More NNUH staff shortlisted for Innovation Awards

Three innovations by staff from the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital have been shortlisted by Health Enterprise East (HEE) for their 2010 innovation awards

Consultant Radiologist Dr John Cockburn put forward two ideas: the Aura Device for increasing needle visibility in ultrasound, a simple, inexpensive, sterile and disposable item, and the Perfusion Catheter, which maintains blood flow to the limbs during complex procedures.

Consultant Opththalmologist Mr Tom Eke entered a device for simpler, safer ultra-vitreal injections into the eyeball. This single piece injection-moulded plastic device makes the procedure faster, more comfortable for the patient and is cheaper than existing devices.

Practice Development Nurse Stevie Read is shortlisted for suggesting that a liaison nurse could help patients with learning disabilities and allow their specific health and safety needs to be addressed. Tristan Johnson has since been appointed to this role.

Prizes totalling £20,000 will be presented to winners at a special Awards Dinner being held at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford by the TV news anchorman and presenter Huw Edwards on Wednesday 22nd September.

Health Enterprise East Limited (HEE) exists to enable NHS staff throughout the region to identify, evaluate and take forward innovations which can benefit patients. It is funded by the NHS East of England, the Department of Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) and East of England Development Agency (EEDA).

Last year’s innovation awards attracted more than over 80 entries.