In our latest #OurEntrepreneurs profile we meet cohort 8 Clinical Entrepreneur Clare Nash, Head of Clinical Products.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I have been a nurse for over 30 years, specialising in critical care, and more recently, in clinical procurement. I ensure products are fit for purpose, safe for patients and staff, offer value for money, and sustainability.
In my personal life, I’m married, and our daughter is currently studying to be a teacher at Chester University. Our family enjoys long walks with our two dogs, Freddie and Lila.
Name: Clare Nash
Occupation: Head of Clinical Products
Location: Black Country Alliance
Tell us about your innovation
I have developed a scoring tool to simplify lifecycle assessment /carbon foot printing in order to decide which product is likely the greenest. All healthcare practitioners can use the tool to compare the sustainability of two or more clinical products at the point of purchase or use. It can be used as an education tool with pre and post-registration healthcare students and hopefully also with patients.
Around 62% of the carbon footprint of the NHS comes from the products we use to care for our patients every day. So, how do we choose the ones that will make the least damage to our planet and contribute to NHS Net Zero goals?
As consumers, we have many ways of comparing products before we buy them eg. energy labelling, food packaging, and insurance comparison sites, yet nothing like this exists in healthcare to allow a comparison between clinical products.
Lifecycle assessments are extremely time consuming and the need to create a quicker, simpler and more accessible tool was identified through my work as a clinical procurement lead, supporting staff to make choices about the products we want to purchase. The decision support tool meets that need.
Why did you apply to join the programme, and what are you most looking forward to?
I found the programme via LinkedIn. I applied as I believe we need to increase awareness of innovation and entrepreneurship, both within my nursing profession and wider procurement networks. I wish to learn more in order to share this knowledge.
I hope the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme will give me the tools to further adapt my innovation, to share it more widely, and for it to be us
What are your ambitions for the next year?
I hope to complete the programme and implement some of the learnings. I also aim to share my new skills within my nursing network, and wider to the procurement profession.
Why do you think innovation is important in healthcare?
The NHS does not have bottomless money therefore it is vital we spend wisely on the things that will bring about the biggest impact and change. Value based procurement will improve planetary outcomes, patient experience, and safety. We need to address all three to ensure an NHS fit for the future.
How can we find out more?
Please contact me for more information.