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Medilink West Midlands
With over 15 years of industry knowledge, Medilink WM brings together the NHS, academia and industry, helping businesses to establish, develop and grow.
Medilink West Midlands
With over 15 years of industry knowledge Medilink WM brings together the NHS, academia and industry, helping businesses to establish, develop and grow.
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New Dates For Med-Tech Innovation Expo
Rapid News Group has announced the decision to postpone Med-Tech Innovation Expo, the UK’s flagship event for the medical device industry to 2021.
Originally re-scheduled for 29 – 30 September 2020, the event will now take place from 29 – 30 June 2021. The venue for the event, the NEC, Birmingham, UK is unchanged.
Current challenges in regulatory science in healthcare survey
On behalf of the University of Birmingham we would like to invite you to take part in a survey to identify current challenges in regulatory science in healthcare. The aim of the survey is to identify strategic areas for the development of regulatory standards, establish current and future training needs and identify the infrastructure required to support this.
Birmingham experts deliver remote training to make maternity triage safer during COVID-19
BSOTS is currently used in 15 maternity units in the UK, with over 20 maternity trained in the last six months and in the process of implementation. More widespread implementation is currently being supported by MidTECH Innovations (the NHS Innovation Hub for the West Midlands), the Academic Health Science Networks in the West Midlands, East Midlands and UCL Partners.
Bounce Back Loan Scheme open for applications
The Bounce Back Loan (BBL) Scheme is now open for applications.
Delivered by lenders accredited by the British Business Bank for this scheme, Bounce Back Loans target small and micro businesses in all sectors, providing loans from £2k up to 25% of the business’ turnover with a maximum loan of £50k.
Launch of new personal handheld device to help limit the spread of Covid-19
Medilink West Midlands is working with Sylatech, a UK based engineering company, on behalf of the West Midlands Combined Authority. Sylatech has launched a personal handheld device called the KeepSafe, designed to enable users to avoid touching handles, buttons, or grabbing items unnecessarily.
Static Systems Group plays its part in the fight against COVID-19
Medilink WM member Static Systems Group (SSG) are playing their part in the fight against COVID-19. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting increase in demand for its nurse call systems, healthcare communications and bedhead services specialist, SSG, has boosted production capacity at its manufacturing base near Wolverhampton in the West Midlands, as well as investing in the rapid development of an off-the-shelf ‘wired’ nurse call solution to make available alongside its ‘wireless’ solution.
Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors (CIEHF) COVID-19 website
The pandemic has brought human factors issues to prominence. The Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors (CIEHF) and its members are responding rapidly to current challenges by providing expert guidance and help wherever it’s needed most. Its dedicated COVID-19 website gives details and links to new guidance documents developed and published by CIEHF and […]
Opportunity 9.2 – Lab requirements
Additional lab capacity including RNA extraction and PCR equipment that uses open source consumables (i.e. those that can be used on a variety of equipment) and should meet the following criteria: Sample reception area for accepting and logging samples adhering to national infection control procedures; Sample tracking capability (e.g. barcoding) for the end to end […]
Opportunity 9.1d – Novel Testing Solutions required #4 – RNA extraction: new methods
RNA extraction capacities are currently challenged even with automated platforms. New methods of extracting viral RNA or enabling viral detection without an extraction step would help remove this bottleneck, as long as they are “ready to go” and can be integrated into existing or optimised PCR testing chains.
Opportunity 9.1b – Novel Testing Solutions required – Desktop PCR equipment for point of care testing
COVID-19 Novel Testing Solutions required - Desktop PCR equipment for point of care testing. The Department of Health & Social Care, BIA, BIVDA and The Royal College of Pathologists are seeking new and novel solutions with several challenges currently open.
Opportunity 9.1a – Novel Testing Solutions required – Dry swabs for use in virus detection
Novel Testing Solutions required - Dry swabs for use in virus detection. The Department of Health & Social Care, BIA, BIVDA and The Royal College of Pathologists are seeking new and novel solutions to help deliver 100,000 COVID-19 tests a day by the end of April.
