The transfer of neonates in hospital can be both time consuming and unsafe with existing equipment. Unlike adult beds, neonatal incubators are not a standard size and vary in physical geometry. This means there is no standard connection point for a transfer frame. The result is a neonate canít be safely transferred whilst connected to vital supplies.
Neo-Connect allows universal connection to neonatal incubators by clamping to standard diameter medical castors. The innovative mechanism automatically adjusts to the variance in wheel base, allowing connection to all incubators. The frame has also been re-designed to be modular and flexible to the needs of neonatal transfer.
The connection clamp is manually opened by the user moving a foot pedal to the open position, where it remains open to allow the incubator to be placed on the transfer frame platform. Once the incubator is positioned the foot pedal is released, automatically locking the clamp and securing the transfer frame to the incubator.
I have an interest in the design and re-design of medical equipment to create user centred products that encourage good medical practice and improve patient experience. My short term interest is to design a full working prototype of Neo-Connect in collaboration with RHSC and Western Infirmary Bio-Engineering, with a view to becoming a design engineer.
