| By Caroline McGarry | 0 Comments
Photo – Left to Right – Maria Kelly GUH/HIHI, Michael Duane GUH/HIHI, Brian Turvey (Cardiogenics), Geraldine Rooney Urology ANP UHG and Therese Kelly Urology ANP UHG.
| By Caroline McGarry | 0 Comments
Calling all clinical innovators ! HIHI will shortly be announcing details on how to apply for this year’s Health Innovation Hub Ireland Enterprise Ireland Clinical Innovation Awards 2024.
Full details will be available on this site shortly.
| By Eimear Galvin | 0 Comments
Welcome to ‘HIHI Tender Watch’. This is a brief monthly update on live relevant* tenders for innovative healthcare products in Irish healthcare, a reminder of those closing soon and a record of relevant Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS – always open to new vendors once criteria is met).
Published at the end of each month, ‘HIHI Tender Watch’ is intended as a sign-post service for HIHI clients and includes brief tender request details, contracting body, deadline, link to relevant tender docs. If you would like HIHI to feature your tender or you notice we have missed one, please send through details to info@hihi.ie.
New
1.HSE 22272 Open Tender for Learning Management System (LMS)
The HSE invites tenders from suitably qualified companies / individuals for the development and implementation of a Learning Management System (LMS) that includes the provision, configuration, support and maintenance of the solution.
Closes: 24/09/2024 15:00. https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/cft/viewContractNotices.do?resourceId=4108567
2.DPS: HSE 24428 DPS Qualification for Neurophysiology Equipment
A new DPS Qualification for Neurophysiology Equipment is required to replace an old NFA which is due to expire October 2024. Appointees to this DPSQ will be invited to future DPS Tenders in their relevant categories.
https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/dps/viewDPSNotices.do?resourceId=4166521
3. HSE 24670 Dynamic Purchasing System Qualification; Salesforce Licences, Implementation Services, Development and Support For National Immunisation Information System.
The HSE is issuing this Request to Participate (“RTP”) in a Dynamic Purchasing System (hereafter ‘the DPS’) for the provision of Salesforce Licences, Implementation Services, Development and Support. The HSE is the Contracting Authority for this public procurement competition on its own behalf and on behalf of all organisations funded by the HSE. In December 2020, based on the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and escalation in case numbers, the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) developed recommendations for the initiation of an urgent rollout of Covid-19 vaccinations. HSE Technology and Transformation facilitated this rollout through the implementation of the Covax Immunisation Information System based on the Salesforce platform. Covax, based on the Salesforce Health Cloud platform, is currently used to record Covid, Influenza (Flu), and Pneumococcal vaccinations. Covax also includes Salesforce Service Cloud (used by multiple HSE support teams), Salesforce Marketing Cloud (leveraging SMS and email channels), MuleSoft (enabling integration with other HSE systems, GPs, and pharmacies) and Tableau analytics. It is the intention of the HSE to expand Covax to become the National Immunisation Information System (NIIS) and bring future development activities into a more normalised design, implementation, and support cycle. The HSE are seeking suitably qualified suppliers for the provision of Salesforce SaaS licences along with comprehensive licencing support services for the following Salesforce products: Salesforce Health Cloud, Salesforce Service Cloud, Salesforce Marketing Cloud, MuleSoft, Tableau CRM.
