CONTENTS 833
EDITOR’S NOTES
Welcome to our April edition. Explore our hand-picked features on innovative companies across the healthcare industry.
Highlighted on pages 4-5, eFOLDI has been named as our Portable Mobility Solutions Company of the Year. Thanks to the pioneering, innovative designs of eFOLDi, many disabled people and those with mobility impairments now enjoy greater levels of freedom and independence. In this feature we talk with Mark Hays, Financial Director of eFOLDi, about how the last 12 months has been for the company.
Gina Burton Editor
Dals is a leading supplier of interpretation and translation services across the UK, and has been chosen as our Interpreting & Translation Services Company of the Month. In this feature we talk to Matt Taylor, CEO, Dals all about the company’s recent innovation in video on-demand that comes completely unrivalled in the current industry. Pages 6-7.
This month’s issue is sponsored by Spark Care – your trusted care technology partner. Check out its innovative product, Silver Shield: a discreet, intelligent, and proactive technology that doesn’t just detect falls – it prevents them. See page 26.
Show preview included: Design in Mental Health 2025.
Other topics covered: Pharmaceuticals, Nursing & Care, Disability & Mobility, Software & Technology, Healthcare Estates, Training & Development, Medical Emergency Equipment, Cleaning, Hygiene & Laundry.
COVER STORY
HEALTHCARE MATTERS
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Moving the world differently: eFOLDi’s legacy of independence
In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are pleased to feature eFOLDi as our Portable Mobility Solutions Company of the Year
“This award is a testament to the hard work, creativity, and care our entire team puts into making mobility solutions that go beyond expectation.
“To be recognised by such a trusted name in the healthcare industry means a great deal and reinforces our belief that the right mobility solution can transform lives, and we’re proud to be play a role in that transformation,” said Mark Hays, Financial Director of eFOLDi.
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.
eFOLDi was founded in 2016, and 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 which welcomed the first MK1.0 model that was launched in 2017, followed by a significant design improvement and upgrade to MK1.5 in 2018, the superlight Power Chair and the innovative eFOLDi Lite in 2020.
Renowned as industry-leading experts in the design of award-winning lightweight, compact, portable mobility solutions, this pioneering family-run business has continued to excel in the industry since its inception, offering customers a choice of three popular and award-winning models: the Explorer, the Lite and the Power Chair.
We caught up with Mark to discuss how the last 12 months have been for the company, “The last 12 months have been a strategically pivotal period for us. We have heavily focussed on R&D, which has really laid the groundwork for our next phase of growth. We’ve made significant investments, not just in terms of the volume of new products entering the development pipeline, but also in the quality of those offerings.
“Additionally, we have expanded our product marketing and supply chain capabilities to ensure that when those products are ready to launch, we’re fully equipped to take them to market effectively and efficiently. We’ve recruited key talent in these areas and realigned operations to be more agile and responsive to the market.
“Overall, we’d describe the year as one of ‘smart positioning’. We’ve been proactively laying the foundations for long-term success, strengthening our partnerships, evolving our brand presence, and being very focussed about where we invest our time and capital. It’s been a year of laying foundations for the future: innovation-led, infrastructure-ready, and strategically aligned.”
Despite a challenging environment, eFOLDi has managed to achieve a stable sales performance which speaks volumes about the brands strength and determination to meet the growing demand for high-quality, lightweight mobility solutions.
“We’ve seen strong signals of growth in key areas, such as increased interest in our latest product, the Navigator power chair, and this has been backed by encouraging feedback from both customers and retailers. This tells us we’re well-positioned to capitalise as market conditions improve,” said Mark.
The past year has been transformative for eFOLDi, and one that has seen one of its most significant achievements – the launch of the Navigator power chair. This ultralightweight, folding powerchair weighs just 12.4kg without battery, making it one of the lightest in its class. Designed for both user and attendant
control, it offers unparalleled convenience for everyday travel.
As well as this product launch, eFOLDi has also expanded its warehouse and distribution facilities in the UK to better meet growing demand and to ensure faster delivery times for all customers.
As a founder-led mobility business driven by a passion for innovation, eFOLDi is dedicated to creating solutions that empower people to live life to the fullest. The company takes great pride in its engineering excellence and unwavering reliability – delivering some of the lightest, most compact, and user-friendly mobility products on the market.
From quick-folding mechanisms and light touch single-hand controls, to variable foot positioning, every detail is thoughtfully developed to enhance ease of use. “We’ve also integrated whisper-quiet, low-vibration motors for a smooth, comfortable ride, along with secure-turn technology to provide added safety and peace of mind especially in tight or uneven spaces,” added Mark.
Another product that represents a major step forward in the eFOLDi product range is the eFOLDi Navigator. “It’s a game-changer in the lightweight mobility space and one of the lightest folding power chairs on the market. What makes it particularly special is its dual control functionality, offering both user and attendant steering. It’s perfect for travel and everyday freedom, and the early response from our customers has been overwhelmingly positive,” shared Mark.
Delivering quiet, lightweight, and effortless mobility, the eFOLDi Navigator folds in seconds for easy storage and transport. Its robust magnesium alloy frame supports up to 135kg, ensuring long-lasting durability and dependable performance for everyday use.
While focusing on new product development, eFOLDi has also made updates to its existing models, including the eFOLDi Lite and eFOLDi Explorer, both of which have been refined to deliver even greater performance, comfort and convenience. “These changes are based on direct customer feedback and
are aimed at improving user experience, comfort, and practicality. Our mission has always been to empower people with limited mobility to reclaim their independence and these updates help us do exactly that, with more flexibility and ease than before,” stated Mark.
With a recently expanded presence in China to boost production capacity and enhance operational efficiency, we asked Mark about the company’s short- and long-term goals moving forward.
“In the short term, we’re focused on expanding our product portfolio to better meet the evolving needs of the mobility market. Our long-term strategy includes entering new European markets, growing our distribution networks, and continuing to invest in intelligent, user-friendly innovation that delivers real value to individuals and healthcare providers alike. Our goal is to remain a pioneer in personal mobility – offering solutions that are not only functional, but truly life-enhancing.
“We’d like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who’s been part of the eFOLDi journey thus far. The trust, encouragement, and feedback we have received from customers, healthcare professionals, partners, and supporters continue to fuel our vision and innovation.
“We’re excited for what lies ahead and look forward to continuing to help people move more freely, live more independently, and experience more of the world around them.”
Dals: Innovating language services to meet the UK’s growing demand
In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are pleased to feature Dals as our Interpreting & Translation Services Company of the Month
More than 25 years ago, Dals (formerly known as DA Languages) recognised the increasing demand for quality language services due to the growing number of people in the UK with limited English proficiency. Global migration patterns in the years since have led to a further rise in the UK’s linguistic diversity, which in turn has seen the need for high-quality interpreters grow exponentially.
Fast forward to today, and the Manchesterbased company has more than 400 employees and is a leading supplier of interpretation and translation services across the UK. With a network of more than 10,000 professional interpreters covering more than 500 languages – including British Sign Language – Dals ensures round-the-clock availability, 365 days a year.
As a leader in the language services industry, Dals upholds the highest standards. Every interpreter undergoes a rigorous vetting process to ensure they meet the strict requirements set by the various public sector frameworks and registers, guaranteeing expertise and professionalism in every interaction.
Though it primarily serves public sector bodies such as NHS trusts, police forces and local authorities, Dals also works with businesses such as private healthcare providers and legal firms. It is regularly acquiring new clients thanks to its excellent reputation and the fact its services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each organisation, offering flexibility and reliability at every step. Clients benefit from a dedicated relationship team, with each organisation assigned a personal point of contact for seamless coordination.
