dystrophy to lifestyle-related injuries like tendonitis, muscle disorders take many forms but they all require timely diagnosis and consistent care, which Cellmaflex helps support by enabling seamless access to health records and specialist referrals. Muscle-related conditions are growing in global prevalence. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Global Burden of Disease 2025 Report, musculoskeletal disorders affect over 1.7 billion people worldwide and are the leading cause of global disability. Muscle disorders (including genetic, inflammatory, and metabolic types) are projected to affect over 300 million people in 2025. The Importance of Muscle Health Muscles are central to mobility, posture, metabolism, and even internal organ function. When muscles are weakened, inflamed, or degenerated, the entire body suffers. From a child struggling to play to an adult unable to work or care for themselves, muscle disorders impact quality of life, independence, and mental health. This is why early diagnosis, rehabilitation, and a multidisciplinary care approach, easily managed through a unified platform like Cellmaflex, are vital to long-term outcomes. Common Signs & Symptoms That Indicate a Muscle Disorder Many disorders start subtly. Look out for: Persistent muscle weakness (e.g., trouble lifting objects, climbing stairs) Muscle pain or cramps that don’t improve with rest Fatigue, especially during or after simple activities Muscle twitching or spasms Decreased range of motion or flexibility Trouble with balance or coordination If you experience any of these signs, you can use Cellmaflex to book a consultation with a neurologist or rheumatologist. Genetic and Neuromuscular Disorders These disorders are either inherited, or spontaneous changes in particular genes or develop due to problems in the nervous system’s communication with muscles. Muscular Dystrophy A group of genetic disorders that causes progressive muscle wasting. Symptoms usually begin in childhood and worsen over time. Common types include Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS affects motor neurons, leading to muscle paralysis. It progresses rapidly, impacting breathing and swallowing. Myasthenia Gravis An autoimmune neuromuscular disorder where antibodies block communication between nerves and muscles. It causes muscle fatigue, drooping eyelids, and trouble speaking or swallowing. Inflammatory and Autoimmune Muscle Myopathies These involve the immune system attacking healthy muscle tissues. Myopathy Inflammatory myopathies like polymyositis and dermatomyositis lead to chronic inflammation, weakness, and skin rashes. Symptoms can be slow to appear and often overlap with other conditions, making consistent monitoring essential. Other autoimmune muscle disorders include: Inclusion body myositis: Gradual onset weakness in hands and thighs Polymyositis: Symmetrical muscle weakness, often seen in adults Metabolic and Systemic Muscle Conditions When the body’s metabolism or systems, like the endocrine or renal systems, are disrupted, muscle function can be affected. Injury-Related and Overuse Disorders These are often caused by physical strain, repetitive motion, or improper posture. Tendonitis Inflammation of tendons (connecting muscle to bone) due to overuse. Common types include: Rotator cuff tendonitis (shoulder) Tennis elbow (elbow) Patellar tendonitis (knee) These injuries are common in athletes, manual workers, and those with repetitive daily tasks. Detecting and Treating Muscle Disorders Muscle disorders can start slowly but have long-lasting repercussions if not treated. They can affect people in every life stage involving genetic, inflammatory, metabolic or injury related causes. The key to avoiding complications and preserving quality of life is identification in the initial stages when changes first occur. Important Steps to Manage Muscle Disorders Diagnosis: A complete health assessment is the first step to diagnosing the muscle disorder! Think about: A physical examination and neurological assessment Blood tests to look for muscle enzymes, inflammation or autoimmune indicators Electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction studies Muscle biopsies or genetic tests (for inherited disorders) Treatment Approaches: Treatment depends on the type of muscle disorder, but usually includes: Medications: anti-inflammatories, immunosuppressants or enzyme replacement Physical therapy: to improve strength, flexibility and minimise contractures Occupational therapy: to help learn to adapt daily activities to maintain independence Nutritional support: mainly in metabolic muscle disorders Surgery: in rare cases, to rectify deformities or relieve nerve compression Long-Term Care: Chronic muscle disorders need to be monitored over time and have multi-disciplinary support, and may include: Regular reviews with neurologist, rheumatologist or physiatrist Adapting plans as disease state changes Introducing changes in lifestyle – gentle exercise, balanced diet and stress management Importance of Taking Action so that You Can Improve Your Mobility and Quality of Life Taking the first step, by first identifying muscle disorders through your own awareness and active treatment strategy, will help limit permanent damage, increase mobility and improve quality of life. The first step is knowledge, body awareness, and medical care when needed to protect the health of
Cellma Powers Efficient, Compliant District Nursing Care
