Our Entrepreneurs: Daniel Rothwell
Welcome to #OurEntrepreneurs, a series where we meet our innovators and uncover what inspired them to create change. Today, we’re delighted to introduce Daniel Rothwell, joining us from Swansea Bay University Health Board.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I am a Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered Clinical Scientist after completing the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP) in the area of Medical Device Risk Management and Governance. I currently work as a National Research and Innovation Specialist for the NHS Wales National Lymphoedema Team. I am also an expert reviewer for NHS Wales Research Ethics Committee (REC) 6.
Name: Daniel Rothwell, NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Cohort 10
Occupation: National Research and Innovation Specialist
Drawing on my experience as an exercise rehabilitation instructor in the UK Armed Forces and as a sports scientist and strength and conditioning coach in professional football, I went on to complete a PhD at Loughborough University. My research explored how medical image processing can support the rehabilitation of wounded service personnel, including the development of a novel ultrasound image‑processing software capable of rapidly analysing ballistic wounds.
I am passionate about muscle function and how optimising it can help prevent and treat disease, support healthy ageing, and ultimately improve life expectancy. My goal is to empower patients to self‑manage their health and prevent ageing-related conditions associated with muscle function.
Tell us about your innovation
My innovation aims to harness data from numerous sources to give clinicians and patients actionable insights that help prevent disease, manage long‑term conditions, and support healthier living. By increasing awareness of muscle function, and the value of structured, regular exercise and positive lifestyle choices, it will aim to empower people to take control of their health.
This opportunity stems from the growing impact of obesity and frailty on the NHS and the UK’s ageing population. Currently, 1 in 4 people live with obesity, costing the NHS £11 billion each year and the wider UK economy £74 billion annually (1). These figures are projected to rise significantly over the next two decades. Frailty adds a further £5.8 billion in annual NHS costs. When these conditions occur simultaneously, their effects compound, placing even greater pressure on health and care services.
Understanding the behaviours and medical histories of people living with these conditions is essential for designing better interventions. But to do this effectively, we first need to bring all relevant information into one place and make it usable.
Why did you join the programme and how do you hope it will support you?
The NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme was introduced to me through the NHS Wales Research and Innovation Group (RIG) after a presentation from the CEP team. I see this as an opportunity to pursue my entrepreneurial instincts while learning from experienced entrepreneurs and leaders.
I would really like to understand how innovations can be explored and exploited while in NHS employment. I want to understand the different routes to market, exit strategies, and how to build something that can have a long-lasting impact.
What are your ambitions for the next year?
At the end of this year I want to have a demo product developed and have secured initial orders. This will support financing and enable forward momentum.
Why do you think innovation is healthcare is important?
My innovation can help prevent preventable conditions and manage long-term conditions so that people do not develop multiple morbidities. It will use data to empower clinicians to optimise delivery and empower patients to self-manage.
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