Big Ask Questionnaire – West Midlands COVID-19 & Healthcare Industry Support
These are unprecedented times and Medilink WM is seeing multiple requests, business opportunities, offers of help and new solutions and ideas. To ensure we fulfill all requests, we ask you to complete our 'Big Ask' Questionnaire.
Business-led innovation in response to global disruption (de minimis) to facilitate Society or Industries need during the Covid-19 Crisis
Innovate UK, as part of UK Research and Innovation, will invest up to £20 million in innovation projects. The aim of this competition is to support UK businesses to focus on emerging or increasing needs of society and industries during and following the Covid-19 pandemic.
EIT Health UKI – Call for ‘Rapid Response’ projects to address COVID-19
EIT Health has opened a “Rapid Response” request for proposals from EIT Health Partners in collaboration with other partners, to support immediate response to the COVID-19 pandemic. New projects or extensions of an existing project must be implemented rapidly, with full spending and completion taking place in 2020. Proposed activities must create short-term impact that […]
Mills & Reeve online hub – updates and guidance around Coronavirus
Medilinl WM member Mills & Reeve, a leading UK law firm offers a free online hub that includes a collection of insights and practical guidance to support businesses and individuals through the complex and difficult decisions they may be currently being asked to make.
Free guide – Managing the wellbeing and productivity of your remote team
With social distancing and self-isolation becoming increasingly important with the recent spread of Covid-19, more and more businesses are shifting to remote working. Medilink WM member Evolyst Ltd, Lumien has produced a free to access guide for employee well being and managing a remote team.
Remote Working Solution Rapidly Deployed on Any Device, Anywhere, Anytime
Following government guidance and instructions, the nation is remote working wherever possible, to reduce the spread of Covid-19, therefore having the right technology is critical to a business, whether public or private sector.
West Midlands companies answer the UK government’s call to supply ventilator’s to the NHS
On 16th March the UK Government made an urgent call to businesses to help supply ventilators and ventilator components across the UK as part of it’s response to COVID-19 and the shortage of supplies within the NHS. Whilst others have been talking, West Midlands based companies have been busy in the background to answer the UK […]
How is the AHSN Network supporting the response to COVID-19?
With partners across the NHS and social care mobilising at scale in response to the developing COVID-19 pandemic, the role of England’s 15 Academic Health Science Networks (AHSNs) is to support them by helping them take full advantage of the most relevant innovations and technologies that can improve care for patients and support the AHSN Networks' services in this challenging context.
COVID-19 genome sequencing alliance formed with support from Birmingham University
Medilink WM member the University of Birmingham part of the £20m investment 'COG-UK' - the new nationwide consortium, COVID-19 Genomics UK Consortium.
Investment of £20m has enabled the formation of a new nationwide consortium to map the spread and evolution of COVID-19 through whole-genome sequencing.
Birmingham University makes hand sanitiser to support the regions frontline staff
Medilink West Midlands is proud to share the following news article from Birmingham Health Partners, detailing how Medilink member University Of Birmingham is responding to the urgent shortage of hand sanitiser.
Technicians and lab facilities at BHP founder member the University of Birmingham have been redeployed to respond to an urgent shortage of hand sanitiser needed by frontline social care workers to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.
Latest Bulletin from Office For Life Sciences – 27 March
Medilink West Midlands would like to share with you the latest Office for Life Sciences Bulletin. Providing the Lifesciences community up to date guidance whilst the UK is in the transition period and during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, providing important information from the Government to help our members and networks. Including COVID-19 key contacts Workforce Updates Business […]
SEHTA MedTech Expo and Conf – New date statement
With the global concern regarding the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) escalating and after discussions with SEHTA’s main partner in the NHS, Kent Surrey Sussex Academic Health Science Network, SEHTA has decided to move its Expo & Conference to Monday 28th September 2020.
New Dates for Med-Tech Innovation Expo 29-30 September 2020
With global concern regarding the Coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) escalating, and after monitoring the situation closely over the last few weeks and consulting with exhibitors and partners Rapid News Group have determined that it is in the best interest of all parties to postpone their Med-Tech Innovation Expo, scheduled for April 1-2 to September.
