Meet the innovator: Laura Corcoran, Dignity Care Network

Tell us about the innovation.

The Miscarriage Collection Cradle, part of the Dignity Care Network, is a revolutionary Medical Device designed to support women during pregnancy loss at home or in hospital. Traditionally, women are given nothing to help manage miscarriage at home, often resorting to kitchen sieves and Tupperware containers. In hospitals women are provided with unsuitable containers such as sick bowls.

The device allows baby and pregnancy tissue to be collected in a dignified and compassionate way, supporting clinical testing or personal choices such as burial or cremation.

This innovation is important because miscarriage affects 1 in 4 pregnancies – that’s on average 685 every day in the UK, yet appropriate miscarriage care and support have long been overlooked.

What has been the benefit of the NHS Innovation Service?

The biggest benefit has been connecting with the right people. Signing up was absolutely worth the effort. I’ve received support from almost every organisation on the service, helping me expand Dignity Care’s reach across the UK and better understand how the different NHS systems work. The people I’ve connected with have been incredibly supportive, generous with their knowledge and keen to help us move forward.

Which support organisations have you been supported by?

We have been supported by NHS Supply Chain, NIHR, Health Research Authority, NICE Advice, Health Technology Wales, and Health and Social Care Northern Ireland - also several health innovation networks, including Health Innovation West of England , Health Innovation East, Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber, and Health Innovation East Midlands. The networks have provided valuable support through raising awareness of the innovation, business and commercial guidance, grant writing support, and introductions to key stakeholders and NHS organisations to help drive adoption and impact.

What are the plans/next steps for this innovation?

Our plan is to continue rolling out the Miscarriage Collection Cradle across secondary care settings including early pregnancy, gynaecology, and A&E departments. In less than a year, the device is already in use across 28 NHS hospitals, with further expansion continuing nationwide.

The next step is to remove barriers to healthcare by developing access through community pharmacy services. This will help support patients who may face challenges such as travelling to hospital, childcare responsibilities, work commitments, or limited access to specialist services. It is vital that support is easily and freely available at the time it is needed most.

We also plan to continue expanding into overseas markets across Europe, the United States, and beyond, helping improve miscarriage care globally.

What’s your biggest piece of learning from innovating in the NHS?

My biggest learning from innovating in the NHS is that it is a very large and complex system, and there is no single route, person, or policy that can implement even a strong cost-saving, evidence backed, innovation at scale. Creating meaningful change takes persistence, collaboration, and a genuine dedication to improving patient care.

What are your hopes for the future?

My goal is for every person experiencing the heartbreak of pregnancy loss to be offered the choice of using the Miscarriage Collection Cradle, regardless of their background, postcode, or barriers to healthcare.

What’s the best part of your job?

Hearing feedback from the people my invention has helped. Giving families peace, time, and options to properly mourn their loss makes everything worthwhile. Knowing the Miscarriage Collection Cradle could help spare someone a lifetime of trauma is what drives me every day.

What are your three pieces of advice for budding health innovators?

1. Engage stakeholders across the entire system. Speak to frontline staff who see the problem every day, finance teams focused on healthcare economics, and senior leaders and government officials who influence policy and adoption.
2. Health economics is important. The NHS and healthcare systems have a finite amount of money, time, and resources. Being able to demonstrate genuine improvements in patient care alongside cost savings and efficiency gains will go a long way in supporting adoption and long-term impact. Independent reviews and evaluations can also add significant credibility and help build confidence in your innovation.
3. Celebrate the wins. The journey can be long, and there will always be challenges and pushback along the way. Take time to reflect on what has been achieved and celebrate the difference you are making.