40+ years delivering Sustainable Architecture across the U.K. At Quattro, we design Architecture for the people who will benefit from the places and spaces we create. Our designs excite and inspire, exceeding expectations. Sustainability, Collaboration and Social Value lie at the heart of our work.
In 2024, biotechnology is playing a pivotal role in transforming the healthcare industry through a variety of innovative advancements. On page 6-7, we feature a full review of The London Biotechnology Show that was held from 8-9th of May 2024 at London’s Olympia. Some of the show’s hot topics included: biopharma, biomanufacturing, next generation synthetic DNA, bio innovations and the potential of R&D tax relief as a strong non-dilutive funding source. We also list a pick of our Top Exhibitors from the event.
Gina Burton Editor
eFOLDi® offers award-winning mobility solutions that revolutionise the lives of people with disabilities and mobility impairments. eFOLDi has garnered industry acclaim since winning the British Invention of the Year Award in 2016, and on pages 8-9, we feature eFOLDi’s three most popular models: the UK road-legal Explorer, the ultra-light Lite, and the versatile Power Chair.
In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are thrilled to highlight Keenan Recycling Ltd, our Waste & Recycling Company of the Year. On pages 16-17, we explore their record-breaking achievements and impressive collection of awards. We address the question, “Why choose Keenan Recycling?” by providing an in-depth look at the company’s operations and its pivotal role in recycling food waste within the care sector.
Other show reviews included: UK Care Week 2024, ACE 2024.
Other topics covered: Sustainable Water Management, Cleaning & Hygiene, Care Home Brokerage Professionals, Communications & Technology, Occupational Therapy, Workwear, Healthy Food & Nutrition, Disability & Mobility, Medical Technology.
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LIVING FOODS FOR HEALTH HEALTHY FOOD & NUTRITION MATTERS BES HEALTHCARE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY MATTERS
HEALTHCARE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY MATTERS
SUSTAINABLE WATER MANAGEMENT MATTERS
In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are delighted to showcase Vernacare as our Healthcare Solutions Manufacturing Company of the Month
Serious health issues are perpetually in the headlines, and the costly impact of Healthcare-associated infections (HCAI’s) and needlestick injuries is of great concern to those affected.
HCAIs pose a serious threat to patient safety. Over four million people acquire a HCAI every year in Europe alone, with around 37,000 people dying annually as a direct result of the infection1. There are also worrying statistics about low rates of cervical smear tests. The NHS reports that three out of ten women do not regularly attend cervical smear tests, which are vital for the early detection of the HPV virus, which can lead to cervical cancer.2
Introducing Vernacare: Empowering the healthcare sector with world-class, sustainable solutions
Vernacare offers infection prevention, clinical waste management and surgical solutions to thousands of customers across the global healthcare market. With five UK manufacturing facilities, reaching over 65 international countries via a network of distributors, Vernacare had a turnover of £128 million in the last financial year.
In today’s climate though, it is not enough to solely manufacture premium healthcare products, they need to be sustainable too. With all eyes on the UK Government’s 2050 Net Zero targets and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Vernacare is striving to reduce its own manufacturing carbon footprint, by championing its own ‘Strive for 45’ initiative. Recognised with an EcoVadis Bronze Medal, Bronze Carbon Literacy Status and Medilink Sustainable Award in the ‘Healthcare Business Awards 2024, this company is trailblazing its sustainability best practices.
In 2024, Vernacare secured research funding for the University of Manchester’s Henry Royce Institute that could lead to more sustainable product development of their pulp washbowls. This year also saw the closure of Vernacare’s surgical instrument manufacturing facility in China, bringing more manufacturing back to the UK, creating 12 additional jobs and the removal of 28 tonnes of CO2e from the firms carbon footprint each year.
Spotlight on Vernacare’s history
Vernacare has acquired a rich history, dating back to 1848. The business has grown significantly by
acquisition strategy to incorporate a number of healthcare manufacturers across the UK, all with a focus on manufacturing single-use items to meet infection control best practices.
The modern day Vernacare boasts a portfolio of healthcare solutions. Since 2017, Synergy Healthcare, Frontier Medical, Robinson Healthcare and Splice Cast Limited were all acquired, adding to a growing range of expert woundcare, clinical waste containers, surgical instruments and women’s health devices.
Vernacare celebrates a distinguished heritage in healthcare manufacturing dating as far back as when Robinson Healthcare was established in the mid 1800’s, supplying wound dressings to soldiers during the Crimean War. The early 1900’s saw dressings supplied for soldiers during World War One and after the introduction of the NHS in 1948, Vernacare began to create medical pulp for use in healthcare facilities in 1964 at the Bolton facility, with its 60th anniversary celebrated this year. Vernacare has continued to pioneer product and manufacturing developments across the portfolio,
and invests heavily in new technology and research & development for the future.
Manufactured in the UK, with International reach In the fight against HCAIs, Vernacare offers a range of leading infection prevention brands sold to healthcare facilities around the globe, designed to break the chain of infection.
: Vortex Air: The latest hospital macerator, with in-built SmartFlow™ technology to enable freeflowing drains and touchless technology to limit cross-contamination.
: Azo™: The range of wipes and sprays provide healthcare professionals with simple and effective solutions for cleaning and disinfection.
: Conti: Dry and Wet wipes for personal hygiene.
The Vernacare UK-based team have been busy showcasing their product ranges to delegates at numerous events across the UK aswell as launching its new range of 5 and 7 litre Sharpsafe® containers this year.
Driving needlestick injury prevention
The NHS received 2,600 claims for needlestick injuries between 2012-2022 – amounting to £10.8 million in claims.3 Vernacare have been at the forefront of raising awareness with healthcare staff and this year gave a keynote speech to over 80 nurses on Needlestick Injury Prevention at the IPC Link Champion Network Day in June. Jenna Davies: Global Product Manager for Clinical Waste Management explained how to avoid sharps injuries and showcased the new range of 5 and 7 litre Sharpsafe® containers.
The new 5 and 7 Litre Sharpsafe® containers launched in 2024 now have industry leading safety feature Dual Protect Pro™ – designed to prevent spillage and encourage space saving horizontal fill. The container bases are made from 100% recycled material, manufactured on energy-efficient machines, reducing carbon emissions in the manufacturing process.
From war-time wound care to modern-day surgical solutions
Today, Vernacare is recognised as a global healthcare solutions provider that continues to offer
a diverse range of surgical instruments, procedurebased instrument packs, laparoscopic retrieval bags, ENT devices and specialist wound care, including the following:
: Instrapac®: Popular for routine and minor surgical procedures, with a selection of podiatry instruments showcased at the Malvern Diabetic foot conference earlier this year.
: Ultraspec: Women’s unbreakable* vaginal specula for gynaecological procedures such as cervical screening, were promoted at the Primary Care Show, BSCCP and BMS events in Spring.
: The Comfi™ range of tubular bandages for children and adults were showcased at the Skin Tear Pathway Event in Swindon in early July, for all dressing retention and dry wrapping needs.
: bert®: One of the first tissue retrieval bags to be used by laparoscopic surgeons
Vernacare Academy and Online Resource Portal Vernacare offer a leading range of online accredited courses on infection prevention, clinical waste management and surgical solutions, available 24/7 for learner convenience.
The Online Resource Portal meanwhile offers an extensive online directory of resources for Vernacare’s network of global distributors, helping customers improve product knowledge through a centralised information hub.