https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/dps/viewDPSNotices.do?resourceId=4085614
4. HSE 21175 National Dental Records and Information System
The National Dental Records and Information System project aims to replace the existing National Dental System, which is due to move to end of support status, with a National Dental Record and Information System that supports the provision of dental services and public health obligations of the HSE Community Dental Service. The scope of this tender is the delivery of required ICT solution to enable the successful establishment and management of the National Dental Record and Information System. The successful solution must include an ICT System Solution that is fully vendor managed and hosted SaaS solution including but not limited to: project management, licences, implementation, pre and post testing, training, ongoing support and maintenance, configuration, data migration, current and future integrations. The successful tenderer will deliver a system which will enable the provision of integrated Dental care nationally across the primary care settings. The system will manage and record the paediatric and adult patient journey within dental pathways and facilitate a high-quality service by enabling the implementation of the National Dental Records System. The requirement is that the dental record information system offered, currently exists and is demonstrable, in addition to being configurable, user friendly and intuitive, with the configuration and setup resulting from collaborations between the successful tenderer and the organisations. It is also expected that this collaboration will be sought to ensure that informed choices for configurations are based on available evidence-based practice and organisationally defined standards, policies and processes. It is expected that the procured solution will be highly interoperable and therefore capable of interfacing with National solutions such as the Individual Health Identifier, NIMIS, MedLIS, existing EHR’s as well as future solutions. The purpose of the National Dental Records and Information System is to: provide a single national database of dental service information across all Regional Health Authorities; provide secure and appropriate access to patient records for both clinicians and administrative staff in the provision of service to patients; To provide continuity of care through a single patient dental record enable key datasets across the Regional Health Authorities dental services. The key objectives are to maintain continuity of care for patients by ensuring the provision for: Electronic patient record; Migrating the existing patient records into the new system; Streamlining and digitising processes e.g. appointment management; Support the production of reports as required for dental public health services nationally.
Closes: 24/09/2024. https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/cft/viewContractNotices.do?resourceId=3886809
Ongoing: Invitation to Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS):
1. Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) Invitation for the supply of Medical Gloves HSE Ref 18297/23647.
HSE, n/a – DPS, https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/dps/listDPSContractDocuments.do?resourceId=3175098
2. Provision of an e-rostering System. The system(s) procured will be used as tactical day to day tools to record staff attendance, relate staff attendance to remuneration, report on compliance with labour law, create and manage staff rosters and strategically to align rosters with service demands. A priority is to ensure application of time recording and e-rostering to staff with particular regard to recording and managing compliance with HSE work practices, EWTD, associated labour law requirements and integration with payroll strategic and national systems such as HR and Payroll.
(This DPS replaces the version advertised on the old etenders platform, HSE 14807, ID reference 240390. Eligibility Criteria in the ESPD Document will be used for assessing candidates against the Exclusion Criteria. Candidates will be evaluated against Selection Criteria as indicated in the Expression of Interest documentation.)
HSE, n/a DPS, https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/dps/listDPSContractDocuments.do?resourceId=3327889#
3. Dynamic Purchasing System for Personal Protective Equipment for Regular Demand. This DPS Invitation has been prepared for the purpose of providing information to Applicants interested in participating in a public procurement process for the establishment of a Dynamic Purchasing System for the supply of PPE for Regular Demand on behalf of the HSE (hereafter the “DPS Regular Demand”). Regular Demand means the regular forecastable weekly demand for PPE across the HSE.
HSE, n/a DPS, limited info on link:https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/dps/prepareViewCfTDPSWS.do?resourceId=1789752
4. Request to Participate (“RTP”) in a DPS for the provision of Unified Cyber Incident Response service. The HSE is the Contracting Authority for this public procurement competition on its own behalf and on behalf of all organisations funded by the HSE. On 14 May 2021, the HSE was subjected to a serious criminal cyberattack (the “Incident”), through the infiltration of IT systems using Conti Ransomware. Over 80 percent of IT infrastructure impacted leading to unavailability of key patient information and diagnostics. To rapidly enhance the security operations and strengthen the cyber defence posture post the Incident, a number of security services were stood up on an emergency basis. HSE are now in the journey towards standardising these capabilities and associated services. The Post Incident Review (PIR) that was carried out following the incident has highlighted the need for integrating existing siloed incident response processes into a unified cyber incident response capability. The vision of this service is to effectively and consistently have the capability to unify the cyber incident response across multiple HSE organisational constructs.
HSE, n/a DPS, https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/dps/viewDPSNotices.do?resourceId=3234213
5. Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for the supply of Urology and Ostomy products. DPS CA UNIQUE ID: 24023/18296
This DPS has been prepared for the purpose of providing information to economic operators interested in participating in a public procurement process for the establishment of a Dynamic Purchasing System for the supply, where relevant of Urology and Ostomy products.
