The signing of a new distribution agreement that will make the SAFIRA® (SAFer Injection for Regional Anaesthesia) system available across Italy.
The new partnership between Medovate Ltd – the exclusive commercial development partner for SAFIRA® – and leading Italian medical distributor Coris Medica marks another major milestone in the international success story of a device that began its life in The QEH’s operating theatres.
Invented by The QEH Consultant Anaesthetists Dr Peter Young, Dr Emad Fawzy, Dr Joseph Carter, and Dr John Gibson, SAFIRA® was created to address key patient safety concerns during regional anaesthesia. The hospital filed the initial patents for the technology, which it developed in partnership with Medovate, a UK-based medical device company focused on bringing NHS innovations to life.
SAFIRA® transforms regional anaesthesia from a two-person technique into a single-operator procedure, giving anaesthetists full control of the injection process. The system includes a built-in safety feature that prevents injection at high pressures, helping to reduce the risk of nerve injury – a rare but potentially life-changing complication of the procedure.
This expansion into the Italian market means even more patients and healthcare professionals will benefit from the clinical, operational and economic advantages of the SAFIRA® system.
Rebecca Martin, Medical Director at The QEH, said: “This latest distribution agreement is a fantastic example of how clinician-led innovation at The QEH can lead to meaningful, global improvements in patient safety. We’re incredibly proud that an idea conceived right here in King’s Lynn is now helping shape safer anaesthesia practices internationally.
“SAFIRA® is a testament to the power of partnership between our talented clinicians and commercial collaborators like Medovate. This achievement reflects the innovation, dedication, and forward-thinking culture we nurture at The QEH.”
The agreement with Coris Medica – a leading medical supplier in Italy with over two decades of experience in the healthcare sector – will provide rapid access to SAFIRA® for hospitals and clinics across the country. Coris Medica brings a strong track record in distributing innovative anaesthesia solutions, making them a natural fit for the continued growth of the SAFIRA® technology.
Since its inception, SAFIRA® has received multiple accolades, including ‘Best Regional Anaesthesia Safety Solution’ at the Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Awards 2020 and ‘Patient Safety Innovation of the Year’ at the HSJ Awards 2021.
The system is now in use across multiple countries, including the USA, Australia, the Middle East, and parts of Europe, with further market launches underway.
Medovate and The QEH continue to work closely to ensure the device evolves in line with clinical best practice and patient needs.
Ends. Notes to editors; For media enquiries only, please contact Communications Team, media.enquiries@qehkl.nhs.uk or 01553 613216. For all other enquiries, please contact QEH Switchboard on 01553 613613.
About SAFIRA®
The SAFIRA® system includes three components: a proprietary syringe, a driver, and an operator (either foot pedal or palm device). It allows anaesthetists to safely and consistently administer local anaesthetic during regional blocks without relying on a second operator, streamlining procedures and improving resource efficiency.
About Medovate
Medovate is a specialist medical device company dedicated to commercialising NHS innovations. As the exclusive development and commercialisation partner for SAFIRA®, Medovate has worked closely with The QEH to secure regulatory approvals, manufacture, and global distribution of the device.
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