Plastic innovators win big at medtech awards

On 15 May 2019, the Medilink UK Healthcare Business Awards celebrated the best-in-class of the industry’s talent. The sell-out gala evening showcased a host of polymer innovations among the winners.

The awards were presented by Adam Kay, award winning author of the hilarious bestseller This Is Going to Hurt - recollections from his days as a junior doctor. Adam provided post-dinner entertainment to rapturous applause.

Adam said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure and an honour to be invited along tonight to be part of this evening and to present awards to some wonderful companies doing crucial work, supporting through their innovation the healthcare and life sciences sector.”

In total, 10 companies from across the UK and overseas were presented with either a Medilink UK or Med-Tech Innovation award.

Nick Rodgers, vice-chair of Medilink UK commented: “The Medilink UK Healthcare Business Awards have been a raging success once again, congratulations to all of the award winners, runners up and finalists. It’s been fantastic to see so many people from across the industry coming together to celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions to the life sciences sector.”

Dave Gray, group editor, Med-Tech Innovation commented: ‘‘It's been a privilege to learn about all of the exceptional work being done in the UK and overseas to advance the healthcare sector. This year the awards have shone a spotlight on not only those suppliers serving the healthcare front line, but also the engineers and innovators working behind the scenes to set the pace of change.’’

One of the firms celebrating a win was Paxman, which scooped the export achievement award for its scalp cooling technology for preventing hair loss in chemotherapy patients. Paxman’s cooling caps are made from high grade silicone material, designed to provide a close fit around the patient’s head.

As coolant passes through the cold cap to extract heat from the patient’s scalp, inline temperature sensors ensure the cap maintains the scalp at an even, constant temperature. A neoprene cover is provided with the Paxman cap to assist in the efficiency and operation of the system.

Paxman cold caps are attached to the scalp cooling system with quick release, non-drip plastic couplings. Once the treatment is finished, the cold cap can be disconnected from the cooling line and washed with soap and water or detergent ready for the next patient.

Meanwhile UK-based ES Precision was recognised with an engineering award for its laser perforating process which contributes to a better, more comfortable experience for amputees when wearing artificial limbs. Judges applauded the fact that the company has developed an efficient and effective way of manufacturing prosthetic silicone inserts by laser drilling.

Finally, closing the night, the materials innovation award was given to Nova-BioRubber Green Technologies, which was chosen as a result of its green processing technologies for the production of hypoallergenic and sustainable biolatex, biorubber and inulin, designed to tackle latex allergy and satisfy growing rubber demand in a sustainable way.

Judges said that the material could help deal with a significant problem in the healthcare world, and that a hypoallergenic and sustainable biolatex could make a huge positive impact on the industry.