News
Evaluations of winning products underway
1 March 2010
The nine winning products from the Smart Solutions programme are undergoing evaluations at NHS sites throughout the country.
Seven NHS Trusts are taking part in the evaluations, to see how well the products perform in helping to combat healthcare-associated infections. The results will be analysed by infection control experts and products that are judged to be effective could adopted on a national basis.
The Trusts taking part and the products they are evaluating are listed below. To find out more about the evaluations click on the relevant link:
Barts and the London NHS Trust – Formula 429 delivered in an ultra low volume fogging system by Chemspec Europe Ltd
Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust - Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) from TwistDx
Bristol Community Health – MedMat from Ergomedica
Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust – the AD air disinfection unit from Inov8 Science Ltd, Medixair by GE Healthcare and AirManager by Quest International (UK) Ltd
Royal Liverpool & Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust – UV lighting range from UV Light Technology Ltd
Southport & Ormskirk NHS Trust - liquid glass layering technology by Nanopool
University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust - V-Link luer-activated device with VitalShield protective coating from Baxter Healthcare Ltd
Bryan Griffiths, project director for Smart Solutions for HCAI, said: “The evaluation process is of critical importance as we need to be sure the products are effective. We chose the Trusts on the basis of their committed infection control teams and the opportunities they could provide to put the products into use on wards and in other healthcare settings. We would like to thank the Trusts for helping us to do this and look forward to seeing the results.”
Results of the evaluations will be announced on the website as and when they become available.
Further awards for Smart Solutions winners
4/2/09
Two of the nine winning entries in the Smart Solutions competition have achieved further success, taking top awards at the 2009 HCAI Technology Innovation Programme Awards held in London on 26 February.
The Department of Health and the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency launched the awards programme to highlight and celebrate innovation and success within the field of HCAI related technology and technological developments.
MedMat by ErgoMedica Ltd scooped the top prize in the 'Innovative technological concept originating from industry with the most potential to prevent HCAI' category. The product has a unique two-layer mat system that provides a clean, aseptic environment for a variety of clinical procedures.
The recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) test developed by TwistDx took the award for 'Actual new and/or novel HCAI related product or technology likely or proven to help reduce infection.' The test can detect patients carrying infections within just 15 minutes.
Also shortlisted in the 'New and/or novel product or technology with the greatest contribution to enhancing the cleanliness of the hospital environment' was the Medixair Antimicrobal Performance portable ultraviolet air sterilisation device by GE Healthcare.
“Congratulations to ErgoMedica and TwistDx, and to all the finalists," said Paul Cryer, HCAI Technology Innovation Programme Manager. "Innovative companies like these are playing a key role in our mission to find new solutions to help prevent and control HCAIs. Working in close collaboration with clinical and scientific experts across the NHS, they are at the frontline of the fight against HCAIs and we're very pleased to recognise their valuable contribution."
For more information about the awards, please click here.
Charlotte Butterfield, left, accepts the award on behalf of ErgoMedica. She is pictured with Bryan Griffiths and Emma Malpeli from the Smart Solutions team
Matthew Forrest of TwistDx is pictured receiving the award
Ann Keen MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary for Health Services, visits the Smart Solutions stand at the HCAI summit. With her, from left to right, are Professor Brian Duerden, Paul Cryer, HCAI Technology Innovation Programme manager, and Bryan Griffiths, Smart Solutions project manager
Winners chosen in Smart Solutions programme
23/12//08
Nine products have been selected as winners in the Smart Solutions programme to find new ways to help combat healthcare associated infections (HCAIs).
They have been chosen from around 250 applications submitted to the programme, which aimed to identify innovative technologies from different industry sectors with the potential to fight hospital bugs. The winning products will all be evaluated in a hospital setting beginning in early 2009, with a view to supplying them across the NHS if they prove to be effective.