In conclusion, Vernacare celebrates its rich heritage dating back to the mid-19th century, harnessing technology, manufacturing efficiency and evermoresustainable processes to deliver high quality products and services to the global healthcare market.
To find out more today, please see the contact details and website below: +44 (0)1204 529494 https://vernacare.com
1) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/healthcareassociated-infections-hcai-point-prevalence-survey-england
2) NHS England » Women urged to take up NHS cervical screening invitations
3) Launch of resources on preventing needlestick injuries –NHS Resolution
*Unbreakable in normal use, independently tested by SMTL
The London Biotechnology Show is the leading UK biotechnology event for the industry, helping drive cutting-edge innovations across medical and healthcare sectors nationally and around the globe.
This year’s show was held from 8th-9th May at London’s Olympia, bringing key stakeholders together with over 72 leading national and international exhibitors for two action-packed days under one roof. With industry-leading keynote speaker, thought-provoking panel discussions, exclusive new product launches and promising sales leads, attendees and exhibitors alike were impressed by the event organisation and high-quality footfall.
The show primarily focused on the following areas: Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Genomics and Genetic Engineering, Molecular Diagnostics & Advanced Therapeutics, Medical Devices and Biomedical Engineering, Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering, Digital Health and Healthcare Informatics, Agri Tech and Food Tech, Environment & Sustainability, Nutraceuticals, and Biostimulants.
Exhibitors were able to showcase new products and services, generate high-quality new sales leads and sales pipelines, create brand awareness and gain industry awareness from global think tanks and individuals.
Noteworthy speakers included scientist George Prout discussing ‘Rapid Process Development for Bioreactor Scale-Up (using HEK 293 cells for AAV production)’ and Charles Hickson, Deputy Head –Strategic Sectors at UK Export Finance (UKEF) gave a fascinating session on UK Government Support for The Life Science Sector to a full audience.
Other hot topics included: biopharma, biomanufacturing, next generation synthetic DNA, bio innovations and the potential of R&D tax relief as a strong non-dilutive funding source.
One of the prized featured speakers: Dr Alexander Ariel Padron Gonzalez praised the show, “The sheer number of people you can connect with here to enhance your network and foster collaborations is astounding.” The networking possibilities were endless, allowing many companies to not only showcase products and services to a vested audience but also meet prospective regional partners.
The scale of innovation was truly breathtaking from enterprising start-ups to more established companies including: benchtop systems for dental prostheses, rotating spiral biofilm bioreactors and
ethical (pre-clinical testing) with customised living organ systems.
Artificial Intelligence featured heavily at the two-day event, which was to be expected with predictions showing that adopted AI programmes could help eradicate healthcare medication dosing mistakes over the coming years and exciting developments evolving in neonatal care in particular. Panel discussions focused on Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Clinical Trials through to Recombinant DNA Technologies.
The president and CEO of AltruBio Inc: Dr Judy H. Chou in particular, gave a memorable, thoughtprovoking presentation on ‘Restorative Medicine: restoring tissue function through stem cell therapies.’
Over 4,000 visitors attended this year’s show and came from a diverse range of backgrounds including researchers, policymakers, investors and entrepreneurs, with many enthusing about the quality of exchanges and exhibitors, “Meetings like this one are the lifeblood of the biotech industry, at a time when connection, collaboration and investment are needed the most.”
The Startup Showcase gave an opportunity for newcomers to meet industrial experts, especially the Startup Pitching Programme which was a dynamic pitching experience for wannabee entrepreneurs to have a go at selling ideas in front of an audience packed with experts.
Here at Healthcare Matters, we have hand-picked out four Top Exhibitors from across the show:
1) Restore Harrow Green Laboratory Services: These expert, trustworthy movers can offer complete lab relocation programmes, including confidential data, chemicals, precious research samples, refrigerated components, instruments, and precision equipment.
2) Avidity Science: Innovative water purification and delivery systems. During this show, the team showcased a range of lab water purification systems for a diverse range of applications, including the new sustainable Solo™ S unit.
3) Hammersmith Medicines Research Ltd: This clinical research organisation focuses on early clinical trials of new medicines for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies across the globe. It is the largest organisation of its type in the UK field, has completed over 1,000 trials and can provide study designs and clinical reports.
4) MTS Cryostores: Experts in bio banking & bio-repository, archive sample storage, disaster recovery and specialist sample transport. The HLT fully licensed company has engineers on call 24 hours a day, on every day of the year.
The UK Government has always traditionally supported the UK medical/biotechnology industry, recognising its leading position in the global arena. The market is set to grow further by 7.1% over the next few years due to sustained investments and cutting-edge technology advancements, cementing further R&D and global sphere of influence.
Biotechnology plays a pivotal role in medical healthcare through pioneering breakthroughs in R&D that revolutionises medical trials, leads to undiscovered knowledge and ultimately lifesaving cures.
Next year’s London Biotechnology Show will take place at London’s ExCeL, the first venue in the country to become carbon-neutral. It has been awarded the PAS 2060 certification by Carbon Saver: the only international recognised standard for carbon neutrality.
This is our pick of the best exhibitors from this year’s event, listed here in alphabetical order: Luna 9 Design. Further details can be found on this page and the next.
Amid the sea of science pioneers at the London BioTechnology Show, Luna 9’s stand stood out with its bold message: ‘We’re a creative agency dedicated to explaining what you do and why it matters.’ We sat down with Co-founder and Strategy Director Michael Green (pictured) to learn more about this intriguing presence in the exhibition hall.
What inspired you to attend, given your focus on brand and design?
We knew the room would be full of amazing people with brilliant ideas that can make a real difference in the world. However, we often find that companies at events like this struggle to gain traction because their work is so complex
and can be hard for diverse audience groups to grasp.
We’re here to help explain their big ideas clearly and confidently so they don’t miss out on the impact they deserve.
What challenges are you tackling for healthcare businesses?
We handle everything from designing campaigns to full-scale branding, but a big focus here is helping companies showcase their complex technologies in a way that grabs attention and wins support from investors and partners.
How do you turn complex concepts into persuasive stories?
We always start by quickly gaining a clear understanding of the topic. We know the right questions to ask to help our clients see their work from new angles. This approach breaks them free from the narrow perspectives that can come from deep expertise.
Then, we craft what we’ve learned into a compelling narrative that shapes our messaging and design.
Can you share any particular projects that have inspired you?
There are so many! Across sectors including science, renewables, healthcare, and technology,
we’ve had the privilege of working with global organisations like Dyson and the WHO, as well as cutting-edge tech startups and scaleups.
One recent standout is our collaboration with Boston biotech Pepper Bio. They’ve developed a genuinely groundbreaking machine learning platform to accelerate drug discovery and find cures for conditions once thought incurable but were struggling to cut through to a non-PhD audience. We loved being able to help tell their story in a way that opened all the right doors.
What’s next for Luna 9?
We’re excited to spread the word about how we can help more innovators like those we met at the show. If anyone needs a hand in getting their big idea understood and appreciated, get in touch! Contact Michael
Technology has played a pivotal role in offering robust, cutting-edge mobility solutions for the modern era, transforming countless lives in the process. Thanks to the pioneering, innovative designs of eFOLDi, many disabled people and those with mobility impairments now enjoy greater levels of freedom and independence
The world of eFOLDi®
eFOLDi are renowned industry-leading experts in the design of award-winning lightweight, compact, portable mobility solutions.
