CONTENTS 821
EDITOR’S NOTES
Alive Activities is a charity that is dedicated to supporting those living with dementia in the community. On page 17, we feature a fascinating article of when Alive recently collaborated with the Alzheimer’s Society, producing a video showing members of the England men’s football squad experiencing some of the physical challenges faced by people living with dementia by wearing a dementia ‘Empathy Suit’. The video is a valuable resource in providing education and support around Alzheimer’s.
Gina Burton Editor
Asckey Data Services Ltd is our Facilities Management Software Company of the Month. Asckey has established itself as a trusted leader in providing innovative software solutions for the healthcare industry with the NHS continuing to be its largest client base.
Vivid Care Services is our Domiciliary Care Provider of the Month. On page 12, we delve deeper into the quality of care it offers ranging from end-of-life support to dementia care, companionship, and beyond. David Esan, Company Founder, also described how Vivid has created a great cost-effective alternative to institutional care.
Topro UK is our Specialist Walker and Premium Walker Company of the Month. On page 5 we feature the company’s fantastic innovations that have contributed towards elevating general mobility technology in healthcare. We highlight two products: Topro Taurus and Gripo Support Pole, the latter being a recent partnership with Norwegian company, Gripo.
We also feature a full review of 100% Optical 2024, marking its 10th anniversary being the UK’s largest optical show on page 14.
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HEALTHCARE MATTERS
TOPRO UK SPECIALIST WALKER COMPANY OF THE MONTH
BBL BATTERIES DISABILITY &
AUXILIUM MEDICAL SERVICES FACILITIES MANAGEMENT VIVID CARE SERVICES PROVIDER OF THE
MATTERS DRLC FACILITIES MANAGEMENT MATTERS
DATA SERVICES LTD COMPANY OF THE MONTH
NURSING & CARE MATTERS
SPONSORED BY
Keep on moving
In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are delighted to showcase Topro UK as our Specialist Walker and Premium Walker Company of the Month
Mobility aids are integral to rehabilitation from injury or surgery and general mobility, enabling support with walking over short and longer distances. With any patient-centred care, independence and the desire to stay active are prioritised and walkers and rollators are routinely advocated by healthcare professionals from OTs to clinical practitioners.
Topro UK, owned by Topro Industri AS, with its head office in Nottingham, is a wholly owned subsidiary specialising in the manufacturing & distributing of walkers and rollators, supplied direct to the public sector/NHS or via a dealership network to clients for personal use.
The Taurus Walker – available in Electric and Hydraulic Versions, delivers optimised support for the upper body, giving a natural gait, and providing confidence and security in a variety of scenarios, including Orthopaedic surgery, Neuro, and even maternity.
With a maximum user height of 6ft 10.6 inches (2.10m). The 12.5cm diameter wheels afford versatile manoeuvrability through climbing carpet and door edges however still fit under beds and give support even in small spaces. The robust slimline design provides stability and the foot brakes on all four wheels help prevent slips and falls.
The Taurus acts as a natural extension of the client’s body and importantly allows them to step out safely in any direction in a walkthrough gait rather than a step to gait.
The electric has easily electrically adjustable height useable by the client or a carer via remote it offers perfect versatility. With its hydraulic system to adjust the height the hardworking hydraulic can be used in wet environments such as showering, etc.
“Our Topro Taurus is unique across the industry and has been clinically validated to provide confidence to users and help save public sector money by early mobilisation for a large variety of clients including, maternity, neuro, or clients undergoing elective or trauma surgery such as hip or knee replacement,” explained Terence Clark, UK Country Manager.
Topro UK is always looking to innovate and through recent partnership with Norwegian company, Gripo, is delighted to introduce the Gripo Support Pole. Designed as a robust, flexible support aid, the pole helps users stand up and move around the home. It can work by itself or in conjunction with a range of accessories and designed to help transfer into showers or the toilet, reposition in bed or the office, giving maximum independence, without the need for carers.
Topro has a distinguished history, dating back to 1964 in Gjovik, Norway with the manufacturing plant still based there,
“We have restructured our UK workforce and pride ourselves on employing a ‘get it right first time’ mantra and nurturing longterm relationships throughout our business operations.
“We invest heavily in leading R&D and carefully select premium products only to add to our growing portfolio, demonstrating our pedigree and commitment to supporting mobility aids to keep people moving,” added Terence.
Topro UK will be at: P4H Scotland, 25th April 2024, Murrayfield, Edinburgh, and the British Orthopaedic Association Congress 2024: 17 September 2024, ICC Birmingham.
For more information on the full range from Topro, see the links below: www.topromobility.co.uk www.youtube.com/channel/ UCeWbY5zdOQLZdoBM4TzovDw
Topro proudly champions sustainable Nordic manufacturing over that from the Far East.