The successful products, and the companies behind them, are:
AirManager, driven by Close Coupled Field Technology (CCFT) - Quest International (UK) Ltd
AirManager uses CCFT to destroy particles in air including microbes and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It also reduces airborne odours. The product is currently used in food, aerospace, agriculture and other sectors where bio-security, bio-integrity and emission controls are paramount.
Formula 429 and Formula 429 plus – Chemspec Europe
This cleaning product that combines a patented formulation of biocides which allows it to counter a wide range of microbes while reducing the overall quantity used. The product is an alternative to steam or sodium hypochlorite for deep cleaning and is harmless to humans.
Liquid glass layering technology – Nanopool
Nanopool’s award-winning coatings technology protects surfaces ranging from floorings to glass, metal and stone and is used in food production, hotels and healthcare areas in Germany. It makes surfaces easy to clean using water alone and provides long-term anti-bacterial protection.
Medixair - GE Healthcare
Medixair is a portable ultraviolet air sterilisation device capable of killing airborne microorganisms. Clinically trialled and already in use overseas, Medixair is designed for use in hospitals - to complement the efficacy of hand hygiene and deep cleaning infection control routines.
MedMat – Ergomedica
MedMat is a unique two-layer mat system that provides a clean, aseptic environment for a variety of clinical procedures. It separates the clean from the dirty elements of the procedure and encourages good practice whilst capturing waste in a sealable bag. MedMat provides a barrier to infection which protects both patient and clinicians from HCAIs.
Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) - TwistDx
Conventional tests to detect HCAIs are laboratory based and take hours or days to give a result. These tests based on RPA technology allow medical staff to screen patients at the point of care, for example on admission to hospital, and detect those carrying infections within just 15 minutes.
The AD (air disinfection unit) - Inov8 Science Ltd
The AD emits hydroxyl radicals - often referred to as the ’open air factor’ - which destroy pathogens, replicating the way in which the natural environment disinfects the air in open spaces. This process is self-perpetuating as the destruction of one pathogen releases more hydroxyl radicals.
UV lighting equipment range - UV Light Technology Ltd
This range of ultraviolet inspection lamps can reveal contamination invisible to the naked eye, exposing areas that have been missed during cleaning. The process is used by forensic scientists for revealing trace evidence. It could be used to check cleaning procedures, identify problem areas and train staff.
V-Link luer-activated device with VitalShield protective coating - Baxter Healthcare Ltd
V-Link is the first antimicrobial needle-free IV connector in the UK. The device has been shown to kill at least 99.99 per cent of the six most common pathogens known to cause catheter-related bloodstream infections including MRSA.
Applications were received from across the UK and from Ireland, Holland, Italy, Germany, France, Canada and the US. They were screened by an expert review panel consisting of leading academics, nurses and other infection control specialists. Around 30 hospitals have applied to host evaluations.
Smart Solutions for HCAI is a national programme run by TrusTECH®, the North West of England NHS Innovation Hub, on behalf of the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency (NHS PASA) and supported by the NHS National Innovation Centre.
Bryan Griffiths, Smart Solutions for HCAI project director, said: “Response to the project has been overwhelming and judges have been extremely impressed by the high standard of entries. They have had to make some difficult decisions in choosing the winners.
“In our mission to find new solutions to HCAIs, we have looked at a wide array of industry sectors. The final list includes some of the most innovative products in their field and will hopefully provide us with new weapons in the fight against HCAIs in the future.”
Entries go under the microscope
31/10/08
A review panel of leading academics, nurses and other infection control experts is busy assessing the 250 or so entries to the Smart Solutions for HCAI programme.
With submissions ranging from new cannula packs to novel biocides and UV emitters, the nine-strong panel faces a challenging task in selecting a list of entries to be evaluated in a hospital setting in early 2009.
