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Firm helping to save babies' lives
IT'S a tiny device that helps to save tiny lives.
A South Tyneside electronics company is helping keep premature babies alive after clinching part of a pioneering NHS contract.
Workers at Summit 1 Technology, based at Bede Industrial Estate, Jarrow, are involved in the development of the Safe Place device, which helps doctors position neonatal intravenous catheters.
Apart from helping protect young lives, the contract will safeguard more than than 50 jobs at the borough firm, a circuit board specialist.
The device was developed by the Regional Medical Physics Department and the Special Care Baby Unit at Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Summit 1 Technology, which was created after a management buy-out at the former Mitsumi factory several years ago, brought its design and technical support to the project, which was co-ordinated by NHS Innovations North in Sunderland.
The Jarrow firm then worked in partnership with Classic Industries Europe to produce the final product for the licensee, Vygon UK.
John Tweedlie, managing director of Summit 1 Technology, said: "It is very rewarding to be able to contribute to the development of any device which supports the work of medical practitioners. When that device is for the benefit of neonates, the original idea for it is generated in the North East and it is eventually manufactured in the North East, it becomes even more satisfying."
The new neonatal device will boost the accuracy and reliability of positioning feeding tubes for food and medication for premature babies.
Mr Tweedlie added: "As a contract manufacturer, we see products from many industries in our factory.
"Medical devices are a pleasing addition to that work and we hope to be able to build on the experience we have gained."
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Thursday 17 May 2012
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