Hands-free drinking system for patients, from a patient

In 2005, after undergoing spinal surgery, Mark Moran faced an unexpectedly common yet serious problem: staying hydrated. With limited mobility, simple actions like reaching for a water glass became difficult. The water jug beside his hospital bed was often out of reach, empty, or too heavy to manage without assistance. This experience left him vulnerable to dehydration.

It was this personal challenge that led Mark to develop a practical solution: The Hydrant, a hands-free drinking system designed to support people with limited mobility. What started as a response to his own recovery needs became a product that today is used in hospitals, care homes, and private residences across the UK and beyond.

The Hydrant is a 1L water bottle with a flexible drinking tube and bite valve. It can be hung, hooked, or clipped to beds, wheelchairs, or chairs, offering instant and independent access to hydration. Users simply bite down on the valve and sip through the tube—eliminating the need for assistance, and reducing the risk of dehydration-related complications.
Its simple yet effective design has proven to have a wide-reaching impact. Hospitals using the Hydrant have reported fewer dehydration-related issues. Healthcare professionals benefit as well: with patients able to drink independently, staff can focus on other critical care tasks.

Since its launch, The Hydrant has become a standard fixture in many UK hospitals. In 2013, it received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation, and it continues to be recognized as a high-impact innovation by the NHS.

Adapted from:
https://thehydrationfoundation.org/bios/mark-moran.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyDUNY2nsyk