





Welcome to our May edition. Explore our hand-picked features on innovative companies across the healthcare industry.
Highlighted on page 9, Lavamac has been named as our Reconstructed Equipment Company of the Month. Lavamac Limited has quickly become a major player in sustainable laundry solutions since its launch in 2022. In this feature, we focus on the company’s sustainable and environmental impact, its product innovation in laundry equipment, and how its comprehensive services best support healthcare professionals.
Gina Burton Editor
Turn to page 16 for our full review of Best Practice London 2025. Now in its third edition, this year’s Show impressed with a meticulously designed conference programme and welcomed a record-breaking number of attendees.
The EBME Expo, the UK’s leading healthcare technology event, returns on 25–26 June 2025. Turn to page 32 for our full preview, offering insights into what to expect from the Show, including five accredited conferences and nine hands-on workshops.
Other topics covered: Nursing & Care, Disability & Mobility, Healthcare Products & Services, Healthcare Estates, Mental Health, Occupational Therapy, Medical Technology & Software, Durable Medical Equipment, Training & Development.
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In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are pleased to feature Design Prosthetics as our Prosthetics Company of the Month
When it comes to your prosthesis, you need someone you can trust. Chris Parsons is the founder of Design Prosthetics Ltd, an independent, private prosthetic clinic based in Lewes, East Sussex. With over 40 years of experience in prosthetics and orthotics, Chris has dedicated his career to improving the lives of individuals with limb differences.
His journey began in New Zealand, where he qualified as a prosthetist in 1988 after
six years of rigorous training. Upon returning to the UK in 1990, Chris faced the challenge of his qualifications not being recognised. Undeterred, he requalified in 1993 after completing a second prosthetics course at the London School of Prosthetics and the City of Westminster College.
Following his studies, Chris then spent 26 years working within the NHS, serving as both a prosthetist and a service/ contract manager. During this time, he witnessed the increasing
challenges faced by patients, including illfitting prostheses and a lack of personalised care. Frustrated by systemic limitations and a decline in service quality, Chris decided to establish Design Prosthetics in 2016.
At Design Prosthetics, Chris emphasises a patient-centred approach, offering ample time to understand each individual’s unique needs and goals. Seeing you as a partner, and not a number or a patient, his commitment is to providing prostheses that offer comfort, control, and confidence, ensure that clients can lead fulfilling lives.
“Chris changed my life. His approach to my prosthesis was fundamental to my recovery.” – Edward Tennant, client.
Being told ‘you’ll just have to live with it’ or ‘this is as good as it’s going to get’, were responses that Chris knew weren’t true. So for over 30 years, Chris has dedicated his life to changing that narrative. Shown through a dedication to his craft and his clients, his belief is that prosthetic care should be as unique as the individuals it serves.
Chris has received glowing reviews from clients who praise his personable approach and kind nature, taking the time to sit down and listen to each client’s specific needs and journeys. “Chris felt more like a friend rather than a medical professional. He would actually listen to what I was saying and also adapt things to work for me.” –Andrew Gregory, client.
Chris is an experienced and
knowledgeable prosthetist with a patient, positive approach. As a left above-knee amputee with diplegic cerebral palsy, I struggled with gait, posture, and spasticity. Chris worked with me to find the right socket, suspension system, leg, and foot. Through research, open communication, and trial and error, we found a setup I’m happy to wear daily. Without Chris, I might be a fulltime wheelchair user – my NHS socket was painful, and private options were unaffordable. I’m incredibly grateful to live near Design Prosthetics. Chris is at the top of my contacts list! – Jacob Smith, client
Specialising in upper and lower limb prosthetics, traumatic, vascular, and congenital, Chris has built prosthetics for all types of amputees, and this is why he understands, and has solved, problems others can’t.
Knowing the exact reasons why most prosthesis isn’t fit for purpose mainly comes down to waiting lists, decreased funding, and skill shortages, with Chris arguing that when patients are told “there simply aren’t enough resources to give you what you need”, simply isn’t good enough from a medical professional.
In the past, Chris has voiced how alarming it is, the decline of prosthetic services in the UK, while all the while very frustrating for prosthetics too. This is a large part of why Chris chose to go private.
“I didn’t want to see people having to settle for half-measures. I wanted to help people get their dream prosthesis because when they do – it changes their life. And my process means you’re guaranteed a prosthesis that works for you, or there’s no charge.”
When choosing Design
tailor-made for you to test in real life. Within a few days, a prototype prosthesis is created based on the initial fitting. During a follow-up appointment, the alignment of the socket is carefully assessed and adjusted in collaboration with the client to ensure maximum comfort and functionality.
The prototype is then taken home for a realworld trial period of up to six weeks. This allows the individual to integrate it into daily life. Throughout this period, regular check-ins are arranged to monitor progress and make any necessary refinements, ensuring the final prosthesis is truly tailored to the client’s lifestyle and needs.
Step 3. Adjustment for comfort and customise to your needs and style. If any discomfort arises during the home trial, a new socket is crafted based on the client’s feedback. Another trial period follows to ensure the fit is exactly as it should be – comfortable, secure, and suited to daily life.
Prosthetics, Chris follows a three-step process that results in each patient receiving their perfect prosthesis.
Step 1. Assessment and a custom cast for each unique limb and individual need. At the initial face-to-face consultation, the team takes the time to have an open and friendly conversation, carrying out a full review of the client’s needs and personal story. This thorough understanding ensures that every prosthesis is tailored to the individual. The session concludes with either a traditional cast or a digital scan of the limb to begin crafting a perfectly fitted prosthesis.
Step 2. Analytic fitting,
Once the client is completely satisfied, the final prosthesis is completed in the chosen design, colour, or covering. Any selected components are also fitted at this stage, resulting in a fully customised prosthesis that meets both functional and aesthetic preferences.
“I helped make all of my test sockets. When your part of it you feel so much more connected to your prosthesis. Seeing the process was incredible. It’s not a secret; l watched him do it.” –Andrew Gregory, client.
From initial assessment and casting to receiving a test socket, the process typically takes just one week. At this stage, Chris is clear about his priority: ensuring every client feels completely confident and comfortable with their prosthesis. Clients are encouraged to wear the test socket as much as needed –there’s no rush – until it truly feels right.
To support this, Design Prosthetics offers a generous three-month trial period. If, for any reason, the prosthesis doesn’t meet expectations, clients can return it with no questions asked. All payments made up to that point – including those made through payment plans – are fully refunded.
This unique comfort guarantee reflects Chris’s commitment to quality, transparency, and client satisfaction. It’s a level of
flexibility and customer care rarely seen in the prosthetics industry – something that sets Design Prosthetics apart.
If you’re ready to explore how you can work together with Chris to enhance your mobility, confidence and quality of life, then reach out below and schedule a free call to discuss your needs.
info@designprosthetics.co.uk
https://designprosthetics.co.uk/ contact
Aground breaking way of supporting doctors to diagnose prostate cancer using the latest artificial intelligence (AI) technology has launched in Somerset.
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust (FT) has joined forces with Cambridge-based technology company, Lucida Medical, as the first NHS trust in the UK to introduce its AI tool, called Pi, to work alongside teams of radiologists.
With support from charities Macmillan Cancer Support and Prostate Cancer Research, the Pi tool is being introduced at both Yeovil District and Musgrove Park hospitals to assist radiologists
in detecting clinically significant prostate cancer, using an AI technique that looks at a prostate MRI scan.
Macmillan estimates that there are more than 500,000 men living with prostate cancer in the UK. It’s the most common cancer in men, and 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed in their lifetime. Prostate cancer is particularly dangerous when found at stages 3 or 4, and more than 12,000 deaths occur in the UK each year.
Dr Paul Burn, a consultant radiologist at Somerset FT, explains how the trust came to be involved in this innovative project. “This all started when we participated in a multi-centre national trial, called ‘PAIR-1’, that assessed the effectiveness of Pi,” he says. “We then trialled a version of Pi at our trust, and we compared its results to radiologists’ reports in over 700 patients, to check that it would work for our purpose.”
33% of children in Sheffield are living in poverty, while 1 in 5 children & young people had a probable mental health problem. Sheffield-based youth charity Chilypep have joined forces with leading building consultancy Fourth Wall, to create a new youth centre to empower and raise the voices of children and young people across the region.
Chilypep’s current building in the Parson Cross area of Sheffield is undergoing a £1m extension and refurbishment to expand the services the charity can offer to children and young people across South Yorkshire, along with driving forward its support to the local community with a multifunctional hall for local community & sports groups to utilise, and providing broadband to the local area.
Fourth Wall has been instructed by Chilypep’s parent charity, SOAR, to deliver the project, which is not only significant to the organisation and the young people it supports but also to the local community, who will benefit from
use of the extended facilities.
Construction on the building is underway, with OneSpace Interiors appointed as contractor, with completion scheduled for August 2024.
The charity is the only facility of its type in this area of the city, providing key youth services and community support. In the past year, Chilypep has engaged more than 2,300 young people and distributed more than 100 grants to support its users with clothing, food, travel and wellbeing.