Strong backing
The company’s stellar growth has been enabled in part by investment from private equity firms, which clearly spotted the potential in the language services market. Though initially founded by an experienced interpreter called Actar Arya in 1998, the business was later acquired by private equity investors Foresight Group. The company was then acquired by IK Partners, its current owners, in 2021.
“Video interpreting was previously only available if booked in advance, which left healthcare professionals with only telephone interpreting for unplanned interpreting needs,” he says. “While telephone interpreting is very popular among our clients and is very useful for many situations, it lacks the visual cues of in-person interpreting and these are sometimes vital in healthcare appointments.
Video interpreting on the rise
“On-demand video is playing a huge role in bridging the gap between telephone and inperson interpreting for medical providers and their patients. It also comes with significant time and cost savings, such that many clients are now using it in preference to in-person interpreting.”
Available on all mobile devices via an app, on-demand is ideal for organisations whose staff meet with individuals with limited or no English skills. It delivers excellent sound and image quality, and it is a much more cost-effective way for patients to meet with their healthcare practitioners.
Having such strong backing has allowed it to invest heavily in technology and over the years it has worked tirelessly to continue upscaling in this area, something that sets it apart from its competitors. It now operates in a completely Cloud-based environment, which offers a number of market-leading platforms for both clients and linguists.
However, it is Dals’ recent innovation in video on-demand that is most unrivalled in the current industry, with the service offering 99.9% uptime availability. More importantly, it offers healthcare providers a much better option for unplanned interpreting needs, explains Matt Taylor, CEO at Dals.
What’s more, it is very easy to use as patients can access ondemand video remote interpreting in just three clicks on the app. They simply click to create a new call link, select on-demand, and click ‘join the call’. When the call is finished, they simply press ‘Close’ to return to the app. All communication is always facilitated with a live
Matt Taylor, CEO, Dals
interpreter on the device, and all customer data is protected with 256-bit encryption. The app also includes a booking portal.
In hospital settings, ondemand is complemented by Dals’ Tablet on Wheels, a portable video device designed to be at the optimum height for a patient’s head when they are in a hospital bed. This device has been specifically designed to be used with the on-demand app for in-person appointments, and can be moved to wherever it is needed. Furthermore, to combat the risk of bacteria being spread, which is something of high importance to healthcare clients, the device is covered in antibacterial casing.
Video on-demand is also helping the company and its clients improve their environmental standing – by cutting down on the travel of interpreters to and from bookings, it is cutting the carbon footprint of all parties involved.
Sustainability high on the agenda
This ties in to Dals’ focus on ESG, says Matt. “Our strategy focuses on four pillars: our people, our community, our planet and our business principles. ESG has always been a key focus for the company, and we have generated more than £15 million in social value to date. To further drive our initiatives in this area, we took the decision to set up a dedicated ESG team in 2023.”
In addition to this ESG team, Dals has also recently appointed a marketing and sales director, Jon Burke, to push forward the wide-ranging brand overhaul it began late last year. As part of this, it plans to release its first Sustainability Report this year, which will highlight its ESG credentials and achievements and provide external verification of its successes in this area.
Matt says the company is also taking steps to further improve access to interpretation services, particularly in healthcare settings.
“There is an ever-increasing demand for interpreters in the UK. We are determined to continue to meet that demand, as interpretation is too important a service to become overwhelmed.
“As a business, we are concentrating on growing supply chains, training and recruiting the best new talent, and investing in the technology that will make interpreting more readily available and efficient. Virtual interpreting models, on-demand booking platforms and Cloudbased technology are all being utilised to optimise our service so that our clients are always able to meet the needs of their own clients. Our mission is to make sure everyone is understood.
“Particularly in healthcare settings, there is significant evidence to suggest that language barriers can have a detrimental impact on patients’ access to healthcare, as well as their clinical outcomes. We strive to ensure we are promoting equality in the UK’s healthcare system by enabling our clients to offer highquality interpretation services to anyone who needs them.”
Contact
0161 928 2533 enquiries@dals.co.uk https://dals.co.uk
Reckitt Pro Solutions was hygiene sponsor for The Cleaning Show 2025
Reckitt Pro Solutions, a global leader in health, hygiene and home products, has been named the official hygiene sponsor for this year’s The Cleaning Show, which took place at ExCeL, London from 18-20 March.
The company is a manufacturer of some of the world’s most beloved and trusted brands, designed to meet the commercial cleaning and hygiene needs of offices, HoReCa, facilities management companies and educational sectors.
At this year’s event, Reckitt Pro Solutions introduced its recently
launched Quantum Professional range of warewashing products designed specifically for the HoReCa markets. The range was created in response to the crucial requirement in this sector for brilliant, clean glass and dishware, as a critical driver to securing 5-star reviews.
In addition, the company hosted a speaker session in the Conference Area on Thursday 20th March at 1:15pm. Here, Ross Jones and Dr Navin Sharma presented on ‘Professional Warewashing Made Easy’.
Paul Sweeney, Event Director of The Cleaning Show, stated, “We’re thrilled to have Reckitt Pro Solutions join us as the official hygiene sponsor for the 2025 event. As a globally recognised household name, their partnership brings immense prestige to The Cleaning Show.”
Bryant Plastics Ltd
Bryant Plastics has been manufacturing plastic laundry trucks and barrows in Yorkshire for over 50 years and “Today we are the UK’s leading manufacturer of plastic laundry cages,” says Jackie Smith, quality and improvement manager.
“Recently we were asked how long it takes for the trucks to be delivered, we said usually about three days after we have produced them,” said Smith. “The customer assumed they came from China and was delighted to learn they were actually produced here in the UK.”
“As a family run business we have strong values, and pride ourselves on the service we provide, the relationships that we have built over the years within the industry and importantly for us, the quality and durability of our products.
“We work with businesses large and small, and it is fantastic to see the small businesses that come for one truck or cage at the beginning of their journey come back for hundreds at a time as their business grows.”
The ergonomics, storing, moving and handling of products and
AR Materials Handling Ltd
By Andy Robinson, Managing Director
We are a Lancashire-based company, with almost 50 years’ experience supplying the commercial Laundry Industry & NHS generally with all types of British-made equipment, often specifically designed for individual needs. We place a strong value on service, relationships, and loyalty. This we have cemented over many years with our customers and suppliers alike.
The storing and moving of products and materials is not as simple as it sounds, we are consultants and manufacturers of materials handling equipment made to suit many industries.
With an engineering background that provides the expertise required to solve most problems. We are storage, moving and handling experts, our objective is to make the task easier for the operative, taking into account health and safety, ergonomics and importantly the cost effectiveness for the business.
manufactured and supplied a range of items whether it be a requirement for standard or bespoke items, we will have a solution. We are just as happy working on small projects as we are on larger projects for bigger operators.
While working with metals provides opportunities to design bespoke equipment, we are also a huge fan of plastic, both for its lengthy ‘life cycle’ and hygiene properties.
For many years we have designed,
We have worked hand in hand with Bryant Plastics Ltd for almost 30 years. Together we have innovated many fantastic products and received recognition throughout industry.
We only use virgin plastic, buying cheaper grade plastic is simply a false economy and have seen others go down this path with dire consequences. The containers we produce last many years, and when they come to the end of their life can be recycled into something new.
For us details such as castors and wheels are imperative, providing reliability, ease of movement & longevity. It is true there are
materials is not as simple as it sounds, and Bryant work closely with their customers, large and small, so that over the years, with them, they have designed a wide range of cost-effective moving and handling equipment specifically for the laundry industry. Most recently producing a self-levelling laundry cage.