Evaluation mechanism: Best Price-Quality Ratio. https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/dps/viewDPSNotices.do?resourceId=3523124
Source: etenders: https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/home.do.
Any questions? Email info@hihi.ie.
6. DPS Qualification: Provision of Remote Health Monitoring Technologies to Support the Implementation of Virtual Ward Care Model Solutions
(HSE ref. 23112)
The HSE is issuing this Request to Participate (“RTP”) in a Dynamic Purchasing System (hereafter ‘the DPS’) for the provision of Remote Health Monitoring Technologies to support the implementation of Virtual Ward care models via a fully end to end vendor managed solution. The HSE is the Contracting Authority for this public procurement competition on its own behalf and on behalf of all organisations funded by the HSE. A Virtual Ward is a time-limited, safe, and efficient alternative to bedded care enabled by technology that aims to support people who have an acute condition, or exacerbation of a chronic condition requiring hospital-level care, to receive this high acuity care in the place they call home. This approach can provide both an alternative to hospital admission at the Emergency Department, and/or facilitate an earlier discharge from a hospital ward for medical and surgical patients. This DPS will support the implementation of Virtual Wards and associated service capabilities within adult, older persons, and paediatric services across, but not limited to, respiratory, cardiology, and endocrinology pathways. The HSE is seeking to procure an effective and successful market proven, end-to-end vendor managed solution ready for immediate deployment. A central component of the Virtual Ward Solution supported by Remote Health Monitoring Technologies service will be a comprehensive fully vendor managed (end-to-end) solution, including the provision and support of a suite of web-based application(s) and clinical measurement equipment, to facilitate acute clinical care delivered remotely by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) if clinically appropriate and with clear lines of clinical responsibility and governance. This solution will facilitate the avoidance of hospital admission and/or early hospital discharge by providing safe technology that allows suitable patients to be clinically monitored from where they call home.
https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/dps/viewDPSNotices.do?resourceId=2692177
7. DPS Qualification for Flexible Endoscopes
(HSE ref: 21702)
Endoscopes, endoscopy, endosurgery devices.
https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/dps/listDPSContractDocuments.do?resourceId=2878480
8. Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) Invitation for the provision of Digital Dictation/Voice Recognition
(HSE ref: 24100)
The Health Service Executive (HSE) wishes to establish a DPS Invitation for the provision of Digital Dictation/Voice Recognition Systems, including supply, installation, integration, implementation, training and on-going support.
https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/dps/listDPSContractDocuments.do?resourceId=1809126
9. DPS Qualification for Cardiology, Interventional Cardiology, Interventional Radiology, Vascular, to include all related consumables
Cardiovascular devices, cardiac-monitoring devices, cardio-angiography devices, cardiographs, diagnostics and radio-diagnostic devices and supplies
https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/dps/listDPSContractDocuments.do?resourceId=1788104
10. Dynamic Purchasing System Qualification for the Provision of Diagnostics and Imaging Equipment
X-ray devices, x-ray workstations, x-ray processing devices, x-ray fluoroscopy devices, radiography devices, gamma cameras, CT scanners, CAT scanners, cardiac X-ray system
https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/dps/viewDPSNotices.do?resourceId=2713998
*Please be aware that the tenders highlighted herein are not exhaustive and are at the discretion of the HIHI team. We recommend all clients follow relevant CPV codes and visit etenders regularly.
11. DPS: HSE 24428 DPS Qualification for Neurophysiology Equipment
A new DPS Qualification for Neurophysiology Equipment is required to replace an old NFA which is due to expire October 2024. Appointees to this DPSQ will be invited to future DPS Tenders in their relevant categories.
https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/dps/viewDPSNotices.do?resourceId=4166521
12. HSE 24670 Dynamic Purchasing System Qualification; Salesforce Licences, Implementation Services, Development and Support For National Immunisation Information System.