In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are pleased to feature Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare as our
Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare is a global company with facilities across America, Europe, and Australia. Headquartered in Halifax where it proudly manufactures hospital beds made in Yorkshire, the company also has manufacturing sites in Leicester, producing daily living aids, and Tutbury near Burton upon Trent which is home to its Specialised Orthotic Services, focusing on bespoke seating solutions.
Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare boasts a distinguished heritage that began in 1888 with the founding of DeVilbiss Healthcare, a pioneer in respiratory care. In 2000, Drive Medical emerged as a rapidly growing leader in the durable medical equipment sector. The two companies united in 2015 to form Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare, blending DeVilbiss’s long-standing reputation for respiratory innovation with Drive’s dynamic growth and broad product portfolio.
We spoke to Sebastian Webster Head of Mobility and Retail, who explained in more detail what products they offer, “Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare offers a comprehensive range of medical equipment designed to improve quality of life. Our portfolio includes powered mobility and scooters, specialist
hospital and community care beds, pressure area support surfaces, bath lifts, bathroom safety products, daily living aids, and community loan services. We serve longterm care environments, provide respiratory therapy products, and through our Specialised Orthotic Services division, deliver postural and bespoke seating solutions – encompassing a broad array of products aimed at enhancing patient independence and comfort.”
The company’s diverse range enables them to meet the needs of a number of different healthcare sectors such as mobility retail, homecare, hospitals, long-term care, community equipment provision, and paediatric care with its specialised seating solutions.
And, its their product portfolio and holistic approach that really sets them apart in the industry.
“We support the entire care journey – from hospital to home – giving us unique insights into how our devices are used in real-world settings,” said Sebastian. “This enables us to design better, more user-centric solutions that meet the needs of healthcare professionals and endusers alike.”
“Additionally, we are also launching a new range of lightweight, fully featured mobility products called the ‘Aero’ series, including the Aero Carbon Wheel and Aero Carbon Scooter – designed to offer style, performance, and ease of use,” added Sebastian.
The new ‘Aero’ series will complement its already solid and successful mobility range, while also helping to re-establish the company’s presence on the Motability scheme. Later this year, Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare will also be launching new hospital and community bed solutions to better meet the emerging needs of the healthcare industry.
In closing, Sebastian stated, “Despite our focus on product innovation and infrastructure investment, our core mission remains unchanged: to enhance the quality of life for those who use our products. We are committed to supporting healthcare professionals, retailers, and individuals alike – working together to deliver solutions that truly make a difference.”
0845 0600 333
info@drivedevilbiss.co.uk
https://drivedevilbiss.co.uk
As Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare prepares for the new season, it remains focused on continuous improvement. A key milestone is its return to the UK’s Motability Scheme on July 1st, 2025 – marking a decade since it last participated. Behind the scenes, teams have been enhancing spares and technical processes to support this relaunch. Several popular powered mobility products will once again be available, reinforcing Drive’s commitment to outstanding customer support and a seamless aftersales experience.
In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are pleased to feature Lavamac Limited as our Reconstructed
In the last few years, Lavamac Limited has acquired a position as one of the biggest market players as an official distributor of Lavamac industrial laundry equipment. Founded in November 2022, after the purchase of Laundrytec Ltd, Lavamac is a familyowned business, and is currently run by Jeremy Hartigan, 2nd generation owner and Managing Director.
Lavamac offers a unique concept that reflects a big commitment to sustainability and a revolutionary new approach to laundry services. We spoke to Jeremy, who explained the company’s core business model and unique value proposition:
“We specialise in rebuilding and restoring Alliance Laundry Equipment. Instead of making machines from scratch, we re-use about 80% of the original parts, make 10% ourselves, and use 10% brand new parts. These rebuilt machines make up around 75% of what we sell. They look and work just like new machines – but cost a lot less. Plus, by giving old machines a second life, we help reduce waste and protect the environment. Without our process, these machines would likely end up as pollution.”
Lavamac entirely focuses on sustainability, support, service, and innovation. With 80% of its customers working within the healthcare sector, the company works with major care home groups, local hospitals, and independent care providers. What’s more, it also works with businesses involved in the educational, agricultural, and commercial industries.
Lavamac is a leader in Reconstructed
Equipment, combining innovation with a strong focus on sustainability. Customers value Lavamac’s eco-friendly approach, which gives new life to used machines that might otherwise end up as waste. Over the past year, Lavamac has expanded its sustainability efforts, helping customers understand the environmental benefits of choosing refurbished washers and dryers over buying new.
One example of when Lavamac’s innovation and ingenious skills were put to the test was below.
Headquartered in Chester, Lavamac also has a specialist facility based in St Neots, Cambridgeshire. Here is where their specialist refurbishment programme takes place and involves purchasing existing machines, and replacing the parts on them, so that they are as good as new, while retaining the look and feel that existed before. This process not only increases the product lifespan, but also adds a warranty to the machines that’s as good as a warranty on a new machine.
The refurbishment programme includes
stripping down the machines, and giving them a check-over, to see which parts, if any, can be carried over the refurbishment. Lavamac will only carry over the highest-quality parts from the machine from pre to post refurbishment. The machine then undergoes an extensive refurbishment, with almost all the parts being replaced, with the refurbished machines being given specialist parts based on the model type.
Recently, the team completed a refurbishment of 3x SD stacker machines, with the top half being dryers and the bottom half dryers. The
refurbishment included a complete rewiring of the machines, a change of approximately 80% of the parts and a complete respray of the machines to get them looking as good as new. This has been installed at a local laundry in Chester, and the machines are looking great!
“People often ask why we refurbish machines,” said Jeremy. “Well the main reasons are: Less Waste – we reuse as much of the old machine as possible, only replacing broken parts. This helps reduce waste and our carbon footprint. Lower Cost –refurbished machines can be 40-50% cheaper than new ones, saving our customers a lot of money.”
Lavamac has been recognised for its sustainability efforts, and was recently awarded a bronze award in sustainability by
the Groundworks Trust. Looking ahead, we asked Jeremy what more can we expect from the company.
“The next step on our journey is to hopefully be awarded the prestigious silver sustainability award! For this, we need to ensure that our carbon emissions are being cut down from our vans, continue our sustainability and refurbishment programme and to keep making green decisions within the company!
“We have also started apprenticeship schemes within our reconstruction facilities, will continue to build projects and to work with refugees, and to strengthen our relationships with our customers. Our R&D department never stops, and we are always innovating and researching new refurbishment processes to constantly improve our products and services.”
Lavamac isn’t your typical laundry supplier. With in-house specialists and dedicated facilities, it provides full factorybacked support from the world’s largest laundry equipment manufacturer. From design and project management to installation, training, and after-sales service, Lavamac delivers a complete, end-to-end laundry solution.
“Every machine includes full professional installation. We cover light building works, electrical services, gas services, water, drainage, ventilation and redecoration services carried out by our own staff,” added Jeremy. “What’s more, the proof is in the reviews that our customers have left, as we are rated 5* on Trustpilot the highest ranking of any laundry equipment supplier!”
“Our team has worked with the Principals of Laundry Tec for many years, they are great people to deal with and the Company has provided excellent levels of service and support over that time,” Paul Jackson –Cinnamon Retirement Living.
“Jeremy and Laundrytec have been providing laundry services to many clients for many years and have unparalleled track record of success in the care sector. Their product knowledge, equipment quality and flexibility in approach ensures positive outcomes not just for construction, but also operation,” Alistair Howden – ASHDEN.
If you care about sustainability and want to work with Lavamac, an award-winning company, get in touch below.
0151 317 3127
info@laundrytec.com www.lavamac.eu
In today’s complex and fastchanging care landscape, health and social care organisations face immense pressure – from regulatory shifts and workforce challenges to rising demand and constrained resources. Navigating this environment requires more than just dedication to care; it demands strategic clarity, operational resilience, and the ability to evolve continuously.
At SoMax, we specialise in helping health and social care providers meet these challenges head-on. Our consulting practice brings together deep sector knowledge and hands-on experience to deliver tailored strategies that drive operational improvement, regulatory compliance, and service excellence. Whether you’re leading a residential care home, supported living service, or home care agency, we support you in building stronger foundations for sustainable growth.
For many care providers, the journey into business ownership began with a passion for delivering high-quality care – not
with a background in managing systems and processes or regulations. As expectations increase from local authorities, regulators, staff, and service users and costs and staffing challenges increase, the demands on care leaders continue to rise. SoMax steps in as a trusted partner, providing expert guidance to help organisations streamline their operations and costs, improve revenues, and where possible implement datainformed decision-making.
Our approach focuses on creating pragmatic, actionable solutions that align with your organisation’s values and capacity. We help clients streamline processes, optimise staffing models, enhance governance, and prepare for CQC inspections or commissioning opportunities. Whether the goal is to stabilise operations, prepare for scale, or turn around performance, SoMax brings structure and momentum to your efforts.