In 2012, Jianmin Wang, the father of eFOLDi CEO Sumi, suffered a severe leg injury from a stage fall. During his recovery, he was surprised by the lack of lightweight, compact, and portable mobility scooters on the market. Seeing an opportunity, he designed one himself, ensuring it maintained his freedom and independence.
In 2016, Sumi Wang joined her father Jianmin Wang and officially founded the company. The business quickly gained industry attention, winning the British Invention of the Year Award the same year. Sir Richard Branson, impressed by the ‘folding magic’ of the eFOLDi designs then provided seed funding. The
followed
Spotlight on eFOLDi
This pioneering family-run business has continued to excel in the industry since its inception, offering customers a choice of three popular and awardwinning models.
These three products include the Explorer, the Lite and the Power Chair and all come complete with battery and charger, one month’s free insurance, full 12-month manufacturer warranty and free delivery. Customers can book a free, no-obligation home demonstration for ease and convenience.
The eFOLDi Explorer
This multi-award-winning portable mobility scooter is lightweight, due to its aluminium alloy properties. The UK road-legal Explorer can travel up to speeds of 8mph, with an extensive range of 14 miles with excellent ground clearance and able to cope with multiple terrains. It comes complete with battery and charger. If you’re planning a day out, the Explorer simply folds up for public transport or it pops easily in the boot of a car. The robust design can carry passengers up to 19 stone/120kg with ease.
The eFOLDi Lite
This ultra-light scooter is the lightest model yet, bringing a new meaning to innovative mobility solutions. The award-winning model makes folding effortless and weighs only 15kg (without battery), passengers can easily fit it in the car boot, public transport and even on planes. It can
carry passengers up to 19 stone/120kg, with the magnesium alloy frame offering robust, yet lightweight features. It is a pavement scooter and is often a natural next scooter after the Explorer.
This lightweight, folding powered wheelchair is designed for everyday mobility, for those who can no longer use a scooter with optimal comfort. The aluminium alloy Power Chair folds up simply and easily, and fits easily into most car boots and is airline-safe. Weighing only 15kg (without battery), the powerchair can carry passengers up to 21 stone/135 kg and includes attendant control as standard. This feature allows wheelchair users with restricted mobility to be pushed by a caregiver or loved one instead of pushing themselves. The wheelchair requires only 2-3 hours of battery charging to be ready for a full day’s use.
Mobility solutions loved by the industry and customers These products are respected by industry experts and customers alike, with reviews praising the
well-engineered portable and comfortable designs including the following three, “This is the best scooter I have ever had. It folds and unfolds so easily. You can take it anywhere, even fits in the boot of a Smart car. Easy to take on planes, trains and buses.”
“eFOLDi has opened up my world and allowed me to keep up with my children on days out.”
“I like the independence the eFOLDi gives me, I’m not having to wait for other people – I can go where I want when I want.”
“eFOLDi is a founder-led mobility business that cares deeply about creating innovative mobility solutions that enable people to experience life to the full.”
“The company has a dedicated customer service team based at its Surrey head offices, with respective local dealers right across the UK. eFOLDi also offer home visits to demonstrate models to new customers and to resolve any routine mechanical issues with existing models.”
“All our products have passed the ISO7176/EN 12184 standards, ensuring their safety, reliability, and performance. Our eFOLDi Lite also has FDA approval.”
“eFOLDi is a proud member of the BHTA, and all consumers are fully assessed before purchasing one of our products.” added James Wilson: Marketing & Communications Director.
For further information, please get in touch with the eFOLDi customer services team or schedule your complimentary demo today: 0800 688 9227 sales@efoldi.com www.efoldi.com
Back in the 1950’s, Ann Wigmore healed herself from stage 4 colon cancer through the illuminating, healing power of living foods. This miraculous transformation was due to a steadfast commitment to wheatgrass juice, living sprouts and raw foods.
In 1956, inspired by the holistic Living Foods lifestyle of Ann Wigmore and another compelling thinker: Viktoras Kulvinskas, the Hippocrates Health Institute in Florida (now called’ Hippocrates Wellness’) was founded by Brian and Anna Maria Clement.
For nearly seventy years, Hippocrates Health Institute have attracted many guests, and students, who wish to heal themselves and learn more of cleansing and nourishing the body.
It is here where founder of Living Foods for Health, Jill Swyers was able to ‘heal herself’ from multiple health issues, such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Raynaud’s syndrome. Jill is transparent about her previous ‘food addiction’ which led to her being overweight and lacking in energy and uses it as spring board for her training programmes.
After conducting her own research, Jill started taking Aloe Vera and wheatgrass juice for energising characteristics, alongside food combining for sustained weight loss and optimised digestion. For the first time in her life, Jill was able to maintain weight loss and had optimal energy. This inspired her to train as a Hippocrates Health Educator at the Institute, where she still teaches from time to time and started her own company: Living Foods for Health in 1998: To Become a Healthier You.
“My workshops attract people from all walks of life, including those with a cancer diagnosis. I have a flexible approach to my workshop facilitating and host workshops at my premises but will also travel to business locations or residential homes. The twoday workshops are ideal for a small group to receive a practical demonstration, with plenty of time for questions.”
“Each group will have a vegan meal and juices, all inspired by the philosophy from the Hippocrates Health Institute. This includes sprouting, vegetable juice preparation and tried and tested techniques for dehydrated foods. With the courses run from my premises, I use a dehydrator and make delicious homemade hummus using Brussel sprouts, which is often a favourite on the course!” explained Jill.
Jill herself has been vegan for many years but noted that when she gave up meat in the first instance, she was ‘less angry and more patient.’ It was with this self-insight that Jill slowly moved towards a vegan diet, finding it lighter in the process.
“Not all vegan lifestyles are inherently healthy though, for some it is a fad and diligence isn’t paid to nutritional foods. For example, protein and carbohydrates shouldn’t be mixed, and it is always best to use organic, seasonal vegetables. When you give up meat, fish or dairy, you need to consider if you are replacing that with optimised foods, such as raw and uncooked foods,” added Jill.
Advocating Farmers’ Markets, especially organic producers, Jill makes sure that she
either buys local to support local businesses or her own home-grown micro-greens such as sunflower greens, pea greens, wheatgrass, mung beans and lentils (mini-sprouts). For Jill, organic food is best as the pesticides used otherwise causes substantial damage to immune systems over the long-term.
“Food can heal, I have seen huge transformations in my lifetime, where people with debilitating illnesses can heal themselves and go onto live lives, rich with energy and stamina.”
“We all have interesting relationships with food, I can trace my food addiction back to childhood, where food became a ‘crutch,’ a form of comfort. We live in a world that seems to encourage addiction, from food, alcohol to cigarettes. Once we disentangle ourselves from this addiction, we can understand more fully our relationship with food and treat our body more like a temple.”
Living Foods for Health runs courses linked to the Balance of Naturopathic Nutrition for professional chefs, interested private small groups and individuals, through to master classes for those wanting advanced knowledge and practices.
To start your journey today towards optimised health through the preparation of living foods, contact Jill Swyers below: +44 (0)7768 081376 info@jillswyers.com https://www.jillswyers.com
By Anna Earl
Could you or your shift-working colleagues be sleepwalking into ill health?