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents District nursing plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between hospital and homecare; clearly supporting patients with complex, ongoing, and often palliative needs whilst enabling them to navigate the complexities of their life in the community. The increase in demand persists, whilst NHS trusts are not only experiencing a decreased workforce, but also an increased number of referrals and the need for accessible, interoperable and efficient care. This is where Cellma comes in; an advanced EHR software that not only supports district nursing teams but has the capacity for district nursing teams to deliver timely, coordinated and compliant care more uniformly across geographical boundaries. In this blog, we will explore the full spectrum of district nursing workflows, how Cellma supports each stage of care, and how it aligns with national standards, governance frameworks, and the evolving needs of patients and providers alike. District Nursing: The Clinical Backbone of Community Care Often overlooked yet fundamentally essential, district nursing provides clinical care to patients in their own homes, care homes, and community settings. Services are typically targeted at older adults as well as children with complex or multiple chronic conditions and wound management, recent hospital discharges, or palliative care needs. Recent statistics show that in 2021 alone, district nursing teams carried out 307,783 patient contacts across just under 20,000 individuals – averaging nearly 16 home visits per patient. Nearly half of these patients were aged 70 and above, and the majority were women. Yet, despite this growing demand, the number of district nurses in England dropped by 43% between 2009 and 2019. This leaves just one district nurse per 14,000 people – a sharp contrast to the GP-to-patient ratio of 1:1,600. With such intense pressures, a robust digital foundation is no longer optional. It’s essential. That’s where Cellma offers unmatched value. Conditions Managed in District Nursing District nursing covers a broad spectrum of medical conditions, including: Wound care (e.g., pressure ulcers, venous leg ulcers) Diabetes management COPD and asthma Cancer and palliative care Dementia support Stroke and orthopaedic rehabilitation Cellma ensures that all condition-specific care plans are backed by clinical templates, alerts, and decision-support logic. This helps standardise care while preserving the flexibility for personalised approaches. Streamlined Referrals and Caseload Management District nursing teams receive hundreds of new referrals daily. In some NHS Trusts, that number reaches 200 new referrals per day. These come from GPs, hospital discharge coordinators, social care services, and sometimes carers or the patients themselves. The Referral Portal in Cellma allows swift intake and digital triage. Each referral is triaged by urgency and complexity using flexible triage tools. The system allows for automated case routing which ensures that nurses and regions have equitable caseloads. Managers can see the caseloads in real-time, allowing them to make reactive staffing decisions and avoid bottlenecks. Evidence has shown that using Cellma, some Trusts have achieved wait times of below five days and prevented missed visits altogether. Digital Assessments with Wound Charting, Combined with Visual Tools Initial assessments are critical to establish care pathways and goals. Cellma allows for mobile-ready digital forms that support: Capturing full patient history such as medical, surgical and medication Physical assessments including mobility, nutrition, pressure ulcer risk (e.g: Waterlow)and pain level Mental health and cognitive screenings such as GAD-7, PHQ-9. Environment and safeguarding checklists Risk matrix scoring, and documentation aligned with child and adult protection frameworks A standout feature is Cellma’s interactive wound charting tool. This tool allows nurses to visually document wound sites, sizes, and healing progression over time. Nurses can also upload photos securely, annotate diagrams, and apply standardised wound scoring tools (e.g., PUSH Tool, TIME framework). These visual inputs are crucial for team collaboration, escalation, and continuity. Clinical Interventions and Personalised Care Pathways District nurses deliver a wide range of hands-on clinical interventions such as: Wound management Catheter and continence care with bladder/bowel assessments, catheter passport tracking, and fluid balance monitoring. Medication administration Post-operative care Palliative and end-of-life support With Cellma’s care pathway, nurses follow condition-specific protocols embedded directly in Cellma. When managing chronic wounds, diabetic problems, or follow-up monitoring of discharge arrangements for people discharged from cardiac inpatient services, Cellma helps to ensure that the care planned is based on evidence-based systems. Pathways can be tailored for each individual patient and can automatically generate tasks, alerts, and review timelines. Communication with GPs and Multidisciplinary Teams Cellma’s Communication Module is designed specifically for integrated care delivery. Cellma supports UCR (urgent community response) compliance with response time tracking, prioritised triage, and rapid access care pathways aligned with the 2-hour standard. District nurses can: Create structured letters to GPs (both contingency plans or requests for medication changes, dosages, or requests for specialist review) Cellma enables structured data sharing with GP systems via FHIR-compatible messaging or GP Connect record views. Request responses from authorities, social or allied health services and record them Request and host MDT meetings and share working notes such as care plans and clinical notes. There are reduced delays in decision-making and the best-case prescribing safety and supply, particularly important when urgent interventions (i.e., urgent change of an anticoagulant dose or new pain management plan) are going to be initiated in the community setting. Monitoring, Reviews, and Real-Time Documentation Ongoing Reviews are important in District Nursing, because many of the patients we care for have an up and down journey with varying health conditions. Cellma provides: Daily or weekly monitoring log Automated alerts to notify teams of declining symptoms Team dashboards for joint tracking Profile notes and voice capture to reduce admin Real-time visibility allows teams to adjust the frequency of visits, escalate concerns and hold additional MDT discussions. Safe Discharge and Follow-Up Coordination Patients exit district nursing services when they have recovered, stabilised, or transitioned to long-term care. With Cellma, discharges are handled using structured workflows. Discharge letters, medication reconciliations, and handover documents can be digitally generated and automatically shared with the relevant GP or social care provider.