We also support providers in navigating strategic transitions – such as leadership changes, acquisitions, new service launches, or digital
transformation. In each case, our role is to equip leadership teams with the insight, confidence, and capability they need to make bold, informed decisions that improve outcomes for the people they support.
Transparency, collaboration, and sustainability are at the heart of everything we do. Through diagnostic reviews, leadership workshops, action planning, and ongoing advisory support, we help turn challenges into opportunities – ensuring health and social care providers can continue to deliver safe, effective, and person-centred care in a rapidly changing world.
Ultimately, our mission is to help you succeed not only as a provider of care, but as a resilient, well-run organisation. With SoMax by your side, you gain more than a consultancy –you gain a strategic partner who understands your sector, speaks your language, and stands ready to guide you through every stage of your journey.
info@so-max.co.uk
https://so-max.co.uk
For 33 years, Soft Options has been the trusted partner in delivering affordable and efficient software solutions for the NHS. Our commitment to collaboration ensures that our products are tailored to your unique needs while continuously evolving to meet the latest National Standards.
Why choose Soft Options?
: Expert UK-Based Support Team: Available Monday to Friday, 8:30AM–5PM.
: Rapid Response Times:
- 80% of our customers receive assistance within an hour.
- 17% receive help within just ten minutes!
: Engaging Training Videos for Staff:
- Perfect for on-boarding
- Track user progress
- Role-specific content for tailored learning
: Innovative System Solutions:
- Empowering Patients Through Self-Referral
- Efficient Patient Budget Management
- Advanced Stock Management Tools
- Seamless System Integration
- Comprehensive Referral to Treatment Monitoring
: NHS Data Collections & KPI
Reporting:
- Community Services Data Set (CSDS)
- Patient Level Information and Costing System (PLICS)
- National Wheelchair Data Collection (NWDC)
- National Prosthetics Data Collection
- ROOT & TOMS Extracts
- Contract Monitoring
https://softoptions.co.uk/news
testimonials
BEST provides a single solution for all rehabilitation services:
: Electronic Referrals
: Spine & Financial System Integration
: Complete clinical management including decision making tools
: Document processing including paperless office
: Diary & task management
: Waiting list management
: Patient level risk management
: Staff risk management
: Appointment control
: Text reminders
: Equipment management & asset tracking
: Purchasing & Budget control
: Interactive reports
: Business Intelligence & Self Help training.
: Report dictionary
: Electronic data transfers with external contractors
: National reporting as standard
: Field Service and Lone worker control
: Automated audit data recording updates and view
: Patient Portal
: Integrated Training module
: Browser Based access
: Patient transfer functions
: MS Office Integration & template control support
: Rule based driven flows (putting service managers in control)
: Embedded KPI System.
Vision Engineering unveils the EVO Cam HALO, a new 4K digital microscope that redefines the standard for precision and clarity in inspection and measurement tasks.
Suitable for a wide range of inspection applications, EVO Cam HALO combines stunning 4K image quality with advanced, adaptive illumination, and new intelligent software, empowering users to capture the most challenging details with unparalleled accuracy.
HALO’s key features include 4K resolution which reveals previously obscured details with remarkable clarity, ensuring nothing escapes the user’s view. A Super-Wide Dynamic Range ensures the user captures images with exceptional brightness and contrast, even in challenging lighting conditions. Additionally available with HALO comes a new enhanced Illumination package, including a quadrant light, panel light, and white/UV light, to optimise illumination for a variety of inspection needs.
New Intelligent Hardware and Software automatically detects lenses and adjusts magnification settings, ensuring seamless workflow and accurate results. Real-time
insights are available providing intuitive image capture, measurement, and analysis tools, enabling faster and more informed decision-making. Vision Engineering’s popular 360 Direct/Oblique Viewer also works with HALO, enabling users to inspect details from different angles, revealing hidden features that would otherwise be inaccessible.
HALO is suitable for a wide range of applications, including Medical Device manufacturing and testing, especially when inspecting translucent tubes, electro-polished
devices, and other medical components with enhanced clarity and accuracy.
It is also effective at capturing fine details on small, reflective metal parts for precise inspection and quality control – perfect for Micro-Mechanics and in Industrial Manufacturing, where intricate assemblies, solder joints, and other components can be inspected with improved precision and efficiency.
Commenting on the launch, Paul Newbatt, Group Sales and Marketing Director, says, “We are delighted to bring EVO Cam HALO to market, confirming our reputation for innovation, whilst improving the inspection performance available within digital microscopy. 4K image quality plus fully controllable lighting and flexible software available in multiple configurations means that our customers in a wide range of sectors can easily choose the most accurate and consistent digital system for their inspection requirements.”
Occupational Health Awareness Week (OHAW) begins in September with the aim to raise awareness of occupational health (OH) and explain the value it provides.
The week is facilitated by the Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM), whose research shows that OH is the most effective method for managing employee long-term absence from work.
The most common workplace health problems are mental health and musculoskeletal-related conditions. In 2021/2022 work-related stress, depression, or anxiety made-up half of all working
As Women’s Health Month shines a light on female wellbeing, new research reveals a worrying fertility knowledge gap among UK women aged 25-40. May is Women’s Health Month, culminating in the International Day of Action for Women’s Health on May 28th – but while awareness of women’s wellbeing has never been higher, fertility education remains overlooked.
New research from TFP Fertility, one of the UK’s leading fertility providers, reveals that almost seven in 10 women (67%) aged 25-40 feel uninformed about their fertility health, only one in 25 women describe themselves as very well-informed.
The findings come as the Office for National Statistics predicts the UK fertility rate will drop to 24% below the replacement level by 2045.
Regardless of age or income, women reported significant gaps in their fertility knowledge. While this is being addressed through the Fertility Education Initiative, which aims to educate and support informed decision-making about fertility, reproductive health and planning for a family, the data suggests more needs to be done.
Among Gen Z women specifically, 73% admitted they lacked understanding of options like egg freezing, with 43% saying they didn’t view it as an urgent consideration – despite biological fertility declining sharply from the early 30s onwards. Social media, rather than medical advice, is now the primary source of fertility information for one in four women, with celebrity news also playing an outsized role in shaping perceptions around fertility preservation.
www.tfp-fertility.com
days lost due to work-related ill health. In 2023, 6.6 million working days were lost because of workrelated musculoskeletal conditions.
OH professionals develop solutions alongside staff and employers to prevent harm in the first place, and enable those with ill health to continue working, with adaptations if necessary. OH helps people with disabilities and long-term conditions stay in work and increase productivity across the workforce.
Nick Pahl, Chief Executive at SOM, said, “Occupational health supports individuals to maintain and protect their wellbeing, as well as preventing ill
health and injury. With a record-number of people leaving the workforce because of sickness, we should prioritise interventions and evidence-based support so that more people can stay in, or return to, work.”
www.som.org.uk
Acousia Therapeutics GmbH announced that it has successfully enrolled 50% of patients in its ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial, the PROHEAR Study, evaluating ACOU085 (INN: bimokalner) for the prevention of cisplatin-induced hearing loss in patients with testicular cancer undergoing chemotherapy.
Cisplatin is a cornerstone in modern oncology and is used annually in more than 500,000 cancer patients worldwide. Its introduction in the late 1970s revolutionised testicular cancer treatment, improving the 5 year survival rate (from just 5% to 98%). However, its life-saving efficacy is often overshadowed by severe side effects, with permanent, bilateral hearing loss among the most debilitating. Studies indicate that up to 80% of patients treated with cisplatin may experience clinically-relevant hearing loss.
The PROHEAR Study is a placebo-controlled, randomised, double-blind, split-body trial in which
participants receive ACOU085, a Kv7.4 channel activator, in one ear and a placebo in the contralateral ear. The study is currently being conducted at 13 leading German ENT university clinics and is still actively recruiting.
“This marks a significant milestone on Acousia's journey to offer a treatment for the prevention of permanent hearing loss caused by cisplatin,” said Professor Hubert Löwenheim, Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery at Tuebingen University and Scientific Supervisor of the study.
The PROHEAR Study is on track to complete enrollment by the end of the second half of 2025. For more information, visit: https://clinicaltrials.gov
Contact: Tim Boelke, MD boelke@acousia.com www.acousia.com
ACI Group is shining a spotlight on heart health with the introduction of two new sustainably sourced Mediterranean ingredients to its growing portfolio from nutrition specialist Alvinesa – Hytolive® and Vintera™
Hytolive is an extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) extract derived from the olive fruit, as opposed to many other EVOO extracts that are derived from the leaf, meaning it qualifies as a food product. It is rich in hyroxytyrosol, a potent antioxidant that has been demonstrated to help remove excess cholesterol and improve cardiovascular health. Vintera, meanwhile, is a grapeseed extract sourced from the byproducts of wine production and is rich in polyphenols, which have been shown to enhance beneficial HDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of plaque formation in the arteries.
Paradox refers to the observation that French consumers experience lower rates of coronary heart disease despite high average consumption of saturated fats and cholesterol. Research suggests that this is a result of the recognised Mediterranean diet, which includes red wine and olives – both of which are high in polyphenols and antioxidants.
