Case Studies

An AI-powered pain assessment app is giving a voice to residents in care homes who can’t verbalise their pain

The All-Wales Robotic Assisted Surgery Programme is revolutionising access to cutting-edge robotic-assisted surgery for cancer patients throughout Wales. 

Following significant investment in delivering a medical device replacement programme, Hywel Dda University Health Board sought to identify and assess the benefits of implementing new and replacement medical devices.

Autism health passports are a tool for autistic people to record their communication and sensory needs, which are then passed on to their healthcare provider.

Research to develop a quick, painless, and drug-free treatment option for patients living with chronic acne.

Ceryx Medical has integrated scientific advances on the link between electrical signalling in the heart - that governs the susceptibility to arrhythmia - and respiratory rhythm generation in the brainstem to develop a revolutionary medical device.

Mikoshi have developed a psychological intervention-based video game that incorporates acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) skills.

SenseIV is a multidisciplinary team developing wearable technology for healthcare to empower patients and staff in the use of peripheral intravenous therapy.

Hepatitis C is an infectious virus which particularly affects marginalised and vulnerable populations such as homeless people. It may have become more widespread during COVID-19. Untreated, hepatitis C can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. Testing and early intervention of this disease can help to reduce the occurrence within the population and reduce transmission.

A partnership project setup between Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (CTMUHB), the University of South Wales, and Llusern Scientific, to rapidly diagnose a range of illnesses from Covid-19 to urinary tract infections using LAMP, a newly developed molecular technology.

In light of increasing numbers of alcohol-related hospital admissions, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) has developed a service to support patients and tackle harmful drinking behaviours, reducing admission rates and improving health outcomes. 

Throughout the pandemic, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (CTMUHB), like many Health Boards across the country, experienced difficulties in sourcing a range of hospital equipment and supplies, as the outbreak placed pressures on the supply industry following increased demand for products.

Presteigne-based Mangar Health is the UK market leader in the design, manufacture, and supply of unique inflatable moving, handling, and bathing equipment used by Local Authority Social Services, care homes, hospitals, and the emergency services.

The recent COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting public health advice that emphasised regular and thorough hand washing or use of a hand sanitiser as crucial to slowing and preventing infection has raised the need for better and more effective hand sanitising products, particularly those with a long lasting action.

By joining together primary and secondary health care, and maximising the use of digital advancements, a series of eye care reform initiatives led by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (Cardiff and Vale UHB) are helping to reduce waiting times and improve outcomes for patients with urgent eye conditions.

An innovative digital pilot project launched by the pharmacy team at Wrexham Maelor hospital is helping to identify life threatening kidney conditions and save patient lives. 

With a focus on a value based approach, a new pathway for heart failure patients at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) has been developed, demonstrating how specialist nurses can improve patient wellbeing, enhance outcomes and reduce hospital admissions for heart failure, ultimately saving lives.

Urinary tract infections are one of the leading causes of sepsis within the UK, which in turn is one of the leading causes of death. With the rise in antibacterial resistance alternatives to common place antibiotics are needed. A Swansea-based team has explored one alternative, phage therapy, using bacteriophages, viruses which infect bacteria, to treat infections.

A partnership project setup between Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (CTMUHB) and Baxter Healthcare, a company providing innovative technology solutions for the healthcare industry, has developed a strategy for safer intravenous (IV) fluid administration.

The Orthopaedics Interactive Diagnosis project saw a collaboration between ATiC and Cardiff-based Foot and Ankle UK Ltd, Spire Cardiff Hospital, where Mr Anthony Perera is Consultant Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon.

Through a collaboration with Ventilo Medical, HTC, ASTUTE and WCPC, we explored innovative processes to design a ‘Trauma Tube’

Glanrhyd Hospital is a mental-health hospital in Pen-y-fai near Bridgend and is managed by Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board. The church stands in a prominent position within the hospital grounds and is still used for religious purposes. We propose to reimagine the building into a multi-use space for the local community, as well as staff and patients on site.

The need to sanitise surfaces has always been important within both clinical and non-clinical settings, whilst surface disinfection compliance might be low. Unfortunately, COVID 19 has increased the urgency of need in order to minimise transmission of the virus. Some studies have indicated that the SARS-CoV-2 virus survives on stainless steel surfaces for as long as 3-7 days. On high-touch areas such as doors, virus transmission becomes an increased risk.

