PATRONS
Research to cut medical errors
A £309,000 grant from Innovate UK, the Government’s innovation and research agency, will enable academics at the University of Derby to investigate how colour- coded trays can help reduce errors in hospital anaesthesia situations. Leicestershire-based healthcare
innovation company UVAMED, a member of the Chamber, has developed the “rainbow trays” for drug delivery in hospitals, with the aim of reducing the risks of medication errors. Current practice traditionally
involves all anaesthetic drug syringes being placed together in a single non-compartmentalised tray. Yet research has shown that, each
year, 237 million errors occur at some point in the medication process in England alone. Examples include accidental syringe-swaps by anaesthetists when working in highly stressful and tiring situations.
UVAMED has responded by designing and piloting the “rainbow trays”, designed in line with the recommendations of best practice, clinical governance and patient safety as directed by the European Board of Anaesthesiology.
‘The alignment of these colours into designated compartments segregated by colour, reduces the risk of syringe swaps’
Bev Fawdington, director of
UVAMED, said: “The internationally- recognised ISO critical care colours that identify anaesthetic drugs by type are integral to the rainbow trays design. “The alignment of these colours into designated compartments
UVAMED's “rainbow trays”
segregated by colour, reduces the risk of syringe swaps, a preventable cause of medication error in anaesthesia.” The concept, supported by a
consultant-anaesthetist and hospital pharmacist in response to a need for safer working practices, has now been refined by UVAMED to incorporate human factors principles, providing a standardised system to facilitate safer drug preparation, handling and administration. As part of the 18-month project, academic researchers at the University of Derby’s College of
Health, Psychology and Social Care, will conduct a detailed evaluation of the efficacy of the trays. Research team leader Dr Ed
Stupple, associate professor in psychology at the University of Derby, a Chamber strategic partner, said: “The UVAMED system is designed to reduce cognitive load on anaesthetists and this project will examine its efficacy. If it could be reduced, it is envisaged that this can result in reduced medication errors and extra cognitive capacity for the anaesthetist to use in the critical task of patient care.”
Growth for Air IT following acquisitions
Air IT will double in size after announcing it has bought out two other IT managed service providers (MSPs). The Sandiacre-based company, a strategic partner of the Chamber, has acquired London-based Netstar UK and Birmingham-based Microtrading for undisclosed amounts. It said the deals mark a key milestone for the group as it will significant strengthen its share in the managed IT marketplace and extend its reach into London and the West Midlands. The firm, founded in Nottingham in 2005, received
investment from private equity firm August Equity Partners LLP in January and the latest transactions mean it will have doubled its headcount to 140 people in nine months – making significant strides towards its goal of becoming the UK’s largest SME-focused cloud managed services provider. John Whitty (pictured), CEO of Air IT, said: “Since the investment and commitment made by August Equity Partners to back our growth strategy,
the team has been hunting for solid businesses that share our dedication and ability to serve the SME market. “We are delighted to have found these, despite the recent pandemic, with Netstar and Microtrading – which are both extremely capable, successful and exciting businesses with very talented teams, which will result in the doubling of staff to 140 people. “Like Air IT, they are both famous for delivering excellent
service while also sharing our strong cultural values. “The inclusion of their teams will provide additional depth
and expertise to support the innovative and business enhancing services provided to our customers. “These acquisitions represent the first step towards achieving both our organic and acquisitive goals which is supported by a strong
and mature pipeline of similar deals.” Air IT, Netstar and Microtrading have all maintained organic growth over
the past three years, consistently delivering greater than 20% year-on-year growth, serving more than 800 clients.
30 business network December 2020/January 2021
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