The Tookie vest for oncology is developed for cancer patients, who are fitted with a central venous catheter and helps them during the time that they receive chemotherapy. It has secured a place at Innovate 2016, an event that showcases UK’s innovations. The vest is made from warp spacer material, which is 100 per cent polyester coated with Polygiene. The warp spacer material makes the vest non-flammable and allows it to be washed at high temperatures without any damages to its properties. The Polygiene material used in the vest is an all-natural silver salt with anti-bacterial properties. When patients are fitted with a central line catheter, it is important to protect this line from displacement and to ensure it is kept clean to reduce infection and discomfort. The vest developed by the healthcare innovation business Tookie, keeps the catherter secure by containing it within the vest and its pouch. Designed for comfort, the vest is meant for children, but can also be used by adults. The company consulted clinical teams, academics, children suffering from cancer and their parents before developing it. The Tookie vest improves the comfort of children and allows them to move and act without fear of displacing their line, whilst reducing the anxiety and concern that parents and caretakers often feel.
