Patient Safety in Focus
Interview with Marcus Raguse, Managing Director of Novo Klinik-Service GmbH
Novo Klinik-Service GmbH is an established company in the medical technology sector that focuses on the development and production of specialized aids for patient care. With a clear focus on innovation and technical expertise, the company has positioned itself as a competent partner in healthcare. In an interview with the Wirtschaftsforum, Managing Director Marcus Raguse provides insights into the company's history, the challenges of the industry, and future developments.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Raguse, can you first tell us about your background and your role at Novo Klinik-Service?
Marcus Raguse: I have a degree in mining engineering and started my career in mining before switching to the medical sector in 2004. After completing a degree in medical technology and management alongside my job, I became the managing director of another medical technology company in 2009. There, I was able to significantly increase both revenue and employee numbers. About three years ago, I moved to Novo Klinik-Service and have been the sole managing director since mid-2022.
Wirtschaftsforum: What are the most important milestones in the company's history?
Marcus Raguse: Novo Klinik-Service was founded in 1987 by Mr. Patzelt, who developed a tracheal cannula holding strap to improve the inadequate supply of tracheotomized patients. The first product, BePa-Clip®, was a great success and led to rapid growth. In 2015, the company was acquired by SHS in Tübingen, which specializes in supporting medium-sized medical technology companies. Since then, we have focused on meeting regulatory requirements and optimizing the corporate structure.
Wirtschaftsforum: What are the strengths that distinguish Novo Klinik-Service?
Marcus Raguse: Our strengths lie in continuous product development and close cooperation with medical facilities. Over the past few years, we have launched numerous new products, including innovative fixation systems for artificial ventilation in intensive care. These products are crucial for patient safety and care. Additionally, we place great emphasis on training our customers to ensure that our products are used correctly.
Wirtschaftsforum: Can you tell us more about the collaboration with the University Hospital Regensburg?
Marcus Raguse: The cooperation with the University Hospital Regensburg is an exciting project, where we are developing special fixations for complex and sensitive applications together. The close collaboration with an experienced professional user and our expertise in the area of medical fixations is the ideal prerequisite for new products that will make daily application easier and even safer.
Wirtschaftsforum: What challenges do you see in the development of such products?
Marcus Raguse: The biggest challenge is that the fixation systems must be stable enough to safely hold the medical product in place, as well as flexible enough to allow repositioning or mobilization of the patient. This requires careful technical planning and close collaboration between medical professionals and engineers.
Wirtschaftsforum: To what extent does digital transformation play a role in your company?
Marcus Raguse: Digital transformation is very important for us. We have introduced a document management system and are working on electronic billing. These steps are necessary to work more efficiently and to meet the needs of our customers.
Wirtschaftsforum: What does your marketing strategy look like to increase the awareness of Novo Klinik-Service?
Marcus Raguse: We rely on a combination of trade fair appearances and direct outreach in clinics. An important part of our strategy is the training of nursing staff to ensure that our products are used correctly. We want to raise awareness of the importance of professional fixation systems, as many clinics still rely on outdated methods.
Wirtschaftsforum: What products do you plan to bring to the market in the future?
Marcus Raguse: In the future, we would like to expand our portfolio in the area of patient self-protection. These are products that protect patients from self-harm without unnecessarily restricting their freedom of movement. Additionally, we have developed a range for neonatal and pediatric care, as the care of children poses special requirements. For example, we have launched the new NOVO Viola® glove series for adults, toddlers, and infants. The glove series is divided into specific applications for patient self-protection and the motor and sensory training of the hands.
Wirtschaftsforum: What role does sustainability play in your company?
Marcus Raguse: NOVO focuses on this topic. For instance, we produce using green electricity from renewable sources and utilize environmentally friendly packaging materials where possible. A good example is our new patient glove series NOVO Viola®. For this, we use a washable fabric bag as packaging, which thus provides a sustainable additional function for the actual product.
Wirtschaftsforum: What vision do you have for the future of Novo Klinik-Service?
Marcus Raguse: I aim to position Novo Klinik-Service as a leading provider of innovative medical technology solutions that improve patient care. Our goal is to ensure a high level of quality and safety through continuous product development and close collaboration with medical facilities.