The AWRC Wellbeing Accelerator has been working with this startup to develop their first product - The S-Press. The device will be more effective for strengthening patients’ lower limbs than current devices and will be the best tool available for preventing hospital acquired deconditioning. Ultimately strengthening those patients most at risk of losing their independence. 

Jen Turner, founder of JT Rehab tells us about how being a participant on the Accelerator has helped to open doors and accelerate the S-Press through technology readiness levels, to support an ensuing launch into the NHS.

‘Having been accepted onto the AWRC Wellbeing Accelerator I have had several important doors opened for me and even in this difficult year the development of S-Press has progressed well. 

So far, the most helpful introduction was to a programme mentor who works in research and innovation at Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. 

This Trust is very engaged with research and their Clinical Director is an advocate for in-patient physical activity and understands the importance of good physical recovery for positive patient outcomes.  We are now planning to do efficacy and feasibility trials with the S-Press across four of the Trust sites starting in January 2021.

I have also developed a relationship with an engineering manager who works at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) in Sheffield, another mentor on the programme. 

They have access to additional funding sources and have been able to complete some fully funded design for manufacture work with the S-Press, which is extremely helpful in reducing costs and weight for final production.

There have been many meetings with members of the mentor group that have been fruitful and interesting and will no doubt be helpful in moving the S-Press forward.  The pitching workshop with Toby Stone was invaluable, and the peer to peer support from the other founders in this session was especially useful.

I’m looking forward to completing our research project with the researchers on the Wellbeing Accelerator. Despite delays and the challenges of Covid during 2020, I’m confident I will see amazing outcomes.’

For more information about JT Rehab and the AWRC Wellbeing Accelerator get in touch:

wellbeingaccelerator@shu.ac.uk | Twitter @SHU_AWRC