Medical Technologies is a blossoming business in Coventry & Warwickshire. Want to find out more?

The medical technology industry – what is it?

Medical technology involves the application of engineering and technology to analyse and provide solutions to meet the needs of patients. It is a broad and varied industry covering many areas.

To put it simply the medical technology industry researches, designs and develops new products and services for the healthcare industry to bring improvements in treatment and health care services. 

Working in this sector you would combine a knowledge of technology with an understanding of medical problems.

Some possible areas of work are:

• Developing new equipment to help surgeons do keyhole surgery, to help doctors diagnose illnesses or to make life more comfortable for patients.
• Designing equipment such as scanners, pacemakers, radiotherapy equipment and machines to monitor patients.
• Designing mobility aids such as wheelchairs. Or making and fitting special supports for damaged limbs or spine, or artificial limbs with complicated mechanisms so the limb can move.

So what is happening in our area?

The Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire area is home to a number of medical and healthcare companies. In fact Coventry is already home to 25% of the regions medical technology companies. The area also has a strong research base and is a centre for excellence for clinical trails.

Key players

These organsiations play a key part in the developments of the medical technology industry locally:

• University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust has a national and international reputation on the fields of cancer, stroke, neurosciences, diabetes and kidney transplants. The University Hospital at Walsgrave is one of Europe’s largest and technologically advanced hospitals.
• Warwick Medical School is established in one of the UK’s leading research universities, The University of Warwick. Warwick Medical School is a graduate medical school providing training and professional development opportunities as well as undertaking medical research.
• Warwick Science Park provides accommodation and support for new and developing biomedical industries.
• Coventry University has approximately 4,500 students in its Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. The faculty offers a wide range of courses including certificates, diplomas, undergraduate degrees and masters degrees.
• Coventry Teaching Primary Care Trust ensures the residents of Coventry have access to the healthcare they need.

Local firms

Here are a few examples of local medical technology firms:

• Bioanalytical Systems Limited, based in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire. Bioanalytical Systems Limited is a subsidiary of US based Bioanalytical Systems Inc (NASDAQ-BASI). They provide high quality analytical support for clinical trails.
• Advanced Therapeutic Materials Ltd, based in Coventry. The company has developed innovative technology, Can2knit, which improves the delivery of compression therapy – which is widely used in the treatment of a range of medical conditions including Deep Vein Thrombosis.
• Smallfry, based in Wolston, Warwickshire. A design consultancy that works with industry to develop new products.
• Polymorit, based in Coventry. A manufacturer of products for the disabled and elderly.
• Mediwatch Plc, located in Rugby. Manufacturers and suppliers of high technology urology products for the screening, diagnosis and assessment of a variety of medical conditions. The company offers a range of products including ultrasonic scanners and diagnostic cancer tests.

Local Support

Our areas is home to a number of organisations that support the medical technology industry:

• Medical Research Fund Coventry & Warwickshire is dedicated to converting research into improved healthcare, making a real difference to the lives of patients and the work of medical professionals.
• Medilink West Midlands is a regional network for medical and healthcare companies that provides business support to help companies identify commercial opportunities in the medical market.
• HealthTech provides support to small and medium sized businesses to develop their healthcare technology business.

The future?

Ansty - Locally, plans are developing for a 100 acre site at Ansty to become a Medical Technology Park. Located next to junction 2 of the M6 the proposed site is close to the University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry University and Warwick University.

If the plans go ahead the area could become a focal point for the medical technology industry creating lots more jobs and opportunities for local people.

What skills and qualifications will I need to work in this industry?

To work in this area you need to be interested in science and technology, but also to get on well with people. Depending on your job, you might work with patients.

Entry requirements vary depending on the job but there is a need for people with higher level qualifications and skills.

There is a need for specialists to work in this field.

More information

You can download a copy of: The Heart of Medical Technologies: Produced by Coventry City Council, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council & Warwickshire Investment Partnership from the Coventry City Council website.