Lightweight Mobility & Seating
Sean decided to take the leap and start his own rehab business after talking to various therapists and Case managers who wanted a more personal one to one service for clients.
Lightweight Mobility & Seating is a Rehab and healthcare equipment provider aiming to be a one stop shop prides himself on helping client choose the right products.
“My focus is ensuring a client is matched to the right product and I have teamed up with the industry’s best suppliers to ensure I can offer clients choices in order to get the right fit.”
As is his background, Sean specialises in
prescriptive products, working closely with core manufacturers regularly keeping updated with training on their products to ensure he can prescribe products confidently and enabling his customers. for customers and clinicians.
We provide a wide range of equipment including power chairs, manual/powered wheelchairs, Seating, power add-ons, Ergo Seating & desks. Also, trikes for children & adults as well as offering servicing and repairs.
As Lightweight Mobility’s director and main product specialist, Sean prides himself on helping clients choose the right products. “My focus is ensuring a client is matched to the
right product and I have teamed up with the industry’s best suppliers to ensure I can offer clients choices in order to get the right fit.”
As is his background, Sean specialises in prescriptive products, working closely with core manufacturers regularly keeping updated with training on their products to ensure he can prescribe products confidently and enabling his customers.
Wellbee: Empowering those with cognitive challenges
In a world driven by technology, Wellbee emerges as a vital digital tool dedicated to improving the lives of individuals who experience cognitive difficulties. This solution is tailored to offer enhanced self-sufficiency and independence.
Who is Wellbee for?
Wellbee is designed to cater to individuals facing cognitive challenges, such as Dementia, aiming to strengthen their autonomy and self-reliance. It provides personalised support and guidance, helping them navigate daily life with newfound confidence.
What does Wellbee do?
Wellbee transcends the role of an app; it serves as a lifeline for those seeking to become and stay more self-sufficient and autonomous. Its core goal is to empower individuals with cognitive difficulties, guiding them through a world that might otherwise seem overwhelming.
How does Wellbee do it?
At the core of Wellbee’s success lies a straightforward yet potent model: the ‘planner’ and the ‘user.’ This intuitive design fosters and encourages independent living, even for individuals who may have faced challenges in doing so previously.
What are the key benefits of Wellbee to the end user?
: Enhanced Independence: Wellbee empowers individuals with cognitive difficulties to perform
Making events accessible to all
Access Partner to The Disability Expo 2023, Access My Events had an enjoyable first-time experience exhibiting at the show.
The Expo gave Access My Events a platform to raise awareness of the brand as well as network with other like-minded people and organisations. Founder Zubee commented, “As our logo tagline says, bringing businesses and disabled people together, this event did just that!”
Founded by Zubee in 2018, it is already an award-winning business having just won the Small Business Sunday (SBS): one of the largest business networks in the UK founded by Dragon’s Den – Theo Paphitis. Zubee has also been nominated as a finalist for the British Asian Women’s Awards 2024, in the Community Achievement of the Year category.
Having worked in the field of disability, equality and events for many years, Zubee found it difficult to find a job in the events industry so starting her own business was the ideal way to work in a sector she is passionate about.
Access My Events is a unique business model that strives to make events accessible for the disability
daily tasks more independently, fostering a sense of self-sufficiency.
: Improved Quality of Life: Wellbee’s support enhances the overall quality of life for patients and residents, providing a sense of control and accomplishment.
: Personalised Care: Wellbee offers tailored solutions, allowing care providers to meet the unique needs of each patient, ensuring precise and effective support.
: Streamlined Care Management: Occupational
community. Zubee is well-connected to the disability community, living with cerebral palsy herself, she understands the challenges. Her passion to make events more inclusive whilst encouraging others to do so too is what drives the business forward.
If you’re looking to make your event more accessible for deaf and disabled people then Access My Events would love to work with you. Whether it’s a local event or something more large scale, Access My Events will work with you to make your event as inclusive as possible.
Contact 07305 244993
zubee@accessmyevents.co.uk
https://accessmyevents.co.uk
therapists can use Wellbee to create efficient care plans that simplify tracking progress and interventions.
: Positive Impact on Mental Health: Independence and achievement positively influence the mental well-being of patients and residents, reducing frustration and dependency.
Additionally, Wellbee offers cost-effective care delivery, potentially reducing the need for additional resources while enhancing support. Additionally, patients become more self-sufficient and may require less intensive care over time.
Accessible across devices
Recognising the importance of accessibility, Wellbee ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices. The Wellbee iOS and Android app puts support at your fingertips, while the browser-based version guarantees secure, uninterrupted access from any device with an internet connection.