SME Innovation Fund – Applications now open!
Are you a start-up or a small medium-sized enterprise working in the space of delivering improved healthcare? Do you have the potential to change how healthcare is delivered? The SME Innovation Fund can provide the support you need to help your business grow. With successful applicants receiving convertible loans of up to £50,000.
Latest update from the Office for Life Sciences (OLS)
Welcome to the latest Office for Life Sciences bulletin, aimed at keeping the life sciences sector up to date on the latest guidance. The Office for Life Sciences (OLS) is a joint unit between the Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) and Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS). 20.02.20 Office for Life Sciences Bulletin. If […]
Q&A: Device Manufacturers’ FAQs on the EU’s Medical Device Regulation (MDR)
The European Union’s Medical Device Regulation (MDR) and In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (IVDR) will replace the Medical Device Directive (MDD) and In Vitro Diagnostic Directive (IVDD) beginning with the MDR that takes effect May 26, 2020.
West Midlands businesses celebrate at Medilink WM Business Awards
An evening of celebration for West Midlands businesses.
The life sciences, medical and health care community all came together to attend the Medilink WM Business Awards which took place at The Burlington Hotel, Birmingham to recognise the regions success and innovative solutions, supporting the health sector.
Medilink UK appoints new CEO
Medilink UK, the largest representative body for the Health Technology sector in the UK, has appointed Mr Kevin Kiely as its CEO.
Kevin was co-founder of the Medilink model over twenty five years ago, which for the first time brought together in a formal regional association, the Health Technology and related Life Science industry, the NHS and universities, to drive innovation across the sector. Kevin will retain his position of CEO, Medilink North of England.
Coventry University’s Institute of Coding wins Innovation in Education Award
Coventry University’s Institute of Coding has been recognised at the West Midlands Tech Awards, which celebrates the best of the technology and digital industries throughout the West Midlands. The Innovation in Education Award celebrates organisations using cutting edge digital approaches to enhance and revolutionise the learning experience. Coventry University’s Institute of Coding is part of […]
WMAHSN adopt new innovation platform to enhance healthcare ecosystem
West Midlands Academic Health Science Network (WMAHSN) to launch new innovation exchange platform. Designed to match healthcare challenges with solutions, and the healthcare ecosystem interacting and working together to improve the health.
Full steam ahead for £3.4 million virtual reality investment for Birmingham City University
Medilink West Midlands Patron, Birmingham City University has landed £3.4 million funding to create the new technological centre which will be based at its STEAMhouse facility in Birmingham’s Digbeth district.
West Midlands AHSN launches Digital Health and Skills Lab
The West Midlands Academic Health Science Network (WMAHSN) has launched a Digital Health and Skills Lab. Located within the Serendip Digital Health Quarter in Birmingham, the lab provides a space for the co-design of digital innovations, bringing together health tech businesses, clinicians and patients to develop and test solutions. It is designed to support the WMAHSN’s mission to increase investment in West Midlands life sciences, and to improve the health and wellbeing of people in the region.
AF Aware Week: Thinking Detect, Protect and Perfect
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate. It is estimated 26,500 people across the West Midlands currently have undetected AF or aren’t receiving optimal treatment. If left untreated, AF can increase the risk of stroke by around four to five times.
The AHSN Network bridges the gap for NHS Innovators
On 30 January, the AHSN Network will hold its Bridging the Gap event aimed towards Health-Tech developers and companies looking to get their innovations into the NHS. This event focuses on showcasing the East and West Midlands AHSN offer to industry and provides businesses with the opportunity to learn how, who and where to access the NHS.
Orthocell claims top spot at national competition Pitch@Palace
Medilink WM member Orthocell, has been declared a winner in the national final of the coveted Pitch@Palace competition – a global movement started by the British royal family, which aims to amplify the work of entrepreneurs and deepen their global impact.