“Better heart health brings with it many benefits, from increased energy levels to better sleep,” said Gareth Clark at ACI Group. “We are proud to bring ingredients that support better heart health to the UK, where cardiovascular disease is the second leading cause of death. And manufacturers can play their part too, as relatively small formulation changes can have an outsized effect on the population's heart health.”
ACI is the exclusive supplier of both ingredients to the UK market, helping to bring what is known as the ‘French Paradox’ to UK shores. The French
www.acigroup.biz
Alice Vine (Hucker), a forensic psychologist and director of local mental health clinic, Purple House Clinic Lincoln, has been supporting both adults and children with a range of mental health difficulties through several treatments since launching six years ago. In February 2024, Alice became one of only three individuals in the UK to qualify as a child and adolescent Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Europe trainer – an innovative treatment endorsed by many public figures such as Prince Harry and Miley Cyrus. Since then, Alice has been utilising her knowledge to spread the word and revolutionise the world of psychology – and has just trained her 50th clinician to deliver this form of treatment.
“I’m thrilled to be able to provide accessible training that empowers professionals to incorporate EMDR into the lives of children and adolescence as quickly
as possible to help them overcome trauma. Being able to offer this revolutionary programme from my own stomping ground of Lincoln fills me with immense pride – it’s an opportunity to make a real difference, right from the heart of the community I call home,” explained Alice.
EMDR is a type of therapy that utilises eye movements, accessing where trauma memories are held in the body, in a particular and structured format to help an individual process and recover from past experiences that are affecting their mental health and wellbeing. The aim of this is to help people to see their experiences from a different perspective, relieving the symptoms they were suffering.
For most schools, mock exam periods for GCSE and A-Level students are scheduled to start as soon as children return after the Christmas holidays. Supporting our children in managing the pressures of exam time is a vital aspect of their overall wellbeing and academic success but even more so during the festive period, when schedules are busier than ever. By providing a nurturing, understanding environment and practical strategies to handle stress, we empower them to approach challenges with confidence and resilience.
Dr Danielle Grey, Clinical Director of Purple House Clinic Birmingham, has outlined a list of ways to support children in the lead-up to the new year mocks while still ensuring you all take time to enjoy the festivities this December.
Discuss exam pressures in a compassionate, patient and proactive approach. At the core of helping a child through such experiences is establishing a consistent, safe and nurturing environment
where they can express their feelings without judgment. Understanding that feeling nervous is normal can help children manage stress better. Open communication fosters a supportive environment where children feel safe to express concerns.
Children flourish within the nurturing embrace of genuine relationships. Try to dedicate quality moments of time to your children and discuss exam pressures. Setting aside life’s distractions and giving undivided attention to your child is crucial. When children feel that unwavering support, they are more inclined to reach out for guidance, share their fears, and confidently navigate the maze of life’s challenges. Such positive connections not only help them to vocalise their feelings but also to understand and process them, paving the way for emotional maturity and resilience.
In advance of Mental Health Awareness Week the TSA is highlighting the progress the laundry industry has made in engaging with issues surrounding mental health, while acknowledging that there is still much progress to be made.
Improving mental health support and awareness for its members has been one of the TSA’s priorities in recent years, as it forms a major part of its efforts to raise standards of diversity and inclusion within the laundry industry. These activities include the creation of the Wellbeing Hub, an online resource containing training and support resources tailored to the specific needs of the industry, the launch of a mental health awareness course for managers and a mental health first aid training course. Next week the number of people who have taken the course will pass 100, with more to be held during 2024 to meet strong demand.
www.tsa-uk.org www.purplehouseclinic.co.uk/
The courses and support material were developed by the TSA in partnership with Via Vita Health, a health and wellbeing consultancy company. Adrian Thomas, trainer at Via Vita, gave a presentation at the TSA’s Spring Conference where he explored his personal journey with mental health and work and explained why it is vital that businesses engage with the issue.
PTSD Resolution, a charity providing free trauma therapy to armed forces’ veterans, reservists and their families, has introduced a new Trauma Awareness Training for Employers (TATE) workshop for the security sector, with Assist Security Group (ASG) as the first company to participate in the programme.
PTSD Resolution works with key industry partners, including ASIS UK, the Security Institute, the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals, and the City Security Council, to provide free mental health support for the many forces veterans working in the
industry. The charity has provided therapy to a total of over 4,000 armed forces’ veterans to date through a network of 200 therapists across the UK.
Colonel Tony Gauvain (Retired), Chairman of PTSD Resolution, emphasised the importance of support for mental health for all those working on the frontline in the industry, “Security professionals, including forces’ veterans, often face high-stress situations that can lead to trauma. Our TATE workshop equips companies with the tools to recognise and address trauma-related issues at an
early stage, ensuring a healthier work environment and improving overall operational effectiveness.”
Some 40% of security officers show symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), according to a 2020 University of Portsmouth study, the largest of its kind. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for trauma awareness and support within the sector, says Colonel Gauvain.
Retail locations in particular have seen a sharp increase in reported violence and theft, with 1,300 incidents per day in 2022/2023, a nearly 50% increase from the previous year, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
www.PTSDresolution.org
T
he Olympia in London opened its doors to the third edition of Best Practice London, achieving remarkable success with record-breaking attendance on the 26-27 February 2025.
Over the two days, skilled speakers, assembled exhibitors and healthcare professionals supplied firsthand workshops, presentations and facilitated unparalleled networking options. Best Practice London encouraged professionals from the fields of primary care and general practice to improve and update their skills and knowledge base while taking the opportunity to encounter services and products specifically created for the healthcare sector.
Best Practice London is the premier destination for discovering the latest innovations in primary care, cutting-edge technology, and tailored solutions
to support and enhance your practice. Whether connecting with new suppliers, exploring advanced tools, or uncovering practical ways to improve patient outcomes and streamline operations, the 2025 show offered an all-encompassing experience for forward-thinking healthcare professionals.
The Keynote and PCN Transformation Theatre welcomed talks from Clinical Directors, Professors of Primary Care, Chief Pharmaceutical Officers, and more. Topics included Medicines optimisation in the community, Maximising income and efficiencies in General Practice using Ardens, and Urgent and emergency care: system-wide clinical thresholds for transfer of care.
One highlight from the show came from the Group Clinic at the Best Practice Workshop Theatre. Georgina Craig, Director – The Experience Led Care Programme, Dipti Gandhi, Managing Partner – Brigstock Medical Practice, and Laura Ireland, GPNSPQ – Moatfield Surgery led the session: Mainstreaming group clinics for diabetes: where are we five years down the line? This highly interactive session provided the opportunity to hear directly from front-line clinicians and patients who have made the switch about their experiences and why it makes sense to deliver QOF this way and from ICB leads who are working to spread this model at scale.
The Business Services Hub was thriving and was one of the busiest ever, hosting talks on topics such as: Smarter workflows, happier teams: how AI eases primary care pressures; Population Health
Simpkins Edwards is an award-winning firm of Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, delivering proactive accountancy and business advisory services to healthcare professionals across the UK.
In 2024, we were honoured to win Professional Service Provider of the Year at the General Practice Awards, as voted for by the public and a panel of judges.
Simpkins Edwards helps GPs to run their practices commercially and sustainably. Often GPs have spent a long time learning how to be great doctors but fall back on watching the bank balance to help them run their business, which can be misleading. The only way to grow and make positive changes is to fully understand the numbers and this is where we can help.
By working closely with Practice Managers and GP Partners, we provide:
: Detailed and regular management information – no need to wait until the yearend to make informed decisions
: KPI analysis and benchmarking against the industry
: Quarterly strategy meetings to review and
make improvements : Tax planning and advice
“A fantastically dynamic, innovative, and supportive organisation that has really allowed us to professionalise our business and finances. With the excellent support of Seb Beard and Mark Simic we have been able to consider alternative models and structures to the clear benefit of the business and our partners.” – GP Partner, Cambridge
Simpkins Edwards work with Primary Care Networks (PCNs) to provide regular bespoke financial reporting and strategic support. Traditional accounting and data reports are geared towards singular GP surgeries rather than the complex PCN, which often leads to an unclear picture of income streams and expenditure.
By working closely with PCN Managers, Clinical Directors and Steering Groups, we provide:
: Detailed and regular management information – including infographics, and concise breakdowns of individual funding streams and expenditure
: In year analysis of PCN surpluses for member practices
Management: the what, why and how; How AI made me fall in love with front-line clinical care again; Thriving or surviving: what do the highestearning GP practices do differently?; and Google’s top-rated GP practice: innovations at Elm Tree Medical Centre – a case study showcase.
The Show’s educational programme was strategically tailored to meet the CPD requirements of healthcare professionals, with clinical content closely following the GP curriculum. Visitors gained up to 12 hours of accredited CPD-certified sessions covering clinical updates, NHS policy changes, and practical skills – that were all free to attend! The entire conference programme delivered a fantastic platform to earn CPD points while gaining valuable insights to enhanced professional development.