Wellbee transcends the boundaries of cognitive difficulties, making daily tasks more manageable and lives more fulfilling. It’s an essential tool that empowers individuals to reclaim control over their lives.
If you’d like to explore Wellbee further, don’t hesitate to contact: info@aventido.com to arrange a product demonstration or visit: www.aventido.com
Care Homes spending up to £50,000 a year sending food waste to landfill
The average UK business is spending over £50,000 every year on sending food waste to landfill, however, recycling food waste could save care homes up to £7,000 a year, according to new research from Keenan Recycling.
Despite this, only a third (36%) of care homes say that they recycle food waste in order to minimise financial losses and only a third (34%) recycle food waste to avoid costly fines.
However, new legislation due to land in 2024, is expected to mandate that any business producing over 5kg of food waste will need to separate and recycle its waste through a registered food waste carrier service. Failure to comply could put care homes at risk
of potentially hefty financial penaltieswith fixed penalty notices starting from £300.
The legislation is due to be introduced by both DEFRA and the Welsh Government, who are expected to enact the provisions of the Environment Act 2021, and thereby make the separation of food waste from other waste streams a requirement.
Short term investment in proper food waste management systems will bring financial benefits in the mid to long term
However, while the research suggests that care homes are not aware of the potential costs that sending food waste to landfill could incur, it did reveal that care homes are conscious of the indirect financial implications.
Almost half (44%) said they recycle food waste as a response to public sentiment and consumer demand and a further third (32%) of respondents cited that recycling food waste helps
them adhere to hygiene standards.
Grant Keenan, Managing Director at Keenan Recycling, said, “We know our care homes want to implement more sustainable methods of working, but they are facing a lot of pressure right now and there are many misconceptions around the true cost of food waste recycling.”
“Our roundtable with key industry experts, including representatives from the care sector, highlighted this. Businesses revealed that they are worried about the upfront costs involved in introducing new processes such as investing in new bins, onboarding new food
waste providers and providing training for staff.”
“But actually, short term investment in proper food waste management systems will bring financial benefits in the mid to long term. In fact, care homes could see themselves saving thousands each year. On top of this, by looking at how to implement new processes now, businesses can ensure that there is time to support staff through the change and iron out any teething problems ahead of the incoming laws.”
For more insights from the research and findings from Keenan’s roundtable, please visit: https://keenanrecycling.co.uk/theideal-picture-of-food-waste
W&P supporting Health and Social Care providers across the UK
W&P has been supporting Health and Social Care providers with its business planning, compliance and training requirements since 2001, including:
● Policies and Procedures for Domiciliary, Residential, & Clinical Service providers in England, Scotland & Wales.
● Policies and procedures for Learning Disability Services in England.
● Policies and Procedures for nonregistered services in England
● Staff training packs – i.e. Management of Medicines.
● Accredited on-line distance learning training courses.
● Compliance Audits/Mock Inspections
● Tender writing and Bid support
● CQC Registration Support
● General Business Advice and Guidance
New for 2023!
● Updated CQC compliance webinar
● Values Led Recruitment and Retention Webinar
● Children’s Policies and Procedures
● New Online Policy Portal –Manage, read and share your policies at the touch of a button.
For this and much more, please go to our website at: www.wandptraining.co.uk or call us on 01305 767104, we are here to help.
A new, independent company with a new way of thinking. We are able to offer a range of services from weekly testing to full validation and servicing, meeting current specialist requirements within the NHS, Pharmaceutical and Decontamination fields.
DRLC: Setting the standard for Authorising Engineering
D
RLC Ltd provide Authorising Engineers for Mechanical Services in hospitals. The company offer a variety of services including Ventilation, Pressure Systems, Water Safety and Fire Safety. Providing consultancy to Healthcare providers requires an approach that understands these high-pressure environments; they must remain operational 24/7 whilst also keeping patients, staff and visitors safe.
Director Dr Louise Webb described the approach taken by DRLC as follows, “Most important for us is to act as partners for clients to the overall benefit of the NHS. There are various ways of being a consultant and an auditor. One is you line everybody up, tell them what they have done wrong and march out again. We don’t do that. We ask clients how we can help. We ask what their biggest issues are, where they think they need support. Instead of being at loggerheads with the people on the ground, we walk in their shoes.”
In conjunction with Quality Systems Consultant, Richard Dolman of Glade Consulting, the DRLC team worked through all the company processes and procedures to standardise and improve where necessary in order to meet the ISO standard.
The seven principles of ISO9001 quality management are:
: Engagement of people
: Customer focus
: Leadership
: Process approach
: Improvement
: Evidence-based decision making
: Relationship management
Accreditation.
