Diagnostic testing kit manufacturer SureScreen Diagnostics has appointed Andrew Wilcher as its new chief executive to drive its operations and deliver new innovations designed to tackle the world’s latest health crises.
The Derby-based company says Wilcher’s appointment is a significant development that will pave the way for further growth following strong performance over the past two years.
The company was established in 1996 and has long been involved in medical testing in the UK, and Wilcher’s appointment follows a significant investment in manufacturing facilities in at Sherwood Business Park at Annersley, near Hucknall, which will act as a platform for future diagnostics.
Recent new developments include a 10-minute lateral flow test for Mpox – the World Health Organisation’s new recommended name for Monkeypox – and the first UK-approved lateral flow test to detect both flu and COVID at the same time.
Wilcher has worked in healthcare for his whole career, spanning pharmaceutical and medical device sectors before joining SureScreen.
He said: “Over the years, SureScreen has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of research and development when it comes to diagnostic technology, and I am thrilled to be joining as chief executive at such an important and exciting time.
“Rapid result tests have got a huge part to play in ensuring the healthcare systems such as the NHS can continue to respond to the needs of the patients because they are able to give immediate diagnoses and markers without the need to send samples to labs, which would save a huge amount of time and money each year, not least in critical care settings such as accident and emergency departments.
“My role will be to ensure the company builds on the strong platform it has established over the past years while exploring new ways to create synergy with other areas of the business in order to offer solutions to assist clinical decisions.”
SureScreen director David Campbell, who runs the company alongside his brothers, Alastair and Alex, said: “We are delighted to be working with Andrew to build on our 25-year history.
“Andrew has extensive experience in healthcare which will allow us to continue to innovate and supply those most at need with reliable and cost-effective tests.”