Healthcare solutions: my innovation journey

We’ve all had patients who struggle to get going with their rehab. Patients who are incredibly deconditioned, with pain, postural hypotension, pressure sores, fatigue, lines, drips – some too frightened to move and those terrified of falling if they stand even with three physios supporting them. I was frustrated that these patients were experiencing nothing therapeutically beneficial and weren’t improving.

I wanted an effective, simple, accessible exercise device to improve their baseline strength, and I tried to find something suitable.

It turns out the solution I wanted did not exist, so I decided to make it myself. How hard could it be, right?

Healthcare innovation takes a long time, is expensive, exhausting, but also exhilarating and rewarding. You need limitless tenacity, an inexhaustible passion for your solution, and an incredibly supportive family.  

Firstly, make sure that your solution is actually needed. PPIE (public and patient involvement and engagement) is essential. I did focus groups with patients, carers and therapy staff. NIHR Devices for Dignity did an independent proof of market analysis, and I sent out a questionnaire on iCSP asking what you all thought of the concept. They confirmed the clear, unmet clinical need.  

Six years on, I’ve worked with designers, manufactured prototypes, achieved funding, performed EMG-studies, gained regulatory compliance, run a successful NHS clinical trial and 12-month, real-world evaluation. And won a Women in Innovation Award. 

There are many challenges, but help is now available through the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur’s Programme. Throughout all the ups and downs my desire to help patients and belief in the S-Press has never waned, not even when I was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson’s four years into development. 

The S-Press (strength press) portable leg strengthening device is now ready for market. It has helped many patients already; I know it can help many more.