Arthritis Causes Behind Joint Disorders
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents Do your joints seem stiff in the morning? Does it take more effort to do a simple thing like open a jar or walk across the room? These are a few telltale signs of an early joint disorder, a growing health challenge faced by millions around the globe. The good news? Managing joint conditions has become easier, thanks to digital health tools like Cellmaflex. With online appointment booking; no phone calls required, access to your complete medical history anytime and anywhere, and the ability to find doctors, pharmacies, labs, and imaging centres nearby, Cellmaflex empowers you to take charge of your joint health. In this blog, we’ll explore what joint disorders are, the most common arthritis causes and risk factors, symptoms to watch for, how these disorders progress, their real-life impact and prevention and treatment strategies you can adopt. What Are Joint Disorders? Joint disorders are generally medical issues that impact the joints, where two bones come together. These issues prevent the joint from fulfilling its natural role and often cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and diminished range of motion. Some joint disorders include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and more. There are clinical causes due to simply ageing—which is essentially wear and tear—and those caused by autoimmune reactions or metabolic components. Managing these types of conditions will require a committed amount of consistent care. This is why Cellmaflex will be critical in helping you navigate finding the correct local specialist, and obtaining previous medical information, from your device. Global Statistics on Joint Disorders Joint disorders cannot be classified as conditions for the old. These issues can happen to everyone in every category. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 1.7 billion people, worldwide, live with a musculoskeletal condition (meaning your bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, or muscles). Arthritis is among one of the most common and debilitating conditions. In 2019, more than 528 million people had osteoarthritis, and it is expected that as populations age and obesity levels increase, numbers will rise accordingly. Rheumatoid arthritis affects around 18 million people worldwide, often striking individuals in their 30s or 40s – typically during their most active working years. These numbers serve as a constant reminder of the importance of learning the arthritis causes, recognising early signs, and using tools like Cellmaflex to fast-track care with very little delay. Causes and Risk Factors of Joint Disorders a. Underlying Causes Joint disorders stem from a wide variety of triggers, many of which can silently progress over time: Osteoarthritis (OA) is caused by the gradual breakdown of cartilage – the smooth tissue that cushions joints. As cartilage wears down, bones begin to rub against each other, leading to inflammation, pain, and decreased motion. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), on the other hand, is an autoimmune disorder. The immune system, which normally fights infections, mistakenly attacks the lining of your joints, causing painful inflammation and joint damage. Additional arthritis causes include: Previous injuries or joint overuse, which accelerate cartilage damage Genetics, especially if there’s a family history of arthritis Infections, which can trigger inflammatory responses in the joints Metabolic conditions, such as gout, caused by uric acid crystal deposition in joints With Cellmaflex, patients can schedule lab tests and imaging scans to detect these causes early, monitor their progress, and share results with specialists directly. b. Common Risk Factors While the causes differ, several risk factors increase your chance of developing joint disorders: Age: Cartilage naturally deteriorates with age, making joint pain more common in older adults. Gender: Women are more likely to develop RA, especially after menopause. Family History: Certain types of arthritis can run in families. Obesity: Excess weight puts additional pressure on weight-bearing joints like knees and hips. Occupation or Sports: Jobs or activities that involve repetitive joint movement can lead to overuse injuries. Smoking: Particularly associated with more severe forms of RA and may worsen inflammation. Symptoms of Joint Disorders Recognising the symptoms early is key to managing joint disorders effectively. While symptoms may vary depending on the type of arthritis, the most common warning signs include: Joint Pain – Persistent or recurring pain in one or more joints, especially after movement or at the end of the day. Stiffness – Often felt in the mornings or after long periods of rest – this stiffness may ease with movement. Swelling – Joints may appear swollen, red, or warm to the touch due to inflammation. Reduced Range of Motion: Difficulty bending or straightening joints can signal joint damage or fluid build-up. Fatigue: Especially common in autoimmune conditions like RA, where the body is constantly inflamed. Joint Deformity: In advanced cases, fingers, knees, or other joints may appear crooked or misaligned. Cracking or Grinding Sensation: Known as “crepitus,” often heard in OA due to cartilage loss. Types and Progression of Joint Disorders a. Common Types of Joint Disorders Osteoarthritis (OA) OA is the most prevalent type of arthritis. It usually affects joints that bear weight or are used frequently, like the knees, hips, hands, and spine. Symptoms include aching pain, joint stiffness (especially after rest), and loss of flexibility. Over time, cartilage wears down completely, leading to bone-on-bone contact and joint deformity. Cellmaflex helps OA patients by offering quick access to orthopaedic specialists, imaging referrals, and pain management clinics through a unified portal. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) RA is a chronic, systemic condition. Unlike OA, RA tends to affect joints on both sides of the body symmetrically such as both wrists or both knees. Early symptoms include fatigue, prolonged morning stiffness, and swelling. As RA progresses, joint structures break down, and organs may also be affected. RA treatment requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach. With Cellmaflex, patients can coordinate care between their GP, rheumatologist, physiotherapist, and pharmacist efficiently. Other Types Gout: Caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals Psoriatic Arthritis: Linked to psoriasis, involving both skin and joint issues Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis:
Cellma: Smarter Digital Support for Community Care Services