Said Smith, “Our range of self levelling trucks, barrows, front of ironers and now cages, can be tailored to the needs of specific functions within the laundry and are essential for the health and safety of staff.”
cheaper one’s out there that look similar but often do not stand up to the rigours of what is required therefore prematurely failing, ultimately having to be replaced.
Products can be moved in many different ways, amongst the alternatives, they can be manually pushed/pulled, power driven with tugs etc or moved by fork trucks and the like. The methods are endless; ARMH have years of experience in these areas and introduce our customers to options.
There are always better and smarter ways evolving. We are always up for a new challenge.
Medstrom ECO: The future of patient hygiene
What is ECO?
I
n a sector that has seen little innovation, the Medstrom ECO portable patient shower offers a revolutionary alternative to traditional bed bathing. Using hydro-molecular technology, it transforms water into small droplets, dispensing at 100 microns through a stylus. This precision washing ensures only intended areas are cleaned, preventing water from spreading to surrounding surfaces or dispersing into the air.
Addressing the challenges of patient washing
Traditional bed bathing can be unsustainable, undignified, and timeconsuming for both patients and caregivers. The process typically involves manually adjusting water temperature, using large amounts of water, and ‘scrubbing’ patients, which can be harsh on sensitive skin. Caregivers can also experience physical strain from awkward postures while repositioning patients, increasing injury risk.
and efficient. Its automatic water heating system maintains a consistent temperature for the wash duration, eliminating repeated refilling of pulp bowls. With each wash typically taking 10-15 minutes, ECO frees up crucial time for patient care.
Additionally, the hand-held stylus delivers a targeted, warm spray, reducing excessive scrubbing while ensuring a thorough clean. By minimising the physical effort required to reposition patients, it also reduces manual handling strain for caregivers. At the same time, the stylus empowers patients to participate in their own hygiene when possible, restoring dignity and independence. Specifically, plus-size, end-of-life and critical care patients who face the most considerable physical challenges. Instead of simply being ‘wiped down’, patients feel refreshed and truly clean, able to wash their hair and reach areas that would otherwise be difficult.
the NHS net-zero sustainability goals.
Patient and caregiver reception
Since its deployment across 40 hospital wards, ECO has received overwhelmingly positive feedback. One Healthcare Assistant noted, “It was quicker than using a [traditional wash] bowl, less water was wasted, and the bed was less wet.”
Likewise, many clinicians realised that use of ECO significantly reduced use of towels and wipes during the bed-bathing process. Patients have also praised the experience, with one noting, “It’s been great washing my hair, I feel fresh and clean. And I can wash areas I can’t get to as easily.”
Find out more
Discover how ECO can benefit your healthcare facility. Visit Medstrom online to learn more: www.medstrom.com/ product/eco
ECO transforms this experience by making patient washing quicker, more comfortable,
ECO also significantly reduces water consumption, cutting average usage per patient from 10 litres to just 500ml – supporting
Introducing our new Recessed Combination Units
Sleek and space-saving solutions for modern washrooms
Dudley Industries is proud to unveil our latest innovation in washroom equipment: two new Recessed Combination Units. These dispensers combine a paper towel dispenser and a waste bin into a single, streamlined solution designed to meet the demands of modern washroom spaces.
Introducing our new Recessed Combination Units: Sleek and spacesaving solutions for modern washrooms
Dudley Industries is proud to unveil our latest innovation in washroom equipment: two new Recessed Combination Units
These cutting-edge products combine a paper towel dispenser and a waste bin into a single, streamlined solution designed to meet the demands of modern washroom spaces.
and 10 litre capacities, they are the latest addition to our established range of recessed dispensers. Their unique design fits neatly into wall cavities, minimising obtrusion into the room and optimising space. This is particularly beneficial for smaller washrooms, where every square inch counts, and creates a sleek, seamless aesthetic.
Why choose our Recessed Combination Units?
Our new units offer exceptional functionality and style, making them a must-have for any washroom environment. Available in 5 litre
Innovative one-door access for easy maintenance
Our new Recessed Combination Units feature a single door that provides access to both the paper towel dispenser and the waste bin. This onedoor design simplifies maintenance, allowing staff to refill and empty the unit quickly and efficiently.
Flexible design to suit
your space
Understanding the varied needs of washroom spaces, we designed the door to be reversible. Delivered with a right-hand opening configuration, the door can easily be removed, rotated 180 degrees, and reinstalled to open from the left if required. The lock is also reversible, and a blanking cap is provided to ensure a clean finish on the unused side.
Two sizes to meet your needs
The two sizes of our new units cater to different capacity requirements: : 5 litre model – With a 360mm depth, it accommodates approximately one and a half packs of most paper towel sizes. : 10 litre model – Featuring a 530mm depth, it holds around three packs of paper towels.
Built to last with a 10 year warranty
Designed and manufactured in the UK, these units are constructed from durable stainless steel, ensuring longevity and resistance to wear and tear. Both models come with a 10 year warranty for added peace of mind.
Explore detailed specifications
For more information on the technical specifications of our new Recessed Combination Units, visit our listings on NBS Source
To upgrade your washroom with our innovative Recessed Combination Units? Contact our team today for more details or to place your order. Let Dudley Industries help you create a modern, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing washroom environment.
Secure medication anytime, anywhere
In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are pleased to feature Medpac as our Medical Emergency Equipment Company of the Month
Back in 2011, Medpac founder Jayne Tarrant’s daughter was suffering from Epilepsy when she started school.
“When my daughter was diagnosed with a condition that required her to carry medicine with her at all times, I was suddenly faced with the challenge of what to put it in,” said Jayne.
As well as needing to carry it with her at all times, the school needed a set with photo ID and a treatment plan. It was at this moment, Jayne realised there was nothing currently on the market that enabled Jessica to always have her emergency medication with her.
“After using an old make-up bag that I embarrassingly handed over at parties and clubs, I soon began to realise I was not alone and so I sat at my kitchen table and designed something that would fulfil all the requirements that I deemed necessary at the time,” shared Jayne.
On top of this, Jayne also had to make sure that any teachers or staff members knew what Jessica’s medication was for and how to administer it, if called upon. Jayne eventually decided an old make-up bag was not ideal and started to research a potential market both in terms of demand and the types of medication people need to carry with them.
Medpac was born out of a personal need. After extensive research into common medical conditions, essential medications, transportation challenges, and school medicine storage policies, Jayne developed
and refined four prototypes before finalising the perfect design.
“Jayne chose the colour orange because she wanted something bright and easy to find in an emergency that was not related to first aid (red and green) or gender specific (pink and blue). Given that she’s half Dutch, bright orange worked, and has proven to be a success! The bright orange colour makes the Medpac easy to find in an emergency and the Medpac photo ID card allows the Medpac to be easily identified to the owner who may be unable to do so themselves in an emergency situation.”
Today, over 10 years later, Medpac is sold around the world and has revolutionised the healthcare and education industry for those suffering with epilepsy, allergy, asthma, diabetes and other medical conditions where accessible emergency medication is vital.
As a company, Medpac has grown in size, adding more products and accessories to the range since the very first product burst onto the healthcare scene in 2012. From essential Medpacs to practical accessories, everything you need to store and organise your medication for is catered to.
The Medpac is available in a variety of sizes, each insulated with a thermal lining to help regulate medication temperature. It is designed to store a variety of medications, including two boxes of Epistatus with space for additional epilepsy treatments, diabetes supplies (such as hypoglycemia treatments that require refrigeration), Epipen and Jext pens,
antibiotics, asthma medication, and more. The Medpac is splashproof and features an external pocket for an ID card and an internal pocket for extra medication.
