Drip stand boosts care in the home

Community healthcare staff in Wolverhampton have invented a piece of equipment that will revolutionise the way intravenous drugs and fluids are given to patients in their own homes.

The idea came from the intermediate care team from Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust after identifying a need for a portable stand to enable them to safely and effectively administer intravenous drugs and fluids to patients at home.

The idea was then developed by Wolverhampton-based company Medical Devices Technology International Ltd (MDTi) which worked with the PCT to design, test and evaluate the stand.

Existing drip stands are designed for use in hospitals and are too heavy and cumbersome to be transported by car by community-based staff treating people, including multiple sclerosis patients, at home.

Now the RAF and healthcare providers across the country are showing interest in buying the fully portable Hoo-kOn stand which weighs less than two kilograms and can be assembled in under two minutes. It is also easy to clean and steam-sterilise, helping to stop the spread of infections such as MRSA and C-difficile.

Jon Crockett, PCT chief executive, said: "We're absolutely delighted to be at the forefront of developing such an innovative piece of equipment.

"Because the staff involved in developing the stand provide treatment in patients' homes they know the obstacles this can cause. They have therefore been able to work alongside the designers to incorporate their ideas and clinical needs into the finished product."

Martin Levermore, chief executive officer of MDTi, said: "The Hoo-kOn could revolutionise patient care, not just at home but in busy hospital wards and at incident scenes. I'm proud of our team and delighted to have the support of the PCT."

Intermediate care staff have also starred in a training DVD, produced by MDTi, demonstrating how to assemble and use the stand. The video will be used to help market the invention and profits from sales will go back into patient care.

Click here to view the Hoo-kOn IV Stand Launch press release