Through the partnership, medtech companies can seek specialist medtech consultancy services from HEE’s MedTech CONSULTING and UHS’s Commercial Services Division. HEE services such as health economics, IP and clinical insights provide healthcare innovators and product developers with advice about the market relevant to their innovation and guidance on the steps needed to bring their ideas for medical technology products to life.
The collaboration also means that the partnership’s clients will enjoy access to services that the Hospital Trust provides such as the support of clinical proof of concept studies, clinical audit (retrospective analysis of MedTech device outcomes) commercial and clinical trials plus the creation of marketing and training content for their product with clinician audiences through case studies, testimonials and filming products in use. These companies will also gain use of a high profile and significant UK reference site following proof of concept studies that helps drive adoption by alerting potential buyers to new technologies that could be adopted at scale within the NHS. HEE and UHS plan to cross-refer clients to each other, and conduct joint collaborative projects that make the best of each other’s services and expertise.
Dr Anne Blackwood, CEO of HEE, commented: “Business innovators tell us that they typically come across a whole suite of barriers when trying to develop and promote their medtech ideas to the NHS and international healthcare markets. These can range from difficulties in finding a clinical site to getting to grips with research ethics or the challenges of real-world testing. By partnering with University Hospital Southampton, the aim is to provide open door access to technical expertise and practical support, which we hope will allow clinicians and patients to benefit more quickly from ground-breaking technologies. Working alongside the University Hospital Southampton, we look forward to supporting even more medtech companies in their journey to develop and deliver pioneering solutions for the healthcare industry.”
Na’el Clarke, Commercial Director of UHS, commented: “Medtech companies will find a receptive commercial and research environment at UHS where clinical proof of concept studies and other helpful value-enhancing services can be delivered as part of creating value for suppliers.”