Managing Director, David Livingstone, had the following comments, “We have today been honoured by achieving ISO9001. Our founding Directors have focused on improving customer satisfaction and defining leadership duties and obligations. We will focus on Quality by improving our Consultancy Operations; improving our Service to our clients; improving our workers morale and satisfaction by standardising our operations.”
This is a difficult tightrope to negotiate and DRLC are on a journey of continuous improvement to ensure they get it right. With this in mind Directors, David Livingstone and Louise, as well as Customer Relationship Manager, Carolyne Chapman, have spent over a year developing standard systems and processes in order to fulfil the extremely stringent challenge of passing an assessment for ISO9001 and ISO14001.
The ISO14001 accreditation is an internationally agreed standard that sets out the requirements for an environmental management system. It helps organisations improve their environmental performance through more efficient use of resources and reduction of waste, gaining a competitive advantage and the trust of stakeholders.
DRLC are delighted to announce that we were successful in our efforts. On 3rd April 2024, we officially gained this
As a long-standing advocate of carbon neutral engineering, David was asked what being ISO14001 certified meant to him, “In addition to achieving ISO9001 DRLC have also gained Certification to ISO14001 – the international standard for environmental management systems.
“Not only will this accomplishment help control our environmental impact, but it will also prevent pollution, ensure legal compliance and improve our reputation and corporate social responsibility.”
Vivid Care Services: A holistic approach to supporting patients and families
Vivid Care Services has long been on a mission of becoming THE standard of care in the UK by 2035 since the company was founded by David Esan in 2020. Amid the challenges of COVID-19, David, a retired Learning Disability Teacher and Mental Health Practitioner, had over 20 years of experience that he knew he could incorporate and inject into a compassionate organisation such as Vivid Care Services.
“We initially began our operations in Manchester. Over the years, we have expanded our reach significantly, currently boasting four locations strategically positioned across the country situated in Warrington, London Kings Cross, Bristol Almondsbury, and Derby. We are a compassionate organisation staffed with highly trained professionals dedicated to delivering person-centred care of the highest quality. Our comprehensive range of services encompasses various aspects of care, including end-of-life support, dementia care, companionship, and beyond,” stated David.
Vivid Care Services offer a comprehensive spectrum of support services, including but not limited to: Agency Care Worker Services, Care at Home Carer Services, Respite Care, Support in Hospitals and in the Community, Care for Dementia, Learning Disabilities, Complex Needs, Disability & Cancer, and Independent Living Support.
The company offers an around the clock supported living service that plays a key role in promoting independence and providing personalised support while ensuring the continuity of care. It is also a great cost-effective alternative to institutional care.
“Our supported living accommodations are located in Runcorn, Ellesmere Port, and Wigan. We have successfully accommodated several clients under Continuing Healthcare (CHC) placements, positioning us as a leading provider in the North and West Midlands regions. In addition, our domiciliary support services have undergone significant expansion, enabling us to accommodate more clients and families in their own homes or preferred accommodations,” added David.
Vivid Care Services believe that it’s essential to also address the needs of family and friends involved. By offering emotional support and tailored care solutions, Vivid Care is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all.
“Our services are unique and completely specialised to each individual patient and their family. We take great care in prioritising family engagement by offering enhanced communication channels through technology. We also pride ourselves on offering an unparalleled phone support to clients who may be experiencing loneliness, ensuring they
have someone to speak to and providing an additional layer of support that goes beyond daily caregiver visits. This commitment to maintaining relationships and ensuring the well-being of our clients sets us apart in the industry,” said David.
What clients have said:
“Vivid Care is very professional and considerate in providing night care and have exceeded our expectations.”
“The manager has been extremely available and helpful to us and the two carers who we have had have been lovely, friendly, compassionate women.”
In the coming months and years, Vivid Care Services is poised for significant growth and expansion, driven by its commitment to excellence and its vision for providing exceptional care nationwide.
In preparation for setting up five new locations in key areas across Wales and Scotland, Vivid Care is actively recruiting close to 400 positions across the country that will enhance its offering and help to answer the various needs of clients across the UK.
Company Spotlight: Asckey Data Services Ltd
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare technology, one company stands out for its innovative solutions and unwavering commitment to excellence. For this reason, we have chosen Asckey Data Services Ltd as our Facilities Management Software Company of the Month
With a proven track record spanning over two decades, Asckey has established itself as a trusted leader in providing innovative software solutions for the healthcare industry. The name for the company, Asckey, was based on ASCII, a standard data-encoding format for electronic communication between computers. The first software Asckey worked on was the Workflow and Interface Management System (WIMS) in the healthcare sector, and in 2003, Asckey began hosting and maintaining the Estates & Facilities Management portal, now known as the efm-information portal on behalf of NHS Digital/England.
the focus group that developed the latest National Standards of Healthcare Cleanliness 2021 and proud members of the Association for Health and Care Professionals.