Do you work for a 24/7 organisation? If so, you’re not alone. And if you, your team or your company has staff working outside of regular daytime hours, there are potential health implications that may be relevant to your/their health, wellbeing and productivity.
UK Shift Worker Stats:
: 27% of the UK workforce (approx. 8.7 million people) work in some form of night-time work1
: Shift work is linked with an increased risk of sleep problems, occupational and driving accidents2
: Long-term effects – shift work is associated with increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease2
So how is staff retention, sickness and morale in your organisation?
How valued do shift-working staff feel? Is there a proactive approach to their health and wellbeing?
Chrono-nutrition is a branch of science that merges nutrition with our circadian rhythms, offering valuable insights for managing health, especially in shift
workers. Eating times are integral to managing the body’s biological clock, which regulates digestion, metabolism, and energy levels.
Does your organisation encourage a healthy eating environment around the clock for staff? What facilities or foods are available to fuel the body and mind well? More than a vending machine? Nutrivival delivers Feed Your Body Clock®, a programme addressing these issues, helping individuals and organisations to invest in a healthy, safe and well workforce 24/7.
Contact anna@nutrivival.co.uk for more information.
1) Office for National Statistics (ONS), released 24 January 2023, ONS website, article, The nighttime economy, UK: 2022. Available at https:// www.ons.gov.uk/businessindustryandtrade/ business/activitysizeandlocation/articles/ thenighttimeeconomyuk/2022
2) Houses of Parliament Postnote. Shift Work, Sleep and Health. Number 586, Sept 2018. Available at POST-PN-0586.pdf (parliament.uk).
ACE 2024 attracted over 2,700 visitors to meet over 80 manufacturers, brands and suppliers across the non-surgical aesthetic professional sector. It was held at London’s Business Design Centre from the 15th-16th March 2024 and co-located with the Aesthetics Awards on the 16th March at Grosvenor House.
The exhibitors came from across the UK, Europe, Israel, USA and Canada and covered the following areas: regenerative aesthetic medicine, hair regeneration and reduction, topical skin applications, body treatments, energy-based rejuvenation treatments, injections (Botox etc.), medical longevity and wellness, thread lifting, training and support.
Many new innovative products were launched at this year’s show including the Alma Hybrid™. The product has two pioneering wavelengths: precise CO2 laser for reducing skin imperfections and scars and the 157nm to stimulate collagen for renewed youthful skin tones.
Billed as a game-changer in skin rejuvenation technology, the product will transform clients with scars and skin conditions.
The training company Interface Aesthetics also used the show to launch an exclusive new Polynucleotides Training Course, in partnership with aesthetic pharmaceutical company Croma Pharma. Utilising the PhilArt polynucleotide range, the first course was delivered in February this year and has the transformative power to treat facial and neck areas.
Wuffable are UK manufacturers of gear for assistance dogs. We work with leading charities, organisations and owner trained assistance dog teams at home and abroad.
Contrary to popular belief, an owner trained assistance dog has the same rights as one trained by a charity or organisation. In saying this, it is a legal requirement for your dog to be microchipped, and it is vital you check that your pet insurance provides cover for assistance dogs and has public liability insurance for public access work. Our website blog has lots of information on this topic which can be found at: https://www.wuffable.com/ post/owner-trained-assistance-dogs
When your dog is able to perform basic tasks such as to stay by its handler, walk on a loose lead and not interact with members of the public without permission, a specialised trainer can help you take things to the next level. From face-to-face sessions, zoom or a combination of
both, a specialist can help you to teach your dog to press buttons, open doors, retrieve items, pick up dropped items, find exits, and much more.
Wuffable offer a comprehensive range of bespoke assistance dog products from customised vests and lead slips to bandanas, blankets, dog beds, and more. Our Professional looking assistance dog gear can help handlers to overcome any access barriers. Wuffable is proud to be part of a community that shares a passion for supporting disabled people and their loyal companions. For more information, please see our website at: www.wuffable.com or contact us at: info@wuffable.com.
HYPO21 Purifying Skin Spray is a FIRST EVER MHRA REGISTERED PURE HOCL skincare solution that is suitable for all skin types and ages. HYPO21 is Organic, Vegan, Sustainable and made of all Natural Ingredients it is also used to boost the skin’s ability to Repair itself due to any skin irritations. It is also soothing for Acne, Rosacea, Eczema, Psoriasis and other skin conditions. The star ingredient in HYPO21 Skin Spray is PUREHOCl. Pure HOCL naturally occurs in our white blood cells, which helps to defend your body from harmful bacteria and inflammation. Applying Pure HOCL to the skin activates an immune boost that helps the skin take itself back to its natural and beautiful state.
Real science in the human body Harmful pathogens, such as
bacteria, spores, and viruses, can be found all around us, in the air, on food, plants, animals, and on inanimate surfaces. The human body uses innate, non-specific mechanisms as the first line of defence against pathogens, infection, and injury. The skin itself, and mucous secretions at epithelial membranes, are both important elements of the innate resistance response. But when these are breached, HOCl is immediately generated by the body in response as the key chemical component of innate immunity.
Please use
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. Contact
With the warmer weather, wouldn’t it be nice to get outside? We’re ramping up outside access
One of the four fundamental principles of home adaptation is enabling access to and from it. There is a quick, costeffective way to overcome the issue of steps in and out of the home...
Only 9% of homes are visitable – including level access1. Access to and from the property – and to the garden – is a key criterium of the Disabled Facilities Grant.
There’s a quick, cost-effective way to overcome the issue of steps in and out of the property. It makes the whole home environment – and the wider community beyond visitable and accessible.
Providing someone with a stairclimber removes the risk of steps.
It simultaneously avoids the time delay, cost and visual impact of installing a ramp, lift or of rampscaping. And it means they can go beyond their immediate home environment.
Our S-Max stairclimbing wheelchair can either be attached to the wheelchair, or be
supplied with an integral seat (S-Max Sella).
The carer simply controls the direction and speed of ascent/ descent to transfer the person with mobility issues outside.
Most local authorities already have AAT stairclimbers within their equipment catalogue.
Unlike the alternative means of addressing external access, the stairclimber can be re-allocated without any modification to the home. Therefore, you achieve best value and use of budgets.
Because there is no visual alteration to the home, it could also make the client safer, reducing their risk of being a victim of doorstep crime2
Better health & wellbeing
“Occupational therapists know that the environment they are adapting does not start at the front door, it
starts with the area around the property – a holistic approach.
“And we all know the benefit to our mental health & wellbeing of being able to get outside into the fresh air,” says AAT Director Peter Wingrave.
“The DFG legislation was updated specifically to include access to a garden where it was ‘reasonable and practical’ to do so.
“What’s more reasonable and practical than a stairclimber? Our stairclimber is probably already available, and can be provided and set up for the client within days for <£1,000 if a re-issue.”
References:
1) https://www.habinteg.org.uk/latest-news/new-governmentdata-reveals-accessible-homes-crisis-for-disabledpeople-1557
2) https://www.habinteg.org.uk/latest-news/new-governmentdata-reveals-accessible-homes-crisis-for-disabled-people-1557
Introducing the NEST cushion and mattress technology, a breakthrough in patient care that transcends traditional foam alternatives. Designed with an innovative 3D interlocking loop structure, NEST technology promises to transform patient comfort, enhance safety, and champion environmental sustainability. Here is why healthcare professionals are turning to NEST technology as the ultimate choice for patient support surfaces.
