Innovation
Advancing adoption of innovation in the NHS
Steve Thomason provides an insight into how Medilink is supporting MedTech innovation and helping the NHS to speed up adoption of new technologies.
We all know Innovation is critical to enabling the NHS to increase its pace and scale of change, to improve patient experience and deliver better health outcomes (NHS England) but did you know, for approaching 30 years, the largest representative body in the UK for life sciences, Medilink has been a leading driver in supporting individuals, companies and organisations to effectively bring new products and services into the NHS? As a professional membership association and specialist consultancy for the life sciences sector, Medilink has and continues to significantly impact the way innovations are developed and taken to market (medical devices, diagnostics, drug delivery systems, digital health). Originally founded to create a platform for clinicians / inventors to fast track their ideas from concept, through to manufacture and adoption, Medilink today still achieves this and more, with a network of over 1,600 members across the UK life sciences sector working together to overcome the many challenges faced by the NHS in accelerating the adoption of new innovations.
The geko device, powered by OnPulse neuromuscular electrostimulation technology.
Innovation Despite the challenges and frustrations facing the health and care system, Medilink increasingly finds innovators from within and outside of the healthcare system, who are very passionate about their ideas and looking for the best support to improve care for patients, clinicians, and the UK healthcare system. Medilink is now expanding its commercial services operation to meet the growing demand from individuals, companies, and organisations. Services include marketing and design, innovation / commercialisation, international market access and exhibitions and events. Additionally, Medilink provides a number of activities to support the life sciences community, including international exhibitions and support, regional and national awards, and various sponsorship opportunities.
LifePulse 110 R Wave Synchronisation Monitor
Expert support One of the Medilink specialist commercial services covers innovation, commercialisation and regulation, an expert resource to the life sciences sector. In simple terms, they de-risk and fast track innovation and product development to increase the probability of commercial success and profitability. They do this by providing a variety of services and expertise to support companies and organisations wherever they are in their development pathway – from innovation strategy support and portfolio planning; market opportunity analysis, product differentiation, value proposition and business case for adoption; to securement of public and private
investment and regulatory support. The team is led by Patrick Trotter PhD, MBA
(Techmgmt) who has considerable expertise supporting companies across medical device, in vitro diagnostic, biotechnology, and digital health. The team’s blend of scientific, technical, and commercial expertise means they can help innovators move forward wherever they are in their journey and whatever size of organisation. The friendly and professional approach means that all clients see them as part of the team. Some of the services offered by the team include: l Innovation strategy, portfolio, and R&D planning
Helping you develop your innovation/ product development strategy and supporting innovators in understanding markets, how to identify opportunities and how to convert these into product development opportunities. This can be in the form of training, in-house workshops or specific projects.
l Market, competitor, and technology analysis reports These are frequently commissioned to understand the landscape and are designed and scoped to understand specific needs. Typically, they either have a market or technology emphasis (or a mixture of both) and provide information on competitor solutions (e.g., technology segmentation, product positioning and claims; either in market, near to market or early stage), and can be scoped to include information
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