Clinical innovation award

The Bolton-based company has received the Innovation Clinical Award in the Excellence in Supply Awards 2013 for its work in developing a breakthrough product to improve female continence for immobile patients. 

Vernacare has worked in partnership with NHS Trusts across the UK to develop the new VernaFem disposable female urinal. Designed to be a more hygienic, convenient and comfortable option than other traditional methods of continence care, the product's ergonomic design empowers patients to toilet themselves, with little or no assistance from healthcare staff. This releases nursing time to focus on other areas of patient care.

Judges recognised that VernaFem provides a practical and simple alternative to catheters, bedpans and plastic urinals. Awards organiser North West Procurement Development was seeking best practice examples of collaboration with healthcare providers in new product development and innovation.