In our latest #OurEntrepreneurs profile we meet cohort 8 Clinical Entrepreneur Ali Jafari, Staff Nurse and Founding Director of Designed Healthcare Ltd.
Tell us a bit about yourself
My name is Ali Jafari, and I am a nurse and architectural designer, as well as the Director of my startup, Designed Healthcare. Through this venture, I am passionately developing ideas on how design can improve healthcare. I have had the privilege of collaborating with prestigious design organisations such as the Royal College of Art, the Design Age Institute, and the Arts University Bournemouth and I have showcased my designs at the Design Museum London.
Name: Ali Jafari
Occupation: Staff Nurse and Founding Director of Designed Healthcare Ltd.
Location: University Hospital Dorset
Tell us about your innovation
Riser chair is a cutting-edge mechanical chair with a sleek, ergonomic design. It’s easy to clean, lightweight, and user-friendly, making it an ideal aid for individuals recovering from orthopaedic surgeries like hip or knee replacements. Notably, it does not rely on electricity, enhancing its practicality and sustainability. With minimal assistance, patients can interactively use the chair to sit and stand, addressing musculoskeletal issues affecting millions in the UK.
Moreover, the innovative mechanism of the chair extends its usability beyond sitting and standing. Its design allows for adaptation to toilet seats, assisting individuals with toileting needs. This versatility makes it a valuable tool for improving independence and comfort in daily activities.
Current aiding equipment, such as electric riser chairs, are often outdated and uncomfortable, potentially causing injuries. My chair offers a contemporary design and simple mechanism, providing an innovative solution to improve accessibility and usability in healthcare settings, ultimately enhancing the quality of care.
Why did you apply to join the programme, and what are you most looking forward to?
Upon discovering the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme on LinkedIn, I was impressed by its deep understanding of the challenges within the NHS and its focus on addressing entrepreneurial concerns and needs. I believe this programme could be instrumental in advancing my product and expanding my professional network.
Specifically, I hope to benefit from the programme by engaging in feasibility studies to further refine my product’s development. Additionally, I am eager to connect with relevant stakeholders and experts who can offer valuable insights and support. Guidance on intellectual property (IP) and effective marketing strategies would also be immensely beneficial in navigating the healthcare industry.
Overall, I see the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme as an invaluable opportunity to not only enhance my product but also to establish meaningful connections and acquire essential knowledge for entrepreneurial success in healthcare.
What are your ambitions for the next year?
Over the next year, my primary ambition is to complete the development of my product and initiate its widespread adoption within the NHS. I aim to see it embraced as a preferred and effective solution to address healthcare challenges.
Why do you think innovation is important in healthcare?
The extension of human lifespan owes much to advancements in equipment and knowledge. By nurturing innovative ideas and developing new products, we have the potential to enhance the efficiency of care delivery, treatment, and cures, thereby increasing accessibility to healthcare. Furthermore, innovation acts as a catalyst for economic growth, driving progress and prosperity in healthcare and beyond.
How can we find out more?
Please email me at alijafary3@gmail.com or ali.jafari@uhd.nhs.net for more information.