The HSE is issuing this Request to Participate (“RTP”) in a Dynamic Purchasing System (hereafter ‘the DPS’) for the provision of Salesforce Licences, Implementation Services, Development and Support. The HSE is the Contracting Authority for this public procurement competition on its own behalf and on behalf of all organisations funded by the HSE. In December 2020, based on the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and escalation in case numbers, the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) developed recommendations for the initiation of an urgent rollout of Covid-19 vaccinations. HSE Technology and Transformation facilitated this rollout through the implementation of the Covax Immunisation Information System based on the Salesforce platform. Covax, based on the Salesforce Health Cloud platform, is currently used to record Covid, Influenza (Flu), and Pneumococcal vaccinations. Covax also includes Salesforce Service Cloud (used by multiple HSE support teams), Salesforce Marketing Cloud (leveraging SMS and email channels), MuleSoft (enabling integration with other HSE systems, GPs, and pharmacies) and Tableau analytics. It is the intention of the HSE to expand Covax to become the National Immunisation Information System (NIIS) and bring future development activities into a more normalised design, implementation, and support cycle. The HSE are seeking suitably qualified suppliers for the provision of Salesforce SaaS licences along with comprehensive licencing support services for the following Salesforce products: Salesforce Health Cloud, Salesforce Service Cloud, Salesforce Marketing Cloud, MuleSoft, Tableau CRM.
https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/dps/viewDPSNotices.do?resourceId=4085614
| By Caroline McGarry | 0 Comments
This August HIHI’s company spotlight is on MedScan3D
Health Innovation Hub Ireland this month showcases another Clinical Evaluation Study. The focus of the evaluation was to identify new areas where 3D printing technology can add benefit within the healthcare system. The company wanted to explore fresh opportunities and connect with key people to champion 3D printing technology.
Working with our HIHI team Michael Duane, Noel Murphy and Neil Tilley, MedScan3D explored the value of printing patient specific models and beyond this in healthcare fields such as Orthopaedics, Paediatrics, Cardiology and Dentistry. HIHI advised clinical engagement to explore service need, application and adoption of a bespoke 3D printing offer.
HIHI’s national network was used to identify and connect with key experts in clinical engineering across the country and also in radiotherapy working with Tallaght University Hospital, Galway University Hospitals and Cork University Hospital Group. HIHI also arranged, facilitated, and chaired each evaluation session.
HIHI’s engagement and network was invaluable to the company. “HIHI facilitated our connection with experts to gain fresh insights into our service offerings. The feedback from this evaluation has helped identify market value points and initiated a HIHI pilot study at one of the clinical locations involved in the evaluation.”- MedScan3D
Read the full case study
https://hih.ie/downloads/case-studies/HIHI-case-study_MedScan3D.pdf
| By Eimear Galvin | 0 Comments
Welcome to ‘HIHI Tender Watch’. This is a brief monthly update on live relevant* tenders for innovative healthcare products in Irish healthcare, a reminder of those closing soon and a record of relevant Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS – always open to new vendors once criteria is met). This month there are a number of new open tenders that will close before we issue ‘August Tender Watch’ – please take note of the closing dates for submissions.
Published at the end of each month, ‘HIHI Tender Watch’ is intended as a sign-post service for HIHI clients and includes brief tender request details, contracting body, deadline, link to relevant tender docs. If you would like HIHI to feature your tender or you notice we have missed one, please send through details to info@hihi.ie.
New (and closing before end of next month):
1.HSE 22998 Open Tender for the Provision of Automated Prescription Dispensing Unit.
Closes: 22/08/2024. https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/cft/viewContractNotices.do?resourceId=3940484
2.DPS: Mini competition endoscopy waiting list
Ireland East Hospital Group has a requirement for provision of endoscopies as part of waiting list initiative at Tipperary University Hospital (TippUH). It is proposed that the initiative would be run at weekends outside of core TippUH Endoscopy working times. The initiative is required initially for a 12-month period, commencing in Q3 2024.
https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/dps/viewDPSNotices.do?resourceId=3965482
3. Provision of Managed Services for the Current MyNMBI system and Technical Oversight and Related Services for the Next Generation of MyNMBI.
NMBI proposes to engage in a competitive process for the establishment of a framework agreement Provision of Managed Services for the Current MyNMBI and Technical Oversight and Related Services for the Next Generation of MyNMBI. A framework agreement constitutes a means of establishing overall terms and conditions in accordance with which, for a specified duration, individual contracts may or may not be awarded. In the context of a single-operator framework agreement, the successful framework member does not have to compete for each new contract.