With 87% rating the conference programme as good or better compared to previous years, Best Practice London 2025 excelled in its third edition, and is hoping for bigger and better things next year!
Best Practice London 2026 will take place at the Olympia, London on the 25-26 February 2026.
www.bestpracticelondon.co.uk
: Quarterly strategy meetings to review realtime data and monitor PCN budgets
“It really brought the PCN income streams to life for the practices, and Seb was easily able to show the PCN Steering Group exactly what we‘ve been doing. If I’ve got any funding queries, or I need professional accountancy advice around the primary care networks, I know that I’ve got Seb and Mark on hand!” –PCN Manager, Somerset
At Simpkins Edwards, we’re not just focused on today’s numbers – we’re committed to your long-term success.
D
iscover how NHS Lothian is revolutionising their hospital logistics with Lyngsoe X-Tracking™, a cutting-edge solution for real-time visibility of sterile goods. Learn how this integration enhances patient safety and streamlines inventory management.
Manage and track sterile assets across multiple sites
NHS Lothian has five hospital sites that provides a comprehensive range of primary, community-based, and acute hospital services for the populations of Edinburgh, Midlothian, East Lothian, and West Lothian, as well as some specialist services for patients in the wider region of the southeast and across Scotland. NHS Lothian has an annual budget of £1.6 billion and employs approximately 26,000 staff.
NHS Lothian is the second largest Health Authority in the United Kingdom, and it has its own onsite sterilisation and decontamination unit servicing 4 acute sites within the Health Authority. Lyngsoe Systems is working alongside Cantel Medical to deliver a solution to help track various sterile goods as they move throughout a busy hospital logistics supply chain.
The Challenge: Inefficient asset tracking NHS Lothian, like many other healthcare institutions,
faced the daily struggle of inefficient asset tracking. Important medical equipment and instruments often went missing or were difficult to locate, leading to unnecessary delays, increased operational costs, and potential disruptions to patient care. The previous tracking system proved time-consuming, error-prone, and simply inadequate to meet the demands of a modern healthcare setting.
It led to clinical staff postponing or even cancelling surgical operations when instrument sets were not available and the sterile services struggled to conduct timely cleaning and sterilisation of instruments.
Our Solution: Providing full visibility of sterile goods
When it comes to the critical task of managing sterile goods, we recognised the need for full visibility and utmost efficiency. Acknowledging the urgency and importance of addressing NHS Lothian’s asset tracking challenges, we suggested to deployed our RFID-tracking solution Lyngsoe X-Tracking. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) offers the perfect solution to monitor and manage assets seamlessly. With RFID tags affixed to each medical asset, our system would allow real-time tracking, ensuring accurate, up-to-date asset information accessible at the click of a button.
The Benefits: Elevating healthcare operations
The results will be transformative, delivering a host of benefits for NHS Lothian:
1. Improved Inventory Management – By providing full visibility of tray sets and endoscopes, we optimise inventory management and ensure that required instruments are readily available for surgical operations. This streamlined workflow minimises delays and increases overall staff productivity.
2. Enhanced Patient Safety – The integration of RFID-tracking technology facilitates accurate traceability information, resulting in improved patient safety. Only sterilised instruments will reach patients, reducing the risk of crosscontamination and infections.
3. Seamless Integration with 3rd Party Solutions – Lyngsoe X-Tracking seamlessly integrates with CANEXIS™ Integrated Workflow Solution from Cantel Medical. Accurate location data will effortlessly be updated between the two applications, streamlining search functionalities for specific sterile trays and endoscopes.
Mobility Care Solutions is a family-run in Sunderland. We sell a wide incontinence items, mobility wheelchairs, rollators and riser repair products, supply
We have an adorable mascot, Murphy. He is a 4 year old border collie. He is the sweetest boy. He loves nothing more that to get attention and treats off our customers. After all that hard work he loves to have naps on the riser recliners in the showroom. He has the delivery men and postmen wrapped around his paw, they bring him treats in all the time.
family-run business based wide range of daily living aids, mobility scooters, powerchairs, riser recliners. We service and supply and fit batteries.
In addition to this we specialise in vehicle adaptations. We fit products including: steering balls, twin flip folding left foot accelerators, turny seats, boot hoists, hand controls and much more.
With over three decades of experience in designing and manufacturing modular and bespoke postural seating, Birminghambased Active Design has become a trusted partner for NHS wheelchair services, therapists, and clinicians across the UK. Established in 1991, the company is renowned for its CAPS II seating system and its commitment to combining clinical expertise with robust, custom-made solutions.
Seating systems built around you: From CAPS II to custom foam to re-mouldable backrests
At the heart of Active Design’s reputation is its flagship CAPS II modular seating system – a long-standing favourite among therapists for its adaptability, durability, and clinical support. Many prescribers are now pairing CAPS II with the innovative Lynx re-mouldable backrest, which offers the flexibility to adjust and reshape support as clinical needs evolve. Additionally, if a dynamic backrest is required, systems can be configured accordingly.
Active Design also manufactures MAPS carved foam, created in-house by a highly skilled team – now with increased capacity thanks to the recent acquisition of a robot milling machine. Whether it’s a fully carved seat, a modular system, a re-mouldable element, or a hybrid, each product is designed to deliver comfort, performance, clinical precision, and longevity.
For those seeking a simpler option, Active Design offers the Fusion modular seating system. This can be combined with a foldable wheelchair base for added convenience. While less expensive, Fusion retains many of the trusted features found in the CAPS II system, providing an ideal solution without compromising on quality.
Following merger with Southwest Seating, Active Design is also able to offer the original Matrix seating system, either as a backrest or as a whole seat. The clinical application of this and all systems can be explored through the product training sessions offered by the company.
One of the most celebrated aspects of Active Design’s offering is its range of universal accessories, compatible with most seating systems and wheelchair bases in this sector. These include:
: The Neo Wheelbase – with a marketleading 7 year lifespan it is widthadjustable, simple to maintain, strong, and extremely durable.
: A comprehensive range of footplates/hangers, headrests, and an array of fittings, including the popular multi-adjustable headrest which may be specified with up to eight independently adjustable segments for precise clinical positioning; two types of dynamic footrest are available, which can significantly enhance both client comfort and equipment performance; all these options are compatible with the majority of manual and powered wheelchairs used by the NHS.
: A wide selection of postural support belts and harnesses for the pelvis, trunk, ankles and wrists, including the new profiled lap strap, which has rapidly become a bestseller.
These accessories enable therapists and services to upgrade existing equipment with high-quality, compatible, and durable solutions.
A new era: investing in space, people, and service
Last year, Active Design relocated to a brand-new, 2,000 squaremetre purpose-built facility in Birmingham, which features expanded production areas, a dedicated clinical assessment room, a spacious showroom, and a fully equipped training space, the latter of which is used for hands-on demonstrations and clinical training for NHS teams and professionals. Factory tours are welcomed.
This investment is a major step forward in enhancing production capacity; all equipment is fabricated, welded, stitched, cut, built, and assembled on-site.
On the road and ready to train
Active Design regularly visits NHS wheelchair services for half-day demonstrations and clinical training sessions, offering practical experience from the clinical application of its product range. The company’s clinical team are keen to engage with services not yet familiar with the Active Design range of solutions, and are very open to helping clinicians find individual solutions to issues they are facing.
Designed with sustainability in mind; trusted for strength, durability, and longevity
In today’s climate, sustainability and value are more important than ever. Active Design products are built to last – strong, durable, robust, and highly adjustable. Many of its systems are also reusable and re-mouldable, offering real value to those who prescribe them for their clients.
Active Design is a trusted partner to wheelchair services across the UK. With a dedicated team of seating engineers based nationwide, it is able to provide expert support and tailor products to the specific needs of each client.
In 2016, around 13% of adults worldwide were affected by obesity, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2021), characterising an abnormal excess of body fat posing health risks. Epidemiological studies indicate a steady rise in obesity prevalence in recent decades, reaching epidemic levels (Großschädl & Stronegger, 2019; NCD-RisC, 2017), with projections indicating a continued increase (Thomas et al., 2014).
The prevalence of obesity among residents in nursing homes is also on the rise, potentially impacting required nursing care, facility provisions, and morbidity rates. A US study revealed a significant increase in obesity prevalence among newly admitted nursing home residents, rising from 16.9% to 25.8% over ten years (Cai, Rahman et al., 2013). Additionally, residents with moderate or severe obesity had a 15.0% higher likelihood of developing pressure ulcers compared to non-obese residents in the same facility, highlighting associated health risks.
Unfortunately, increased body mass often leads to reduced mobility, complicating care tasks such as repositioning and increasing the risk of secondary health issues, all contributing to pressure ulcer development risk factors.
Ensuring accessible care for all is paramount, particularly in private and non-purposebuilt nursing homes. Considering these statistics, it’s evident that plus-sized patients require specialised care with the appropriate equipment. However, this presents its own challenges for both care homes and community equipment providers.
lacking the necessary equipment to support bariatric individuals, especially in larger quantities. This impacts timely care delivery, care home admissions, and patient discharge from hospitals.