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents As per NHS Community Services Statistics report, England recorded 1.73 million community care referrals in September 2024 alone. Of these, 320,565 referrals were for children and young people, 504,370 referrals were for adults aged 19 to 64, and 905,660 were for adults aged 65 and over. These numbers are not simply numbers they represent real people, complicated needs, and the ongoing pressure on community care services to be more responsive, safer, and closer to people’s homes. As the UK health system shifts focus from reactive to proactive care, community teams play a vital role in keeping people out of hospital, supporting early discharge, and managing long-term conditions in the most appropriate setting: the community. But to make this work, professionals on the ground – district nurses, allied health professionals (AHPs), mental health teams, reablement and rapid response units need fast, mobile, and reliable access to patient information and clinical tools. And this is where Cellma, a best-in-class AI powered EHR, comes into play. What Is Community Care Services? Community care services refer to the wide range of health and social care provided outside of the hospital setting. Community care is typically the first line of response to vulnerable, older, and chronically ill patients. Some of the key services that the Community Care team of professionals’ offer are: District Nursing: Providing wound care, administering medications, palliative care, catheter management and chronic disease monitoring in a patient’s home. Allied Health Professionals (AHPs): Including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, and dietitians that support rehabilitation and function. Community Mental Health Teams: Providing psychiatric assessments, care coordination, crisis support, and long-term mental health management. Health Visiting and Child Health: Supporting early intervention, safeguarding, and parental support. Reablement: Helping people to regain their independence after illness or discharge from a hospital. Palliative and End-of-Life Care: Addressing compassionate end-of-life care and pain management at home. Rapid Response and Unscheduled Care: Providing urgent interventions to prevent avoidable hospital admissions. These services play a pivotal role in providing timely, local, and personable care, but many are held back by disjointed systems and paper-based processes. Clinical Conditions Managed in Community Care – Supported by Cellma Community care teams work with a range of clients – from post-acute rehabilitation to end-of-life care. Cellma is meant to help clinically connect and enhance the care of various conditions: Chronic Disease Management (e.g., Diabetes, COPD, Heart Failure) Monitor vital signs, blood glucose, spirometry, and weight trends using condition-specific templates. Tailored alerts and pathways for routine monitoring, escalation, and referrals. Patient education and care planning is part of each contact; documentation of shared goals. Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Integrated cognitive assessments (e.g., MMSE, MoCA) and mental health assessment tools or structured assessment templates. Care plans modified to focus on carer support, risk management, and social interventions. Visibility across providers ensures coordinated dementia reviews and medication monitoring. Wound and Pressure Ulcer Management Photograph wounds securely, track healing over time, and apply standardised documentation protocols (e.g., TIME framework). Custom alerts for deterioration or overdue dressing changes. Seamless communication with tissue viability teams and community matrons Respiratory Conditions (e.g., Asthma, COPD Exacerbations) Templates include peak flow diaries, inhaler technique assessments, and oxygen saturation tracking. Integration with lab results (e.g., CBC, CRP, blood gases) and imaging. Clear care pathways for home-based nebuliser therapy or escalation. Mental Health in the Community Incorporates risk assessments, psychologically validated tools (PHQ-9, GAD-7, HoNOS), and crisis planning. Multidisciplinary entries, joint care planning with CMHTs, and shared safeguarding records. Custom flags for safeguarding, domestic violence, and substance misuse. Palliative and End-of-Life Care Integrated documentation, anticipatory prescribing, and symptom tracking. Shared care plans visible to all involved providers including hospice, GPs, and out-of-hours services. Holistic templates for pain, breathlessness, and spiritual needs. Falls, Frailty and Mobility Frailty index calculators, falls risk assessments, and physiotherapy outcome measures built in. Rehab goal tracking and community equipment prescriptions. Support for multidisciplinary reviews and onward referrals (e.g., to Falls Clinics or Home Adaptation Teams). Each of these conditions is managed within secure, structured clinical templates that allow standardisation while allowing local flexibility. Cellma: Built for the Realities of Community Care Cellma is a smart, AI-driven Electronic Health Record (EHR) that is built to suit the realities of community care services. Whether you’re coordinating a discharge, working with a frail patient in their home or in a rapid response environment, Cellma places the right information at your fingertips at the right time. Cellma gives community teams the digital toolkit they need to work efficiently and collaboratively; anywhere, anytime. Here’s how: Customised Assessments & Clinical Tools: Cellma offers a library of customisable assessments, clinical calculators, and templates, all tailored to your service model. Quickly document home visits, triage assessments, or wound care reviews in real-time. Dynamic Care Plans and Pathways: Create, manage, and update personalised care plans and clinical pathways that reflect local protocols. Real-time updates allow multidisciplinary teams to collaborate smoothly. Integrated Referral and Patient Portals: Cellma’s Referral Portal enables fast, structured referrals between services. The Patient Portal ensures patients and carers are informed and engaged in their care journey. Integrated Diagnostics: Cellma integrates with PACS imaging and lab information systems, ensuring diagnostics are accessible on the go – no delays, no duplication. Modular and Role-Based: Cellma’s interface adapts based on each user’s role – nurses, therapists, coordinators, or managers. Whether it’s a rapid response or a routine visit, users only see what’s relevant to them. BI Reporting and Insights: Built-in Power BI dashboards help managers monitor KPIs, track outcomes, and plan services more effectively. Seamless Integrations to NHS Cellma’s integrations with national systems across the UK means they can provide continuity and accuracy, including: PHS & Data Intelligence CHI (Community Health Index) GP Connect ECS (Emergency Care Summary) SCI Gateway These integration capabilities provide clinicians with a single, up-to-date view of a patient’s health record (wherever the care is being delivered). Security and Compliance You Can Depend On With Cellma you get data security and