Closes: 19/08/2024. https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/cft/viewContractNotices.do?resourceId=3951061
4. Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) Solution for University Hospital Limerick
HSE 22099: The HSE invites tenders from suitably qualified companies / individuals for the supply, implementation and support of a Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) solution.
Closes: 28/08/2024. https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/cft/viewContractNotices.do?resourceId=3929779
5. HSE 24427 DPS Qualification for Surgical Microscopes
Microscopes, Medical equipments, Operating-theatre devices, Medical equipments, pharmaceuticals and personal care products, Colposcope.
Ongoing: Invitation to Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS):
1. Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) Invitation for the supply of Medical Gloves HSE Ref 18297/23647.
HSE, n/a – DPS, https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/dps/listDPSContractDocuments.do?resourceId=3175098
2. Provision of an e-rostering System. The system(s) procured will be used as tactical day to day tools to record staff attendance, relate staff attendance to remuneration, report on compliance with labour law, create and manage staff rosters and strategically to align rosters with service demands. A priority is to ensure application of time recording and e-rostering to staff with particular regard to recording and managing compliance with HSE work practices, EWTD, associated labour law requirements and integration with payroll strategic and national systems such as HR and Payroll.
(This DPS replaces the version advertised on the old etenders platform, HSE 14807, ID reference 240390. Eligibility Criteria in the ESPD Document will be used for assessing candidates against the Exclusion Criteria. Candidates will be evaluated against Selection Criteria as indicated in the Expression of Interest documentation.)
HSE, n/a DPS, https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/dps/listDPSContractDocuments.do?resourceId=3327889#
3. Dynamic Purchasing System for Personal Protective Equipment for Regular Demand. This DPS Invitation has been prepared for the purpose of providing information to Applicants interested in participating in a public procurement process for the establishment of a Dynamic Purchasing System for the supply of PPE for Regular Demand on behalf of the HSE (hereafter the “DPS Regular Demand”). Regular Demand means the regular forecastable weekly demand for PPE across the HSE.
HSE, n/a DPS, limited info on link:https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/dps/prepareViewCfTDPSWS.do?resourceId=1789752
4. Request to Participate (“RTP”) in a DPS for the provision of Unified Cyber Incident Response service. The HSE is the Contracting Authority for this public procurement competition on its own behalf and on behalf of all organisations funded by the HSE. On 14 May 2021, the HSE was subjected to a serious criminal cyberattack (the “Incident”), through the infiltration of IT systems using Conti Ransomware. Over 80 percent of IT infrastructure impacted leading to unavailability of key patient information and diagnostics. To rapidly enhance the security operations and strengthen the cyber defence posture post the Incident, a number of security services were stood up on an emergency basis. HSE are now in the journey towards standardising these capabilities and associated services. The Post Incident Review (PIR) that was carried out following the incident has highlighted the need for integrating existing siloed incident response processes into a unified cyber incident response capability. The vision of this service is to effectively and consistently have the capability to unify the cyber incident response across multiple HSE organisational constructs.
HSE, n/a DPS, https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/dps/viewDPSNotices.do?resourceId=3234213
5. Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for the supply of Urology and Ostomy products. DPS CA UNIQUE ID: 24023/18296
This DPS has been prepared for the purpose of providing information to economic operators interested in participating in a public procurement process for the establishment of a Dynamic Purchasing System for the supply, where relevant of Urology and Ostomy products.
Evaluation mechanism: Best Price-Quality Ratio. https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/dps/viewDPSNotices.do?resourceId=3523124
Source: etenders: https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/home.do.
Any questions? Email info@hihi.ie.