Sourcing the required equipment can be challenging. This leads to many care providers
Residences may also face infrastructure limitations hindering care for plus sized individuals further complicating care provision. Acute care environments recommend spacious rooms for plus sized patients, posing a further challenge for many long-term care settings (Muir, 2009).
At Prism Healthcare Group, we understand caregivers’ and facility providers’ challenges meeting bariatric individuals’ needs. We’re dedicated to providing comprehensive plus-size solutions through our Prism Plus bariatric product range.
Our extensive line of bariatric equipment is designed to enhance the quality of life for individuals and caregivers alike. From specially designed beds to mobility aids and bathroom safety equipment, our products are tailored to meet the unique needs of plus-sized patients.
We recognise the importance of timely access to appropriate equipment and strive to make the sourcing and fitting process as seamless as possible. Our knowledgeable customer
service and sales teams are here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that you find the right solutions to meet your specific requirements.
With Prism Healthcare Group, you can rest assured that you’re not just purchasing equipment but investing in quality care and support for bariatric individuals. Join us in our mission to make quality healthcare accessible to all, regardless of size or mobility limitations.
To view the Prism Plus bariatric range, please see our Prism Plus brochure: www.prismhealthcare.co.uk/ourbariatric-offering-prism-plus/prism-plusbrochure
For more information on Prism Plus products, please visit the Prism Healthcare website: www.prismhealthcare.co.uk/ourbariatric-offering-prism-plus
References
Großschädl, F., Schoberer, D., Eglseer, D., Lohrmann, C., Everink, I., Gordon, A. L., Schols, J. M. G. A., & Bauer, S. (2023). Obesity and its associated factors in older nursing home residents in three European countries— Secondary data analyses from the “International Prevalence Measurement of Care Quality”. International Journal of Older People Nursing, 18, e12530.
Cai, S., M. Rahman and O. Intrator (2013). “Obesity and pressure ulcers among nursing home residents.” Medical care 51(6): 478-486.
Muir, M. (2009) “Space Planning for the Bariatric Patient.” Bariatric Times.
Audemic, a leader in educational technology, proudly announces the launch of Audemic Scholar, a groundbreaking app designed specifically for PhD students and those with learning disabilities such as dyslexia or ADHD. Their new platform Audemic Scholar transforms the daunting task of navigating academic literature into a streamlined and accessible experience, empowering students to achieve academic success.
Audemic Scholar is a platform for students and researchers that allows them to listen to academic papers, take notes easily and organise their research without chaos.
disabilities. Audemic Scholar directly addresses these issues by providing an intuitive platform that enhances reading efficiency and comprehension.
PhD students often face significant challenges when it comes to reading and comprehending the vast amount of academic literature. Complex writing styles and dense information can impede research progress, especially for students with learning
The launch of Audemic Scholar comes at a crucial time, as the number of doctorate recipients in the U.S. has seen a significant increase. In 2022, US universities awarded 57,596 doctoral degrees, marking a sharp 10% rise from the previous year – a trend not seen since 1970. With this growing number of PhD students, the demand for tools that enhance research efficiency and comprehension is higher than ever. Audemic Scholar addresses this need by providing a tailored solution for students navigating the complexities of academic literature.
https://audemic.io www.zotero.org
NHS Occupational Therapists have a unique tool to help expediate fast, efficient hospital discharge.
Bed-blocking reaches an all-time high, with thousands of patients unable to go home because they need help with stairs – the second most common hazard in the home (1) In conjunction with Occupational Therapists, AAT has developed its Universal Seat System for its brand-leading S-Max Sella stairclimber.
The combination of the Seating System and Sella amplifies discharge teams’ ability to optimise use of budgets and by-pass the need for either a major adaptation or adjustment of the home to deliver a safe stairway transfer solution within days, by recycling (re-issuing) the equipment.
The S-Max Sella provides a safe stair transfer solution in 99+% of cases which AAT assesses. The portable Class 1 Medical device certified kit requires no installation nor structural alteration to the home. The addition of the Universal Seat System means the Sella can be easily set up to ensure almost every potential user is safe and supported when using the Sella, irrespective of their physical and/or mental impairment. It is achieved without the need to purchase
Abu Dhabi Airports and Etihad Airways are taking a significant step towards creating a more supportive travel experience with the launch of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme at Zayed International Airport (AUH) and onboard Etihad Airways flights. This initiative underscores both organisations’ commitment to supporting all passengers, particularly those with non-visible disabilities.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, a globally recognised symbol for non-visible disabilities, is now available at Zayed International Airport (AUH). This programme provides a discreet way for passengers with conditions like autism, chronic pain, or anxiety to signal to staff that they may require additional assistance or compassion. Passengers can pick up their complimentary Sunflower lanyards at the two dedicated Special Assistance desks located in the pre-checkin area of AUH, allowing them to discreetly communicate their needs and fostering a more supportive
environment for all.
“At Abu Dhabi Airports, we are dedicated to providing a seamless and inclusive travel experience for every passenger,” said Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports.
“The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme is a natural extension of this commitment, empowering passengers with non-visible disabilities to discreetly communicate their needs and receive the support they deserve throughout their journey at Zayed International Airport. It’s about recognising that the kindest gestures are the ones that acknowledge unseen challenges. This means our staff are now even better equipped to assist passengers who may require a little extra time, understanding, or assistance, ensuring a smoother and more positive experience for everyone.”
extra accessories. No other stairway transfer system offers such flexibility.
As part of the offering, AAT will also support the discharge team in the assessment process, to ensure the relevance of the solution for the person, the occupation and the environment, and personally train the carer in the Sella’s safe operation.
Says Peter Wingrave, AAT Director, “Even if it is a short-term solution whilst a larger and/ or more permanent adaptation is undertaken, our Sella/Universal Seat System and re-issue capability gives a highly cost-effective and fast way to manage the potential risk of someone falling on the stairs, enabling them to be discharged and release the bed to ease corridor care.”
1. https://bregroup.com/press-releases/ bre-report-finds-poor-housing-is-costingnhs-1-4bn-a-year
The National Autistic Society has launched a new award to help organisations create more inclusive, understanding and supportive workplaces for autistic employees.
The Autism Inclusive Employer Award aims to increase autism understanding, support the needs of autistic staff and enable more autistic people to feel comfortable at work.
Only 30% of autistic people are in any form of employment. Research from the National Autistic Society found that half of unemployed autistic people (50%) said support, understanding and acceptance would help them into employment, but 68% of employers worry about getting support for an autistic employee wrong.
The award focuses on key areas including:
: Enabling more autistic people to find and stay in work
: Equipping businesses with the skills and knowledge to support autistic people at work. : Implementing reasonable
adjustments that benefit autistic people, such as flexible working patterns.
: Cultivating a welcoming atmosphere that supports autistic people to find and stay in work.
: Promoting acceptance to support autistic colleagues to disclose their diagnosis.
: Valuing diverse perspectives to create a dynamic workforce.
Full details of the Sella and Universal Seat System can be found on AAT’s website at: www.aatgb.com/s-max-sella where adaptations teams can also book a free, no obligation client assessment or team demonstration session. For more information about the Autism Inclusive Employer Award, visit: www.autism.org.uk https://hdsunflower.com/uae
With more than 60 years of experience working alongside autistic people, the National Autistic Society's Autism Inclusive Employer Award will provide strategies tailored to each organisation’s needs & size.
Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust and Croydon Health Services NHS Trust have appointed Assist Security Group (ASG) to provide security services. This further reinforces ASG’s experience in healthcare security, including with Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.
“I am delighted to welcome Assist Security Group as the new security service provider for Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust. Their expertise and commitment to safety are highly valued, and we look forward to a productive and successful partnership,” said Chris Ford, Assistant Director of Facilities at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust.
Matthew Kershaw, Chief Executive at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, added, “We are happy to announce our new collaboration with Assist Security Group. Their previous experience, along with the quality of their staff and use of the latest industry technology, demonstrates their commitment to the safety and security of our staff, patients and other visitors to our Trust and we look forward to working with them as partners going forward.”
Hospitals face unique security challenges, according to Troy Hewitt, CEO of ASG, “Our experience in dealing with specific security issues in healthcare settings enables ASG to create systems and processes to anticipate potential risks and implement preventative measures.”
ASG has designed a security strategy that combines intelligence, security technology and officer training to create a secure environment for staff, patients, and visitors and address specific situational needs. The datadriven approach includes analysis of security incidents to identify patterns and develop targeted action plans.
Healthcare estates play a vital role in safeguarding staff, patients, and critical assets across hospitals, clinics, and care facilities. Yet, with growing demands on compliance, operational efficiency, and threat mitigation, physical security is often inadequately addressed, leaving healthcare environments exposed to risks such as theft, unauthorised access, and disruption of essential services.