“We have specific capabilities in the provision of facility management software,” said Rebecca.
“We make our software products modular instead of creating one big FM system. Having a collaborative approach with our clients from the start means we can tailor our applications to meet the needs of the client. This is possibly the biggest benefit of our applications compared to competitors.”
Asckey offers a comprehensive suite of software solutions designed to meet the unique needs of healthcare providers. Rebecca Whitwham, Marketing Executive, gave us further insight.
“We develop applications to support the responsibilities of facility managers across a variety of sectors. All our applications are built in-house and primarily consist of: fmfirst® Estates; a comprehensive CAFM system. fmfirst® Cleaning; a cleaning audit tool that meets the National Standards of Healthcare 2021 requirements. fmfirst® Tasking; a task management application, and fmfirst® Survey; a survey creation tool.”
The NHS continue to be Asckey’s largest client base, but the company is also part of
What truly sets Asckey apart is its unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and proof is in the pudding when its NPS Survey that was conducted in November 2023 resulted in some anonymous feedback that stated:
“The software delivers what we need for cleanliness auditing and efficacy annual checks to help us maintain standards. Whenever we have raised a query, the support provided has been very responsive and usually gets us back on track without undue delay.”
Asckey remains at the forefront of innovation, constantly refining and enhancing its solutions to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare
industry. A recent statement released by the company declared, “To support the management of contractor tasks, Asckey Data Services has elevated their fmfirst Tasking software to include a Ward HelpDesk portal. The portal provides a simplified Task Helpdesk and List views and provides easy access for contractors to update tasks as well as upload service records and other relevant documentation. Each task, or contract, can be allocated to a specific contractor, allowing for accountability of tasks, and the streamlined design allows for ease of transfer, and completion of work. Asckey’s Cloud-based task management software provides organisations with a multi-discipline, simplified platform for the creation of defect and planned work.”
Over the next 12 months, Asckey aims to add new features to its applications that can support the ever-changing goalposts of a facilities manager role. Congratulations to the entire team for its dedication, passion, and commitment to excellence within the healthcare industry.
10th edition of 100% Optical hailed success
Marking the 10th anniversary of the UK’s largest optical show, 100% Optical made a welcome return to London’s ExCeL from 24-26 February 2024, with what the organisers called “record-breaking registrations”. 11,725 attendees were recorded at the event – a 10% year-on-year increase on its previous record attendance.
The three-day celebration of the optical business featured exhibitor launches; a jam-packed educational programme with more than 100 hours of free CPD content; catwalk shows including Safilo’s Carolina Herrera takeover; the highly-anticipated Love Eyewear Awards ceremony which honoured l.a.Eyeworks with a Lifetime Achievement Award; the 100% Optical & Royal College of Arts annual student eyewear competition; as well as dedicated areas for contact lenses, independent designers and ophthalmology, which made its debut as
a co-located show. A special anniversary scavenger hunt saw visitors explore every area of the show as they tracked down clues in a bid to win an array of fantastic prizes.
Marlon Cera-Marle, Director, commented after the show, “Every year we look for new and exciting ways to enhance 100% Optical – both to keep our loyal attendees coming back, as well as to attract new audiences – and this year was no exception. The positive feedback and the fact that 80% of space for 2025 is already pre-booked is testament to the team’s hard work and dedication as well as the trust our exhibitors, partners, sponsors and visitors put in us to deliver the UK’s only large-scale optical event.
“It’s an honour to witness how everyone comes together to champion this fantastic industry. There was such a great atmosphere all weekend, which is reflected in our record-breaking numbers, and everyone truly made it a show to remember. We couldn’t be happier with the results and attendance as we look ahead to the next 10 years.”
100% Optical returns next year to London’s ExCeL from 1-3 March 2025. This is our pick of the best exhibitors from this year’s event, listed here in alphabetical order: Myers La Roche. Further details can be found on this page and the next.
Beyond the balance sheet: The nuances of valuing your healthcare practice
For many healthcare practice owners, the thought of selling their business can be both exciting and daunting. The excitement of reaping the rewards of their hard work can be tempered by the fear of navigating the market and getting fair market value (or in an ideal world, the best possible price via the power of the leverage of competitive bids).
Often, accountants are brought in to determine the business’ value, relying heavily on financial statements.
While financials are a crucial piece of the puzzle, a true valuation of your practice goes deeper, encompassing intangible factors that can significantly impact the asking price.
