Grampian Doctor Recognised with Innovation Award

Grampian based Dr Alastair Cozens, has been awarded the 2009 Scottish Health Innovations Ltd (SHIL) Award for Best Innovation Originating from NHS Scotland.

Dr Alastair Cozens from NHS Grampian won for his part in developing the iPAM-Intelligent, a pneumatically assisted movement therapy. 

Dr Cozens worked in collaboration with in collaboration with Professor Bipinchandra Bhakta and Dr Martin Levesley from the University of Leeds to develop the therapy which helps patients affected by stroke to exercise their upper limbs.  The accolade was presented at a ceremony in Edinburgh on Thursday 5th February in front of more than 700 representatives from the life sciences community in Scotland and worldwide.

CEO of SHIL, Dr. Sandy Allan, said: "The SHIL award recognises the groundbreaking research and development that comes out of NHS Scotland each year and the iPAM is a fantastic example of the work being carried out in hospitals across the country.

"We work in partnership with NHS Scotland to protect and enhance the innovations created by health care professionals and are delighted to be able to recognise Dr Cozens in this way."

Dr Cozens said: "I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of the whole iPAM team which includes physiotherapists and engineers.  I would particularly like to acknowledge the patients who have helped us develop iPAM. This award recognises the quality of work that can result from collaboration between universities and the NHS in Scotland with support from SHIL."

The robotic system assists patients with exercises, in addition to conventional therapy with a physiotherapist or occupational therapist.  iPAM has been developed by a clinically-led team comprising doctors, physiotherapists and engineers, collaborating closely with a user group of stroke patients and their carers. 

Dr Cozens works alongside Professor Bipinchandra Bhakta and Dr Martin Levesley from the University of Leeds.

Above photo used with permission from www.scottishhealthinnovations.co.uk

Scottish Health Innovations: Grampian Doctor Recognised with Innovation Award (external website)