Bone Disorder Symptoms, Prevention, and Daily Impact
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents When it comes to staying mobile, independent, and pain-free, your bones play a critical role. Yet, bone disorders are often silent and do significant damage before showing any obvious signs. Due to these reasons, it is essential to remain vigilant, undergo regular check-ups, and have access to high-quality medical care. This is where Cellmaflex helps. With Cellmaflex, you are able to book your appointments online, without any phone call or hold times. Whether you are managing symptoms of a bone disorder or simply staying on top of your regularly scheduled check-ups and care, Cellmaflex offers you the ability to have access to your medical history, find specialists, locate nearby labs or imaging centres, and take action – no matter where you are or when! In this blog, we will be looking at what bone disorders are and how prevalent they might be, the causes and risk factors, the stages of bone loss, how bone disorders impact daily life, prevention and management strategies and how technology like Cellmaflex can help patients in this journey from start to finish. What Is a Bone Disorder? Bone disorders are conditions that affect the strength, density, or structure of bones. Bones can suffer from diminished strength when they are weakened, leading to fractures or chronic pain. Some bone disorders are genetic in nature, but others can develop throughout time due to lifestyle or medical factors. The most well-known of these is osteoporosis, which can silently strip bones of their strength. How Common Are Bone Disorders? According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, osteoporosis is a major non-communicable disease and the most common bone disease, affecting one in three women and one in five men over the age of 50 worldwide. Globally, osteoporosis is estimated to affect 200 million women – approximately one-tenth of women aged 60, one-fifth of women aged 70, two-fifths of women aged 80 and two-thirds of women aged 90. Up to 37 million fragility fractures occur annually worldwide in individuals aged over 55, this is equivalent to 70 fractures every minute. Common Types of Bone Disorders Bone disorders come in several forms, and though they vary in severity and cause, many share similar bone disorder symptoms like chronic pain, fractures, or changes in posture. Here are some common types: Osteoporosis – Fragile bones with a high risk of fractures Osteopenia – Early-stage bone density loss Paget’s disease – Abnormal bone growth or reshaping Bone infections (osteomyelitis) – Caused by bacteria or fungi Bone cancer – Primary or secondary cancer affecting bone tissue Osteomalacia – Softening of bones due to vitamin D deficiency Osteonecrosis – A condition where bone tissue dies due to a loss of blood supply Suffering from any of the above symptoms of a bone disorder? Cellmaflex allows you to search for a specialist near you in an instant and book the appropriate test or treatment. Why are Women More Affected by Bone Disorders? Women are affected by bone disorders more than men, and it is for a biological reason, not coincidental. Hormonal changes, especially the post-menopause reduction in estrogen, increases the rate of bone loss significantly. Women also generally have smaller thinner bones than men giving them less overall thickness to lose. Factors like early menopause, eating disorders and autoimmune diseases increase the risk further. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, women’s bones undergo temporary mineral shifts- specially calcium. Identifying Bone Disorder Symptoms Bone disorder symptoms can often be silent until there is a fracture; however, here are a few early warning signs: Chronic back or neck pain Gradual height loss Bones that fracture easily Stooped posture Joint stiffness, tenderness of bones If you can identify with these, log in to Cellmaflex and book your DEXA scan locally without delay. Understanding Osteopenia and Osteoporosis Osteopenia: The Earlier Warning Sign Osteopenia is the first stage of bone loss, where bone mineral density is lower than normal but is not low enough to be defined as osteoporosis. It is often asymptomatic and that’s why regular scanning is very important for the early detection of bone loss. Causes: Ageing, vitamin deficiency, sedentary lifestyle Risks: Progression to osteoporosis, especially in postmenopausal women Management: Dietary changes, weight-bearing exercise, calcium and vitamin D supplements With Cellmaflex, you can book routine bone scans, monitor your lab results, and get reminders for follow-up appointments, all in one place. Osteoporosis: When Bones Become Fragile Osteoporosis is a more advanced stage, where bones become porous and brittle, increasing the risk of fractures, often in the hip, spine, or wrist. Symptoms: Fractures from minor falls, back pain, and height loss Long-term Effects: Reduced mobility, chronic pain, loss of independence Treatment: Medications, hormone therapy, lifestyle changes Managing osteoporosis is a long-term process, but Cellmaflex makes it easier by helping you coordinate care, track medications, and connect with specialists quickly. Causes and Risk Factors Underlying Causes: Age-related decline in bone regeneration Hormonal changes (e.g., menopause, thyroid issues) Nutritional deficiencies (calcium, vitamin D) Certain medications (like corticosteroids) Chronic illnesses (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis) Risk Factors Gender (female), ageing, and family history Low body weight or small frame Sedentary lifestyle and poor diet Smoking, alcohol use, and eating disorders Knowing your risk profile can help you take preventive steps. Cellmaflex helps assess your risks, book screenings, and access helpful resources – all without needing to visit multiple clinics. Living With Bone Disorders: The Real-World Impact Bone disorders can change lives, sometimes permanently. Chronic pain and posture issues can limit daily activities Fractures may lead to hospitalisation, surgery, or reduced independence Mental health struggles, like fear of falling or depression, are common Caregiver burden increases with severe bone loss Cellmaflex supports both patients and caregivers. With secure record sharing, appointment tracking, and location-based service finders, it simplifies ongoing management. Prevention and Management Medical Strategies: DEXA scans, MRI scans, CT scans, X-rays. Prescription medications to reduce bone loss Hormone therapy for postmenopausal women Treatment for underlying conditions Lifestyle Strategies: Eat a calcium- and
Cellma: Designed for Every A&E Department