Taking part in the assessments are, from left to right, Dr James Corden, Dr Bryan Griffiths, David Ford, Emma Malpeli, Margaret Parton, David Maddison, Dr Neil Wigglesworth, Dr Chris Gush, Martin Kiernan, Andrew Jackson and Professor Clive Beggs
"The panel have been very impressed by the quality, range and quantity of entries," said project director Bryan Griffiths. "We've received entries from across the UK, plus applications from countries including Holland, Italy, France and the US.
"It will be a challenge for the panel to choose the products and technologies with the greatest potential from among some of the world's most innovative developments in the infection control field."
The expert panel expect to complete their work by the end of November, with the results likely to be announced in early December. The successful companies will then have their products evaluated on hospital wards. Around 30 hospitals across the UK have applied to host these evaluation projects.
Smart Solutions attracts around 250 entries
8/10/08
The Smart Solutions for HCAI project has attracted a bumper crop of around 250 applications from businesses - all of them new products or technologies with the potential to fight MRSA or other hospital bugs.
With the deadline now passed, the final count has exceeded the expectations of the project team. “We are delighted by the response we have had from businesses, in terms of both the number and the quality of applications,” said project director Bryan Griffiths.
“We have worked hard to raise awareness of the project – the team have been out and about attending events throughout the UK during the summer and meeting businesses. We would like to thank our partners and other organisations which have worked with us to spread news about the project.”
Applications are currently being assessed by the expert review panel, which includes some of the UK’s leading specialists in HCAIs. Those considered to have the greatest potential will then be evaluated in a hospital setting early next year. Over 20 hospitals throughout the UK have so far agreed to take part.
Applications submitted have included everything from new cannula packs to novel biocides and UV emitters. Bryan Griffiths added: “The early indications are that there are some excellent ideas which could provide us with new weapons in the fight against HCAIs in the future.”
Roadshows get underway
12/09/08
Businesses around the UK have been learning more about the Smart Solutions for HCAI programme at a series of roadshows.
Around 40 people attended the event at the Biopark in Welwyn Garden City on Wednesday, 3 September. Speakers included Smart Solutions project director Bryan Griffiths who outlined the application process and Dr Juan Roman, Medtech services manager at Health Enterprise East who gave information on how companies could access NHS expertise.
Above left - project director Bryan Griffiths with Dr Juan Roman, medtech services manager at NHS Innovations East, at the event in Welwyn Garden City. Above right: Emma Malpeli from the Smart Solutions team with Dean Clarke of AMS Ltd and a new mobile equipment cleansing unit.
Meanwhile a further 70 company and NHS representatives attended the event the following day at the Brooklands Hotel, near Barnsley. Professor Clive Beggs, leader of the Bradford Infection Group, gave an insight into healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) from a clinical perspective.
Above left: Professor Clive Beggs at the Yorkshire event. Above right: a UV light system that was demonstrated at the event.
He said: “The epidemiology of infection control is complex and not well understood and therefore, I advise businesses to get good clinical and scientific expertise at the earliest stage possible, so they can develop products that meet the clinical needs of the health service.”
Other speakers at the event included Dick Clark, managing director of Medipex – the NHS Regional Innovation Centre for the Yorkshire and Humber region - on the support offered to companies and how to link up with the clinical base.
Businessman Dill Butt of James Spenser & Co, who attended the Bradford event, said: “The event was excellent. The speakers were experienced and the knowledge and information they parted with offered good direction in how industry should follow the new protocols within the NHS. The event has provided a good platform forto cross agency networking and sharinge ideas.”
Bryan Griffiths said: “We have had a fantastic response to the events, which have provided an opportunity for the team to meet directly with businesses, to answer any questions they may have about the programme and to discuss their ideas.”
The next roadshows will be held at the Liverpool Innovation Park, Edge Lane, Liverpool on Thursday 18 September and Malone House, Belfast on Friday 19 September 2008.
The closing date for submissions to the Smart Solutions for HCAI programme is 26 September 2008.