Our latest Securing Healthcare Estates Whitepaper delivers key insights into the access control and key management challenges unique to healthcare settings. It outlines innovative solutions that improve patient and staff safety, ensure regulatory compliance, and enhance the overall efficiency of healthcare facility operations.
Key insights you don’t want to miss
: Understand the Risks – Explore the growing security challenges in healthcare, from unauthorised access and theft to the misuse of hazardous materials and sensitive patient data breaches.
: Health & Safety Compliance – Get clear guidance on essential legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work Act, COSHH, PUWER, and other key regulations governing secure access and operational safety.
: Smarter Access Control – See how modern electromechanical systems like eCLIQ offer intelligent, scalable solutions to manage access rights, reduce key losses, and deliver digital audit trails.
: Operational Efficiency – Learn how digital key management and automation improve workflow, reduce admin burdens, support sustainability goals, and ensure seamless access across 24/7 healthcare environments.
: Trusted Expertise – Benefit from ABLOY UK’s proven track record in securing complex healthcare estates, with solutions that enhance safety, meet CQC standards, and adapt to evolving compliance demands.
Download our free whitepaper today: www.abloy.com/gb/en/campaigns/securing-healthcareestates#gw-group-form-22f74be322
Introducing Multitone Nucleus™: The Critical Systems Hub
I
n today’s busy hospitals, emergency services and healthcare environments, the need for real-time and secure communication is evident in examples such as a critical lab result needing immediate attention; a multidisciplinary team needing to co-ordinate patient care updates swiftly, or a remote consultation requiring seamless information exchange. In these situations, delays can have significant, critical and lifethreatening consequences.
The rapid adoption of real-time messaging in healthcare
Globally, healthcare professionals are using real-time technology at an ever increasing pace, which is why Multitone Electronics launched earlier this year its latest solution: Multitone Nucleus™, a secure, versatile platform designed to transform collaboration across teams and organisations in healthcare and beyond – with complete end-toend security.
clear: real-time messaging is by far the most important requirement. This is understandable, considering the breadth of scenarios supported by a comms platform. Let’s look at six examples:
: Faster consultations and better collaboration – Real-time messaging speeds up communication between doctors, nurses, specialists, and other care team members, leading to faster diagnoses and treatment plans, and importantly, improving patient communication.
The benefits of real-time messaging in healthcare
Recently, Multitone surveyed professionals in a range of industries, asking them to identify the most important feature in a communication platform. The response was
: Better decision making –Research into the introduction of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) enables healthcare professionals to easily access patient medical and treatment data, facilitating better decisions.
: Improved patient monitoring and response –Real-time messaging allows for immediate alerts from monitoring devices or patientreported symptoms, enabling quicker intervention in critical situations.
: Emergency response and critical care
– Real-time messaging enables rapid communication and coordination during emergencies, allowing for swift mobilisation of resources and personnel.
: Secure information sharing – Next
generation solutions such as Multitone Nucleus™ provide a secure channel for sharing relevant patient information, such as lab results, images and treatment notes.
: Incorporating artificial intelligence – AI enhances healthcare through real-time messaging by, for example, analysing continuous patient monitoring data to instantly flag critical anomalies and alert the care team for immediate intervention.
More than just messaging: unlocking the full potential of Multitone Nucleus™
While real-time messaging is critically important, there are other factors which are ‘must-haves’. That’s why Multitone Nucleus™ includes other crucial features. Seamlessly integrating cloud flexibility with robust onsite systems, our solution offers unparalleled performance, enhanced security through industry-leading encryption, and comprehensive reporting for accountability.
With Multitone’s decades of expertise in critical communications, you can trust Multitone Nucleus™ to deliver reliability and innovation.
Why not schedule a personalised demo today? Contact: Gavin Reid, Head of UK Sales at Multitone: +44 (0)1256 320292.
With only a few weeks to go, pre-registration is building fast for EBME Expo 2025, the UK’s leading healthcare technology exhibition and conference series.
Visitors to the event will be able to choose from a range of 5 accredited conferences and 9 workshops and see healthcare technology and equipment from more than 165 global suppliers in the exhibition. EBME Expo 2025 takes place at the Coventry Building Society Arena, West Midlands, on Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th of June.
A new Medical Devices Connectivity Conference is joining the suite of conferences alongside the established favourites – the EBME Conference, the Operating Theatre Conference, the Training Conference, and the Procurement Conference. All the conferences are accredited for continuing professional development (CPD).
More than 60 speakers are taking part and will cover topics such as: : medical devices integration in different settings and circumstances; : medical technology strategies, systems, governance, procurement and delivery;
: device innovations and applications, including cardiology, respiratory, and anaesthesia; : war and expedition/remote conditions; and : education, development and staff support.
Dr John Sandham, the founder and chairman of the annual EBME Expo since its launch in 2010, has overseen the programme for this year’s EBME Expo Conference.
“I am delighted that we have been able to introduce a new conference this year as medical device connectivity and integration is such as crucial aspect for enhancing healthcare. The format for this conference will take the shape of case studies and consider what changes to equipment management are required,” he says.
“We believe that expanding the choice of conference themes with accredited CPD content and the number of exhibitors adds to the value that the more than 1,700 delegates can expect from attending EBME Expo.
“The event also provides an ideal opportunity to meet and discuss ideas and developments with experts, practitioners and suppliers from right across the healthcare field. That’s why our message to delegates and exhibitors is: ‘Attend, Network, Grow: Join the UK’s leading Healthcare Technology Expo
Online pre-registration via: www.ebme-expo.com/ pre-registration will help speed up entry at the door. Entrance to the event is free for staff working in operational roles in private or public healthcare organisations, military personnel and students studying in the healthcare sector.
Every delegate attending will be eligible to enter our prize draw give-aways, taking place at the end of each day. Please collect your ticket for the prize draw for the chance of winning some great prizes when entering the EBME Conference area between 15.15 – 16.00hrs each day.
Additional conference delegate benefits include refreshments throughout the day, a finger buffet lunch and a Conference delegate gift bag (subject to availability).
Exhibitors wishing to find out more about booking a stand or sponsorship opportunities can get in touch with the organisers, BtoB Events, via: www.ebme-expo.com/book_a_ stand.aspx or by contacting Sunel Ahmed, Sales Manager, on +44 (0)7967 966887, emailing: info@ebme-expo.com or calling +44 (0)2477 298625.
Intersurgical’s Comprehensive Critical Care Range
Intersurgical is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and supply of highquality medical devices for respiratory care and support. Our commitment to excellence is evident in our comprehensive range of critical care products, which are designed to meet the evolving needs of healthcare professionals and their patients.
The InterFlow™ respiratory gas blender is a simple, intuitive, and technologically advanced device, perfect for today’s busy acute care settings. Compact and versatile, the InterFlow™ blender is suitable for use with adult, paediatric, and neonatal patients, making it extremely adaptable. It is packed with features designed to make CPAP and High Flow Oxygen Therapy safer for the patient and easier for the clinician.
The InterActive™ respiratory humidifier provides a further customer option for active humidification and is a perfect platform for Intersurgical’s extensive range of heated wire products and accessories. It offers customisable pre-set treatment modes and a large high-resolution colour screen suitable for day and night operation. The InterActive™ humidifier ensures optimal gas delivery,
making it a valuable addition to any critical care setting.
InterCooler™ has been designed to remove excess condensate from heated wire expiratory limbs and in the process ensuring a dry gas is delivered to the ventilator. The unique patented technology reduces the risk of cross infection by managing excess fluid in the expiratory limb, increasing filtration, and minimising aerosol release. The InterCooler™ is compatible with most leading ICU ventilators, humidifiers, and dual heated wire breathing systems.
Quality and innovation are at the heart of everything we do. Our critical care products are designed with patient safety, comfort, and the environment in mind. We adhere to international standards, ensuring that our products deliver reliable performance and exceptional value. Through continuous improvement, we are able to provide solutions that meet changing clinical practices and the needs of our customers.
Conclusion
Intersurgical’s critical care range offers a comprehensive suite of products that enhance patient care and support healthcare professionals in
delivering effective respiratory therapy. From the InterFlow™ respiratory gas blender to the InterCooler™ respiratory dehumidifier and the InterActive™ respiratory humidifier, our commitment to quality and innovation ensures that we remain at the forefront of respiratory care solutions.
Discover more about our critical care products and how they can benefit your practice by visiting our website or contacting our team.
Come see us on Stand B24. You can view the full range on the website: www.intersurgical.co.uk/products/criticalcare/equipment
0118 9656 300 info@intersurgical.co.uk www.intersurgical.co.uk
Are you heading to the EBME Expo in Coventry on June 25th and 26th? If so, make sure to visit the MGC Medical Stand H25! We’re excited to connect with our valued customers and forge new relationships within the biomedical engineering community.
At MGC Medical, we pride ourselves on being a trusted supplier of high-quality medical equipment and essential components. We offer a comprehensive product range, featuring leading brands such as Keeler and Heine, ensuring you have access to reliable and innovative solutions for your healthcare needs.