Improved skin microclimate management
The NEST cushion’s cutting-edge design ensures exceptional breathability, significantly improving the skin microclimate. Unlike conventional foam, the NEST cushion is composed of 90% air, allowing superior airflow. This open core structure reduces temperature and humidity build-up, which are critical factors in maintaining healthy skin and preventing pressure ulcers.
Enhanced patient safety
Patient safety is paramount, and the NEST cushion excels in this regard with its antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. Meeting internationally recognised SEK Standards, the cushion ensures a hygienic environment by
supporting local infection prevention protocols. The NEST cushion’s interlocking 3D spring structure disperses pressure evenly in all directions, encouraging blood flow around sensitive areas such as the sacral region and the gastrocnemius muscle during seating. Furthermore, its lightweight design makes it safer and easier for carers to handle.
Commitment to net zero
In an era where environmental sustainability is crucial, the NEST cushion leads the way. Its core is 100% recyclable and reusable, providing a sustainable alternative to the landfill and incineration practices associated with standard foam cushions.
The cushion’s durable design ensures prolonged quality, making it a cost-effective solution that reduces the recurring expenses of purchasing and disposing of foam products. By choosing NEST, healthcare facilities can significantly contribute to reducing their carbon footprint.
The perfect partner for an MDD/MDRcompliant process
To maintain the high standards of hygiene and safety, NEST cushions and mattresses can be decontaminated using Kluge & Fielitz washer-disinfectors. These CE Class IIa machines are compliant with the EU Medical Device Regulation and ISO 15883 standards, ensuring a superior wash and disinfection process. By utilising these advanced washer-disinfectors, healthcare facilities can achieve significant cost and timesavings, as well as reduce energy and staffing requirements compared to manual washing methods.
By adopting NEST technology, healthcare providers can offer their patients the best possible care while actively contributing to a greener planet. Choose NEST cushions for a revolutionary approach to patient support that aligns with the highest standards of modern healthcare.
Contact
+44 (0)1179 666761
info@besrehab.net
https://www.besrehab.net
Charged with delivering more collaborative, integrated healthcare services, primary care networks (PCNs) aim to bring together GP practices with services in the community and secondary care – enhancing collaboration between multidisciplinary teams, and offering patients more straightforward access to a wider range of services.
The demand for reactive care often presents challenges for primary care teams, many of which aren’t collecting the essential information needed from patients at point of enquiry to appropriately triage their enquiries.
This often means that GPs must deal with a large volume of appointments which may be unnecessary, or which could be more cost-effective if handled by a different team member. The lack of alignment around clinical pathways and ways of working between practices within a PCN may mean opportunities for cross-PCN collaboration are limited – particularly where teams are using
different systems or tools for managing patient triage and flow.
A hub model of triage offers the most straightforward approach to bring together services and streamline patient flow management and collaboration between multidisciplinary teams.
Designed to foster integrated primary and community care within PCNs, the hub model centralises triage decisions for patient enquiries across a network, offering clear, consistent care pathways for patients, regardless of at which practice they register their initial enquiry.
Crucially, this model also enables teams to manage follow-up care across the network and take advantage of all available clinical capacity – including in other practices – to cope with surges in demand.
Digital plays a critical role in enabling effective hub-working for PCNs. In streamlining patient referrals and coordination of care between services, digital tools like Klinik’s AI triage and patient streamlining reduces the friction between different providers and ensures rapid collection and sharing of information needed to overcome barriers.
Klinik’s triage hub can connect clinicians across a network and patient’s enquiries can be accessed by teams regardless of which practice or service they’re based in. Klinik helps PCNs to co-ordinate patient care and streamline access to a wide range of services across the geographical area.
With AI-assisted patient-history taking providing triage teams with the information needed to make rapid, accurate care decisions, Klinik makes triage and patient flow management more efficient. With all enquiries triaged in a single system, Klinik ensures equitable access to care for patients across the network.
Thanks to the insights contained within the dashboard, PCN managers also have greater oversight of demand and capacity across the network, both at the current time and over a period of months. As a result, they are better able to make decisions on the staffing and resources necessary to ensure patient access within current funding – while also being able to create space for proactive care, too.
By embracing these technological innovations, PCNs can enhance service delivery; ensuring patients receive timely, co-ordinated care.
If you’d like to discuss how Klinik could help your PCN to benefit from a hub-model approach to triage, get in touch with our team to find out more.
Contact Kristiaan van Driem, Head of Sales & Marketing, Klinik Healthcare Solutions, kristiaan.vandriem@klinik.co.uk https://klinikhealthcaresolutions.com www.linkedin.com/company/klinikgroup
Record-breaking year for UK’s largest food waste collection company: Are you ready for the new food waste regulations in England?
In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are delighted to showcase the
multi-award-
winning Keenan Recycling Ltd as our Waste & Recycling Company of the Year
The UK care industry as a whole is bound by waste legislation such as the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005, placing a statutory duty of care on waste management and the classification, handling and disposal of all hazardous waste. In this article, we will learn how Keenan Recycling are helping the sector, alongside hospitals move towards greener food waste management.
Recycled food waste in the care sector
However, when it comes to recycled food waste, research from Keenan Recycling shows that care homes in particular are missing out on saving up to £7,000 a year. The DEFRA and Rural Affairs Environmental
Act 2021 plans to make planned recycling food waste an imminent legal requirement in England, following success in Wales from April 2024 and Scotland since 2016.
A staggering 64% of UK care homes aren’t aware of this legislation and a further 48% don’t consider food waste a core priority. This is despite each care home spending on average £50,862 annually to send food waste to landfill rather than using a food waste recycling alternative service. Failure to comply with this landmark legislation could see care homes facing fixed-penalty fines of £300 upwards.
Care homes are expected to recycle separate food waste through a registered
food waste carrier service for waste over 5kg as part of the changes, as a drive towards greater sustainability.
There are numerous benefits to recycling food waste such as creating natural forms of energy like biogas through anaerobic digestion. This is a fantastic alternative to fossil fuels and in agriculture, food waste can be converted into fertiliser for spreading on fields. For instance, just one caddy of food waste can generate power to a home for almost one hour and nine recycled banana peels can fully charge a laptop.
One of the barriers to using a dedicated food waste recycling service is widespread fears about the upfront costs for investing in new bins, on-boarding new food waste providers and providing training for staff. In fact, care homes could save themselves thousands every year in the mid-long term through this initial investment.
Spotlight on Keenan Recycling Multi-award-winning Keenan Recycling provides a leading food waste collection service for many sectors nationwide, alongside care homes such as restaurants, hotels, hospitals and prisons, in addition to local councils, brokers and managed companies. With over 20 years’ experience, the company is driving systemic change
from needless food waste being sent to landfill.
All food waste is instead taken to anaerobic digestion plants for biogas conversion, leading to electricity, heat and transport biofuel.
With its headquarters in Aberdeen, the Scottish company has waste management solutions operating right across the whole of the UK from Swansea, Bath, to Sheffield and Glasgow. Keenan Recycling offers the following services to sectors:
: Specialist 24/7 food waste collection vehicles
: Eco-friendly food recycling bins –including kitchen caddy to 240-litre wheelie bin
: Comprehensive waste audits
: Bespoke waste disposal solutions, tailored to companies of all sizes
: Customer portal to access all information, including waste transfer notes and weights
: Cost-effective solution, tailored to company requirements.
