In the twentieth first of a series of articles on the Big Venture Challenge Winners, we introduce today Neil Basil, founder of Patient Choice.
Big Venture Challenge is a national programme, run by UnLtd and supported by the Big Lottery Fund, to find 25 of the most ambitious social entrepreneurs in England. The 25 winners all want investment so that their enterprises can deliver social impact on a significant scale. They will each receive a unique package of financial and non-financial support to help them achieve their goals. Meet winner No 21:
Neil Basil : Patient Choice
Who are they?
Neil founded national charity Ostomy Lifestyle in 2007, and has grown it into the country's largest provider of support for people affected by stoma surgery, including a professional helpline, training courses for local support groups and healthcare professionals, and an international aid project distributing hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of medical supplies in its first year.
From his work in this sector Neil has seen how failings in the healthcare system mean patients often do not receive the most appropriate appliances for their condition, even though they are readily available on prescription in the UK.
What do they do?
Patient Choice is a new type of medical company, putting patient choice and care above profit. Its prescription delivery service provides medical appliances and impartial information, enabling patients to make their own choices about their own care with the support of clinical professionals.
Why were they selected?
The judges and UnLtd were very impressed by Neil's courage, passion and determination. It is a specialist area where the proposed venture could be truly systems-changing, but will require significant support and advice to do so.
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