Why accountants can’t tell the whole story Accountants typically use one-size-fits-all methods like multiplying your practice’s adjusted profit (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation – EBITDA) by an arbitrary multiple. This provides a starting point, but it fails to consider key factors specific to healthcare businesses that significantly influence the appropriate multiple of adjusted profits to be used:
: NHS contract vs private patient mix –an NHS contract can still be a valuable thing, but more clinicians are finding the constraints untenable and turning to specialisation to build a loyal private patient base. In the right location, a strong reputation for personalised service and clinical expertise can translate into increased revenue and a higher valuation. : Location and demographics – A practice situated in an affluent area with a growing population trading profitably against a backdrop of solid existing competition will typically command a premium compared to an unopposed practice in a more impoverished area. The supply of clinical healthcare resources within a commutable radius also has a major impact on the number of potential buyers and the realisable sale price.
: Inventory and equipment – Modern, wellmaintained equipment and an attractive practice will help your business now and will appeal to potential buyers in the future.
: Staff expertise and culture – A skilled, experienced team fosters a positive patient experience and reduces training costs for the new owner.
Exit planning: More than just a price tag
The good news is that understanding the factors impacting value doesn’t and shouldn’t require waiting for a sale. Enter exit planning, a proactive approach analysing the same factors that specialists use to evaluate a sale value, to gain valuable insights to improve your practice’s overall health and profitability – setting yourself up for a successful exit on your terms, whenever you choose.
Here’s how exit planning empowers you as a healthcare business owner:
: Strategic Growth – Identifying your practice’s strengths and weaknesses allows you to develop targeted strategies to enhance value. This could involve expanding your patient base through marketing initiatives, focusing on highmargin products and more specialised examinations, or investing in staff training to enhance patient care.
: Succession Planning – Thinking about exit options early on opens doors. Perhaps you envision passing the practice on to a trusted employee or family member?
Knowing your business’ value now helps structure a smooth ownership transition and efficient tax planning which can make a significant difference to the amount of money you walk away with.
: Negotiation Leverage – When the time comes to sell, a comprehensive understanding of the value drivers beyond financials empowers you to negotiate effectively with potential buyers. You can demonstrate the true earning potential of your practice and secure a more attractive price.
By focusing on these areas, you’re not just making your practice more profitable in the short term, but also laying the groundwork for a successful exit in the future.
Conclusion
Selling your healthcare business is a significant life event. While financial statements are important, a true valuation delves deeper to consider the intangibles that make your practice unique. Implementing exit planning strategies now not only empowers you with valuable business insights but also paves the way for maximising your practice’s
worth whenever you choose to step away. Remember, a thriving, well-rounded practice with a loyal following and a strong team is a highly sought-after commodity. By focusing on these aspects, you can ensure that your exit is not just financially rewarding but also a testament to the success you’ve built.
Navigating the intricacies of valuing your healthcare practice is a complex task. As a specialist consultancy, Myers La Roche can provide invaluable guidance. We can help you not only understand the true value of your practice but also develop a strategic roadmap to maximise it.
Our expertise is founded on thirty years of valuing, supporting and selling Opticians, Audiologists and Podiatrists through our family of companies, and our friendly team are the experts in the field.
Myers La Roche was established in 1985 and soon developed a reputation as a trusted partner to the independent optical sector. As the market evolved to see more hearcare delivered alongside eyecare, Audiology Business Central was born. With clear synergies between these niche sectors and their patient bases, Podiatry Business Central followed soon after to support the growing independent podiatry sector.
We can’t do your tax return, but we can help you can ensure a smooth transition and a successful exit whenever you choose, allowing you to step away with the peace of mind and financial security you deserve.
Please contact 0161 929 8389 info@myerslaroche.co.uk
https://myerslaroche.co.uk
https://audiologybusinesscentral. co.uk https://podiatrybusinesscentral.com
The friendly Myers La Roche Team are led by Georgina Myers (Practice Sales) and Dom Watson (Consultancy)
Blueleaf Care launches the Integra-Mat mattress to alleviate and prevent all grades of pressure sores
Blueleaf Care, the nationwide business that helps care homes deliver better outcomes, has launched a new pressure care mattress suitable for all pressure sores, from Grades 1 to 4, and can be used as a static or a fully dynamic alternating therapy mattress for high-quality care.
The Integra-Mat, which is available to care homes exclusively through Blueleaf Care and augments the company’s existing Universal Therapy System (UTS), is a therapeutic support system which provides the best in comfort, function, efficiency, and clinical excellence in line with best practice guidelines.
