University Hospital Southampton (UHS) were introduced to Illustrious Healthcare Ltd when we approached them to design a prototype medical end of bed transport system for a specialist spinal bed. Once together in person, we discussed the possibility to have an adaptive system to connect to any hospital bed. The current critical care transport stack (CCTS) system had limitations where they only connected to a small number of bed frames. UHS currently has seven different bed frames across the hospital site which regularly caused problems with been compatible with the current CCTS systems.
The design team at Illustrious were engaging, proactive and quickly understood the complex challenges we encountered with our existing CCTS systems. Within a matter of weeks, they had some design drawings prepared with potential solutions. The level of knowledge and expertise in the level of detail provided in the initial prototype was impressive. The first concept was delivered for testing within months of initial meeting. The project manager assigned to the project was engaging and understood the unique medical classifications regulations we would have to achieve and overcome as the prototype moved to end design.
As the project moved towards end design, we had several usability trials at UHS where the CCTS was rigorously tested. Any concerns raised were met with immediate potential solutions to ensure the CCTS comprehensively met the demand from several different clinical speciality users. Our relation with the Illustrious Healthcare project team was always positive even when we asked for changes to the final design.
The final product has now been approved and orders placed. UHS is delighted with the product. The quality of workmanship and materials used is immediately evident. Illustrious Healthcare Ltd has invested heavily in producing a high-quality product that exceeds our expectations but meets the demands of a multidisciplinary clinical user which is difficult to achieve in an ever-changing NHS.