“Medpacs are designed in the UK, and engineered to be versatile. Education is our primary target customer as it is well-suited for children to take to school, however, it also caters to individual’s undergoing hospital stays, family day trips, or just for day-to-day use!” added Jayne.
The range also includes Medpac replacement ID Cards and Treatment Cards, Gel Cool Packs, Sickbags, Drawstring bags, wristbands, and more.
Contact 0845 073 9430
sales@medpac.co.uk www.medpac.co.uk
Inizio Engage targets health and safety improvements
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nizio Engage, the global healthcare partner, has teamed up with Applied Driving to support its clinical team and other lone workers using the Companion+ Mobile Safety App. The company has initially adopted the safer driving and personal safety solution across 65 mobile employees with a wider rollout planned for a further 115 users within its UK and US operations.
“The wellbeing of our team is of utmost importance to the business, so we are committed to identifying and using the latest health and safety innovations,” explains Kate Kelly, Managing Director UK & Ireland of Inizio Engage. “With the adoption of the Companion+ Mobile Safety and it’s personal safety features, we can
elevate the welfare of those driving and operating alone by providing the highest levels of assistance, engagement and support.”
Inizio Engage has previously used a lone worker safety device, but it lacked the functionality, usability and affordability of Companion+. The mobile app’s SOS function allows an alarm to be raised with a swipe of the phone, while Triple Tap is a three-tap process – even when a device is in a pocket or bag – to call for help and the check-in timer schedules a check call to confirm safety. In addition, crash detection uses mobile phone sensors, proprietary algorithms and AI to detect when a collision has occurred.
Companion+ is designed to improve driver behaviour while protecting users in a sphere of safety. The app automatically assesses at-risk driving events and sends Triggered Training™ in the form of a safety message, video or e-learning module, tailored specifically to the user’s individual needs.
Visiting Angels awakens the greatness within
I
n-home care franchise Visiting Angels has wrapped up another year with a grand celebration of network-wide achievements. While franchisees, carers and the head office team were invited to reflect on a remarkable 2024 marked with growth and success, this year’s theme of ‘Awakening the Greatness Within’ also underscored the brand’s commitment to unlocking the full potential of its network as it looks ahead to 2025 and beyond.
Over 300 franchisees and carers from across Visiting Angels’ network attended the brand’s fourth annual conference, held at the Leonard Royal Hotel in London.
With ‘Awakening the Greatness Within’ the running theme for the day, the event centred around harnessing kinetic energy to drive the business forward into 2025 – a concept UK CEO Dan Archer developed after reflecting on the brand’s remarkable progress this year.
“When I think about our incredible growth, I’m reminded of a lesson from my GCSE Physics,” said Dan.
“Potential energy is the energy stored, waiting to be released, while kinetic energy is the force created when that potential is set in motion. Over the years, we’ve built a solid foundation – strong brand recognition, glowing online reviews, exceptional client care and a national staff turnover rate of under 10%. This conference wasn’t just about celebrating where we are – it was about unleashing that stored potential, turning it into the momentum that will propel us toward even greater success.”
Enhancing infection control and facility maintenance: The 2025 approach to impact protection solutions
With healthcareassociated infections (HCAIs) still posing a significant challenge, NHS Trusts continue to prioritise innovative solutions that enhance infection control while ensuring cost-effective maintenance. As healthcare facilities evolve, modern solutions like antibacterial impact protection sheet have become indispensable in improving safety, hygiene, and durability in high-traffic areas.
The role of impact protection in infection control Healthcare environments demand stringent hygiene measures. While handrails and taps often receive attention, surfaces like walls and doors are equally critical. These areas, frequently touched by patients, visitors, and staff, can harbour harmful bacteria. Advanced antibacterial wall and door protection solutions can now inhibit up to 99% of harmful microbes such as C. difficile, MRSA,
Salmonella, and E. coli, offering a proactive approach to infection control.
Innovations in impact protection
Modern antibacterial impact protection sheet, enhanced with advanced biocidal technology such as Hygienilac®, prevent bacterial growth by disrupting the microbes’ ability to access nutrients. These solutions are embedded throughout the sheet material, ensuring that even if the surface is scratched, the antimicrobial properties remain effective. Designed for durability, these sheets boast UV stability and resistance to water solubility, maintaining efficacy for years. Compliance with fire safety standards, such as BS476 Parts 6 and 7, further underscores their suitability for healthcare settings.
Beyond infection control: Long-term benefits
Impact protection sheet from Intastop not only prevents HCAIs but also reduce maintenance costs by protecting against routine wear and tear. Facilities that invest in these solutions
experience fewer disruptions and lower ongoing repair expenses. The versatility of the impact protection sheet allows customisation for different environments, with options for texture and colour to blend seamlessly with existing designs.
Why choose Intastop in 2025?
For over 30 years, Intastop has led innovation in wall, door, and people protection. By understanding the unique demands of healthcare environments, Intastop continues to deliver solutions that balance safety, functionality, and aesthetics. Its impact protection products align with the NHS’s goals for infection control, cost efficiency, and sustainable facility management.
As NHS Trusts look to the future, adopting durable, antimicrobial solutions like impact protection sheets ensures safer, more efficient healthcare spaces for patients and staff alike. Whether refurbishing an existing facility or designing a new one, these products are an essential part of modern healthcare infrastructure.
Visit: https://intastop.com/productcategory/wall-protection/ to learn more about our wall and door protection solutions.
Protect. Support. Enhance.
When it comes to high-traffic environments, walls and corridors take a beating. The Yeoman Shield Contour Hand/Crash Rail is the perfect solution – offering a combination of protection, support and style to keep your interiors looking their best while reducing maintenance costs.
Why choose the Contour Hand/Crash Rail?
: Dual Functionality – Designed to act as both a handrail for support and a crash rail to absorb impact from trolleys, wheelchairs and carts, preventing costly wall damage.
: Durable & Hard-Wearing – Manufactured from high-quality materials, our rails are resistant to scuffs, scratches and impact, making them ideal for hospitals, care homes, schools and commercial buildings.
: Hygienic & Low Maintenance – The smooth, easy-clean surface helps maintain hygiene standards in healthcare and public spaces while reducing time spent on cleaning and repairs.
: Stylish & Customisable – Available in a range of colours and finishes to complement your interior design. Whether you want a subtle, seamless look or a bold statement, our rails can be tailored to your needs.
Supply-only or expert installation: You choose! At Yeoman Shield, we understand that every project is different. That’s why we offer two flexible solutions:
: Supply-Only – If you have your own installation team, we can provide all the materials you need, complete with fitting guides for an easy, hassle-free installation.
: Expert Installation Service – Let our experienced team handle the installation for you, ensuring a precise, professional finish that meets your requirements and guarantees long-term protection.
Protect your interiors today! Invest in a solution that saves you time and money while enhancing safety and aesthetics. The Yeoman Shield Contour Hand/Crash Rail is an essential addition to any environment that demands durability and style.
Contact us today to discuss your project needs or request a quote! www.yeomanshield.com
DRLC Ltd joins NHS SBS Framework Agreement
I
n a crucial step towards enhancing fire safety and compliance across NHS buildings, NHS Shared Business Service (NHS SBS) has launched a new framework agreement aimed at ensuring full compliance with safety and fire regulations. Among the suppliers awarded a place on this framework is DRLC Ltd: Authorising Engineers.
