Meet #OurEntrepreneurs. Today we welcome Tsemaye Michael Ikomi, a Developer from University Hospitals Coventry.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I’m passionate about applying education and technology to solve real-world healthcare challenges. I do this through innovative e-learning, data insights, and digital solutions.
Name: Tsemaye Michael Ikomi, NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Cohort 9
Occupation: LMS E- Developer, University Hospitals Coventry
My background in e-learning development, combined with my skills in data analysis, web technologies, and an understanding of Al, allows me to approach problems from many angles. I’m committed to developing people-centered, data-informed solutions that are simple, empathetic, and deliver impactful outcomes.
Tell us about your innovation
Lone or temporary staff supporting individuals in the community—especially in non-clinical roles like companionship or care—often enter unfamiliar homes with little to no context. This lack of information can lead to confusion, safety risks, and emotional strain. It’s a hidden but significant issue that contributes to poor staff retention, mistakes, and stress for both workers and service users. Despite their vital role in the NHS and wider care ecosystem, these workers are frequently under-supported.
SafeShift is a simple, yet powerful tool designed to address this gap. It delivers key, shift-specific information to lone-working companions before they arrive at a visit—via text or mobile card. This includes crucial details like risks, preferences, and guidance for handling tricky situations. By improving how information is communicated upfront, SafeShift aims to reduce confusion, boost confidence, and enhance safety—helping staff feel more prepared, valued, and protected at work.
How do you hope the programme can support and your goals for the next year?
I first discovered the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme through word of mouth and online health innovation communities I follow. I applied because I’ve experienced first-hand—especially during agency shifts—a real gap in how lone-working staff are supported. I want to be part of solving this challenge in a way that genuinely works for frontline teams.
What excites me most about the programme is the chance to learn from others who are building in this space, get honest feedback on my ideas, and shape SafeShift into a solution that truly makes a difference. I’m particularly drawn to the collaborative environment and the opportunity to connect with people who understand both the complexity and the potential of innovation in health and care.
I’m hoping the programme will provide the structure, mentorship, and real-world insights needed to take SafeShift from a promising concept to a scalable, impactful tool. I’d love support in refining the product based on real feedback, navigating the NHS landscape, and building the right partnerships to test and grow it responsibly.
Over the next year, my main ambition is to run a successful pilot of SafeShift, gather meaningful feedback from both frontline staff and managers, and iterate based on what we learn. I also hope to build strong relationships with care organisations, mentors, and collaborators who can help us move from pilot to wider rollout. Ultimately, I want to prove that SafeShift can genuinely support safer, more confident shifts for community-based workers—and help improve retention, wellbeing, and outcomes across the sector.
Why do you think innovation in healthcare is important.
I think innovation is essential in healthcare because the needs of patients, staff, and systems are constantly evolving especially in under-resourced or fast-paced settings. Innovation helps us find smarter, more efficient, and more human-centred ways to deliver care and support. It allows us to bridge gaps that traditional systems may overlook, improve staff experience, and ultimately create better outcomes for the people who rely on the health and care system every day.