6. DPS Qualification: Provision of Remote Health Monitoring Technologies to Support the Implementation of Virtual Ward Care Model Solutions
(HSE ref. 23112)
The HSE is issuing this Request to Participate (“RTP”) in a Dynamic Purchasing System (hereafter ‘the DPS’) for the provision of Remote Health Monitoring Technologies to support the implementation of Virtual Ward care models via a fully end to end vendor managed solution. The HSE is the Contracting Authority for this public procurement competition on its own behalf and on behalf of all organisations funded by the HSE. A Virtual Ward is a time-limited, safe, and efficient alternative to bedded care enabled by technology that aims to support people who have an acute condition, or exacerbation of a chronic condition requiring hospital-level care, to receive this high acuity care in the place they call home. This approach can provide both an alternative to hospital admission at the Emergency Department, and/or facilitate an earlier discharge from a hospital ward for medical and surgical patients. This DPS will support the implementation of Virtual Wards and associated service capabilities within adult, older persons, and paediatric services across, but not limited to, respiratory, cardiology, and endocrinology pathways. The HSE is seeking to procure an effective and successful market proven, end-to-end vendor managed solution ready for immediate deployment. A central component of the Virtual Ward Solution supported by Remote Health Monitoring Technologies service will be a comprehensive fully vendor managed (end-to-end) solution, including the provision and support of a suite of web-based application(s) and clinical measurement equipment, to facilitate acute clinical care delivered remotely by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) if clinically appropriate and with clear lines of clinical responsibility and governance. This solution will facilitate the avoidance of hospital admission and/or early hospital discharge by providing safe technology that allows suitable patients to be clinically monitored from where they call home.
https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/dps/viewDPSNotices.do?resourceId=2692177
7. DPS Qualification for Flexible Endoscopes
(HSE ref: 21702)
Endoscopes, endoscopy, endosurgery devices.
https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/dps/listDPSContractDocuments.do?resourceId=2878480
8. Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) Invitation for the provision of Digital Dictation/Voice Recognition
(HSE ref: 24100)
The Health Service Executive (HSE) wishes to establish a DPS Invitation for the provision of Digital Dictation/Voice Recognition Systems, including supply, installation, integration, implementation, training and on-going support.
https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/dps/listDPSContractDocuments.do?resourceId=1809126
9. DPS Qualification for Cardiology, Interventional Cardiology, Interventional Radiology, Vascular, to include all related consumables
Cardiovascular devices, cardiac-monitoring devices, cardio-angiography devices, cardiographs, diagnostics and radio-diagnostic devices and supplies
https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/dps/listDPSContractDocuments.do?resourceId=1788104
10. Dynamic Purchasing System Qualification for the Provision of Diagnostics and Imaging Equipment
X-ray devices, x-ray workstations, x-ray processing devices, x-ray fluoroscopy devices, radiography devices, gamma cameras, CT scanners, CAT scanners, cardiac X-ray system
https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/dps/viewDPSNotices.do?resourceId=2713998
*Please be aware that the tenders highlighted herein are not exhaustive and are at the discretion of the HIHI team. We recommend all clients follow relevant CPV codes and visit etenders regularly.
| By Caroline McGarry | 0 Comments
HIHI Meet the Team. Health Innovation Hub Ireland (HIHI) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Geraldine O’ Flynn as the new HIHI Manager at the University of Galway.
Geraldine, who has a robust background in clinical and health technology, previously served as Project Manager and Senior Accounts Manager at an Irish healthtech company. She played a pivotal role in the development and success of their digital therapeutics products, which earned a National Healthtech Award in 2023 for ‘Most Transformative Impact – Diagnostics for Prevention.’
Her extensive experience spans clinical work within the NHS in Cardiac Rehabilitation, a role as Associate Lecturer in Sports Medicine at the University of Glasgow and leadership of integrated community health programs in chronic disease care. Geraldine also brings expertise in commercialisation within the UK and US markets.
With a special interest in cardiac rehabilitation and behavioural science, she holds a BSc in Exercise Science from ACU Texas a Master’s in Cardiovascular Rehabilitation from University of Liverpool, and a certificate in Project Management from TUD
Geraldine will manage the Galway office, leading on ideas assessments and the Clinical Innovator Awards. Her experience in conducting research, improving patient outcomes, and fostering innovative ideas will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing enhancement of health innovation in Ireland.
| By Caroline McGarry | 0 Comments
HIHI is delighted to welcome Laura Caden to our team. She joins as Health Technology Innovation Specialist, based at Mater Misericordiae University Hospital
Laura brings a wealth of experience to Health Innovation Hub Ireland. She has worked across all sectors of the medical device industry inclusive of start-ups, multinationals and corporations looking to diversify their business portfolios into medical device design and manufacture. Her experience to date includes the design and development of novel Med Tech applications from conceptualisation and prototyping as well as supporting clinical trials through to commercialisation readiness.