Described as a hybrid step-up, step-down mattress system, the Integra-Mat can be used as a static mattress, or it can be stepped-up to support the active prevention or treatment of painful pressure sores and ensure residents who do experience them remain as comfortable as possible. Over 700,000 people in the UK suffer from pressure sores, almost all of which (95%) are avoidable with the right care and equipment.
For residents requiring Grade 1 pressure care, the air mattress fully inflates in static mode with the foam mattress on the top
surface under the cover; for Grades 2, 3 and 4 the air mattress cells, or air pockets, fully inflate and deflate around the pressure sore in dynamic alternating mode. This action mimics residents’ natural sleep movements to optimise the flow of blood and air to the affected area. The integral foam mattress can be stowed underneath the cells, if needed, for Grades 3 and 4 to create a full mattress system with maximum therapeutic hyperaemia.
Additional features include: ‘Auto Weight’ which automatically weighs the patient and adjusts pressure accordingly, removing the need for manual intervention; ‘Auto Upright’ which automatically optimises pressure when the patient is sitting up; and ‘Auto Firm’ which adjusts the system to static
England players experience what it’s like to live with dementia
None of us can comprehend what it feels like living with dementia but by learning what symptoms to look out for, we can better support each other.
Supporting the Alzheimer’s Society is crucial in raising awareness, providing resources, and funding research to improve the lives of those affected by dementia. Alive Activities has recently collaborated with the Alzheimer’s Society to create a video showing members of the England men’s football squad experiencing some of the physical challenges faced by people living with dementia by wearing a dementia ‘Empathy Suit’.
England players Kyle Walker, Ivan Toney and Jarrad Branthwaite were dressed up in the suit, made up of 13 components that inhibited mobility, motor skills, vision, and hearing, and were asked to complete a number of tasks
including buttoning up a shirt and dribbling a football.
As part of The Football Association (FA) and Alzheimer’s Society’s official charity partnership, the video was launched ahead of England’s game against Belgium, which was dedicated as an ‘Alzheimer’s Society International’.
The video was produced by Alive Activities, a charity dedicated to improving the quality of life of older people and their carers, and a charity that is dedicated to supporting those living with dementia in the community.
Working alongside Bristol Dementia Wellbeing Service, Isobel Jones, CEO of Alive Activities, spent the day at St. George’s Park and had this to say, “The Empathy Suit can be quite a moving experience, and we saw how surprised the players were to get a sense of some of the challenges people living with dementia often face. Of course, the most common symptoms of dementia, including memory loss and confusion, are non-physical, but what a lot of people don’t realise is the breadth of symptoms and challenges that can make everyday activities harder than usual.”
By developing and sharing online resources and videos that reflect the ‘real life’ challenges, changes and difficulties that dementia can
maximum inflation to allow for nursing and care procedures. Importantly, there are no external pumps hanging from the bed that can hinder carers, and an ultra-rapid CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) valve readies the mattress for chest compressions.
Russell Andrew, Product Category Manager, Blueleaf Care, believes the Integra-Mat provides care homes with a better approach to treating pressure sores. “Therapy can be adapted to the grade of pressure sore with minimal disturbance to residents,” he explains.
“The pump is fully integrated into one corner of the mattress, eradicating trailing electric leads and air hoses, which is safer for carers as they work, and is more aesthetically pleasing. The ultra-quiet pump and the integral foam layer of the mattress help improve residents’ sleep. Ultimately, the system is designed to speed up residents’ recovery, reduce the workload for carers and support better quality care.”
To discover more about the Integra-Mat, please visit: https://store.blueleafcare. com/product/pr766266-integra-matauto-dynamic-mattress-system
bring is a fantastic way of helping others to understand the harsh realities of the disease.
By collaborating with the FA, it gave both charities the opportunity to share such an important message on a global stage. When watching the video, it was evident that the three lion’s players went through an emotive journey that truly helped them to understand the challenges that come from living with dementia.
This video is a valuable resource in providing education and support but also to inspire others to get involved in supporting the Alzheimer’s Society and the broader dementia community.
To find out more about Alzheimer’s Society’s partnership with The FA and work within sport, as well as information on symptoms and diagnosis, visit: www.alzheimers.org.uk/sport
To find out more about Alive Activities and its work within the community, visit: https://aliveactivities.org/
Kingsway’s brand new KwikShip Door Configurator
As a partner in patient safety to over 85% of NHS Mental Health Trusts, our anti-ligature and anti-barricade solutions have been the preferred choice in over 10,000 specialist projects.
Launched in January 2024, the brand new Kingsway Group KwikShip Door Configurator allows our Construction and Architect partners to design one of our 3 leading Anti-Ligature Door Systems on-line and receive a technical drawing instantly, along with a follow up quote. Giving you the flexibility to receive the information when you need it.
