SEEPP Enterprise Awards 2009: Winner Profiles

Category: Early stage

PRACTANNA MEDICAL was founded by Gerry Ryder, a chemical engineer and Anne Houston, a nurse and ileostomy patient in 2007 following three years of extensive research. The company is committed to improving the lives of Ileostomy patients. The idea for the business came from Anne’s experience after her ileostomy surgery. "There were no changes in hospitals since the 70s. This horrified Anne and we decided to look for a better way”. The company is located in the WIT Arclabs facility in Waterford. Gerry completed the South East Enterprise Platform Programme in 2006/2007 academic year.

Practanna completed its product development with the assistance of members of the Irish Ileosotomy Association. Ileostomy patients can take up to 3 years to accept their altered body image and post-surgery, integration back into the community is an upsetting experience. According to Gerry The products reduce stress and anxiety for new patients when they have to empty their pouches up to six times a day. It makes it easier to empty their pouches when they are away from home i.e. trains and planes. There is no need to sit or crouch beside public toilets. Practanna Medical develops products that significantly improve the lives of Ileostomy patients. Practanna Medical is happy to announce the launch of its first products, Ostees and Osteesac.

The company can be contacted by email info@practanna.com. Tel +353-(0)51-302181 and can be viewed at www.practanna.com When asked if he had any advice for individuals considering starting up a business he stated Make sure there is going to be a market for your goods and services. Allow for the fact that everything costs more and takes longer than you think it will. It takes hard work and perseverance. You have to like solving problems and you cant do it all yourself.