In our latest #OurEntrepreneurs profile we meet cohort 6 Clinical Entrepreneur Martin Gossling, Head of Commercial Innovation.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I initially trained as a product designer in the early 1980’s which led me into a 30-year career in advanced materials and electronics, working for organisations such as Motorola. I then progressed to a career in digital movement analysis resulting in the development of a wearable medical device for use in orthopaedics. This focus enabled me to join the Royal Institute of Medicine as a senior associate member in 2017.
Name: Martin Gossling, Cohort 7.
Occupation: Head of Commercial Innovation.
Location: University Hospital Southampton.
I then joined University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS) during the Covid-19 pandemic as Head of Commercial Innovation where I now look after over 100 innovations, developing new ones to suit unique medical requirements every year. I hold 9 international patents outside of UHS and have 4 pending patents though my work at UHS.
Why did you apply to the programme and how is the programme supporting you?
I found out about the programme through my work in medical devices and getting introduced to Professor Tony Young. Initially, I mentored on the programme but then I applied to be a clinical entrepreneur so that I could continue my learning and also help/assist others as and when my design experience and business knowledge might be useful.
The programme has given me confidence and the monthly educational events are great, as they encourage everyone to share their problems and learnings
Tell us about your innovation
My idea is based around urine flow rate and analysis of the urine content with such parameters as rate of change of dehydration and change in blood content. I came up with the idea as I noticed how my sister was struggling with urine bags towards the end of her life due to MS.
The intention of the device is to give better insights into patient health and to provide proactive health change information to clinical staff so that they can intervene before they start to notice deterioration.
What motivates you?
Innovating and assisting others.
I also like a technical challenge and problems that are looking for a solution.
What are your ambitions for the next year?
I have recently supported UHS to set up private sector funding and support for NHS innovations, called the UHS IDC. I hope to see this take on multiple innovations from UHS and from other Trusts and deliver them to market in record time, all funded by external investment. I then also hope to transfer my skill set and experience into a Clinical Scientist role.
Why do you think innovation is important in healthcare?
The sector must move forward and embrace new technology. With the increase in demand for remote monitoring and ‘unplugged’ patients, it will require significant innovation to deliver the products and services the NHS needs this decade.
How can we find out more?
Please visit http://www.bpmpathway.com and http://www.uhs.nhs.uk for more information.
TRANSFORMING HEALTHCARE THROUGH INNOVATION