What is Kingsway’s 3/4/8 Service?
3-Day Door Replacement
If a Kingsway door is damaged, it’s critical that a replacement is fitted without delay. To ensure this, we’re
committing to the manufacture and installation of replacement Kingsway doors in just 3 days.
4-Week KwikShip
A fast-tracked 4-week manufacturing schedule available for a streamlined selection of Kingsway Group Complete Door Systems. With KwikShip, it will now be possible to order and receive specialist doorsets in just four weeks from approval of the door design and quote.
8-Week Standard Lead
Our standard lead time will be 8-weeks from approval of the design and quote to delivery, applicable to the entire Kingsway Complete Door System range.
Fluorescent lighting ban’s impact on emergency lighting
P4, the UK’s largest independent self-testing emergency lighting specialist, emphasises that the UK Government has announced dates for phasing out fluorescent lamps to reduce environmental impact.
T8 (2’, 4’ & 5’) fluorescent tubes cannot be placed on the market since 1st September 2023, while others including T5, and compact fluorescent will be unavailable from 1st February 2024. P4 said, “As T8 and T5 tubes are used in emergency lighting and exit sign fittings, replacements will not be available once existing stocks have been exhausted.”
The company added, “Failure of an existing fluorescent lamp with no possibility of replacement renders emergency lighting non-compliant with BS5266. This risks lives and opens the possibility of prosecution under
the 2005 Fire Safety Order. Upgrading to LED technology is the perfect solution. Functional benefits include increased product life, reduced maintenance, energy saving, and improved light spread.”
Steve Rham, P4 Sales and Marketing Director, says, “The wide range of P4’s upgrade options really set the company apart. We not only offer new LED emergency luminaires but also the option of replacement gear trays to upgrade existing fluorescent luminaires (both P4 or otherwise) to LED.”
Get in touch: 01328 850555.
Providing light at times of emergency since 1968
When you are considering your emergency lighting and back-up power requirements, you need to be sure you are in safe hands. The responsibility of operating a building or facility with public access can be wearing at times. You need the reassurance that in the event of an emergency the proactive steps you have taken to mitigate risk are backedup by equipment you can trust. As an established and dedicated supplier and manufacturer of emergency lighting and power systems, BLE can offer you over 55 years’ experience.
At BLE, we’re passionate about delivering high quality products and
services tailored to your needs. Our team boasts extensive technical know-how and stays up-to-date on industry and legislative standards, ensuring we provide fully compliant solutions for projects of all sizes. Our new BLE Connect Fully Automated Emergency Lighting System will simplify the maintenance of your emergency lighting and assist in meeting legislative requirements with ease, all in real time.
Contact 01246 432325
sales@blelighting.co.uk
SDS: A ‘one-stop’ door solution provider
SDS is a leading UK designer and manufacturer of specialist doorsets for healthcare and clinical environments.
It said, “Our doorsets are designed for their application and environment, so whatever your requirement, we have the right doorset for you, including lead-lined variants. Our range of door systems has been created based on our experience in the
industry, and is designed to offer a one-stop solution for compliant, highperformance doorsets comprising doors, frames, vision panels, and ironmongery solutions, all of which are fully backed up by the relevant test data and certification.”
Please contact 01420 543222 sales@specialistdoorsolutions.com https://specialistdoorsolutions.com
Transform Employee Engagement with One Powerful Platform. Terryberry’s industry leading Recognition Platform is a single hub with everything you need to build an effective employee recognition programme in your organisation, including Milestone & Service Awards, Employee Benefits, Social Recognition and Engagement, Wellbeing and Feedback & Engagement.
Renray are committed to designing furniture, beds and interior solutions with the end user in mind and tailoring our services and solutions to fulfil your requirements and vision for your care home. Our health and social care furniture, profiling beds, PAC and medical equipment are manufactured in our purpose built factories in Cheshire and Europe.
Integrity® Static Cushion Range
Here at Sumed, we manufacture and distribute a wide range of medical products and services. Our products are designed for the healing and maintenance of healthy skin, including pressure ulcers, with products ranging from very low risk to very high risk of developing a Pressure Ulcer.
size that is right for you, we can make one to suit your needs.
We supply this cushion to both the NHS and also to trade customers. At a suitable price, this cushion is cost-effective for the qualities it provides, such as being lightweight. The cushions are clearly colour labelled with the weight limit and risk level which helps you identify which cushion is which. Please
One product that we supply is Integrity Static® Cushion Range. This is a new range of cushions, with the risk levels ranging from comfort to very high risk. This cushion range offers 3 weight limits, 17st, 28st and 50st making this cushion suitable for the majority of users. We can also provide custom sizes in this range so if there isn’t a
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