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 Cervical cancer is one of the most common forms in the UK, killing more than 1300 women a year. Despite this the cancer can be easily detected by regular examinations and, if caught early enough, treated and cured. Due to the embarrassment and discomfort caused by the procedure however, thousands of woman each year avoid taking the test.
Danrik_Wedge
The Problem
Much of the problem caused by the test is down to the design of standard examination couches which cause the patient to lie flat on the surgery bed, not the best position for access to the cervix. Nurses often have to use the speculum in the wrong orientation causing discomfort, bruising and possibly lasting damage to the woman’s urodynamics. With the culture of increasing litigation within the National Health Service in the UK this was clearly an area that needed to be addressed.
The Solution: Danrik Wedge
A pelvic wedge-shaped cushion designed by Cromer Nurse Practitioner Lynne Phillippo helps take the trauma out of the test by making it both easier and quicker for health professionals to carry out the procedure. The wedge, which is uniquely designed to tilt the pelvis, will encourage compliance with cervical screening programs and reduce the potential for post-procedural litigation. The fabric cover is latex free, waterproof and breathable.
The wedge (right) can also be used for other pelvic
procedures and the fitting of IUCDs (coils) and has recently been successfully trialed for carrying out transvaginal ultrasound procedures.
The Inventor
Lynne who works at Cromer Group Practice in Norfolk and has over 30 years nursing experience, won an award in a regional innovation competition last year. She says: “I have always felt that cervical smears can be difficult for both patient and practitioner. It can seem intrusive and embarrassing and may be the reason why some women don’t want to attend cervical screening. I wanted to see if we could make the procedure more comfortable and using the dense foam wedge I devised, it tilts the pelvis so that the speculum can be used properly and quickly with much less discomfort”.
Where Can I Get One?
The Danrik Wedge is available for purchase from
Charnwood Healthcare Ltd based in Poole, Dorset. For further details please contact their Sales Manager,
Paul McLintic on Tel: +44 (0)1202 620839
or
Email:
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The wedge is £150 + VAT, and includes a two year warranty against manufacturing defects or faulty materials.
Request details...
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