Expert panel appointed to assess entries
27/08/08
An expert review panel consisting of some of the UK’s leading experts on healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) has been appointed to assess entries for the Smart Solutions programme.
The team includes specialists from the NHS, industry and academia. They are Prof. Clive Beggs, Professor of Medical Technology at the University of Bradford; David Ford, managing director for product services with the BSI Group; Prof. Curtis Gemmell, emeritus Professor of Bacterial Infection and Epidemiology at the University of Glasgow; Andrew Jackson, the NHS’s first ever consultant IV nurse; Martin Kiernan, nurse consultant in prevention and control of infection and vice-president of the Infection Prevention Society; David Maddison, managing director of Maddison Ltd; Margaret Parton, chief executive officer of the NHS Technology Adoption Centre based at Central Manchester & Manchester Children's University Hospitals NHS Trust; and Dr Neil Wigglesworth, nurse consultant in infection control and secretary of the Infection Prevention Society.
The panel will be responsible for assessing products and technologies submitted to the programme and will meet regularly once entries close on 26 September.
Bryan Griffiths, Smart Solutions programme director, said: “We are delighted to have attracted some of the UK’s leading experts to play a part in the Smart Solutions programme. The panel has been drawn from a broad range of disciplines and from backgrounds including the public and private sector and academia.
“While they each have their own specific areas of expertise, all of them have skills which are highly relevant to the control of HCAIs and as a team, they are ideally placed to help us identify the most promising new products and technologies.”
Click here for more information on the panel.
Find out more at the Smart Solutions roadshow
9/08/08
Businesses can find out more about the Smart Solutions programme at a series of events at locations around the country.
Events take place as follows:
• Wednesday Sept 3rd, 12-2: Biopark, Welwyn Garden City. Hosted by Health Enterprise East – contact Maggie Lewis on 01480 364925
• Thursday Sept 4th, 9.30-1: Brooklands Hotel, junction 37 off M1, near Barnsley. Hosted by Medilink – contact Nikola Alevizos on 0114 222 6317
• Thursday Sept 18th, 9.30-1: Liverpool Innovation Centre. Hosted by Medilink NW – contact Hayley Hall on 0161 901 2513
The events will give companies the chance to find out more about the programme and the application process. In addition, the Smart Solutions team will also be attending the Infection Prevention Society Conference, 22-24 September, Harrogate International Centre.
Project director Bryan Griffiths said: “The Smart Solutions project is seeking new ways to combat HCAIs and is open to ideas from individuals or businesses in any industry sector.
“It is likely that there are some existing products or technologies which would be effective in preventing the spread of infection but which we are not yet aware of. For example they may have been developed for use in industry and the originators may not have considered until now that they could have healthcare applications.
"The Smart Solutions programme is an opportunity for companies to have their products tested for use within the NHS, and potentially offers a ‘fast track’ route to becoming a supplier to NHS hospitals and healthcare organisations across the UK.”
NHS seeks new technology to beat hospital bugs
15/07/08
Businesses which have products or technologies that could help prevent the spread of MRSA or similar infections are being asked to come forward to take part in a new NHS programme.
The NHS is seeking the most effective new solutions from across all industry sectors to help in the fight against healthcare associated infections (HCAIs). The Smart Solutions for HCAI programme offers businesses the chance to have their product assessed by a team of independent experts, with a view to evaluating it in a hospital setting and potentially supplying it across the NHS.
Reducing HCAIs is one of the top priorities for the NHS in the coming years. It is investing significant sums in improving infection prevention and control and has set itself some challenging targets. While the basic ways of reducing HCAIs are largely unchanged, new technologies and equipment could help to meet these goals more quickly.
The Smart Solutions programme - http://www.smartsolutionsforhcai.co.uk - aims to identify new technologies generated by businesses in healthcare or other commercial sectors that are not currently in use, or have not been widely adopted, within the NHS.