As Authorising Engineers, the company plays a vital role in supporting fire safety within healthcare premises. Having been awarded a slot means DRLC are now officially approved to provide a wide range of critical services such as fire safety and ensuring compliance with the Building Safety Act.
It has never been more important for NHS buildings to be safe, compliant and functional. The healthcare sector continues to face significant infrastructure challenges and with the infrastructure backlog reaching an estimated £13.8 billion, it is of utmost priority to address critical repairs to guarantee safety of both staff and patients. This is why the NHS Shared Business Service (NHS SBS) launched
a comprehensive Building and Fire Safety Compliance Framework Agreement, aimed at tackling these challenges and improving safety standards across NHS buildings and the wider public sector.
Brendan GrigginRyan, NHS SBS senior category manager, said, “NHS SBS is pleased to introduce our new Building Safety and Fire Compliance Framework Agreement. It provides the NHS and wider public sector with a comprehensive range of services, including fire safety, asbestos management and removal, lifts maintenance and installation, water treatment, PAT testing, authorising engineers, and pneumatic tube systems.
“Developed with a regional structure, it
facilitates both national and SME suppliers, offering a blend of solutions to our customers.
“The framework agreement aligns with key health and safety regulations, ensuring compliance in critical areas such as fire safety, water treatment, and asbestos management. This alignment is crucial for maintaining the safety and integrity of NHS buildings, protecting patients, staff, and visitors.
“With the recent budget announcement allocating £1 billion to the NHS to address critical repairs, this framework agreement provides a compliant procurement route for essential safety services."
For companies like DRLC, the framework offers an invaluable opportunity to collaborate with public sector organisations and provide the Authorising Engineer services required to meet fire safety regulations and other essential compliance requirements. The company’s inclusion in the framework positions DRLC as a trusted partner in safeguarding NHS facilities.
UK care system needs more than vote-winning promises
Nuno Almeida, the founder and CEO of Nourish Care, the leading provider of digital care management software in the UK that supports more than 385,000 people drawing on care, says that the UK care system is unsustainable and is in urgent need of more than vote-winning promises.
According to Nuno, not fixing our care system will cost the UK dearly as adult social care must be seen as an investment, not a draw on resources.
“The care system is broken and it is in urgent need of attention because the problem is only going to grow. In the next 10 years, 600,000 more of us in the UK are going to need care, in fact, most of us will have to draw on care at some point and as it stands, the system is already struggling. The incoming government is going to face huge infrastructure and budget challenges,” says Nuno.
“As it stands, there are inequalities when it comes to care access, people are being coerced into packages that don’t suit their needs and the shortage of carers will only worsen.”
Healthcare in 2025
As 2024 draws to a close, Designit’s Myles Washington, Director of Experience Design and Strategy and Dr Pardis Shafafi, anthropologist and Global Responsible Business Lead, are looking to what 2025 could mean for the world of healthcare – where they see the rise of AI diagnostics, autonomous telehealth solutions and a more proactive approach to healthcare challenges:
Dr Pardis Shafafi, Global Responsible Business Lead: Healthcare research for 51% of the populace
“Investments will, finally, be allocated towards women’s health as VCs and business research continue to demonstrate the huge benefits for society as a whole. The specific commercial incentives for those who invest in women’s healthcare will become clearer.”
Myles Washington, Director of Experience Design and Strategy: AI to become the backbone of diagnostics
“In the near future, artificial intelligence will become the backbone of diagnostics and decision-making in healthcare. EHR systems will transform, integrating advanced Clinical Decision Support (CDS) tools to deliver real-time, actionable insights. These systems will decode complex patient data,
presenting it in intuitive formats that fit seamlessly into clinical workflows. Healthcare providers will benefit from unprecedented clarity and precision, enabling faster, smarter decisions that save lives.”
Autonomous telehealth & Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) comes to the fore
“In 2025, we will see telehealth and RPM become truly autonomous, breaking through current barriers of accessibility and infrastructure. With the rapid evolution of technologies like 6G, IoT, and connected systems, remote patient monitoring will no longer just track health – it will predict and proactively manage it. These advancements will enable healthcare providers to intervene in real-time, fundamentally transforming the patient experience from reactive to proactive and eventually predictive and future hopes of prescriptive proactive care.”
Mainteno facilities maintenance and management software
Mainteno is a complete, costeffective solution for task facilities management. Whether it’s managing planned maintenance or dealing with fault repairs, Mainteno simplifies the day-to-day maintenance of almost any organisation.
Our award-winning software keeps everyone in the loop and archives all your communication and documentation in one place. For total control of your organisation’s assets, Mainteno also seamlessly incorporates asset management and tracking.
Mainteno streamlines every aspect of the maintenance management process, saving your organisation time and money.
Usability made affordable
Mainteno was designed with practicality in mind. The interface is so intuitive that basic operation can be learned in minutes, and you can be a power user in one afternoon. Elegant usability usually means a hefty price tag – so our customers are often surprised to learn just how affordable Mainteno is.
No set-up fees, no lengthy contracts. Mainteno adapts to any organisation’s maintenance needs.
Mainteno is an advanced awardwinning facilities maintenance and management software that streamlines every aspect of maintenance management processes.
“We provide online software and have provided online maintenance management software for the past eight years,” said Mainteno’s David Lattimer. “Our software is extremely diverse and adaptable for many industries and has been used to manage many different types of facilities by companies including The Dogs Trust, DPD, funeral homes, schools and care homes.”
All accessed through one easy to use platform, Mainteno is a CMMS (Computerised Maintenance Management System) which provides a CAFM (Computer Aided Facilities Management) solution for organisations.
Mainteno Facilities Management Software from David Lattimer on Vimeo.
View a detailed explanatory video of Mainteno here: https://vimeo.com/425488696 or above or for any further information, please see the details below.
Contact
+44 (0)208 798 3713
sales@redro.co.uk www.mainteno.com
Leading event for design in mental healthcare returns
Design in Mental Health 2025
Design in Mental Health takes place on 3-4 June 2025 at the Manchester Central convention complex, with its Conference, Exhibition and Awards once again creating a unique forum for discussion, debate and discovery on good design in the built environment for mental healthcare.
The event brings together clinicians, academics, researchers, architects, estates and facilities professionals, capital projects managers, policy planners, experts by experience, and others from around the world.
Over two packed days, attendees can exchange knowledge, network, and immerse themselves in the latest technologies, products and ideas for creating and equipping both acute and rehabilitative settings.
The Conference: Deep dives into key themes
This year’s Keynote speakers are Dr Adrian James (Medical Director for Mental Health and Neurodiversity at NHS England), Baroness Berger (Member of the House of Lords and former Shadow Minister for Mental Health),
Marsha McAdam (International Patient Leader), Professor Yvonne Jewkes (Professor of Criminology at the University of Bath), and Geoff Brennan (Safewards Clinical Supervisor at King’s College London).
In addition,
Conference Delegetes have access to a range of interactive sessions including presentations, panel discussions and workshops. The conference programme is organised around the following eight core themes, offering something for everyone:
: Clinical and Operational Learning
: Collaboration and Partnership Innovation
: Design, Estates, Facilities, and Equipment Learning
: New Ways of Working
: Person-Centred Approach
: Policy, Research and Standards
: Safety- and Psychologically-Informed Environments
: Service User Learning
The Exhibition: A complete showroom plus FREE seminars
The DiMH25 Exhibition is free to attend and presents a complete showroom of equipment, products and services for the design, build &
operation of mental health facilities & spaces.
