The Medical Physics and Engineering Conference (MPEC) is an annual event organised by IPEM (http://ipem.ac.uk) to discuss the role of Science and Engineering in shaping the future of healthcare. Dr Angel Jimenez-Aranda, Digital Technology Lead at Devices for Dignity, presented at MPEC 2019 examples of successful collaborative work done in Sheffield resulting in new healthcare technologies for the NHS.

Sheffield is the only city in England hosting two NIHR MedTech Co-operatives, Devices for Dignity and Children and Young People MedTech. These two organisations promote a unique ecosystem that acts as a catalyst within the NHS for the development of medical devices, healthcare technologies and technology-dependent interventions.

NIHR Children and Young People MedTech Co-operative (www.cypmedtech.nihr.ac.uk) promotes the development of paediatric medical technology in health areas with high disease burden and clear unmet needs. The organisation focuses on seven health areas: respiratory and sleep; surgical technologies; ventilation; rare diseases; cancer; epilepsy, movement and muscle disorders; and transition to adult services.

NIHR Devices for Dignity MedTech Co-operative (www.devicesfordignity.org.uk) focuses on developing technology solutions to meet clinical needs for chronic health conditions that are often overlooked, and that are typically associated with loss of dignity and independence, and poor patient outcomes. The organisation works across three clinical themes: diabetes; long-term neurological conditions; renal, which are supported by five cross-cutting themes: rehabilitation technologies; assistive technology and connected healthcare; human factors; medtech; and integration and impact.

Dr Jimenez-Aranda said “the novel methodology and strong networks developed in Sheffield with the support of the two NIHR MedTech Co-operatives helps to develop healthcare innovations that impact positively the quality of life of  NHS patients”.