The use of hand sanitisers have become an increasingly important part of people’s daily lives.

Leg ulcers (a long-lasting sore resulting from a break in the skin) represent a significant source of morbidity with many adverse physical, social and psychological consequences. With appropriate treatment, some ulcers heal successfully with a few weeks, however many persist for months and even years. Such lengthy treatment periods have led to the annual cost of wound treatment in the UK being estimated at £5.6 billion (Guest et.al. BMJ 2020).

A new research project is under way to explore the impact of prosthetic leg covers on the quality of life and wellbeing of amputees, and public attitudes towards them.

A new six-month study to evaluate the impact of workplace environments on health, wellbeing, and performance within a post-Covid-19 environment is under way at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD).

Accelerate is supporting a multi-disciplinary, and cross-speciality, undergraduate and postgraduate online virtual environment (Wales’ Virtual Hospital)

Agile Kinetic and Cardiff University Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Research Facility have combined to develop and validate a pose estimation medical device for remote measurement of patient joint angles

Accelerate is supporting the delivery of this project through Cardiff University’s academic and clinical expertise, alongside the provision of project management and support for a research associate. HexTransforma Healthcare are contributing their industrial expertise in digital healthcare innovation and will bring their experience in developing commercially viable solutions.

ATiC worked with Pembrokeshire-based Gwylan UK to evaluate and develop Sleeping Lions, a product which aims to help children manage their mental and physical health. This is achieved by performing exercises which help them increase their mindfulness, reduce their breathing rate, connect to their bodies, and calm themselves down.

Skin Solved (originally called Essential Skin and Body Butter) is a new company based in Neath Port Talbot in South Wales. The company manufactures a range of body butters and rubbing oils for cosmetic and potentially medicinal benefits.

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s (UWTSD) Assistive Technologies Innovation Centre (ATiC) recently hosted a one-day workshop for Year 12 and 13 pupils in partnership with the Mullany Fund.

Our health is affected by many influences. Social and economic factors are known to influence health status more than clinical interventions. Awareness that long-term heath conditions adversely impact social engagement, employment and mental health, is driving the exploration of new socially oriented models for improving health outcomes.

The NHS produces up to 600,000 tonnes of waste each year, and around 85% of this waste is categorized as non-hazardous. Although much of this waste is recyclable, a significant amount is still incinerated or sent to landfills.

Bionema is a leading biopesticide technology developer. They create chemical-free pest management solutions for the horticulture, forestry, and turf and landscape sectors. The company has over 30 years’ experience in the research, development, and commercialisation of biopesticides.

Wellbeing is influenced by a complex interplay of emotional, physical and environmental . COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on mental health has thrown this into sharp relief. For many years treatments for mental health have mainly been clinical, involving pharmacological and psychological treatments.

Homeglow Products and Delta Wellbeing worked with HTC to help test a low-cost heated seat cover that keep vulnerable older adults warm at the touch of a button.

The six-month project is a collaboration between the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s (UWTSD) Assistive Technologies Innovation Centre (AT

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic triggered a global health crisis that prompted a cascade of challenges from early 2020 through to 2021, with its effects on the healthcare system still being faced to this day. 

Dentron Ltd has developed a patented biocidal medical device called the BioGun and demonstrated the BioGun’s ability to kill a wide range of micro-organisms. The BioGun could provide an alternative solution to antibacterial drugs; it is a non-invasive safe procedure.

Denton RPA are a Cardiff-based physiotherapy service provider who use digital tech solutions to help empower patients and clinicians to achieve better outcomes. Using re.flex’s 3D motion sensors, Denton RPA provides a unique remote rehabilitation experience for preventative, pre, and post-op patients.

A Welsh manufacturer, which is on a mission to tackle the world’s growing personal protective equipment (PPE) waste problem, is set to expand its global presence after securing its first export deals in Australia and Canada.

As one of five successful Digital Solutions Fund (DSF) bids, and to provide support to NHS staff across Wales, DNA Definitive rapidly piloted a digital learning solution for trauma response management.

ARGiP contacted Swansea University’s Healthcare Technology Centre (HTC) seeking support via the Accelerate Programme to consolidate the understanding of pepsin biology to aid in the development of a refined pepsin supplement for the company.