Attendees can test out and compare innovative solutions from over 60 leading suppliers to the sector, including many NHS framework approved suppliers. New for 2025 is a free-to-attend seminar theatre in the Exhibition Hall, featuring presentations on a range of subjects including environment design, compliance, sustainability, and more. On 4 June, this theatre will also feature a series of live inperson interviews with winners of the 2025 Design in Mental Health Awards.
The Design in Mental Health Awards 2025
The prestigious Design in Mental Health Awards will be presented in 13 categories at a vibrant ceremony from 5pm on 3 June at Manchester Central. These honours recognise standout achievements in mental health environments.
The awards ceremony is free to attend for all attendees and includes complimentary refreshments and entertainment – a perfect way to network with peers.
Book your place
Registration for Design in Mental Health is open at: www.designinmentalhealth. com with a range of attendance options available and public sector discounts available.
Meet SOFTDISPENSER®: A smarter, safer solution for mental health spaces
Balco Global Ltd designs innovative, ligature-lite products for behavioural health environments; and the SOFTDISPENSER is one of our most forwardthinking solutions to date. Unlike rigid plastic or metal units, SOFTDISPENSER is soft yet durable, helping to reduce ligature and weaponisation risk without compromising on practicality or hygiene.
See it for yourself on Stand 405 at the Design in Mental Health Show, Manchester Central,
3-4 June 2025.
We’ll be showcasing the SOFTDISPENSER®, our flexible, ligature-lite dispenser developed in partnership with NHS teams. Available in two models (for toilet tissue and hand towels) it’s designed to reduce weaponisation and ligature risk in high-risk environments, while remaining durable and practical for daily use.
It’s ideal for wet rooms and ensuites, with a flexible construction that retains its shape even when bent or stood on. The breakaway design uses concealed magnets, and the unit contains no hard fixings, significantly reducing self-harm risk
Durable, practical, easy to maintain, and designed for high-risk spaces, Balco’s product range supports safer environments for both staff and
service users. Our approach is grounded in what really works, not just what meets minimum compliance. From breakaway doors to ligature-lite dispensers, every detail is considered.
SOFTDISPENSER features include:
: Minimal weapons & ligature risk
: Breakaway design with no visible magnets
: Antimicrobial and fire retardant
: Soft, wipe-clean surface
: Available in a range of calming colours
Imagine not being able to enjoy the immersive experience of bubbles in the bath, relaxing in warm water.
For a group of young adults with learning disabilities and neurological impairments that pleasure is now a reality, tailored to their individual needs. It’s the result of determination by their Occupational Therapists at the Royal Hospital for Neuro Disability to find a suitable way to enhance their sensory experiences.
The residential ward at the Hospital has a specialist bath with sensory lighting and bubble
Case study: Bath seat delivers “lovely” sensory experience
jets. The very limited functional ability of many of the ward’s 12 residents meant they were unable to benefit from the bath.
Many of them had not been in a bath since early childhood: their complex postural needs and behaviours posed significant difficulty in supporting them safely in the water, ensuring they did not slip, slide or injure themselves on the hard sides.
At a Kidz to Adultz exhibition, the OTs saw AAT’s Aqua Liberty infinitely adjustable bath support system, arranged a trialand now have the answer!
The cushion is precisely moulded to each user, holding its shape without pressure points to support them correctly and appropriately in the water, and adjusted if required by the OT team. Optional lateral panels to provide side cushioning are also available.
Aqua Liberty is the first – and to AAT’s knowledge only – supported bathing system that fits any user and any bath. It comprises AAT’s innovative variable vacuum posture cushions secured to a base which features adhesive cups for quick and easy attachment to and removal from the bath itself while ensuring the seat system does not slip or slide.
“Being shaped around them, Aqua Liberty is supportive and comfortable. We’ve had great success with it, and, with new residents onto the ward, have repeat ordered,” says Senior II Occupational Therapist Continuing Care Service @ the Hospital, Ginnie Garlick.
“The ability to access the bath, experience being immersed in warm water and interacting with the bubbles has greatly enhanced the quality of life of our residents. It offers them a lovely sensory experience.”
Full details of the Aqua Liberty infinitely variable bathing system can be found
Cerebral palsy sufferer finds new joy in life
35 year old Daniel has had Care Horizons in his life for 16 years. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth, Daniel has round-the-clock care from a rotating team of five Care Horizons staff, who work in 15 hour shift patterns.
Care Horizons provides holistic at-home care to over 21 residents in the heart of Yate in South Gloucestershire, based upon each individual’s wishes, rights competence and health challenges. Care Horizons seeks to develop each individual to their fullest potential, while maintaining dignity and equality for all their customers.
“As a child, I was limited by my disability. It was extremely challenging for my parents, who relied on a care support team, who couldn’t always be there when needed. At 17 years old, I was sent to boarding school to receive the care I needed and enable my parents to be able to work.”
“A few years ago, I moved to Yate and finally found my independence. I was introduced to Care Horizons by a fellow friend, who found their 24/7 shift patterns of in-home care unparalleled. Since then, I have been helped by a wonderful team, who work their socks off to ensure I am fit, healthy and enjoying life.”
For more information on Care Horizons and its bespoke care offering, please visit: www.carehorizons.co.uk or phone 0117 405 4320.
Thorpe
Mill
The Thorpe Mill Optimise FirmEdge Mattress is designed for individuals with mobility issues, the elderly, or those using profiling beds, offering superior comfort, support, and safety. A key feature is its firm edge support, which prevents users from rolling out of bed and reduces the risk of injury. This firm edging also makes it easier to stand up, transfer to a wheelchair, or adjust positions with greater stability.
The pressure-reducing profiled design enhances comfort while promoting good posture and a restful sleep. To extend its lifespan, the mattress features a four-way turn design, allowing for even wear over time. It comes complete with a vapour-permeable, waterproof zipped cover, protecting against spills while ensuring
easy cleaning and hygiene maintenance – ideal for both home and healthcare settings.
With its combination of safety, durability, and ease of use, the Optimise Firm-Edge Mattress provides a secure and comfortable sleeping surface. Whether assisting with standing, supporting safer transfers, or enhancing overall sleep quality, this mattress is designed to improve mobility, reduce risks, and ensure a peaceful, supported, and restful night’s sleep.
Bespoke sizes are available
For more information, please call 01535 682630, email: sales@thorpemill.co.uk or visit: www.thorpemill.co.uk
Silver Shield: The complete protection your residents deserve
Brought to you by Spark Care: Your trusted care technology partner
At Spark Care, we understand that safety and dignity are at the heart of outstanding care – whether delivered in a care home, someone’s own home, supported living, or sheltered accommodation. With over 20 years’ experience across the care and technology sectors, we support care providers to embrace technology that genuinely makes a difference.
Silver Shield is one of those rare solutions that ticks every box. Discreet, intelligent, and proactive – it doesn’t just detect falls, it prevents them. It offers silent, contact-free health monitoring, and integrates seamlessly with your existing care systems – all while respecting privacy and supporting staff to deliver faster, more responsive care.
More than fall detection: True fall prevention
At the core of Silver Shield is advanced 60GHz mmWave RADAR, providing 99.9% fall detection accuracy. But it doesn’t stop there. Silver Shield predicts falls before they happen, giving care teams a vital early warning.
Each unit is discreetly mounted to monitor a six metre radius, learning residents’ or service users’ movement patterns over time.
Using intelligent AI, it recognises changes in movement, mobility or behaviour and sends instant alerts if something’s off.
Care providers using Silver Shield have seen fall rates cut
by up to 85%, helping to prevent injuries, reduce hospital admissions, and reassure families that their loved ones are in safe hands.
