Project
While working as a therapeutic radiographer, Shane Adams identified the need for a pocket-sized device to hold the equipment required to use with a patient ahead of treatment in a linear accelerator.
This equipment needs to be kept safe and clean at all times and to be easily accessible in the uniform tunic. Sustainability was a core theme to consider, in relation to Newcastle Hospitals’ net zero targets.
Shane has now designed a small device to hold equipment, which is made from recycled plastic materials and contains a built-in active ingredient which is resistant to microbial growth. The recycled material is made using Newcastle Hospitals’ existing waste stream and is available in large quantities.
How this benefits staff
The solution enables radiotherapy staff to store equipment safely whilst keeping it as sterile as possible. It reduces the use and impact of wipes currently used to clean equipment
There is potential to use the device more widely with other departments and teams who treat immune-compromised patients.
The new process for producing this recycled material from the trust’s waste can be used for wider production of products for staff, including tool kits for physiotherapists, GPs, nurses and paramedics. It could also potentially be used to manufacture other sustainable products, supporting our plans to be carbon neutral.
How we helped
Shane presented his concept to Newcastle Hospitals’ business innovation team and the Academic Health Science Network (AHSN), who liked the idea and saw value in its creation.
Shane signed over the intellectual property rights (IP) whilst retaining the role of innovator on the project, something he felt comfortable with after discussion and agreement that his role as the innovator would remain. Due to the nature of the trust’s IP revenue sharing and equity policy, he felt both protected and supported.
Working in partnership has given Shane the confidence to work on a large scale, innovative project.
Charlotte, our business innovation manager was instrumental in accessing funding for the project, linking with external contacts to expand the project and ensuring Shane continued to have a central role.
Next steps
The project is an exemplar of how developing an idea can take a new direction, in this case leading to a more impactful solution.
A prototype is being built in collaboration with Northumbria University, to be trialled by the wider radiotherapy team, and Charlotte, our business innovation manager, is looking at further funding sources.
Shane is working with our waste manager to understand how much waste annually could be used in the process of manufacturing antimicrobial plastic.
What would you say to colleagues who may have an idea?
“Believe in your idea and you will need to really want to do it!
“Be persistent in pursuing the correct support as it is available. The innovation team are really approachable and can help guide you.
“The trust needs innovators and when you have lived experience of your work you are often best placed to come up with new ideas and changes which can make a real difference.”