Track record & record-breaking year Keenan Recycling has an impressive track record, as the recipient of multiple awards over the years including the Northern Star Business Award and the Scottish Environment Business Awards.
This year to date, Keenan Recycling has already amassed the following impressive environment impact figures:
✚ Food waste bins emptied: 571,969 lifts
✚ Organic material recycled: 55,773 tonnes
✚ CO2 saved for landfill: 38,539 tonnes
✚ Energy generated by partners: 9.09GW
“The last 12 months have been a period of significant growth and achievement for Keenan Recycling. Despite the challenging economic climate, we’ve emerged stronger than ever, achieving record profits and solidifying our position as the UK’s largest food waste collection company.
We are delighted to report that sales have exceeded forecasts. This is due in part to the successful rollout of food waste regulations in Wales, which saw us add over 650 new sites in just six weeks. Additionally, we’ve experienced significant growth across all our depots, particularly in England where we’re well-positioned for upcoming regulations coming into effect in the next year.” elaborated Vinay Jalla, Marketing Manager, Keenan Recycling.
Time to celebrate
With expanding food waste expansion in Wales, Keenan Recycling has secured a new depot in South Wales to handle the increased demand from food waste regulations, helping companies become food-waste compliant.
With the UK Government’s Net Zero 2030 targets on the horizon, Keenan Recycling has invested £2 million in ten CNG trucks powered by biogas derived from food waste, as a major step towards this goal.
A record-breaking 84,000 tonnes of food waste was processed at the New Deer composting site alone, signalling
a phenomenal year for this pioneering company.
Why choose Keenan Recycling?
Multi-award-winning Keenan Recycling offers comprehensive, bespoke food waste collection services, including compliant bins, regular collections, and accurate weight data analysis, coupled with a tangible commitment to sustainability through investments in CNG trucks and responsible waste processing.
With the largest network of depots across the UK executing convenient and reliable solutions, Keenan Recycling offers companies a flexible service to fit this around their busy daily schedules.
“We offer data-driven solutions that help clients optimise their food waste management and potentially reduce costs.”
“Our unwavering commitment to Net Zero and responsible waste processing aligns with our clients’ sustainability goals.”
“In the short-term, we are focused on seamlessly supporting our clients as new food waste regulations roll out in England and over the long-term, we remain committed to our Net Zero 2030 goal by expanding our CNG fleet and exploring further sustainable innovations.”
“We are incredibly honoured to be selected for this award. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team.”
“We are excited about the future of food waste management and our role in helping businesses and communities achieve their sustainability goals. This award motivates us to continue providing exceptional service and innovative solutions while minimising our environmental impact.”
For more information on initiating food waste collections and other services, contact Keenan Recycling today: 0800 644 6618 enquiries@keenanrecycling.co.uk www.keenanrecycling.co.uk
The implementation of low-carbon water heating is one of the fastest, low-impact means of introducing sustainability into an existing care home. A considered, well-designed replacement system will reduce carbon emissions by at least half compared to equivalent-sized gasfired water heating and likely by much more as the electricity grid continues to become greener. Efficient, robust and relatively low maintenance, the latest generation of renewables represents a solid investment in the future of a building and the comfort it supplies to residents and staff.
The current government’s renewable technology of choice is the heat pump, of which the easiest and lowest cost to implement is the air source heat pump (ASHP). The technology uses a reverse refrigerating circuit to extract heat from the air, even when ambient temperatures drop during the winter months. The efficiency of a heat pump is measured by its COP (co-efficient of performance) which defines how much energy it uses compared to the heat energy it generates. The higher the number the better. The COP will fluctuate with external temperatures so it’s always best to use the seasonal COP which averages the efficiency across the year. As the ambient temperatures drop the heat pump will demand more electrical energy to run the compressor to maintain necessary operating temperatures. This is where heat pumps have a weakness because they were designed to operate at low working flow temperatures (35°) to supply radiators and underfloor heating, not the more stringent heating requirements of water (+60°C) required to prevent legionella.
This additional electrical energy required to raise temperatures comes from the grid and remains far more expensive than gas. In
the past three years, electricity prices have fluctuated and climbed from three to nearly five times the cost of gas. This means transitioning to low-carbon technology can deliver considerable increases in operational costs if not approached with care and consideration.
Heat pumps have a valid role to play, but for water heating, they need to be used as part of a wider process to ensure cost-effective, efficient operation. This hybrid approach employs the ASHP as a source for preheating cold water flowing into the system to 45°C. This is more than achievable for most heat pumps, maximising the efficiency and reducing the energy required to run the unit. Top-up heating to +65°C is supplied by gas water heater, gaining very low operational costs, but a less meaningful reduction in carbon emission. More preferable is an electric boiler with smart controls to optimise the two heat sources, minimising energy demands and providing control over operational costs.
With a hybrid system, there will be increased plant, with a heat pump, boiler and larger cylinder needed to account for slower system reheat after peak demand. However, latest generation of monobloc ASHPs and electric boilers are increasingly more compact, while smart controls maximise storage optimising cylinder size.
For smaller to mid-sized hot water demands, typically seen in care homes with a single
longer period of peak demand in the morning, Adveco has redefined this approach with its award-winning FUSION electric water heating system. Conceived as a direct replacement for older gas systems, FUSION mounts an electric boiler onto a cylinder with prebuilt pipework, and the option for an air source heat pump, controls and/or immersion for added resilience. For larger buildings a more bespoke system is likely to be required, although the basic premise remains the same, using ASHP preheat and a secondary energy source, preferably electric. It may also be possible to integrate solar thermal technology as a mid-heat to further cut energy demands, by as much as 30% annually to further offset operational costs and reduce emissions.
The UK Care Week 2024 returned to the NEC from 20th-21st March, attracting over 2,300 professional visitors and over 150 leading exhibitors. With a focus on industry-leading content, the show inspired more sustainable social care models with the latest cutting-edge innovative technology and equipment.
The visitor demographics ranged from local authority, private and independent care, home care, nursing and residential home owners, directors to senior management, with 32% holding purchasing power and 38% influencing purchasing decisions. The average number of leads generated was over 72 and 8.9% of visitors held budgets of over £2 million.
The primary show features included the CQC Inspector Hub, giving visitors a chance to talk through legislative frameworks face-to-face and the pioneering Virtual Dementia Tour. The CPD training suite provided up-to-date accreditations in reference to The Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act, Safeguarding Practice, Dementia Care and Person-Centred Care.
The panel discussions and workshops included the role of AI with fall prevention in the UK Care Industry, spotting poor care agency practices and encouraging cultural inclusivity in dementia care.
Our four leading Care Top Exhibitors included: 1) Due Diligence Checking Ltd (DDC): This specialist DBC and fully comprehensive employee background screening provider supports over 24,000 UK organisations across the industry with DBC checks, right to work, BPSS packaging, digital identity and employment references, all utilising award-wining technology.
Music in Mind: Designed to support families supporting loved ones with dementia, musictherapy principles are employed to support wellbeing in care homes and community settings.
3) Spearhead: This provider of care home supplies has dedicated account managers, robust supply chain and trusted delivery service. The extensive range includes: consumables, equipment, furniture, equipment maintenance contracts, compliance and training.
4) Five on a Bike: This video production company focuses on marketing, recruitment and internal communication videos, which includes website and social media content, live streaming, TV adverts and animations. The Buckinghambased company supports a diverse range of care settings from young people, home care, mental health services to retirement villages. The company is focused on sharing positive stories and during this year’s Care Week shared many powerful video testimonies.
