HEE Supports Partnership Agreement

Innovation hub Health Enterprise East (HEE), facilitated the signing of a manufacture and distribution agreement for a novel limb sterilisation sleeve between Derby Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Pentland Medical Limited, a provider of clinical products. The Limb Sterilisation Sleeve, developed by consultant hand surgeon at Royal Derby Hospital, Mr Chris Bainbridge with support from the Trust, improves the current method of prepping legs and arms for surgery by standardising the sterilisation procedure whist allowing it to take place on the ward. This reduces theatre time and potentially the risk of post-operative infections.

Mr Chris Bainbridge, the device inventor commented: “Limb sterilisation is generally performed in the theatre before surgery where the disinfectant is ‘wiped’ over the area. The volume of disinfectant used on the patient can vary drastically and it is a particularly messy job. In developing the sterilisation sleeve we can better control the procedure, improve theatre efficiency and potentially reduce the infection risk to patients undergoing surgery. We really value the support that HEE has given in bringing this product to market and its help in negotiating the agreement with Pentland.”

Stewart Munro, Managing Director at Pentland Medical added: “Pentland Medical focuses on providing unique clinical products for healthcare and we look for solutions that not only benefit the patient, but also deliver real cost savings. We look forward to building our working relationship with Derby Hospitals Foundation Trust.”

HEE provide ongoing project support from patent management and prototype development, through to product commercialisation including the sourcing of commercial partners and deal negotiation.