D4D expands its expert panel

Devices For Dignity has strengthened its panel of experts with the additions of two vastly experienced clinicians.

Dr Sandip Mitra has joined D4D’s panel of experts to co-lead the Renal Technologies theme. He will provide further knowledge as this theme expands to cover not only improved patient care in home and hospital dialysis but also looks to address early diagnosis of kidney disease.

Dr Mitra is a Consultant Nephrologist at the Central Manchester Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust where he leads the largest Haemodialysis at Home programme in Europe. He leads transformational change and Innovation in dialysis delivery systems aimed at improving patient experience and outcomes.

Professor Bipin Bhakta has joined D4D to co-lead the Assistive and Rehabilitative Technology theme to further boost knowledge in the area of rehabilitative medicine.

Mr Bhakta is Charterhouse Professor in Rehabilitation Medicine and Head of Academic Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Division of Musculoskeletal and Rheumatics Diseases, University of Leeds.

He is an NHS Consultant Physician and clinical lead for Specialist Rehabilitation Medicine Services at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. He is also a lead for the regional specialist rehabilitation centre for people with disability arising from neurological conditions.

His research focuses on how disabled adults and children with neurological injury (e.g. stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy) and other causes of disability such as musculoskeletal diseases reacquire functional skills.

Dr Nicola Heron, Programme Manager for D4D, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Sandip and Bipin to our expert panel.

“They have exceptional knowledge across two of our key themes and strengthen what is already a highly knowledgeable and proactive group of experts. Having such as vastly experienced panel of experts allows us to provide informed support for companies which are developing new technologies for areas of clinical need.

“We’re looking forward to working with them both on a number of projects in 2013 and beyond.”