New director of National Health Service intellectual property appointed UK
The Director oversees nine NHS Innovations Hubs across the country, and makes sure that the NHS reaps the full financial rewards of any research by tapping into the commercial potential of new ideas.
NHS staff are constantly developing new treatments and devices which not only have huge potential to improve the quality of care patients receive but could generate money for the NHS.
Recent innovations include a revolutionary new treatment for ambylopia or 'lazy eye' developed by doctors from Nottingham. The novel technique uses virtual reality computer games to stimulate the eye. Early trials of the treatment have generated considerable interest and the team has been inundated with requests for access to the treatment.
Wolverhampton nurse, John Edwards recently pressed the production button on his invention, Hook-it, which offers a cost-effective alternative to conventional drip stands. The plastic moulded hooks mean that drips can be hung from the curtain rail around a patient's bedside rather than cluttering-up wards. A local company has agreed to manufacture and distribute the new device - sales of which could generate millions of pounds. Dr Smith said:
"This is a very exciting challenge. There is a huge pool of talent in the NHS and many people are developing really good ideas for better healthcare products, devices and techniques. My aim is to ensure we turn more of these good ideas into commercial reality, which can be used not just in the NHS, an important market in itself, but on a global basis. Maximising IP can bring many benefits to patients, the NHS and the inventors".
Notes to editor
1.) The new director of IP will have responsibility for nine NHS Innovations Hubs that are in existence across the NHS. These organisations supply IP management services to all NHS organisations in close partnership with universities. Dr Tony Bates, working in the DH Research and Development team, raised the IP agenda in the Department of Health and pioneered the NHS Innovations Hubs. He is now retiring and will hand over to Dr Smith, who takes up her new post in September.
2.) Dr Smith joins from Manchester Innovation Ltd, where she was appointed as the first CEO in 1999. During her five-year period as Chief Executive, Manchester Innovation helped to create twenty spin-out companies, completed thirty licensing deals and filled the incubator with externally funded companies. Prior to taking this position, Dr Smith held a variety of research and commercial roles within healthcare organisations such as Glaxo Wellcome plc, The Wellcome Foundation and Wellcome Biotech.
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Nou director al Serviciului Naþional de Sãnãtate de proprietate intelectualã numit Regatul Unit - New director of National Health Service intellectual property appointed UK - articole medicale engleza - startsanatate