Laura has a B. Eng in Biomedical Engineering from NUI Galway, an MSc. in Mobile Application Design from TUD, and recently completed a post graduate certificate in Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship with UCD.
In her role she will support the submission and progression of ideas put forward through the HIHI Innovation Portal, as well as delivery of pilot studies and end user evaluations. Laura will work with HIHI and health care professionals/staff based at MMUH, to drive innovation and create powerful and disruptive technology that improves patient outcomes and clinician experience.
| By Caroline McGarry | 0 Comments
HIHI Senior Clinical Research Manager, Dr. Michael Twomey recently participated in the 2024 World Congress on Virtual Rehabilitation which was held in Amsterdam in the Netherlands in June 2024.
University College Cork (UCC) researchers are collaborating with European partners in a new 5-year project aimed at providing a platform that offers access to virtual rehabilitation therapies for those most in need, thus reducing healthcare rehabilitation waiting lists. Scale-Up4Rehab, an Interreg North-West Europe (NWE) grant involving 13 European partners across clinical and research and development sectors, represents a major advancement in the digitalisation of rehabilitation services across Europe. The project aims to develop an open NWE virtual rehabilitation clinic similar in design to platforms such as Netflix, through which existing virtual rehabilitation therapies will be piloted and scaled up.
The response of healthcare services to the Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated opportunities that digital solutions offer in terms of access, efficiency and effectiveness. Following professional assessment and individualised treatments prescribed by clinicians, digital rehabilitation harnesses the latest virtual reality technology and will offer access to dedicated rehabilitation care regardless of the location of the patient.
Scale-Up4Rehab aims to ensure equal access to rehabilitation care and foster the resilience of healthcare systems throughout North-West Europe. European partners in rehabilitation clinics, medical centres and innovation networks, along with experts in research and development in engineering and computer science will collaborate on the project over a five-year period.
Dr Joseph McVeigh, Head of Discipline of Physiotherapy and Mr David Murphy, School of Computer Science and Information Technology, lead UCC’s involvement in the €10.8 million project, with almost €1 million allocated to UCC.
Five regional pilots in Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and Luxemburg, will establish the feasibility of the virtual rehabilitation clinic across a range of conditions such as stroke, back pain, Parkinson’s disease and cerebral palsy. The UCC team (Dr Joseph McVeigh, Mr David Murphy, Mr Eoghan Ó Riain, Mr Aaron Cole, Ms Ciara Hanrahan, Mr Declan O’Sullivan, Ms Trish O’Sullivan and Dr Michael Twomey), working with the other Irish partner University College Dublin (UCD), will focus on people with chronic pain and long covid.
Dr McVeigh expects the project to significantly improve access to effective rehabilitation services for patients.
“Waiting lists across a range of rehabilitation services are far too long. Patients need early and appropriate interventions. Digital solutions offer the potential to deliver rehabilitation earlier, faster, and direct to their home. All patients will continue to require bespoke individualised care that is appropriate for their needs at any time, but we also need to be open to the opportunities and improvements that technology can offer patients,” Dr McVeigh said.
Scale-Up4Rehab aims to develop applications that meet the highest standards of efficacy and effectiveness, as well as having high acceptance amongst healthcare professionals and patients.
“We need a clear set of requirements for applications to create a scalable virtual rehabilitation clinic. These requirements will cover medical, technical, and legal criteria,” said David Murphy.
The project will also embed digital rehabilitation into the physiotherapy curriculum at UCC, exposing students to digital technologies and digital rehabilitation early in their training. “At UCC we are training physiotherapists not just for today and tomorrow but for many years to come. While it is widely accepted that physiotherapists are evidence-based and research led, physiotherapists of the future need to be equipped with the skills to work with future digital technologies. We want our students at UCC to be leaders in this field,” added Dr McVeigh.