These may include new types of medical equipment, but could equally be technologies currently used in non-healthcare applications, such as new types of packaging, coatings or textiles to name but a few. The programme is open to businesses or other non-NHS organisations of any size, from any sector.
Project director Bryan Griffiths from TrusTECH, the NHS Innovation Hub for the North West of England which is managing the project on a national basis, said medical equipment, aerospace, automotive, food and drink, engineering, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing were amongst the sectors which could offer potential solutions.
He said: “Our aim is to find the most effective new solutions to control HCAIs and we are keeping an open mind as to where these could come from. Whether it is a product from a medical company, something developed for a completely different purpose or even an idea from an entrepreneurial inventor working in their spare room, we will assess its potential.
"There may be some sectors which prove to be a particularly good source of ideas - especially those which are highly regulated and have had to innovate to meet hygiene standards, or which may have developed ‘cleanroom’ technologies to provide the right conditions for manufacturing and processing. The originators of these technologies may not have even considered the fact that they may have infection control applications and could generate an additional source of revenue.
"The Smart Solutions programme is an opportunity for companies to have their products tested for use within the NHS, and potentially offers a ‘fast track’ route to becoming a supplier to hospitals and healthcare organisations across the UK.”
Applications can be submitted online on or before 26 September 2008.
Showcase hospitals help reduce infection
25/06/08
Seven showcase hospitals are set to play an important part in a major NHS project to develop and test new infection-beating products, and then provide support to roll them out across the NHS.
Hospitals across England are participating in the Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAIs) Technology Innovation Programme. The aim is to help further reduce levels of infection, especially MRSA and C. difficile, through the use of new products and technologies.
Seven of them have been selected as Showcase Hospitals. They are Central Manchester and Manchester Children’s University Hospitals NHS Trust; The Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust; Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust; Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust; Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust; County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust; and The Lewisham Hospital NHS Trust.
The Showcase Hospitals will provide facilities in which frontline NHS staff can put new products and equipment designed to combat bugs like MRSA into practice. Evidence of how effective each product or technology is will be collected, along with the views of staff on how easy they are to use, and this information will be shared among hospitals around the country. The NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency (PASA) will then work with the Showcase Hospitals to make successful products more widely available.
In Manchester, the first review of new products is underway, and will include evaluation of a silver-alloy coated urinary catheter, a skin disinfecting product for use when inserting drips, as well as a vapour decontaminating system for use on equipment and within clinical areas.
“This is a landmark project, and we are very pleased that the Central Manchester and Manchester Children’s University Hospitals NHS Trust has been chosen as one of the seven pioneering sites,” says Gill Heaton, Director of Patient Services/Chief Nurse. Mrs Heaton is managing the project in her role as Director of Infection Prevention for the Trust.
“Developing an infection in hospital is a worry for many patients, and infection control is a top priority for the six hospitals in our Trust. We've worked very hard over the past year to significantly reduce infections. As a result, we are one of the best performing trusts in the North West, and this expertise in infection control has been reinforced by our selection as a Showcase Hospital."
More trusts claim to meet new standards
16/06/08
More NHS trusts have declared that they are compliant with more of the standards compared to last year in first stage of annual performance assessment
The Healthcare Commission has said it would carry out a thorough check of the trusts’ public declarations on whether they meet the government’s standards for healthcare.
For the third year running, every NHS trust in England has issued a public declaration on how they think they are performing on meeting the government’s core standards. Across the NHS, the overall compliance rate has increased to 95.7 per cent, up from 94.2 per cent in 2006/2007.
They have made the information available as part of the Commission’s annual performance assessment of English NHS trusts.
The boards of all 391 NHS trusts have declared whether their organisation met the necessary level of performance during the year to March 31 2008.
The Commission will take a view on whether the declarations are accurate but only after carrying out a rigorous cross-checking exercise.
Click here for further information.
More news coming soon
Watch this space for the latest news from the Smart Solutions project and other NHS schemes to tackle healthcare associated infections (HCAIs).
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