University of Huddersfield lecturer Dr David Swann's groundbreaking design for a safer and more-efficient treatment bag for mobile healthcare workers has put him in the running for four major awards. A subject leader for 3D and interior design, Dr Swann created the bag as part of a PhD project entitled NHS at Home: Co-designing a 21st Century nursing bag with NHS East Riding of Yorkshire.The aim was to improve the delivery and experience of care that patients receive in non-hospital settings.And the result was a special home treatment bag made from one major moulding, with the design optimised to maximise the effectiveness of hand decontamination. The bag is small enough to fit into the boot of a car and can be transformed into a compact treatment space. The project earned Dr Swann his PhD at the Royal College of Art (RCA), as well as a nomination for a James Dyson Fellowship. He was also a finalist in the Conran Foundation Design Award organised by the RCA and won the Helen Hamlyn Design Award for Creativity.The innovation is also in the running for an Index Design Award, where the prize is €100,000. Dr Swann is now seeking industry help to further develop the kit, while turning his attention to another research project that will help to bring about safer injections in the developing world.
