Wheelair new appointment

Glasgow-based disability equipment supplier WheelAir has appointed Nienke Conijn as Clinical Research Coordinator to help advance the conversation about the risks of heat and moisture on wheelchair users and find solutions to address them.

Prior to working for WheelAir, Nienke studied medicine and is currently finishing her research master’s in clinical epidemiology. She has worked at two hospitals, one of which was an academic hospital where she helped to conduct a research project, assessing all the components that play a role in the wellbeing of patients within a framework of value-based healthcare.

Overheating and sweat can have significant impacts on someone’s ability to carry out their daily activities and their general wellbeing, and as a wheelchair user herself Nienke says that she understands the challenges of managing heat and moisture and how it can impact on everyday living.

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Expanding on the firm’s current research, Nienke’s new role will involve introducing training courses, research partnerships, and investigating materials.

Commenting on her new role, Nienke said: “I’m looking forward to working in a team with really enthusiastic people who want to improve the quality of life of wheelchair users, by giving them back control of their temperature regulation.

“This is something that simply does not get enough attention in the wheelchair world. For wheelchair users, moisture and heat are just things you have to put up with. But I found out, through using a WheelAir myself, that this isn’t the case.

“There is something that can be done about it. So I would love to educate more people on the effects of heat and moisture on wheelchair users and, of course, what we can do about it.

“Besides that, I’m looking forward to conducting research on how WheelAir reduces specific symptoms, like spasticity, in wheelchair users.

“We hope that this can help with the healthcare reimbursement of WheelAir so that, in the end, more wheelchair users can access WheelAir products and improve their quality of health.

“It would be amazing if we can improve the quality of life for more people. And I say that as a wheelchair user with a strong connection to the wheelchair user society.”

WheelAir Managing Director, Corien Staels, said that she was delighted to welcome Nienke to the team and excited about what she can bring to the company.

She said: “Her knowledge, experience and enthusiasm for what we do here at WheelAir means we are all looking forward to working with her.

“With the help of Nienke and her research background, we are hoping to develop an even stronger clinical evidence base to drive the conversation about the risks of heat and moisture and the associated health implications.

“Not only that but, as a wheelchair user herself, Nienke’s first-hand experience of managing these issues means she understands the importance of developing robust solutions to the problem.”

WheelAir was founded in 2016 in Glasgow by Corien, a product designer with a business degree, originally hailing from Belgium. Since its introduction to the market in 2017, WheelAir systems have been sold internationally, providing life-changing results for people all over the world.

Over its relatively short time in the market, the firm has enjoyed continued success, bolstering its team with clinical expertise, expanding its product range with new models, as well as establishing a wholly-owned subsidiary in Holland in February 2020.

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https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Nienke_2.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Nienke_2-150x150.jpgLiane McIvorNewsroomSupplier NewsTrade NewsNienke Conijn,regulation,temperature,wheelAIR,wheelchairGlasgow-based disability equipment supplier WheelAir has appointed Nienke Conijn as Clinical Research Coordinator to help advance the conversation about the risks of heat and moisture on wheelchair users and find solutions to address them. Prior to working for WheelAir, Nienke studied medicine and is currently finishing her research master’s in...News, views & products for mobility, access and independent living professionals