Beyond safety: Intelligent, contactfree health monitoring Silver Shield works around the clock to monitor vital signs – with no need for wires, wearables, or physical contact:
: Tracks heart rate, breathing patterns and sleep quality in real time
: Detects subtle behavioural changes linked to health deterioration
: Preserves dignity – no cameras, no resident interaction required
This early insight enables proactive intervention, helping spot issues such as infections, respiratory problems or increasing frailty before they escalate.
Smarter care, faster response
Silver Shield equips care teams with real-time alerts and clear, actionable data:
: Cuts response times from an average of 57 minutes to just 2 minutes
: Supports data-driven care planning and strengthens CQC compliance
: Provides digital reporting and audit trails that reduce admin pressure and support best practice allowing care staff to focus on building relationships, not chasing paperwork.
Privacy first: Always Silver Shield is built around trust. Unlike camera-based systems, it never captures images or video. There’s no intrusion, no discomfort, and it’s fully GDPR compliant – giving reassurance to service users, families, and care teams.
Expertly installed, fully supported
Silver Shield is installed and supported by Spark Care’s experienced team. We take care of the full process from start to finish, including seamless integration with nurse call systems, care planning platforms, and staff training.
Whether you’re a care home, home care agency, supported living provider or housing association – we tailor our approach to suit your setting, your service users, and your team.
Real results, real impact
Care providers using Silver Shield have reported:
: Improved compliance through proactive and preventative care
: Annual cost savings of over £150,000, with ROI achieved in 4-5 months
: More time for meaningful interactions and hands-on care
: Residents and service users maintaining independence for 3-5 years longer
Spark Care: Raising standards across every care setting
“Silver Shield is more than a system. It’s a commitment to safety, dignity, and smarter care. Whether you support residents in a care home or people in their own homes, this technology empowers care teams and provides true peace of mind.”
– Nadia Morris, Founder & CEO, Spark
Care
Ready to see the difference?
Book a consultation with Spark Care today and discover how Silver Shield can transform safety, efficiency, and outcomes in your care setting – wherever care is delivered.
Because when it comes to protecting those we care for, only the best will do.
Is AI always a beneficial tool or does it have downsides?
During a recent trip to the Care of England conference in London it sparked a conversation between us about the use of AI in the care sector and how it may not always be the best way forward despite everyone's need to use the latest technology.
AI has emerged as a promising tool in various sectors, including healthcare. In the care sector, AI applications offer the enticing prospect of improving efficiency, accuracy, and even patient outcomes. However, beneath the surface lies a complex web of ethical and legal concerns, particularly regarding data protection and privacy. As AI continues to infiltrate the care sector, it becomes imperative to address these issues head-on, lest we find ourselves ensnared in a GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) quagmire.
The GDPR is designed to safeguard individuals’ personal data, ensuring that it is processed lawfully, transparently, and for specified purposes. While this regulation is undoubtedly crucial in protecting privacy rights, its
intersection with AI in the care sector presents significant challenges.
“Clients are the forefront of everything, and staff should be protected,” says Vierka Hiscock, Care Horizons, MD.
One of the primary concerns with AI is the barrier it creates between a client and their carer. When talking to a client they should be the main priority and they should receive the best communication. Hence, when devices such as Alexa are used in care homes a barrier is being built between the client and the carer and this can cross GDPR as well as break down the bond between the client and carer.
For more information on Care Horizons and its bespoke care offering, please visit: www.carehorizons.co.uk or phone 0117 405 4320.
New promotions for Joe Sparrow & Jessica White
Joe Sparrow – Services Manager
Joe Sparrow is 53 years old and started her career in care at just 19 years old. She was inspired by her mother who had worked in a hospital for over 25 years and then in a community home, dedicated to both her roles and making a difference to people’s lives. After seeing how much her mum loved it, Joe was inspired and began her own career in care.
Joe joined Care Horizons in 2007 where she started as a Team Leader. Since starting she has seen Care Horizons flourish and get progressively bigger, having taken on more care packages and in turn new staff. She has seen the company gain a much bigger presence within South Gloucestershire, building good relationships with social workers and enabling them to offer more training.
Jessica White – Deputy Manager Jessica White is 30 years old and has worked in social care for 7 years. When asked how she got into social care she explained that her son was diagnosed with autism at 2 years old and that day changed her
Your trusted interior specialists for exceptional care homes
Kilworth is your trusted partner for exceptional care home flooring and furnishings. With a rich history spanning generations, we’ve honed our craft to deliver tailored solutions that elevate any environment.
Located centrally in Leicestershire, we specialise in flooring and furnishings, providing bespoke solutions and quality products ideally suited to residential homes and care homes.
Utilising our vast skills, we create luxurious environments that exceed the usual expectations of retirement living and assisted care environments.
Full service offering
products and furnishing services including design, sourcing and management of interior spaces across the care sector.
Whether you’re seeking to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in a residential home or a functional yet stylish space in a care home, our team of experts is dedicated to bringing your unique vision to life.
Our comprehensive service encompasses everything from bespoke interior design and product sourcing to expert installation and ongoing management. We offer a vast selection of flooring options, including carpets, carpet tiles, sheet vinyl, and specialist flooring
Seamless processes
Our process begins with a comprehensive consultation to understand your vision and requirements. We then create detailed drawings and designs, bringing your ideas to life and ensuring optimal space utilisation. Once your vision is clear, we meticulously select and procure the finest products to match your style and budget.
Finally, our skilled installation team will expertly transform your space, paying close attention to the smallest details, to deliver a flawless finish that exceeds your expectations.
life forever.
“I felt I needed to understand him and help him the best I could, I learned Makaton and did various courses on understanding autism and learning disabilities,” said Jessica.
In October of 2019 she started a role as a support worker at Care Horizons. Since starting she has gone from strength to strength being promoted to a team leader in 2021 and now to Deputy Manager.
For more information on Care Horizons and its bespoke care offering, please visit: www.carehorizons.co.uk or phone 0117 405 4320.
CARE HOME INTERIORS Matters
Above and beyond care
At Kilworth, we pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with our clients. Our dedicated team, comprising skilled designers, procurement experts, and experienced fitters, is committed to exceeding your expectations. With a proven track record of delivering outstanding service, we’re your go-to choice for transforming spaces into exceptional care environments.
Since 2005, we have always endeavoured to support our customers’ needs above and beyond the recognised service levels. We pride ourselves on the feedback received by our customers, who recognise that we are always prepared to go the extra mile to fulfil optimum service at all times.
Contact 0116 259 9848 info@kilworth.co.uk https://kilworth.co.uk
50 years of trust: Advancing healthcare and science together
Alpha Laboratories has been supplying quality to science since 1975
Alpha Laboratories Ltd is proud to be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, marking half a century of commitment to supporting clinicians, scientists, and patients across the globe. Founded in 1975, Alpha Laboratories has become a trusted supplier of laboratory consumables, liquid handling supplies, diagnostic solutions, and lab equipment. David Giles was a founding member and Chairman, pushing the company forward with tenacity, passion and a drive for scientific innovation.
That passion and drive has continued, with Alpha building a reputation for providing high-quality products that support critical research and healthcare applications. Five decades on and the company remains true to its original vision and ethos: to help science improve people’s lives.
