Schools And Colleges Invent Healthcare Products For 'Siemens Healthcare Challenge'

Main Category: Medical Students / Training
Also Included In: Medical Devices / Diagnostics;  MRI / PET / Ultrasound;  Radiology / Nuclear Medicine
Article Date: 21 Aug 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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'Think up and prototype the next big product in healthcare.' This was the challenge that Siemens recently set schools and colleges in the Surrey area close to its headquarters as part of the 'Siemens and Institution of Engineering and Technology Engineering in Healthcare Challenge.'

Local schools and colleges were invited to take part in a programme that required them to brainstorm, discuss and present ideas with industry experts. The healthcare challenge yielded fantastic ideas from the students and gave them an insight into working for a global company. Representatives from Siemens acted as 'Science and Engineering Ambassadors' throughout the programme and visited the students to help develop ideas and offer guidance.

Winners of the senior prize were A-Level students from Lady Eleanor Holles School in Middlesex. The group invented a machine called UVA Tan, which vends sun cream and UVA protective sunglasses. The group researched the dangers of skin cancer and added a traffic light system to the machine to indicate the level of UVA radiation that day. This then suggests the most appropriate products to use.

The junior prize was won by GCSE students from Selsdon High School in Croydon who invented an electronic pill dispenser. The dispenser was designed to help patients who take regular medication by beeping to remind them when a tablet is due to be taken.

The regional healthcare challenge was part of Generation 21, a worldwide Siemens initiative that takes place in 190 countries. It focuses on working with the education community to make a positive impact on the lives of a wide range of groups and individuals. The initiative encourages people of all ages to study science based subjects and gain skills that can benefit all the industries that thrive on scientific innovation.

The UK interactive programme was arranged in partnership with Surrey SATRO (Science and Technology Regional Organisation), a charity that supports the encouragement of science, technology, engineering and maths.

"Inspiring the workforce of the future in the areas of technology, engineering and science is essential to ensure continuous innovation," states Ian Clarke, Business Excellence Director at Siemens. "A shortage of school leavers and graduates in technical areas would impact not only on the UK economy, but also in meeting the needs of the 21st century health sector. The Siemens Generation 21 programme is a positive approach in promoting the study of these areas to the next generation - as a company built on innovation, Siemens is dedicated to inspire innovators of the future."

"Siemens' healthcare challenge was a great way to encourage young people to think about the issues in healthcare today," states Adam Hunt, Surrey SATRO Manager. "They were required to identify key health issues that face today's society such as cancer and conduct research into the area. As well as teaching students about important medical issues, Siemens has inspired them to think creatively and start innovating."

For further information on Siemens approach to Corporate Responsibility visit http://www.siemens.com/responsibility

About Siemens Healthcare

The Siemens Healthcare Sector is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry. The company is a renowned medical solutions provider with core competence and innovative strength in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies as well as in knowledge engineering, including information technology and system integration. With its laboratory diagnostics acquisitions, Siemens Healthcare is the first integrated healthcare company, bringing together imaging and lab diagnostics, therapy and healthcare information technology solutions, supplemented by consulting and support services. Siemens Healthcare delivers solutions across the entire continuum of care - from prevention and early detection, to diagnosis, therapy and care. Additionally, Siemens Healthcare is the global market leader in innovative hearing instruments. The company employs more than 49,000 people worldwide and operates in 130 countries. In the fiscal year 2007 (Sept. 30), Siemens Healthcare reported sales of €9.85 billion, orders of €10.27 billion, and group profit of €1.32 billion. Further information can be found by visiting http://www.siemens.co.uk/healthcare.

Siemens Healthcare