A South Wales company has developed an innovative way to recycle single use personal protective equipment (PPE) in a bid to tackle the mountain of waste being produced as a result of the pandemic.

Production of a new range of safety eyewear for one of the world's leading names in the industry, Bollé, has begun at a site in Wales.

Univarsity are an award-winning digital startup that has created a platform that aims to break down the barrier’s students face when searching, joining, and interacting with sports at university, all with the aim of increasing sports participation and engagement, and improving the health and wellbeing of students.

Following a diagnosis of colorectal cancer, 63% of patients will undergo a colorectal resection with most patients having an anastomosis.

Osteoarthritis affects nearly 9 million people in the UK; the knee being a commonly affected joint. This project proposes to address this problem, by introducing a bespoke surgical planning tool.

Venous thromboembolic diseases (VTE) are caused by a thrombus (blood clot) occurring in a vein. Patients are assessed for their VTE risk when they enter a hospital.

Virtual reality (VR) enables users to interact with a 3D virtual world, in a safe, real-time environment. It is increasingly being used in the field of healthcare, to enhance the experiences of both patients and staff.

The Digital Solutions Fund (DSF) is a Welsh Government-funded programme coordinated by the Digital Health Ecosystem Wales (DHEW) to support the COVID-19 response. Connect Health was the first project to run. PhysioNow, the digital musculoskeletal triage and self-assessment tool, piloted in two Health Boards (Hywel Dda and Cwm Taf Morgannwg) in autumn 2020.

Xobaderm is an antiaging focused company which integrates the use of microneedles to deliver compounds to the skin which aims to not just cover up the external signs of aging skin, but aiming to instead slow cellular aging.

Three-Sixty Aquaculture specialise in culturing fish for consumers in both the international and local markets. They are part of a specialisation who use manual observations of fish morphology and behaviour as a predictor of fish health in a Recycling Aquaculture System (RAS).

This project builds on a collaboration to develop naturally-derived virucidal actives by trying to assess the efficacy of coating formulations in rendering pandemic viruses immobile and destroying them on contact with a coated surface.

Copner Biotech is a Welsh biotech start up who's state of the art design and manufacturing process enables 3D cell culture scaffolds to be produced based on concentric shape constructs, such as circles. This provides a consistent variability of pore size (heterogenous pore size and distribution) emanating from the centre to the periphery of scaffold.

The use of antimicrobials to inhibit growth or kill microorganisms/ microbes, has had a significant impact upon worldwide health improvements.

In a bid coordinated by DHEW, Public Health Wales, in partnership with the NHS Wales Informatics Service, Swansea University and Social Care Wales were selected as one of five of The Health Foundation Networked Data Labs to be established in the UK in 2020. This case study looks at the journey taken by the partners to secure the £400k funding. 

In a bid coordinated by DHEW, Public Health Wales, in partnership with the NHS Wales Informatics Service, Swansea University and Social Care Wales were selected as one of five of The Health Foundation Networked Data Labs to be established in the UK in 2020. This case study looks at the journey taken by the partners to secure the £400k funding.

Swansea University's Healthcare Technology Centre has announced a research collaboration with sensor and medical diagnostic company Zimmer and Peacock, which could bring jobs to Swansea. 

Kaleidoscope is the largest provider of support services to people who use drugs in Wales. They have been part of an informal working group, including members of the Swansea University School of Pharmacy, and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, looking at challenges around drug dispensing for therapy and rehabilitation, during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

DHEW worked with the Royal Glamorgan Hospital to run a pilot testing RFID tracking. Passive tags were been placed on bladder scanners, wheelchairs and rental beds throughout the hospital, along with software to provide staff with real time information on where equipment is.

A Meeting of Creative Minds: How Partnership is Driving VR Adoption in Healthcare

The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the need to be able react to two issues; the repurposing of equipment shelved in stores, deemed out of order due to lack of parts from suppliers, and, opportunities to prototype innovative ideas.

A tracheostomy is one of the most frequently performed procedures in the intensive care unit (ICU). Reasons for performing such a procedure include: addressing upper airway obstruction, improved oral hygiene (secretion management), and the need for prolonged ventilation.

