FRIDAY, 6 MAY, 2022

A video of Professor Colin Fleming, Consultant Dermatologist and lead of the SBRI hosted by NHS Tayside is available - https://youtu.be/R4xvBVgQNfg

NHS Tayside on the cutting edge of innovation as host of research initiative

NHS Tayside is helping to drive forward innovative solutions for the NHS to challenges created by COVID-19 by hosting a year-long research and development initiative with industry partners.

With the support of National Procurement teams at NHS National Services Scotland, six companies have been selected to participate in the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI), which aims to develop ground breaking solutions for the NHS to challenges that have been created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Scottish Government has invested £400,000 to run this initiative to drive forward vital innovation in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and decontamination technologies.

The aim of the SBRI project is to develop solutions that:

• Aid prevention or reduce the spread of droplet and airborne biological hazards

• Reduce NHS staff reliance on single-use disposable PPE

• Allow the return of clinical procedures which are currently considered high risk because of their aerosol generating nature

Each of the companies is working on a solution to meet the aims of the SBRI brief. This may be achieved through the development of re-useable PPE, decontamination or methods of area/surface/air cleansing.

The companies are now developing prototype solutions and will carry out field testing at NHS Tayside. This means that NHS Tayside will offer real time access and expertise from staff working in Infection, Prevention and Control, Decontamination, Health and Safety, Medical Physics and other departments as required.

Scottish Government Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise, Ivan McKee said, “The Scottish Government is investing £400,000 in this project to boost innovation in creating reusable PPE and air and surface decontamination solutions.

“The pandemic has highlighted the reliance we have on single-use PPE items so it is right that we recognise the sustainability challenge and seek solutions which can overcome it. I look forward to seeing the results of this crucial initiative.”

Professor Colin Fleming, Consultant Dermatologist and lead of the SBRI hosted by NHS Tayside, said, “We are very pleased to be able to host this SBRI. Being part of this challenge allows NHS Tayside to be at the forefront of innovative work and help to drive forward research and developments that could potentially benefit the wider NHS.

“These companies are working to develop exciting solutions to challenges that have been highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic and could make a real difference to healthcare and the environment.”

The companies involved in the initiative are developing a range of potential solutions to meet the SBRI challenge:

• Biocare UV Ltd have developed new UV lighting products and associated safety control systems. This technology could offer potential solutions for air and/or surface decontamination

• BRS Technology Ltd are researching and developing their D-orbital Nano Oxide air purifier technology combined with high performance filters and a suite of sensors for smart monitoring and responsive operation

• GEO Ltd are researching and developing their Healthcare Protective Air Filtration system to create a clear mask that provides a protective barrier for the wearer whilst allowing them to be fully visible

• Insite Specialist Services Ltd are researching and developing the use of their Biosecurity System for surface cleaning, antimicrobial protection and air purification. The aim is to provide an adaptable solution that suits any indoor space

• Mask Logic Ltd are researching and developing reusable face masks, contoured and customised to individual faces using digital facial images

• Safewell Solutions are researching and developing the use of unique air filtration and decontamination devices for air and surface purification with the aim of creating a safer environment to reduce the risk of microbial transmission in NHS indoor spaces

Kate Cheesbrough, Innovation Project Manager for NHS Tayside, said, “This SBRI offers a unique opportunity for NHS staff to collaborate with industry partners and to benefit from each other’s expertise and knowledge in this field.”

Contact:

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138