UK Care Week published the National Care Awareness Survey Reports during 2021, 2022
and 2023, with a view to providing an engaging platform for over 700 care industry professionals to share positive stories and concerns in everyday care. The survey looked at recruitment, retention, skills development, funding, wellbeing and digital technology, whilst complimenting the highest level of person-centred care. The surveys have been so popular that UK Care Week 2024 carried out an interactive workshop session for attendees based on these primary findings.
This is our pick of the best exhibitors from this year’s event, listed here in alphabetical order: Algeos, Bibetta, Inspired Inspirations & Schuelke. Further details can be found on the next three pages.
Save the date: UK Care Week 2025 19th-20th March 2025
As a leading meals provider, apetito builds genuine partnerships with care homes across the country; reducing costs, waste, and labour requirements, whilst still delivering high-quality meals residents always look forward to.
If you’re a Care Home group, apetito would like to invite you to its VIP Lounge at Stand G90 to learn more about how its meals service goes beyond providing great tasting food and can transform your care home catering.
Enjoy sampling popular dishes developed by apetito’s team of in-house chefs and dietitians. You’ll also be able to find out more its award-winning range of IDDSI compliant texture-modified meals and revolutionary Finger Food Bites, which bring back dignity to dining for residents with dementia.
General Manager of apetito’s care home division, Richard Woodward, explains why you should visit its stand, “We know every pound counts for care homes, as they navigate the highest cost of living in decades against the backdrop of an ongoing labour crisis within the sector.”
“At the core of our service is the belief that food should be enjoyed by everyone. Packed with quality ingredients, its meals are delicious, nutritious and cater to all residents’ dietary needs.”
“My team and I are keen to talk to about how we can support them, deliver efficiencies and ensure quality mealtimes.”
To find out more about apetito’s care homes meal service, please visit: https://carehomes.apetito.co.uk or call: 0808 239 2399.
The innovative cleaning kit for bodily fluid spills – bioperl® – is now available to order from NHS Supply Chain and has been added to the National Services Scotland framework. The unique bioperl® formulation is based on a natural mineral, and combines high absorbency of liquids with an antimicrobial action. Spills are quickly removed, leaving the surface disinfected, odour-free, dry and safe to use.
bioperl® was developed to address the need for a single cleaning and disinfection product which can be used on all bodily spills. Blood, urine and vomit can be cleaned with one easy to use product. Just cover the spill with bioperl®, allow it to absorb (1-5 minutes), then scoop up with the disposable dustpan provided.
Blood and bodily fluids present an infection risk, particularly in healthcare environments. And the latest UKHSA Guidance on Preventing and Controlling Infections (2024) recommends that ‘any spillages of blood, faeces, saliva, vomit or nasal discharges’ should be ‘cleaned immediately.’ In practice, this is not always so simple. Different products and procedures are needed depending on the type of bodily fluid, the amount of the spillage, the likely pathogens, the type of surface and the location of the spill. Using different products to absorb the spill before it can be cleaned, makes the process complex, time-consuming and costly.
An additional complication is that urine and vomit spillages should not be treated with chlorine (found in most Spill Kits). Adding chlorine products to urine can cause unpleasant odours and when used on vomit may produce potentially toxic chlorine gas. Many biological spill kits include polyacrylate granules, which absorb water but not any form of solids or fats that are often found in bodily fluids. This means they are not a single step answer.
With the introduction of revolutionary bioperl®, there is now a one-stop solution effective for ALL spills. Described by a health professional as ‘a simpler, quicker and more effective method of cleaning up biological spills in a healthcare setting,’ the unique formulation eliminates the need for mops, buckets and the excessive use of paper products; meaning it has strong sustainability credentials.
Sensory, cognitive and social stimulation is vitally important for residents living in all care or nursing homes, helping maintain dignity, wellbeing and happiness for as long as possible.
Inspired Inspirations is a leading Shropshire-based company offering touch screen activity tables for the care sector. Designed and manufactured in the UK, the company offers a wide range of sensory and brain training exercises, entertainment games and music through to reminiscence and video calling, for a digitised, portable person-centred care solution.
Exhibiting at UK Care Week back in March at the NEC Birmingham, the team brought along a selection of Tiny Tablets to showcase to care managers and nursery home owners. The Tiny Tablet Premium Fixed Height model retails at £4,975 (excluding VAT) for example, with a 39” screen and convenient battery operation. The tablet comes with a full range of features including:
: 10-point touch screen technology
: Immersive learning experience
: Encourages social interactions between residents
: Fixed height screen (with adjustable soft tilt)
: Built-in webcam, mic & speaker
: Portrait/landscape functions
: Real Oak surround design
: Double-walled steel base
: One-year warranty
: Latest Android 12 software features, with access to free apps and games
: 32GB of storage memory
: Staff training and user guide
: No ongoing service fee
: Lease purchase options available
To book a virtual demonstration today to transform your care/residential home, click on this link: www.inspired-inspirations.com/demo
See Inspired Inspirations at: UK Care Roadshow, Epsom Downs Racecourse, 15th October 2024. 01746 866715
+44 (0)114 254 3500 mail.uk@schuelke.com www.schuelke.com
info@inspired-inspirations.com https://www.inspired-inspirations.com NHS Ordering Information bioperl – IEZ85063
Reference UK Health Security Agency, Preventing and Controlling Infections, updated May 2024
unique formulation biocidal absorbent for the cleaning and disinfection of all
fluid
blood and urine. ä Quick and simple to use
Broad spectrum of efficacy
Leaves surfaces safe and dry in minutes
Leading the fight against infection control in drinking water, UK manufacturer Borg & Overström, has developed a new water cooler specifically designed to meet the stringent water quality standards of the NHS.
Building on over 20 years of industry experience, the E6 Chilled only drinking water dispenser has been developed to mitigate risk of waterborne and surface transmission of bacteria and viruses at every opportunity. The E6 Chilled only has a unique, shortened, single water pathway, designed to eliminate the risk of dead-legs where bacteria can harbour. DryChill® rapid cooling technology, offers reservoir-free chilling, removing the bacteria risk associated with stored water, ensuring every glass poured from an E6 is freshly chilled and available on-demand.
Borg & Overström have developed Totality® 5-step methodology for achieving clean, safe and healthy drinking water. From 3M carbonless filtration which removes sediment and microplastics whilst maintaining optimal chlorine levels for disinfection, to Sterizen®, our independently certified antimicrobial anti-pathogen sanitisation, Totality® provides hygiene assurance in every pour.
Energy-efficient, Viovandt® enhanced UV-C purification, utilises eco-efficient, low power UVLEDs for maximum germicidal efficacy. Ultraviolet sterilisation is used across many areas of healthcare due to its powerful and chemical-free disinfection properties. Known to destroy superbugs like MRSA, VRE, K. pneumoniae and C. difficile, UV light is an essential tool in controlling against the spread of Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAIs). Applying this same technology to drinking water ensures any bio contaminants, such as bacteria and viruses, which may be present in the water, are rendered non-viable, effectively protecting against waterborne infection transmission.
To defend against surface transmission of bacteria in high-touch areas, the E6 chilled only is designed with an easy to clean profile and features silver ion antimicrobial technology to aid infection control by resisting biofilm development and reducing the transfer of germs for complete hygiene confidence in communal areas.