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents Every day, thousands stream through the doors of Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments across the world. According to the UK Government’s report, in the three months leading up to January 2025, over 46,000 people on average visited major A&E departments daily, with another 27,300 attending minor injury units and walk-in centres. That’s nearly 73,000 urgent care interactions every single day. Over the past decade, A&E attendances have surged major department visits are up 18%, and minor attendances have risen by 44%. This tidal wave of demand has made one thing clear: the need for fast, intelligent, and fully integrated electronic health record (EHR) systems in A&E departments is critical. In this high-stakes environment, Cellma, a leading-edge EHR software, offers more than just digital documentation – it provides complete, structured, and responsive support for every stage of emergency care. Adhering to NHS Guidelines & Integrations Cellma is designed to meet and exceed the most critical NHS standards for emergency care. It is fully compliant with: Emergency Care Data Set (ECDS): capturing demographic, clinical, and outcome data with SNOMED CT coding. Information Standard DAPB0092-2062: ensuring data integrity and consistency across emergency services. Ambulance Data Set (ADS): linking Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and Electronic Patient Records (EPR) for seamless patient journey mapping. Welsh Emergency Care Data Set (WECDS): enabling cross-border consistency and coordination. Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) reporting: ensuring structured capture from July 2024 across England. Data Linkage with Hospital Episode Statistics (HES): integrating longitudinal data for better outcomes and performance evaluation. SNOMED CT-coded entries for structured care ISO 27001-certified security, role-based access, audit logs Full GDPR, NHS Digital, and Cyber Essentials Plus compliance CIS2 and PDS integrations Monitoring Symptoms and Clinical Progression in A&E Care with Cellma Emergency services require fast, informed decisions, and the ability to continuously view and manage clinical information. Cellma enables A&E departments with configurable tools to visualise acute symptoms, and their progression where appropriate, in real-time. For example: Chest Pain: Document character, onset, radiation and associated symptoms (diaphoresis, dyspnoea) with Cellma’s chest pain template. There are built-in risk stratification tools (HEART score, TIMI etc.) to aid decision making in regard to acute coronary syndrome, and to trigger respective pathways associated with ECG, troponin levels, and cardiology referral. Head Injury: Cellma prompts clinicians through the assessment Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), pupil response, and red flag signs, supporting rapid triage and escalation decision. Cellma incorporates NICE Head Injury Guidelines, providing an intelligent alerting mechanism for CT scanning and escalation to neurosurgery, which supports consistent care for minor and major trauma. Sepsis: Use of automated detection with SIRS criteria, NEWS2 scoring, and lactate monitoring where relevant enables sepsis to be identified at the earliest opportunity. When sepsis is identified, Cellma produces Sepsis Six care bundles in respect of aids such as IV antibiotics, IV fluids, and oxygen therapy and continues to monitor these items in real-time. Mental Health: Behavioural observations, safeguarding concerns, and suicide/self-harm risk assessments are embedded within triage flows. With direct access to mental health crisis pathways, clinicians can initiate psychiatric assessments or refer to liaison services through secure e-referral. For patients requiring urgent psychiatric input, Cellma enables secure referrals and documentation compliant with MHA assessments and liaison psychiatry workflows. Shortness of Breath & Asthma Exacerbation: Cellma supports structured documentation of respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, wheeze, accessory muscle use, and peak flow. It tracks treatment escalation—such as nebulisers, steroids, and oxygen therapy and integrates with observation charts to flag deterioration early. Abdominal Pain: Cellma captures location, nature, radiation, and associated symptoms like vomiting, bleeding, or distension. Red flag features such as guarding or rebound tenderness prompt escalation. Imaging (US/CT) requests can be created simply, and clinicians can be assisted with pathways for appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy, and obstruction. Trauma & Fractures: Cellma allows a complete Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure (ATLS)-style assessment, featuring templates for limb injury, spinal trauma, and crush injuries including fractures. It tracks tetanus status, analgesia, immobilisation and imaging as well. Orthopaedic referrals can be arranged immediately using the built-in workflows. Configurable templates for limb injuries, spinal assessment, and fracture documentation, with trauma triggers for major trauma activation (MTC) is done through Cellma. Stroke & TIA: With embedded FAST assessments and NIH Stroke Scales, Cellma guarantees immediate assessment and activation of stroke pathways. Cellma links CT head ordering, thrombolysis eligibility checks and transfer to the appropriate specialist units if required. By embedding clinical scoring tools, alerts for red flags, and condition-specific templates, Cellma ensures that symptoms are not only documented, they are actively monitored, interpreted and acted upon in real time. Cellma in Emergency Care Cellma is purpose-built to support the speed, complexity, and pressure of emergency care. Far beyond basic note-keeping, Cellma acts as a fully centralised digital command centre for A&E departments. It assembles triage details, investigations, and risk scores to ensure that clinicians can find the information they require as quickly as possible. Let’s take a closer look at the modules that make this possible. Patient Admission and Scheduling (PAS) Cellma’s PAS ensures patient flow through the emergency department, from first contact through to discharge or admission. It continuously monitors location, waiting times, and episode history in real-time, giving staff the ability to assess patients in order of clinical priority. Because of the alerting and tracking built into Cellma, A&E staff will be alerted to patient delays, targets, or reassessment, to help staff prioritise patients better and manage resources effectively. Electronic Patient Record (EPR) The EPR module serves as the clinical brain of emergency operations, capturing structured data including triage notes, vital signs, clinical impressions, and interventions. It supports fast-paced documentation during acute care episodes with configurable templates for symptoms such as chest pain, trauma, or altered consciousness. Clinical alerts and escalation pathways are embedded to support real-time decision-making. Imaging and Labs Integration When fully interfaced with radiology and pathology, clinicians can achieve a streamlined ordering and viewing of investigations in Cellma without
