Unique weapon in the fight against meningitis launched
A meningitis scare and the anguish of finding a rash on her child prompted a nurse and her sister to design their own unique medical tool.
Spotmate is the brainchild of Janet Lawrence and Ann-Marie Watson and is about to go on the market after being researched and developed in the West Midlands.
The device has been developed in association with the Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust's Centre for Healthcare Innovation and Development (CHID) and is being backed by national charity Meningitis UK. It will be officially announced in Wolverhampton on February 26.
The multipurpose product features a curved bar to recreate the tumbler test and a magnifying lens to assist in self examination of other ailments.
Spotmate can be used on all ages, including babies, and is designed to be an essential part of family health care in the home. A booklet will accompany the device, which enables people to understand what they are looking at and gives guidance on seeking further advice.
Janet, aged 37, developed the idea with her 30-year-old sister Ann-Marie after a meningitis scare involving one of her own children. Her daughter didn't have meningitis but it prompted the pair to seek help from Moore Stephens Business Consultants, West Midlands Business Link and CHID which has led to accessing the Birmingham's Technology Transfer Fund to further their idea.
Janet said: "It is very much a partnership development and CHID has had a major role to play."
She added: "I see this as a worldwide product. It is a multi purpose device and can be used by anyone, from health professionals to parents in a home environment. It is a crucial part of any first aid kit."
Yvonne Hague, research and development and CHID manager, said: "This is an exciting new development and it is fantastic that we have got Meningitis UK on board. This product has particular relevance to meningitis, but can also be used to promote awareness of changes to our skin through age, lifestyle and general skin conditions."
Spotmate has now been endorsed by national charity Meningitis UK and Chief Executive Steve Dayman said: "Spotmate is a unique and multipurpose tool in the fight against meningitis.
"The disease can be incredibly difficult to detect as the symptoms are often hard to distinguish from more minor ailments such as the common cold or flu.
"We can't expect families to make a diagnosis but we can increase their awareness and point them in the right direction. Spotmate is a unique opportunity and we are really pleased to be associated with something like this."
Research into the potentially fatal bacteria infection will benefit from the sale of Spotmate. A donation from the sale of each produce sold will go to Meningitis UK to help develop a vaccine.
Spotmate will go on general release following a national launch in the summer 2008. All advance enquiries should be directed to the Centre for Healthcare Innovation and Development on 01902 695111.
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774