Alpha’s core values are embedded in the pillars of People, Planet, and Culture. The company’s team, with their expertise, professionalism, and commitment to local communities and the environment, takes pride in being part of Alpha. Alpha views its people as both its greatest asset and its driving purpose. The company operates under a shared set of values, including innovation, empathy,
growth, trust, and responsibility. Through these principles, Alpha is dedicated to supporting science education at all levels, fostering interest and engagement to build a sustainable workforce for the future of the industry.
remain committed to advancing healthcare through innovation, sustainable solutions, and exceptional service. Our journey has been shaped by strong partnerships with healthcare professionals, researchers, and suppliers, and we are proud to have played a role in supporting scientific progress and improving patient care. While much has changed over the past five decades, our core values of integrity, collaboration, and a passion for making a difference have remained constant. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to continuing to serve the scientific and medical communities for many years to come.”
Alpha Laboratories offers clinical labs a comprehensive range of diagnostic assays, reagents, and equipment across key fields – blood grouping, clinical chemistry, haematology, haemostasis, immunology, and microbiology. With decades of collaboration with the National Bowel Screening Programmes, the company has pioneered support for advanced Faecal Immunochemical Testing (FIT) to benefit both screening and symptomatic needs.
Moreover, as a leader in calprotectin assays, Alpha Laboratories empowers accurate, non-invasive monitoring and diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), reducing the need for costly endoscopic procedures. Helping clinicians make timely, accurate diagnoses and improve patient outcomes.
“Celebrating 50 years is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, and to the trust our customers place in us,” said Rob Vint, Managing Director of Alpha Laboratories. “As we look to the future, we
As Alpha Laboratories celebrates this remarkable milestone, it remains focused on its vision for the future, continuing to invest in innovative technologies, sustainable practices, and global healthcare solutions.
To learn more about Alpha Laboratories’ 50 year journey, visit: www.alphalabs.co.uk/50th
Optimising patient flow by integrating task management with patient administration systems and radiology information systems
The NHS faces increasing pressure to optimise patient flow while maintaining high-quality care. Delays in scheduling, inefficient data management, and administrative bottlenecks can lead to longer patient wait times, increased operational costs, and resource strain.
The challenges
Patient flow refers to the movement of patients through various hospital departments, from admission to diagnoses, treatment and discharge. A well-optimised patient flow minimises delays, expedites patient discharge, frees up beds and reduces unnecessary patient stays. Non-Integrated
workflows can be problematic for a number of reasons:
: Manual data entry errors and duplication of effort across systems
: Lack of real-time communication channels between departments
: Complex radiology scheduling and realtime changes cause portering resource challenges
: Delays in real-time system updates by staff hinder patient flow and disrupt hospital operations
How system integration can improve efficiency
Integrating task management software with Patient Administration Systems (PAS) and Radiology Information Systems (RIS) allows hospital trusts to create data-driven environments where data flows seamlessly between departments. This approach improves co-ordination, minimises administrative workloads, and enhances the overall patient experience.
Key benefits of integration:
1) Improved workflows: Integrated systems ensure that moves and domestic activity is seamlessly co-ordinated across all platforms, minimising data entry and ensuring clinical staff has access to up-to-date information.
2) Faster decision making and reduced waiting times: Real-time updates and instant access to
Gen Z and millennials admit they know
more about their mental health than their dental health
Two in three (65%) 18-34-year-olds admit they know more about their mental health than their dental health, according to new research from Bupa – with 19% of this age group acknowledging they did not know there was any connection between oral health and mental wellbeing. In fact, just 13% of all Brits felt they are better informed about their dental health than their mental health, a knowledge gap that is costing UK businesses thousands of pounds a year.
The results come as part of a wider look from Bupa into how much Brits really know about the ways dental health connects with their overall physical and mental wellbeing. And the answer is very little, especially when it comes to mental health. 85% of respondents did not think mental health problems have anything to do with the health of their teeth, tongue or gums and drilling deeper, only 12% knew it is connected to panic attacks while just 7% understood the links to bipolar disorder.
There’s low public awareness of the links to serious physical conditions too, with just over half (53%) of the population recognising the link to mouth cancer. Even fewer are aware of connections to other conditions like diabetes (25%) or heart illness (14%).
Alongside the research, Bupa took to the streets of London to ask passersby how much or little they know about dental health. You can watch on LinkedIn, Facebook or Instagram
Contact www.bupaglobal.com/en
critical data enable effective decision-making, reducing patient wait times and improving care outcomes.
3) Increased compliance and reporting efficiency: Integrated systems facilitate accurate data recording and tracking, allowing staff to generate reports on patient flow and resource utilisation.
4) Reduced wait times for radiology: Integrated workflows speed up patient movement in and out of radiology and other departments.
5) Reduced wait times for movement out of medical assessment units: Quicker discharge and bed cleans at ward level free up space to move patients out of MAU and onto wards.
The future of hospital efficiency
As hospitals continue to embrace digital transformation, integrating task management software with PAS and RIS is becoming essential for enhancing operational efficiency, reducing costs, and improving patient care. This integration is not just a technological upgrade but a strategic investment in building a more efficient and patientcentred NHS.
For more information about how Synbiotix can help you reach your targets through integration with your PAS and RIS systems, contact us at: sales@synbiotix.com or call: +44 (0)330 400 4150.
Itec Skills and
Employment
secures gold and silver honours at mental health awards wales
Itec Skills and Employment, a leading provider of skills development and employment services in Wales, was recognised for its commitment to mental health on October 9th, 2024, receiving the Silver Award for Workplace Wellbeing at the Mental Health & Wellbeing Awards Wales and the prestigious Quality Mark Gold Accreditation for Mental Health and Wellbeing.
Itec Director, Gareth Matthews (left) and Itec HR Manager, Hannah Barron (right)
Organised by The Ajuda Foundation, the awards honour individuals and companies that prioritise the wellbeing of others. The Ajuda Foundation is a not-for profit organisation that promotes positive mental health and wellbeing support, providing resources, workshops and training throughout Wales to support
individuals and groups.
As an employee owned company, Itec actively involves staff in shaping wellbeing policies through surveys and forums, ensuring initiatives align with employee needs.
These awards highlight Itec’s comprehensive wellbeing strategy, which includes support from line managers, an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), menopause support, mental health training, access to a wellbeing app and many more. The Quality Mark Gold Accreditation recognises organisations that go beyond in promoting mental health and wellbeing.
Contact www.itecskills.ac.uk
Quality hinges for over 200 years Gold & Wassall are the UK’s No.1 manufacturer of hinges. We provide a fully comprehensive manufacturing service, which enables us to offer any hinge, for any application.
All our hinges are manufactured at our premises in Tamworth, UK.
Enhancing Lives Together
From hospital to home, it’s our mission to promote independence; we design, develop, manufacture and supply products to enhance the user’s quality of life.
The eFOLDi Lite is one of the world’s lightest, most compact folding scooters
Its revolutionary design makes the eFOLDi Lite one of the lightest, most compact folding travel-scooters available – weighing just 15kg. It folds and unfolds in just a few seconds and is easy to store and transport. No complex assembly is required – just unfold and go.
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.
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
Thor Assistive Technologies Ltd are Distributors of Neuro Rehabilitation Robotic and related devices. We believe in ‘Robotic Integrated Rehabilitation’ to provide rehabilitation that compliments Physiotherapy and improves results by increasing repetitions and exercise dose.
UK based, providing products from around the world, the team provide assessment, demonstration, installation, training and ongoing support to our partner clinics
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.
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.
Apex Wiring Solutions is transforming electrical systems in healthcare projects.
Our leading-edge pre-wired technology ensures faster installations, reduced waste, and enhanced safety. Trusted by healthcare leaders across the globe, we’re setting a new standard in efficiency and innovation.
Scan the QR code to discover how we’re powering the future of healthcare.