Medilink member Gowling WLG finalists at the British Legal Awards 2019
Medilink West Midlands member Gowling WLG makes the shortlist in four categories at the British legal Awards 2019: TMT Team of the Year, Property Team of the Year, Innovation Through Technology Award and, jointly with Ashurst LLP, Competition/Regulatory Team of the Year.
Low number of health apps reach minimum standards
Health app evaluation and advisor organisation ORCHA, has revealed that only 15% of healthcare apps available for download meet minimum standards set by its review process. Its evaluation of over 5,000 health apps has revealed that a significant number of healthcare apps available to download do not meet the minimum safety requirements. Notably, 75% of apps aimed […]
Entries open for Medilink West Midlands Business Awards – celebrating the best in healthcare
Medilink West Midlands annual Medical and Healthcare Business Awards will take place on 13 February 2020. The Awards is our biggest event within our calendar, showcasing the best in life sciences across the region.
Medilink UK to give Midlands MedTech businesses detailed guidance on how to prepare for Brexit
Medilink UK, a membership organisation representing over 1350 medical technology and life-science companies, is hosting a free event on 22nd October in Birmingham at Medilink West Midlands office to help life science businesses prepare for Brexit. The Midlands is the second largest Medical Technology employer in the UK, making the region a key player in […]
Medilink WM patron The Binding Site gear up for Edward’s Trust charity challenge
Medilink WM patron The Binding Site are set to show their continued support for Edward’s Trust’s in its ’30 in 30’ challenge event this October. Staff at The Binding Site Group are gearing up to run, walk and hula hoop for Edward’s Trust’s ’30 in 30’ virtual challenge event.
Pioneering data research centres to enable cutting-edge research and innovation to benefit UK patients
NHS Digital is working with the University of Oxford, Microsoft and IBM to develop a new hub that aims to revolutionise the way in which clinical trials are delivered – providing foundation services to determine whether a clinical trial is feasible, and to support better planning and delivery of clinical trials in the UK.
Medilink member discounts at Pharma Integrates 2019
Pharma Integrates is a world-renowned conference which brings together senior executives from across the pharma, biotech, CROs/CDMOs, investment and regulation landscape to examine the drivers and hurdles of today and resolve the critical business issues of tomorrow. As a partner of Pharma Integrates 2019, Medilink Midlands has secured a significant discount of just £295 + […]
Department for International Trade – China Oncology Mission 2019
UK businesses are invited to join the Department for International Trade Oncology mission to China. As the second largest healthcare market in the world the opportunity for UK businesses is huge, with its competitive advantage and innovative high-tech solutions.
Impact of the new Medical Devices Regulation & In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation
The regulatory landscape for medical devices is presently very challenging. Industry is well aware that the three year transition period from a directive to a regulation ends on the 15th of May 2020, whereupon the new regulatory framework (MDR) will apply in full. This will be followed in May 2022 with the new IVD regulations.
SBRI Healthcare launch latest funding competition
SBRI Healthcare are pleased to announce that the next funding competition will launch on 24 June 2019. Companies and organisations are being invited to bid for funding to develop solutions to challenges in Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and Integrated Care and Social Care.
Midlands Engine BioHealth Market Visit to Boston and Maryland: 22 – 27 September 2019
Registrations of interest are now being taken for our forthcoming trade visit to MedTech in Boston, the premier global summit for medical technology industry leaders, before travelling to the state of Maryland - a powerhouse for innovation.
Medilink West Midlands member Mercia invests £2.0 million in transdermal drug delivery specialist
One of Warwick Ventures (University of Warwick) med-tech spin-out companies which is developing an innovative transdermal drug delivery patch technology has secured a £2m investment from specialist technology funder Mercia Technologies.
2019 Winners Announced: Medilink UK Healthcare Business Awards in Association with Med-Tech Innovation
On the evening of Wednesday 15 May the 2019 Medilink UK Healthcare Business Awards took place. The sell-out gala dinner was the best yet, with 250 professionals from across the industry coming to celebrate with the winners, network with peers and share their pride in the industry.