Auto-injector holder

A diabetic client had a stroke that left her without the use of her right arm. She was supplied with an Omnipod auto-injector on condition that she was able to use a hypodermic syringe to charge it with insulin. However, the Omnipod is small with a curved top, and has to be held upside down while being charged, which was a problem. We made a small resin block a little smaller than a pack of playing cards, with a non-slip rubber pad stuck to the base. A recess was machined 2 mm larger than the Omnipod in each direction, with a finger cut-out to allow the charged Omnipod to be removed. Pieces of Sugru self-curing rubber, kindly supplied by the manufacturer, were pressed into the four corners of the recess. The Omnipod was wrapped in clingfilm and soaped so that it would not stick, then pressed into the block upside down, leaving Omnipod-shaped impressions in the Sugru.

Thus adjusted, the recessed block holds the Omnipod steady while the client fills it with one hand, without assistance. The Omnipod has an adhesive pad so that it can be stuck to the client’s skin, leaving her free to take part in more or less any activity, including swimming, while being auto-injected for up to three days according to a pre-arranged schedule.

Injection aid

A diabetic man living alone needed insulin injections four times a day, but could not administer them because of dexterity problems: the pen dispenser required too much pressure and was difficult to keep straight. We produced an aid that holds the dispenser vertical and allows the client to press the plunger with the palm of the hand. Approved by the client’s diabetes nurse and medical team, the device has put an end to broken needles and involuntary blood letting!

Spraycan holder

A client has rheumatoid arthritis in her hands, affecting her finger functioning and grip. She also suffers with angina and so needs to use a Nitromin spray, but cannot operate the rather small spraycan due to her arthritis. We built a spraycan holder that is big enough for her to grip in one hand while operating the spray using the palm of her other hand. She can now apply the spray with ease, whenever required.