Draeger opens healthcare innovation hub to support NHS technology adoption

Draeger Medical UK has opened a new innovation hub at its Hemel Hempstead headquarters as part of an investment aimed at supporting the adoption of new technologies across the NHS.

The facility has been designed to provide a collaborative environment where clinicians, NHS organisations and technology specialists can evaluate medical technologies, receive training and explore digital solutions to improve patient care and operational efficiency.

Draeger said the investment aligns with the ambitions set out in the government’s recently published 10-year Health Plan, including accelerating the adoption of digital technologies, delivering more care closer to home and placing greater emphasis on prevention.

Designed to replicate a clinical environment, the innovation hub showcases medical technologies used across perioperative, intensive and neonatal care. It will also be used for product demonstrations, clinical training and collaboration with NHS customers.

The project forms part of a wider refurbishment of the company’s customer-facing facilities in Hemel Hempstead, which includes expanded training and meeting spaces, a larger medical equipment repairs workshop and enhanced employee wellbeing facilities.

Matthew Bedford, managing director of Draeger Medical UK, said the investment reflected the company’s long-term commitment to the UK healthcare market.

‘The Innovation Hub provides a modern environment where healthcare professionals can experience the latest technologies, receive specialist training and collaborate with our teams,’ he said.

Draeger is a long-standing supplier to the NHS, providing equipment including anaesthesia workstations, ventilators and surgical lights, together with technical support and training services. The company said the new facility would strengthen its ability to support healthcare providers adopting new technologies.

Draeger said it continued to invest in skills development through its apprenticeship programme, alongside wider investment in its UK operations and customer support services.