2 minute read
NHS and industry collaborate to improve compression garments
Flat knit compression hosiery is effective at managing vascular conditions and chronic oedema, but it can be difficult to apply and remove. Dr Robert Lister, a Wrexham based Dermatology Consultant, was well aware of the struggles that his patients faced with their compression stockings, so he turned his thoughts to finding a solution. He initially had the idea of a two-piece garment six years ago, and the finished product is now ready to launch into the NHS.
Legs are the part of the body that Dr Lister is referred to most for dermatology consultations, and he is passionate about people not developing a leg ulcer. Chronic oedema and varicose eczema can lead to an ulcer, so it is essential that patients use their compression as directed. Compression hosiery prevents leg ulcers from developing and can heal them when they do.
Using medi UK’s duomed soft® for his initial trials, he cut the below knee stocking in two and the principle was established – a compressive anklet that could be applied first, then a calf sleeve that slides over the top. He approached medi UK, a leading manufacturer of compression hosiery, with his idea in 2016. Sharing Dr Lister’s enthusiasm for the product idea, medi UK began the process of collaborative product development.
A key aspect of the product design was to ensure that there was no increase in the pressure applied where the two pieces overlapped. To assist with the correct application of the two parts, a small mark was added to the anklet. When this is correctly aligned, the overlap is in the right place. Further prototypes were developed to test the garments on volunteers and the feedback was universally positive. The two parts were easy to apply and remove and stayed in place all day, as Dr Lister proved by wearing his whilst playing tennis. The brand name was born, duomed soft® 2easy– two parts and easy to apply and remove.
Andy Holman, Business Development Manager, medi UK Ltd, said: “Dr Lister came to us with a simple but brilliant idea, and I’m now being asked by clinicians being introduced to the two-piece concept ‘why did no-one think of this before?’ This has been a true clinician and industry collaboration, and we’re delighted to bring this innovative and unique product to the UK where we know that it will be a great help to those who have struggled with their compression therapy.”
“This has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done – harder than medical school, harder than my first consultant post. The design, development and patenting processes were exhausting and I was very pleased when medi UK agreed to work alongside me to make my dream a reality. Working with industry has been a whole new world to me, and as a clinician you have to find a commercial partner who believes in a concept as much as you do. This has been a real passion project for me and hearing from patients who have benefited makes it all worthwhile.”
Dr Robert Lister Dermatology Consultant Wrexham Maelor
