Clinicians and industry work together to develop tomorrow’s innovations

12 October 2009

Clinicians and industry work together to develop tomorrow’s innovations
 
Surgical Innovations - the designer and manufacturer of innovative surgical devices – is working with Medipex – the NHS Innovation hub for the Yorkshire and Humber region – in a unique forum that allows clinicians and industry to work together more closely to share ideas and develop new products.
 
Engaging with the NHS can often be a long and difficult task, which is why Leeds-based Surgical Innovations have enlisted the help of NHS intellectual property experts Medipex to help them engage with leading clinicians and key figures from across the sector.
 
The forum will allow the company to meet face-to-face with surgeons and gain a valuable insight into their needs; as well as seek feedback on their range of leading laparoscopic instruments.
 
With the focus firmly on enhancing patient care, the meetings will also help identity evaluation opportunities and explore possible R&D collaborations that could take place between Surgical Innovations and the NHS.
 
Interaction at this level means the company can react promptly to current market trends and their highly skilled team of designers can liaise with surgeons to develop products that exceed their needs at every level.  
 
Through their state-of-the-art ‘in house’ manufacturing site, Surgical Innovations also have the capability to quickly transform ideas and visions into new pioneering products ready for market.
 
Speaking about the partnership Managing Director of Surgical Innovations, Graham Bowland, said: “Working with surgeons to develop pioneering products is a key priority for Surgical Innovations and we are delighted to be able to have such direct engagement with clinicians. 
 
“Without specialist support, engaging with the NHS can be a long and difficult process, so to work alongside Medipex and tap into their in-depth knowledge base is a fantastic opportunity for us.  This insight, combined with our world class design and manufacturing expertise, means we have the ability to produce the innovations of tomorrow and improve patient care around the world.”
 
Chris Herbert, Business Development Manager of Medipex Ltd, welcomes the partnership. “Accessing the right people in the NHS who can help companies to develop the next generation of products to improve patient care and save lives can be very difficult, especially for relatively small medical technology companies.  Our unique links into the NHS mean that we can help innovative, forward-thinking companies like Surgical Innovations to meet the right people and also to provide assistance right through the product development and trials process.”
 
Surgical Innovations is dedicated to developing pioneering innovations and as such invest heavily into R&D. 
 
As well as engaging with Medipex, they have also set up a Clinical Advisory Board, made up of surgical specialists from across the globe and have invested in a fully operational training room which surgeons, distributors and staff to use and gain a three-dimensional view of laparoscopic surgery.
 
 
Notes To editors
 
1. Media Contacts
 
For more information contact Julia Price, Medilink Yorkshire and Humber:
 
Tel: +44 (0)114  2329281
Email:  j.price@.medilink.co.uk
 
 
2. More information about Surgical Innovations
Formed in 1992 by Professor M J McMahon, the UK’s foremost laparoscopic surgeon, Surgical Innovations was the world’s first company to develop flexible but ultimately rigid laparoscopic devices.  Since inception they have gained a worldwide reputation for innovative development of products for use in laparoscopic surgery
Over the last year the company has made significant developments by investing in a state-of-the-art building and introducing the latest technologies. 
The move to a 32,000sq ft headquarters means they have more than tripled the size of their facilities, moving from five small units, bringing the innovation and manufacturing sides of the business together under one roof. 
 
3. More information about Medipex
 
Medipex is the NHS Innovation Hub for the Yorkshire and Humber region.  Set up in 2004 to provide technology transfer services to the region’s NHS, Medipex has to date commercialised more than 40 Innovations from the NHS, including setting up 5 spin-out companies.  Medipex also provides a range of services to Industry to help them better access the NHS for the purposes of product development, clinical trials and adoption.