Being able to live independently from the comfort of our own homes without fearing for our safety or security is something many of us take for granted.
Yet that fear, through old age or living with a health condition, is a valid concern for thousands across the country.
Working for NHS Dumfries and Galloway, Nick and Lynette saw the frustrations many people in receipt of health care were facing. They knew that their priority was helping people live well at home for longer, and as Community IT eHealth Facilitators, they knew they could help make that happen.
So, they had an idea. What if they could develop a solution rooted in technology, using non-invasive home motion sensors to not only help improve people’s quality of life from the comfort of their own homes, but provide their loved ones with peace of mind?
Through their participation in the NHS Dumfries and Galloway Pilot Intrapreneurship Programme, Nick and Lynette gained the skills they needed to articulate the value of their idea and build a solid business model. Through Storytelling and Pitching workshops, Nick and Lynette also developed a new-found confidence for public speaking, something they were both apprehensive about at the start of the Programme. With the support of their peers and Jenny Coxon, Lead Developer at The Lens, Nick and Lynette finessed their delivery and perfected their pitch. On Investment Day, Nick and Lynette presented as a team, securing £7k investment to test their idea. Now, they’re busy making their idea a reality, helping to improve the lives of people accessing health care across the region.
“I’ve always been nervous about public speaking, but come Investment Day, I didn’t feel nervous at all. I was actually looking forward to it!” – Lynette Murray
Since securing investment, Nick and Lynette have met with suppliers to start developing the technology they need to turn their idea into action. They’ve also used the public speaking skills they gained through the Programme to share updates on their idea with several colleagues and speak with local Mental Health practitioners about how their idea might help people live quality lives from the comfort of their own homes.
Not only that, but Lynette has also been busy using the tools and skills she gained through the Programme to communicate other ideas she has that will help improve people’s lives. She has already achieved enormous success, with one idea currently being discussed with senior officials in Scottish Government. Lynette has also been asked to share her knowledge and expertise with officials since completing the Programme.