Researchers from the Skin Wounds, and Trauma (SWaT) Research Centre at RCSI, together with DeRoyal Global Healthcare Solutions, Tyndall National Institute and Henkel, are embarking on a €1 million Enterprise Ireland Innovation Partnership Programme to develop a new wound care innovation.

This collaboration will combine the skill sets, education, and expertise from teams in a varied array of industries, to create more high functioning, clinician formulated woundcare medical devices for the international market. The partnership programme’s goal is to deliver not only solutions for complex woundcare, but to leverage technology to assist in meeting the needs of patients through an enhanced person-centred care approach.

“Our relationship with, DeRoyal Global Healthcare Solutions, Tyndall National Institute, and Henkel will further establish the position of the SWaT Research Centre as a key national and international leader in the field of wound care research; making a difference to clinical care and patients outcomes,” said Professor Declan Patton, Deputy Director of the SWaT Research Centre, and RCSI lead on the project.

Over 5% of the population is affected by chronic wounds at a cost of over $15 Billion annually to health care budgets. These resources are spent on the long-term treatment of these painful wounds.

“Our collaboration with industry partners enables RCSI to do what we do best – bring innovative solutions directly to patients to improve their health as well as their overall wellbeing,” said Professor Fergal O’Brien, Director of Research and Innovation at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences.

The SWaT Research Centre at RCSI, established in 2018 by Professor Zena Moore, is the first in Ireland to specialise in clinical research in the field of wound healing and tissue repair.