Discover our extensive product portfolio:
: Diagnostic Equipment – Explore the latest in diagnostic tools from renowned manufacturers like Keeler and Heine. From ophthalmic instruments to ENT devices, we provide the precision and quality you expect.
: Surgical Lighting Solutions – Discover our range of surgical lighting options designed to provide optimal illumination and clarity for demanding procedures.
: High-Performance Lamps and Light
Sources – Ensure your critical equipment operates at peak performance with our selection of xenon lamps and other specialised light sources.
: Comprehensive Battery Solutions –Powering a diverse array of medical and industrial equipment, we offer a wide variety of medical batteries and industrial batteries from leading manufacturers. Whatever your fixture or device, we have the reliable power source you need.
The EBME Expo provides a fantastic opportunity to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in medical device technology and connect with industry experts. Our team at MGC Medical is looking forward to showcasing
our product offerings and discussing how we can support your specific requirements.
Come and visit our Stand H25 to:
: Learn more about our extensive range of medical equipment and components.
: Discuss your specific needs with our knowledgeable and friendly team.
: Explore potential partnerships & discover how MGC Medical can be your trusted supplier.
We are passionate about providing exceptional products and service to the healthcare sector. We look forward to welcoming you to our Stand H25 at the EBME Expo in Coventry on June 25th and 26th! Don’t miss the chance to connect with MGC Medical and explore the possibilities.
Our mission: “To deliver the best outcomes for patients and the best experience for the clinical team, we listen carefully and understand their needs. This allows us to design, develop, manufacture, and establish partnerships that lead to the supply of innovative, intuitive, high-quality medical devices for patient transport, treatment, and recovery.”
Renowned for innovation and high quality, Anetic Aid works closely with clinicians to continuously develop and improve our products, aiming to help medical teams provide the best experience and clinical outcomes for their patients.
Established in 1977, Anetic Aid has been designing, manufacturing, and supplying its products to NHS and private medical facilities across the UK, while also exporting overseas through a network of distributors for over 40 years.
As well as being present in over 90% of UK hospitals, Anetic Aid products can also be found in over 50 countries worldwide.
Driven by a commitment to quality, only the highest specifications of components and materials – sourced from like-minded innovators – are selected for our products. Combined with an insistence on the highest possible standards of workmanship, Anetic Aid is respected for the superior quality and longevity of the products it supplies.
Anetic Aid is an EN ISO 13485 certified company.
Perhaps best known for its flagship range of QA3 Patient Stretcher models, which now includes the ever-popular QA3 DRIVE, QA3 Treatment and QA3 Ophthalmic Stretcher options, Anetic Aid has also pioneered the QA4 Mobile Surgery System – a unique, comprehensive, multipurpose solution for short-stay day surgery.
Anetic Aid also seeks out like-minded innovators within our field, resulting in partnerships with:
: Trulife (pressure care gel products – Oasis, Oasis Elite, Oasis+, and Azure)
: Baxter (patient positioning devices, including Lift-Assist™ Lithotomy Stirrups)
: Reison Medical AB (patient positioning devices, including the rotating surgical armboard)
: Opitek International (Hip Fix™ 3-point fixation lateral positioning system), where the company serves as the UK distributor for their devices.
These are complemented by our extensive range of Tourniquet Equipment, which includes the intuitive AT4 Electronic Tourniquet, a wide range of patient positioning devices, support pads, and pressure care operation table mattresses within its Operating Theatre Accessories range. Anetic Aid also supplies its original line of products – Stainless Steel Theatre Furniture.
All flagship products come with a unique 10 year warranty option and can be fully supported throughout their lifespan by the AnetiCare Service & Maintenance packages.
The experience of working with Anetic Aid is our main priority from start to finish. This is why we take great pride in the high level of customer service offered in every aspect of the company. Experienced and knowledgeable sales staff listen and guide clients to the right product the first time and are available for end-user training. Customer service staff expedite orders and answer queries as quickly as possible. The AnetiCare team of schedulers and service engineers are on hand for technical support, servicing, and maintenance. Our design team listens and applies valuable feedback into the future development of the company’s products.
Havant, Hampshire, is the home of our head office, where development, design, and
distribution take place. This is supported by the Baildon, West Yorkshire-based sales, customer service, and AnetiCare Service & Maintenance centre. It doesn’t just stop there, as in 2019, Anetic Aid expanded into Cleburne, Texas in the USA – opening our first overseas branch and operating under the name Anetic Aid USA.
We’re proud to announce that we’ll be exhibiting at the EBME Expo once again, at the Coventry Building Society Arena. Showcasing our latest innovations in reducing manual handling, you can visit Stand H17 and speak to our team – who will be more than happy to assist you and explain the great benefits of our QA4 Mobile Surgery System.
Whether it’s reducing manual handling through our innovative QA3 DRIVE stretchers, providing a one-device solution for day surgery with our QA4, or providing excellent patient comfort and positioning with our Operating Theatre Accessories range – we’ve got you covered.
The next time you’re thinking about your next medical equipment solution, and you’re wanting someone who not only prides themselves on listening to client feedback but also providing excellent customer service –Think Anetic. We’re here to help, every step of the way.
Contact us at: +44 (0)1943 878647 or email: sales@aneticaid.com to speak to a member of our team today.
Introducing our new Clinical Engineering Bundle at Eastwood Park Training. This is a bundle of four existing scheduled courses that cover biomedical equipment maintenance practice, ventilators and anaesthesia equipment, networking, and technical management. It provides the underpinning knowledge of medical device principles and maintenance practice, networking, and technical management.
The course bundle is ideally suited to those who are on existing, or as part of, apprenticeships/
degree apprenticeships or those who have completed higher education programmes, but require further continued professional development to support future professional registration.
Eastwood Park Training is a leading technical training provider for healthcare engineering, decontamination and estates & facilities management in the UK and across the world. Combined with expert trainers, our extensive hands-on facilities give delegates the chance to
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protective overhang – minimising the risk of contamination. These units can only be purchased from Safety Med and are specifically designed for hospital environments.
Innovation – Quality – Choice – Value
Win Health Medical Ltd is a supplier of medical equipment to the NHS and private healthcare since 2001.
afety Med Limited will be exhibiting at the EBME Expo 2025 on the 25-26 June at Coventry Building Society Arena at Stand M11
Excited to meet with current and new customers, Safety Med will be showcasing its innovations as the leading manufacturer and supplier of Medical Grade Electrical Extension Units.
Manufactured to the highest standards, all Safety Med electrical extension units are rigorously tested and CE marked. What sets their design apart is its unique focus on infection control: the units are easy to clean thoroughly, with any spilled liquid either draining through a central channel or dripping off the
For the operating theatre, Safety Med also manufactures a wide range of Operating Table Accessories, Mattresses and Metalwork Furniture including instrument & dressing trolleys, steps, stainless steel shelving units, surgeon stools & chairs, bowl & bucket stands, and much more.
If you require a bespoke piece of equipment, Safety Med’s in-house design facilities cater to any comprehensive, unique, or individual requirements, ensuring your specifications are met to the highest of standards.
We offer innovative medical equipment, chosen for its proven quality and performance that guarantee value for the NHS. We collaborate with leading medical equipment manufacturers to present choices that meet diverse needs and expectations of clinicians & deliver therapeutic advantages to the patients.
Our portfolio showcased at the EBME 2025 includes next generation uroflowmetry system, proven novel chronic constipation therapy system and a selection of ultrasound diagnostic bladder scanners for use in hospitals and in community settings.
Come and see us at the EBME Expo on Stand B26. You can find out more and see more information on each of the courses, by visiting our website and searching Clinical Engineering Bundle, or get in touch with our Training team by email on: training@eastwoodpark.co.uk or by phone on 01454 262777. Visit
Minze Uroflow System facilitates patient-friendly assessments, diagnoses and monitoring of men, women and children with LUTS in hospitals and at home.
MOWOOT II Chronic
put their learning into practice within a safe and controlled environment. Contact 0161 477 3163 sales@safetymedltd.co.uk www.safetymedical.co.uk
Constipation Therapy System sets a new standard in managing slow transit constipation, empowering individuals to regain control of their digestive health naturally.
Our innovative bladder scanners are easy to use and require minimal maintenance, thus reducing inconvenience, scanner downtime and costs. AvantSonic Z5 and Z3 cater for various levels of scanning expertise. Wireless BVS-Pro W with singlebutton operation is designed for multi-location healthcare environment.
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.
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.
Lavamac has acquired a position as one of the big market players as an official distributor of Lavamac industrial laundry equipment. Full factory support from the world’s largest manufacturer of laundry equipment enables Lavamac to offer a solution to any laundry equipment need. Starting from design to project management, installation, training and after sales support we offer a full turnkey solution.
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
EDGE Services is one of the leading providers of people handling training in the UK today. EDGE will train you to deliver moving and handling, dementia care and challenging behaviour courses to your colleagues, providing you with the resources, techniques and skills to make a real difference to the health and safety of both your colleagues and your clients.
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.