Through the person-centred design thinking process, Velindre, in conjunction with Pfizer Oncology and IBM Watson, have developed the world’s first artificial intelligence enabled virtual assistant trained in oncology to proof of concept.

ProColl has developed an innovative method of producing recombinant human procollagen (HPC), making it commercially and medically advantageous over the animal-derived collagen products currently available on the market.

This project saw NHS Wales Informatics Service (NWIS), Value Based Health Care (VBHC), Patients Know Best (PKB) and Dr Doctor (DrDr) collaborate to improve the process around the collection and storage of PROMs data.

Accelerate is working to understand the benefits of clear face masks in communication between health care staff and patients

Accelerate partners, ATiC, are working with The Mullany Fund to educate students about user experience research in the life sciences sector.

MaskComms is a collaboration between industry, health, and academia that specialise in the design of mask-wearing equipment to aid communication professionals in the hospital environment. 

Adwell Foods Limited is a family owned company established in 1993, located on the Gower Peninsula in South Wales. Their core product, Welsh Brew Tea, is an iconic Welsh brand, uniquely blended with African and Indian teas to complement Welsh water.

The Accelerate Healthcare Technology Centre, led by Swansea University Medical School, has been recognised award for its efforts on helping to improve the sustainability and efficiency of the university’s laboratories.

Life Sciences Hub Wales has supported Hardshell, a global leader in the production of protective defensive equipment such as body armour and demining suits, to secure product certifications that will allow it to become the first in the UK to produce medical-grade face masks for use by the NHS.

During September 2018, Cardiff & Vale University Health Board (CAV UHB) set up Project Drawdown to engage and educate anaesthetic staff about the climate impact of the anaesthetic gases they use.

Rescape Innovation Ltd are pioneering the use of Virtual Reality (VR) in healthcare to reduce pain, anxiety and improve the patient journey

One of the many challenges thrown up by the Covid-19 outbreak was the need for GPs across Wales to have a safe method for communicating with patients at home, safeguarding frontline staff and reducing any risk of further transmission.

A Welsh company has nearly doubled its permanent workforce to 127 staff in just four months after switching part of its operations to create personal protective equipment (PPE) in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Welsh Government and Life Sciences Hub Wales are supporting plans to build a 200 strong team of specialists at Wales’ soon to be launched Lighthouse Lab, which is set to create additional capacity for the UK’s Covid-19 testing strategy.

Taking inspiration from traditional whiteboards used to keep track of patients on the ward, the interactive ‘e-whiteboards’ have made a huge impact already.

Glucose Republic is combining biology and software to help people eat and live better through the means of tracking and monitoring how blood glucose responds to different nutrition in real-time circumstances.

Accelerate programme is helping to develop high-tech dementia aid

ATiC have been working with Recliners Ltd who develop seating solutions for the home and healthcare markets. The focus was on a current product line of adaptive chairs, the “MultiCare Plus”.

The ATiC team assisted with mobile eye-tracking in an experiment with Kimberley’s parents who are both living with dementia. Can we better support adults to live independently?

In the UK today there are around half a million children and young people with brain conditions that result in complex medical, educational and social support needs. Cerebra is a charity that helps these children and their families discover a better life together.

There is a need for buildings to transition towards a zero-carbon environment. Hospital buildings and operating theatres use a relatively large amount of energy and produce large quantities of waste. Hospitals produce more than 5 million tons of waste each year.

Accelerate is supporting the validation and extension of work into a novel refined AD mouse model, by bringing Cardiff University academics and researchers together with the team at Cultech Ltd.

Demand on eyecare services is increasing through an ageing population and increased risks linked to other diseases, particularly diabetes. The application of digital technology to tackle unmet clinical needs has seen growing prominence in health and social care, delivering substantial improvements in prudent care.

This project responds to the need for a robust platform to transform drug screening and enable a targeted therapeutic approach. Organoids are 3D, multi-cellular clusters derived from patient biopsies that recreate the spatial organisation and biology of the original patient’s tissue.

Swansea University’s Healthcare Technology Centre has played a key role in developing an award-winning communication aid for frontline health staff forced to wear face masks during the pandemic.

As the Covid-19 pandemic sparked unprecedented global demand and competition for personal protective equipment (PPE), a Denbighshire-based protective equipment specialist has leveraged its international supply chains to ensure Wales has access to sources of essential equipment. 