In addition, the E6 Chilled only is compatible with the SensorBeam® base cabinet, allowing for
completely touch-free operation. Patented LED projection mapping technology removes the risk of touch transmission in busy environments. While traditional dispensing buttons are susceptible to harbouring bacteria and viruses, even with rigorous cleaning, touch-free dispensing eliminates this risk and can significantly reduce this risk of viral or bacterial spread.
Borg & Overstrom understand the importance of clean water and that it is a fundamental aspect of life, recovery and wellbeing. From each sip of water for every pill intake, to providing that all-important sip of water post-surgery; safe and clean water plays a crucial role in recovery and wellbeing of staff. Every Borg & Overström dispenser has been meticulously crafted to promote safe, hygienic use and aid infection control.
To find out more about safe, hygienic drinking water solutions designed for the healthcare environment, please visit: www.borgandoverstrom.com
In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are delighted to introduce NGA Care as our Care Home Brokerage Company of the Month.
NGA Care is a leading independent, client focused, care home brokerage specialising in the buying and selling of care homes businesses. The care categories covered include residential, nursing, dementia, mental health, learning and physical disabilities and specialist care, both as going concerns and those that have ceased trading, along with development sites.
NGA Care was founded in 2019 by Managing Director Nick Greaves, who has 20+ years’ experience in the transactional brokerage space. Having worked for a large national organisation successfully heading up its regional care desk for many years, he grew tired of the corporate conveyor belt and sort instead to offer a specialised bespoke brokerage service, focussing on the individual requirements of his clients.
With offices centrally based in Leicester, NGA Care provides seamless regional access across the whole of the country.
NGA Care offers a fresh, modern approach to business sales based on years of experience
and a passion for offering great service to all clients, with the ethos that ‘Your Business Is Our Priority.’ Managing Director Nick Greaves works with all clients from the offset and throughout the whole brokerage service and takes great pride in a personalised approach as he outlines, “We don’t charge any upfront fees and are available when our clients need to communicate – as we are not a nine to five, 5 days a week business.”
“We provide strategic advice and brokerage services for national, regional and independent care operators; investors, new entrants, insolvency practitioners and banks; to facilitate swift, confidential transactions with the objective of securing the best deal for our clients.”
NGA Care trades with the ethos that ‘Your Business Is Our Priority,’ so no matter what the size or value of the instruction, each client receives Nick’s full focus to swiftly and discreetly secure the best price.
“NGA Care continues to be the leading independent care home brokers and having successfully completed record breaking levels of transactional activity in the first half of 2024, we have strong pipeline of deals to be completed in the second half the year. Buyer appetite is at an all-time high, and we urgently require more quality care homes to satisfy demand.”
For further information, or to discuss our services, speak to the care home brokerage professionals today: 01858 450754 07943 107887 nick@ngacare.co.uk https://www.ngacare.co.uk
The integration of advanced communication and technology within healthcare is essential for delivering high-quality, efficient, and patient-centred care. By fostering better patient-provider interactions, it enhances operational efficiency, and drives innovation in medical practices.
LineIn, a newcomer to the Primary Care Health Services industry, was founded in 2022 with the mission to address the pressing need for efficient and highquality telephone access for patients in primary care practices. The initiative was spearheaded by Flemming Jensen in collaboration with Dr. Yusuf Rajbee and Dr. Ravi Tomar, two general practitioners at Portland Medical Centre. Together, they aimed to enhance patient access and alleviate stress within the practice team.
Operating as a fully remote organisation, LineIn’s team works from home, allowing them to efficiently serve the entire UK. The
LineIn team are handpicked and trained to match the practice they will support, focusing on excellent customer service and driving first contact resolution rates.
Flemming elaborated on the company’s offerings:
“We understand the difficulties practices face with staffing shortages, high turnover, and the increasing complexity of patient needs. Our service goes beyond answering calls, we prioritise: Improved Access, Clinical Excellence, Enhanced Efficiency, and Streamlined Administration.”
“By partnering with LineIn, practices can ensure consistent, high-quality patient access, an improved clinical decisionmaking process, and increase in overall efficiency. We empower practices to thrive by removing the burden of telephone management, allowing them to focus on delivering excellent care.”
LineIn leverages the latest technology to streamline communication in primary care practices. “We have recently partnered up with GP in the Cloud to ensure the access to the practice systems and data is safe, while it also allows LineIn staff to resolve administrative queries at first contact. We work hard to keep developing our services and the more practices we work with, the more we learn. This gives us an ability to share best practice and thereby help practices better,” stated Flemming.
By working hand-in-hand with practices, LineIn delivers a comprehensive solution that enhances patient care, optimises resources, and supports the wellbeing of practice staff. As your collaborative partner, LineIn offers you cost-effective solutions with a dynamic pricing structure that ensures its services are more cost-effective than
managing an in-house team when the service has been embedded into the practice workflow.
LineIn also empowers patients to utilise online services effectively, reducing their reliance on phone calls, further easing the burden on practice staff. Of course, all LineIn services align with Modern General Practice guidelines by providing thorough needs assessments at the first point of contact.
“Staff wellbeing is fundamentally important to us. We know from case studies that working with LineIn reduces stress for reception staff by handling inbound calls, enabling them to focus on core administrative tasks and reducing the need for multitasking. This approach significantly decreases absenteeism and improves overall staff morale and efficiency,” added Flemming.
Last month, LineIn attended the West Sussex Practice Managers Association Annual Conference and joined the conversation sharing how LineIn’s services help to streamline patient calls through primary care practices. You can listen to the full conversation here: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=tw_IEMkG-Rc
By choosing to work with LineIn, you are opting to be part of a visionary company dedicated to transforming primary care through innovative communication solutions, positively impacting both patients and healthcare providers.
For more information, please see below: hello@linein.co.uk https://linein.co.uk
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.
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.
With over 30 years’ experience in researching and manufacturing probiotics, ProVen is a world leader in developing specific products for individual lifestages and needs, supported by research showing the widest range of clinically proven benefits in the world.
info@provenprobiotics.co provenprobiotics.co
LineIn aim to deliver improved patient services, that are high quality, reliable and time efficient, at an affordable price point for primary care providers.
We bridge the gap between patients and primary care providers, remedying poor patient access and overstretched teams by providing discrete and efficient remote call handling and triage services.
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 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 contact
www.sumedinternational.com
https://sumedinternational.com/ integrity-static-cushion-range
Thermidas’ mission is to lower the cost of healthcare with infrared (IR) thermal imaging. Thermidas has two core focus areas; prevention of Pressure Injuries in hospitals and care homes and the prevention of diabetic foot ulcers.
Biomed96 is a specialist in the medical equipment industry offering a comprehensive range of patient monitoring consumables, Oxygen concentrators, SonoStar ultrasound probes, handheld vital sign monitors, face masks, COVID Antigen test kit, Dental surgical items, Surgical Diathermy leads, Stethoscopes, Veterinary ultrasound & monitoring cables at lowest price with Free NHS delivery.
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.
Pharmafilter offers innovative solutions that improve the cleanliness of environments in hospitals, airports, and other large-scale facilities. Providing an infrastructure that creates simple work processes, Pharmafilter’s innovative, transformational waste and wastewater onsite treatment system is proven to combat Antimicrobial Resistance Bacteria, COVID-19, helping to establish a safer environment.
