While working in hospitals six years ago, Dr Roisin Molloy and Julie Brien recognised an opportunity to optimise infection control during temperature measurement and offer hospitals huge cost savings and environmental benefits by removing single-use plastics from wards.

In the past 18 months, the business partners have grown their team from four to 12 in response to the increased demand for TriMedika’s professional non-contact thermometer, TRITEMP™. Countries around the world have started to mandate non-contact as the way to future-proof infection spread from routine devices – something Roisin and Julie have long been passionate about.

“The development of the next-generation product is storming ahead: this is a connected thermometer that will communicate with hospital electronic patient record systems, to enable seamless data capture and reduce the risk of transcription errors,” says Roisin.

Julie adds: “Our connected solution could also enable patients to monitor temperature from their home, reducing the need to travel to hospital and exposure to potential infection, decreasing stress and contributing to improved bed flow for healthcare providers,” adds Brien.

The duo have had a prolific and successful few years. The key to TriMedika’s growth was gaining the ISO accreditation, and the CE mark for TRITEMP™. “These accreditations meant we could go to market and start selling TRITEMP™ to hospitals,” says Roisin. “In 2019, we had our first full trust conversion, where a local hospital trust changed out their tympanic thermometers in favour of TRITEMP™. This was the culmination of all the hard work that started in 2015, even before we incorporated the business in 2016, and was a proud and satisfying moment for the team.”

Julie adds: “Being able to increase the size of our team is something we’re also delighted to be able to do; it is immensely satisfying to be able to offer opportunities to others and see them grow and flourish. One of our six core values is ‘act like a rock star’, and this encourages the team to be positive, adventurous, and bold so we can all ‘make things happen’ – another of our core values.”

Their one piece of advice to other women looking to launch their own business is: be confident in yourself and your offering. “If you have the passion and commitment, and a thirst for hard work, anything is possible,” says Roisin. “Never take no for an answer, and build your network around you.”

The pair are delighted to have been recognised in the Female Focus initiative. They believe it’s important that female founders get the encouragement and exposure to show others what’s possible.

Learn more about the winners in the experimental Metaverse virtual gallery.