Swansea and Ireland-based company Hemp Heros manufactures full spectrum cannabidoil products - better known as CBD. The company works directly with organic hemp farmers across Europe to ensure they use the finest raw materials in their range of CBD products that include oils, rubs, and creams.

Digital Health Ecosystem Wales (DHEW), a collaboration between NHS Wales Informatics Service (NWIS) and Life Sciences Hub Wales, has collaborated with Welsh health technology startup Concentric Health on a project to develop and understand the potential for APIs within the healthcare system in Wales. 

An advanced laboratory dedicated to leading Wales’ national Covid-19 testing has been established in Cardiff, thanks to collaboration between Public Health Wales and one of the world’s leading diagnostics companies.

Until now, ventilator designs could either be one or the other, but not both.

Ortho Clinical Diagnostics (Ortho), a global leader of in vitro diagnostics, has announced that production of their Covid-19 antibody tests is underway at its state-of-the-art facility in Pencoed, near Bridgend in South Wales.

A Caerphilly company has switched up production at its factory to create millions of sustainable face shields that will be used worldwide by frontline staff as well to support employees returning to the workplace.

Businesses from across Wales have been adapting and innovating at an unprecedented scale and pace to combat the spread of Covid-19 and help treat those affected by the virus.

A Welsh manufacturer that can trace its life-saving work to the trenches of the Crimean war is now working to ensure that NHS Wales has the supplies it needs in the battle against Coronavirus.

Life Sciences Hub Wales has developed an online portal to enable industry to upload offers of support for the health and social care sectors for consideration by NHS Wales.

Welsh gin distilleries have produced and given away more than 200,000 bottles of desperately needed hand sanitiser to frontline services, essential workers and community care providers since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Digital Health Ecosystem Wales (DHEW) and Technology Enabled Care (TEC) Cymru join forces to bring you a brand-new website helping support and accelerate innovation in digital health technology in Wales.

All GP practices in Wales can now access a new system, which allows people to have online appointments with their doctor and other healthcare professionals.

Following the roll-out of digital appointments for GP surgery’s across Wales, a further £2.8m has been invested to extend the scheme to all of secondary and community care.

Swansea-based start up, Centre of African Entrepreneurship, specialise in creating provisions for people from African backgrounds. The company mission aims to tackle the plight of poverty and inequality within the BAME community in Swansea and across Wales.

Life Sciences Hub Wales is calling on companies and innovators from across the country to join the fight against coronavirus.

Patients in Wales could soon see virtual reality become an everyday part of their medical treatment plans, thanks to ground-breaking research and development by a Welsh tech company.

Global tech giant Fujifilm has given Welsh healthcare professionals an exclusive first look at its latest medical innovation ahead of the product’s global clinical launch.

Community Pharmacy Patient Inhaler Review Service Joint Working Project

The Welsh Health Hack returned for the fourth time this January, in Anglesey north Wales. The event, hosted by event partners M-SParc, was attended by over 100 people across industry, academia and the NHS.

This two-day event, which was attended by over 100 delegates, including representatives from the life sciences industry from across the UK and clinicians from across NHS Wales.

Health & Her is a Welsh-based SME that has developed an online female health platform for women going through menopause.

On Friday 4 October, industry colleagues from across the UK attended an event in Cardiff hosted by the Cancer Implementation Group and Life Sciences Hub Wales.

There is ongoing research into specific health benefits of taking probiotics during pregnancy. Some studies claim that probiotics can be used to treat pregnant women who have bacterial vaginosis, while others suggest that taking probiotics in pregnancy may reduce the likelihood of the baby developing eczema.

Knauf Insulation are a global, multi-million-pound insulation wool business with 40 years of experience, who are located across Europe and the US. They are amongst the fastest growing and most respected names in insulation worldwide, having an interest in helping customers meet increasing demand for energy efficiency and sustainability in buildings.

Innoture holds worldwide patents in the manufacture of microneedle patches, the only company that has increased the mass production of flexible base patches worldwide.

PhytoQuest approached Swansea University's Healthcare Technology Centre with an interest in the discovery and commercialisation of naturally occurring plant sugars, known as iminosugars, as food supplements with numerous health benefits.

A pioneering programme that speeds up the translation of ideas into new products and services to improve health and care, is now open for applications.