Commenting on the Scale-Up4Rehab project, Professor John Cryan, Vice-President of Research and Innovation at UCC said:
“This project represents a fantastic opportunity to revolutionise rehabilitation services in the healthcare system, providing solutions to the challenges associated with rehabilitation care and recovery. Significantly, it will also embed research-led innovative technological solutions into our physiotherapy curriculum at UCC.”
| By Eimear Galvin | 0 Comments
Theatre Workshops for Dementia and Remote Speech Therapy Screening for Children Among Five Pilot Projects Selected by Smart D8
A remote screening platform for children in need of speech therapy, a cloud-based system to streamline the medical management of homeless people and theatre workshops for people with dementia are among the five pilot projects selected by Smart D8 to transform health and wellbeing in Dublin 8. Eimear Galvin, Regional Manager HIHi represents HIHI on the partnership board and was one of the call judges.
Smart D8, an urban health initiative using innovation to improve and sustain community health and wellbeing in Dublin 8, has announced a record number of successful applicants from its fourth pilot call.
The fourth call follows three years of successful projects that have enhanced community health and wellbeing in Dublin 8, with 12 projects already bringing long-lasting and positive impacts to the local area over the past three years.
To date, projects have reached over 6,000 citizens in and around the Dublin 8 district and originally stemmed from community-led research that identified unmet population health and wellness needs.
Continuing the success and growth of the initiative, the five pilot projects selected are:
Each Pilot Project will receive support of up to €12,500 in resourcing to advance their existing work.
| By Caroline McGarry | 0 Comments
This July, HIHI is spotlighting our latest Clinical Evaluation Study with CergenX with their product CergenX Wave which provides new hope for early recognition of potential Brain Injury in Newborns.
At least 5 out of every 1,000 newborns in the developed world have some form of brain injury at birth. Newborn brain injuries are frequently clinically invisible and can be undiagnosed at birth, resulting in lifelong consequences for not only the infant but also their families and society. In the USA, the lifetime care costs for an individual born with brain injury can be up to $3 million. Currently, EEG (electroencephalography) is the gold standard for detecting brain function issues. However, its widespread use is limited by several factors: it requires specialised expertise for analysis, results can take hours to days, it is costly, and scaling up its availability has proven challenging.
CergenX is a high-potential start-up supported by Enterprise Ireland and a spin-out from Infant Research Centre at University College Cork has developed a groundbreaking solution. The CergenX Wave is an innovative two-channel EEG device integrated with artificial intelligence (AI). This device allows for the early recognition of potential brain injury in all infants, facilitating timely intervention, leading to reduced infant morbidity, improved developmental outcomes, and decreased severity of brain injuries. The Role of HIHI was crucial in assisting CergenX on their innovation journey.
HIHI facilitated the evaluation of the CergenX Wave by organising focus groups with neonatal healthcare professionals across multiple hospitals (Cork University Hospital, Galway University Hospital, Portiuncula Hospital in Galway, and St Luke’s General Hospital in Kilkenny).HIHI identified and recruited participants, coordinated sessions, and helped design the presentations and questions to gather insightful feedback.
HIHI also analysed the data and prepared a comprehensive report, aiding CergenX in refining their product to better meet clinical needs. This project underscored the importance of early detection tools in neonatal brain health and demonstrated the significant impact such innovations can have on improving outcomes for newborns and their families.
Jason Mowles, CergenX CEO commented on the valuable role of HIHI on their innovation journey: “Medical professionals have notoriously busy schedules, but HIHI has the network and relationships that allowed us to secure time with the people we needed to speak to. Their ability to engage relevant healthcare professionals to gather crucial insights has significantly contributed to refining CergenX Wave. We collaborated closely with Michael and Maria to maximise the value of every session. No ask was too great—they were a pleasure to work with.”
Read the full case study here : https://hih.ie/downloads/case-studies/HIHI-case-study_Cergenx.pdf
