DigitalHealth.London Spotlight: Florence

Every week, we shine a spotlight on one of our DigitalHealth.London companies, founders, or NHS fellows. Today, ahead of World Nurse Day on 12 May, we are excited to feature our current DigitalHealth.London Accelerator company Florence.

What is the problem you are trying to solve and why is it important?

Florence aims to address the persistent challenge of efficiently and effectively supplying competent healthcare workers, particularly nurses, to support the NHS in the UK. The shortage of skilled healthcare professionals is a significant issue globally, impacting patient care, staff workload, and healthcare costs. Finding innovative solutions to this problem is essential to ensure the sustainability and quality of healthcare services.

What is the solution you have developed and how can it help with the problem?

Florence has developed a tech-first platform that revolutionises the process of sourcing and deploying healthcare workers. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, simplicity, and integrity, Florence streamlines the recruitment, placement, and management of nurses, making it easier for healthcare organisations to access qualified professionals when needed. This solution not only saves time and resources but also ensures that patients receive high-quality care from competent staff.

What is the history of your company?

Florence was founded in 2016 with a vision to transform the healthcare staffing industry by introducing digital solutions that optimise workforce management and improve patient outcomes. The company has grown steadily, gaining recognition for its innovative approach and commitment to excellence in healthcare staffing.

What successes have you had so far from successful pilots/trials/contracts?

Florence has achieved notable successes through successful pilots, trials, and contracts with healthcare organisations. These achievements include improved efficiency in staffing processes, reduced costs for healthcare facilities, and enhanced patient satisfaction due to better staffing levels and continuity of care. We have contracts with all relevant staffing frameworks within the NHS and have supplied over 100,000 healthcare professionals across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

What are your future goals? What does success look like?

Florence’s future goals revolve around expanding its reach, further enhancing its platform, and strengthening partnerships with healthcare organisations. Success for Florence means becoming the go-to solution for healthcare workforce management, driving significant improvements in healthcare delivery, and ultimately contributing to the long-term sustainability of the NHS.

How has your time on the DigitalHealth.London Accelerator helped you in achieving these?

Participation in the DigitalHealth.London Accelerator has been instrumental in Florence’s journey, providing valuable support, resources, and networking opportunities. The accelerator program has helped Florence refine its strategy, gain exposure, and forge meaningful collaborations within the digital health ecosystem.

Do you have any advice for aspiring digital health companies?

We would recommend focusing on understanding the specific needs and pain points of the healthcare industry, prioritising simplicity and user experience in product development, and building strong relationships with stakeholders. Additionally, perseverance, adaptability, and a genuine passion for improving healthcare are essential qualities for success in this field.

Any asks for the audience?

Florence encourages healthcare providers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to explore collaboration opportunities to leverage its innovative solutions for improving healthcare workforce management and patient care. Additionally, Florence invites investors and partners who share its vision to join its mission of transforming healthcare staffing.

Florence is currently in Cohort 7 of the DigitalHealth.London Accelerator programme.

The DigitalHealth.London Accelerator programme is funded by the UK Government via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). It is delivered by the Health Innovation Network (HIN) South London in partnership with the Office of Life Sciences, CW+, Medicity, NHS England, the Mayor of London and the Levelling Up Fund.

For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-
shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus.