A promising fashion graduate is set to revolutionise hospital patient experience.
- Olivia Burns, born with a heart condition, develops practical hospital gowns.
- Innovate UK and Santander support Olivia’s sustainable patient wear business.
- Upcoming pitch at TiE Global Summit could elevate her brand, Hypoplas.
- Olivia’s designs aim to improve patient comfort and dignity while reducing environmental impact.
Olivia Burns, a 25-year-old with a congenital heart defect, has utilised her personal experiences to innovate within the healthcare sector. From Cheshire, and a graduate from Manchester Metropolitan University, Olivia is transforming patient care with her new enterprise, Hypoplas. Her creation of sustainable, cost-effective hospital gowns is set to redefine comfort for patients across the UK.
Receiving financial backing from Innovate UK and recognition through the Santander Universities UK Entrepreneur Award, Olivia’s venture is making significant strides. She is set to present her pioneering concept at the prestigious TiE Global Summit in Bangalore, India, in December. Her journey stems from her own experiences as a child undergoing multiple heart surgeries, which fuelled her determination to address inefficiencies she observed in hospital wear.
Hypoplas features the Inversus gown, designed to preserve patient modesty and enhance comfort during hospital stays. Traditional gowns often necessitate double layering to maintain dignity, leading to increased laundry expenses and environmental concerns. Olivia’s innovative approach aims to address these issues effectively, providing a practical solution for hospitals.
Engaging in a research project with Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Olivia has identified the inefficiencies of traditional hospital attire. Her designs not only focus on patient comfort but also aim to lower the carbon footprint of hospitals by reducing laundry needs. Hypoplas is on the brink of completing its first pilot study, which is anticipated to furnish valuable insights into the practicality and sustainability of its products.
Olivia’s participation in the TiE UK North and the TiE Women Global Program & Pitch Competition 2024 has granted her meaningful exposure and invaluable networking prospects. Though winning is not her ultimate aim, she relishes the opportunity to present Hypoplas to a global audience, gaining insights and learning from the experience. As Simon Arora, TiE Charter Member, remarks, “Olivia is a natural entrepreneur with a passion for innovation and drive to make a difference.”
Olivia Burns’ transformative approach to hospital patient wear holds significant promise for improving comfort and sustainability across the healthcare sector.