Stroke Symptoms and Beyond: A Complete Guide to Causes, Recovery, and Care
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents When it comes to stroke symptoms, acting quickly can make all the difference. Whether you are experiencing sudden numbness, slurred speech, or unexpected weakness, seeking medical help immediately is crucial. With Cellmaflex, booking for follow-up appointments is always a click away – you can make an appointment online without any phone calls, access your medical history whenever you like, and easily find doctors, pharmacies, labs, and imaging centres nearby in a matter of seconds! In this blog, we’ll cover what the stroke symptoms are, stroke causes and risk factors, stroke types and stages of stroke recovery, and how stroke affects daily life and mental health. What is a Stroke? A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted – either by a blockage (ischaemic stroke or TIA) or by bleeding (haemorrhagic stroke). Both processes deprive cells in the brain of oxygen and nutrients, and without prompt treatment, strokes can result in brain death, permanent disability or even death. According to the World Stroke Organisation, 101 million people are currently living with the effects of stroke worldwide. More than 13.7 million new strokes occur every year worldwide. According to WHO, stroke causes 6.5 million deaths annually, making it the second leading cause of death worldwide. Recognising the stroke symptoms and seeking urgent medical help is vital for improving outcomes and reducing long-term effects. What are Stroke Symptoms? A stroke can cause different symptoms depending on which area of your brain it affects. Some of the most common symptoms include: Aphasia (trouble speaking or a complete loss of speech) Blurry vision or double vision (diplopia) Confusion or agitation Dizziness or vertigo Headaches (usually sudden and severe) Loss of muscle control on one side of your face Loss of coordination or clumsiness (ataxia) Memory loss (amnesia) Mood swings or sudden personality changes Nausea and vomiting Neck stiffness Passing out or fainting Seizures Slurred or garbled speaking (dysarthria) Sudden worsening or loss of your senses (including vision, hearing, smell, taste and touch) Weakness or paralysis on one side of your face and body What are the Warning Signs of a Stroke? To spot a stroke quickly, whether in yourself or someone else, remember the acronym: BE FAST, which highlights the most common and urgent stroke symptoms to watch for: B – Balance: A sudden loss of coordination or stability may be the first sign. If someone can’t walk straight or feels dizzy out of nowhere, take it seriously. E – Eyes: Blurred, double, or sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes can signal a stroke. F – Face: Ask the person to smile. If one side of the face droops or looks uneven, it could be a red flag. A – Arms: Ask them to raise both arms. If one arm drifts downward or feels weak or numb, that’s a sign of trouble. S – Speech: Listen carefully. Slurred speech, struggling to find the right words, or being unable to speak at all can indicate a stroke. T – Time: Time is everything. Call emergency services right away and note the time symptoms began, this can affect the type of treatment a person receives. Quick action can save a life and reduce long-term damage. Causes and Risk Factors of Stroke a. Underlying Causes Strokes occur when the brain’s blood supply is disrupted, often suddenly and severely. The two main causes include: Ischemic stroke, where a blood clot blocks a vessel supplying blood to the brain. Haemorrhagic stroke, caused by bleeding in or around the brain. Cardiac conditions like atrial fibrillation or other heart diseases. Chronic issues such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or obesity. Understanding these root causes helps patients and families better monitor early stroke symptoms. With Cellmaflex, users can keep track of related health conditions and schedule follow-ups in just a few clicks. b. Common Risk Factors Several everyday habits and genetic factors can increase the risk of stroke: Age and family history Smoking and excessive alcohol use Conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and obesity A sedentary lifestyle and an unhealthy diet Stroke Characteristics and Stages a. Common Stroke Types Understanding the stroke type is key to treatment and recovery: Ischemic Stroke – where blocked arteries in the brain lead to blood loss. Haemorrhagic Stroke – where bleeding in the brain causes stroke symptoms. Haemorrhagic strokes may sometimes need surgical intervention. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) – commonly known as a “mini-stroke,” where stroke symptoms are experienced but resolve quickly. A TIA is a clear warning sign. You must see a doctor immediately, even if the symptoms resolve. b. Stages of Recovery from a Stroke Acute Stage: The period when the stroke symptoms first appear; numbness, difficulty speaking, difficulty seeing and weakness on one side of the body. Subacute Stage: Recovery gets underway, and you will start to receive rehabilitation for speech and physical mobility. Chronic Stage: The focus is now on rebuilding your independence, adapting emotionally to the event, and improving function. Depending on the severity of the stroke, this stage can take several months or even years. In each of these stages, having immediate access to all your medical records and trusted healthcare providers through Cellmaflex will allow for more coordinated and informed care options. How Can You Prevent a Stroke? The best way to lessen your chances of having a stroke is to keep yourself healthy. Some things to try include: Eat – Eating a good variety of healthy foods and keeping your weight within what is healthy for you. Exercise – Taking part in regular physical activity. Control – Controlling your blood pressure, cholesterol, and other health conditions. Quit – Stopping smoking. Get – Seeing your health care provider for check-ups every year (or as often as they recommend). The Effects of Stroke on Daily Living and Mental Health Stroke affects much more than just someone’s functioning:
Transforming Care in the Neonatal and Paediatrics Department with Cellma
