NNUH Wins Award in Innovation Competition

Staff at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are celebrating after winning an award in the 2009 Innovation Competition organised by Health Enterprise East (HEE), the NHS innovation hub for the East of England.

Dr Laszlo Igali’s team was recognised in the Software and ICT category for devising a Live Videoconferencing System Facilitating Mohs’ Micrographic Surgery. Mohs' surgery is the removal of cancerous skin in very visible places such as the face and requires a Mohs' surgeon to work closely with a pathologist to identify cancerous tissue, whilst leaving healthy skin untouched. The videoconferencing system allows the surgeon and the pathologist to review microscopic skin images and plan further excision even when the pathologist and surgeon are in different locations as is frequently the case in large hospitals.

Comedian, writer and TV personality Jo Brand presented them with a specially engraved trophy and a cheque for £1,500 to progress their idea at an Awards Dinner held last night (Wednesday 13th May), at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford.

The 2009 competition was open to staff working in all branches of the NHS throughout the region to put forward ideas for products and services which will benefit patients. This year it comprised five categories: Medical Technology, Software & ICT, Infection Control, Publications & Training Aids and Prevention & Wellbeing. This year 86 entries were received.

Dr Peter Blenkinsop, HEE Chief Executive said: “This is our fifth annual Innovation Awards competition and once again we have been overwhelmed by the creativity of the projects put forward. The addition of two important new categories, which reflect current healthcare priorities, has demonstrated the outstanding work being carried out in Infection Control and Prevention and Wellbeing.

“I should like to thank everyone who has taken part in this year’s competition and also our sponsors whose generosity and support is very much appreciated.”