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents As healthcare continues to evolve, the Neonatal and Paediatrics Department is an area where efficiency, accuracy, and safety must remain uncompromised. The neonatal and paediatric periods of life inevitably come with complex healthcare demands, and it is crucial that care is coordinated. In England and Wales, there were 2,349 infant deaths in 2022, and over 90,000 babies (1 in 7 babies born) were admitted onto a neonatal unit. These numbers, in addition to the above, highlight the further need for a robust, data-driven, digital infrastructure to support health and care professionals and improve outcomes. This is where Cellma, a fully integrated Neonatal and Paediatric EHR Solution comes in. Cellma is a specifically built EHR solution that responds to the needs and has functionalities for PEWS and NEWS scoring, immunisations, weight-based dosages, parental consent and safeguarding, enabling clinicians to look after neonates across all levels of paediatric care. Cellma connects with other NHS Systems, such as PACS, Spine and CAMHS to ensure security and observations, makes sure we align with national data sets such as the NCCMDS and PCCMDS, and ensures that coordinated and high-quality care is the norm, not the exception. NHS Integrations and Compliance: Cellma Central to Trust: Neonatal Data Set (DAPB1595): Collecting outline patient characteristics, details of diagnosis, types of care interventions, and outcomes. Neonatal and Paediatric Critical Care Minimum Data Sets (NCCMDS, PCCMDS): Minimum documentation standards and protocols of care for infant and children in critical care. Maternity Services Data Set (MSDS): Supporting a single patient journey from antenatal booking through to postnatal assessments and outcome monitoring. Community Services Data Set (CSDS): This provides data across the whole community care continuum. Cellma also interfaces with Spine, Summary Care Records, and adheres to CQC, NHS Digital, and the DSP Toolkit for data protection. Monitoring Symptoms and Clinical Progression in Paediatrics and Neonates with Cellma In the context of an emergency paediatric or neonatal care, it is important for alertness to and monitoring of potential symptoms and tracking clinical progression in an accessible way (flow charting essential). Cellma offers condition specific templates, a scoring tool, and structured documentation to allow timely and clinically informed decisions to be made. Neonatal Sepsis: Cellma allows the documentation of early warning signs of sepsis and illness, including temperature instability, feeding difficulties, and respiratory distress. Cellma templates include trend charts for example CRP and WBC; easy entry for blood culture information, the infectious screen result, as well as a sepsis screen notifying staff once there community SIRS parameters have been met allowing timely escalations. Neonatal Jaundice: For jaundice, Cellma enables clinicians to continue tracking bilirubin levels against age-based nomograms (which only records values against one nomogram), and to document when phototherapy is administered by recording a time stamp against the phototherapy intervention. Cellma fully manages clinical decisions required for escalation as set out in ‘NICE’ guidelines and measures the visual appearance/assessment using a scoring system – allowing for tracking of progression. Paediatric Asthma: Cellma captures symptoms such as wheeze, chest tightness, and dyspnoea. Integrated GINA staging, PEFR charts, and exacerbation history allow clinicians to adjust treatment plans based on severity and response to therapy. Paediatric Sepsis: PEWS scoring is built into the triage flow, with auto-escalation triggers for tachycardia, altered consciousness, or poor perfusion. Real-time vitals integration and timestamped interventions ensure timely delivery of antibiotics and fluid resuscitation. Symptoms and Developmental Stage Tracking: Cellma includes age-specific symptom checklists for: Infants (0–28 days): cyanosis, poor feeding, lethargy Toddlers (1–3 years): fever, rash, vomiting School-aged: cough, joint pain, behavioural changes It also tracks developmental milestones across motor, speech, cognitive, and social domains. Custom alerts notify clinicians of flagged delays during outpatient reviews. Smart Tools and Alerts: NLP extracts critical signs from unstructured notes (e.g., feeding intolerance, abnormal cry, respiratory retractions), while dashboards highlight at-risk neonates and children based on trend deviations and scoring thresholds. From triage to intervention, Cellma provides neonatal and paediatric teams in A&E with the tools to act early, escalate appropriately, and monitor clinical progression with clarity. Safeguarding Built In – Because Safety Starts with Awareness In paediatric and neonatal care, safeguarding is not a function – it’s a duty. Cellma is designed for clinicians to allow for the detection, documentation, and escalation of safeguarding concerns through workflows and alerts to aid proactive child protection. CP-IS Integration Cellma integrates with Child Protection – Information Sharing (CP-IS), providing authorised users with instant access to a child’s protection status and social care plan. This is essential in emergency and unscheduled care environments such as A&E, maternity, paediatric wards, GP out-of-hours, 111 service, ambulance teams, SARCs and others. Safeguarding flags will show up in the patient’s summary, making the clinical decision support information available quickly for informed decisions. Safeguarding Alerts Based on narrative clinical notes, coded data or combinations of symptoms – Cellma alerts staff that immediate action is required and justify concerns with possible harm. Structured Safeguarding Pathways Fully customisable templates for child protection plans, LAC documents and multi-agency referrals – all with timelines, actions. Embedded Care Plans Shared care plans for safeguarding situations, with named worker responsibilities, contact histories, and social care involvement – all version-controlled and audit-ready. Audit-Quality Documentation Every action taken is time-stamped, traceable, and aligned to CQC and statutory reporting requirements, giving paediatric teams assurance of no red flag being unobserved. From initial check-in to follow-up case management, Cellma makes safeguarding visible, structured, and central to child healthcare delivery. Supporting Every Stage of Paediatric and Neonatal Care with Cellma Cellma is a leading edge, clinically intelligent EHR. It is an NHS-compliant platform tailored to the complex needs of neonatal and paediatrics department. Purpose-built to adapt across the care continuum, Cellma empowers the neonatal and paediatrics department to manage early interventions, complex conditions, and long-term developmental milestones with confidence and clarity. Let’s take a closer look at the modules that make this possible. Patient Admission and Scheduling (PAS) Cellma’s PAS supports the entire administrative workflow, capturing antenatal referrals, birth
