Healthcare Matters Issue 835

CONTENTS 835

EDITOR’S NOTES

Welcome to our June edition. Explore our hand-picked features on innovative companies across the healthcare industry.

In this issue, we celebrate Yeoman Shield as our Wall & Door Protection Company of the Year, and Apex Wiring as our Modular Wiring Company of the Year. Both companies have enjoyed an outstanding year, drawing on their extensive industry experience to drive meaningful contributions to their businesses and support the ongoing investment in Britain’s healthcare sector.

Gina Burton Editor

Turn to page 8 for our full review of Naidex 2025: A vibrant celebration of disability & innovation. Held at the NEC in Birmingham from 19-20 March, this year’s show was one the biggest yet, buzzing with energy and collaboration.

On page 18, we feature a fascinating article on Alive Activities, winners of our Commitment to Excellence Award. The charity is dedicated to improving the quality of life of older people, and has collaborated with local care homes, brewers and the community to coproduce a beer named Hoppiness Brews that has been praised and showcased on the One Show and featured in the Guardian.

Other topics covered: Medical Waste, Healthcare Estates & Facilities Management, Healthcare Solutions, Flooring & Furnishing, Nursing & Care, Disability & Mobility, Fall Detection & Technology Enabled Care, Water Hygiene, Clinical Services, Waste Management.

Got news to share: kimberleybest@healthcarematters.uk

COVER STORY

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HEALTHCARE MATTERS

Excellence in protection: Yeoman Shield’s enduring impact on healthcare interiors

In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are pleased to feature Yeoman Shield as our Wall & Door Protection Company of the Year

The past 12 months have presented challenges for Yeoman Shield, largely due to the uncertainty surrounding the election and shifts in public sector budgets. While these factors have introduced a degree of caution across some of the company’s key markets, Yeoman Shield remains confident in the strength and resilience built over nearly 60 years in the industry. This depth of experience, combined with a robust and sustainable business model, positions the company well to navigate change and continue delivering reliable, high-quality protection solutions.

Phil Christopher, Director of Yeoman Shield, commented, “Over the past year, sales stayed strong and were very much in line with our forecasted figures. This is testament to the hardworking team we have here at Harrison Thompson (Yeoman Shield). During this time, we have also managed to launch three new products with our Ellipse Protection Rail, Oval Handrail and Contour Hand/Crash Rail being very well received by the market.”

When it comes to high-traffic environments, walls and corridors take a beating. The Yeoman Shield Contour Hand/Crash Rail is the perfect solution – offering a combination of protection, support and style to keep your interiors looking their best while reducing maintenance costs.

The Contour Hand/Crash Rail offers a versatile and practical solution by combining dual functionality – it serves both as a supportive

handrail and as a crash rail to absorb impacts from trolleys, wheelchairs, and carts, effectively protecting walls from costly damage. Built from highquality, durable materials, it is resistant to scuffs, scratches, and impact, making it ideal for use in hospitals, care homes, schools, and commercial buildings. Its smooth, easy-clean surface supports high hygiene standards and reduces the time and effort required for cleaning and maintenance. In addition to its performance benefits, the Contour Hand/Crash Rail is also stylish and customisable, available in a variety of colours and finishes to suit different interior aesthetics –whether aiming for a subtle, integrated look or a bold visual feature.

Products such as the above are supported by the company’s inhouse installation service, delivered by a team of experts with decades of experience in the healthcare market. “This level of expertise gives clients peace of mind that when commissioning works, we will provide the correct advice to help product selection, providing excellent value for money. All the works will be carried out to the very highest standard by our skilled directly employed fitters, with minimum upheaval,” added Phil.

Yeoman Shield, a division of Harrison Thompson & Co Ltd, was established in 1966 by Peter Brumwell. Based in Leeds, this familyowned company designs and manufactures its own range of branded products, serving a broad spectrum of sectors including healthcare, education, leisure, and retail.

The company’s primary

focus is the design, manufacture, supply, and installation of high-quality wall and door protection systems. Specialising in healthcare environments, Yeoman Shield offers solutions such as wall and door protection, handrails, and bed head protectors. These products are designed to enhance hygiene, minimise maintenance costs, and deliver long-term durability.

With a commitment to quality and performance, Yeoman Shield takes pride in being a British manufacturer. The company collaborates closely with healthcare facilities, care homes, and public sector buildings to provide robust, tailored protection systems suitable for high-traffic environments.

One major benefit that Yeoman offers over others in the industry, is that all its products are tried and tested, and carry all the certifications needed in the modern healthcare market. From its vast colour range, to extensive stock produce, all clients’ needs are met efficiently, promptly, and to their exact specifications.

“When investing in wall and door protection, it’s important that the products are long lasting and sustainable,” said Phil. “Our in-house installation service is second to none with decades of experience in the healthcare market giving clients peace of mind for years to come. Whether in the far north of Scotland or on the south coast of England, our fitting teams are ready to help.”

Another service offered by Yeoman that has become increasingly more popular is their Fire Door Inspections service. Undertaken by Yeoman’s own fire door inspectors who have successfully passed industry-recognised

qualifications, Yeoman offers two types of survey, an intrusive survey where they check a minimum of 10% of the back of frames to ascertain if they have suitable fire stopping, this may involve the removal of architraves. And, secondly, a non-intrusive survey where the back of frames is not checked, and no assumptions are made with regards to the fire stopping.

“Our in-house accredited Fire Door Inspection

service is growing very quickly, providing customers with detailed condition surveys and importantly, the ability to also provide any required repairs or replacement fire doors to ensure a return to compliance as quickly as possible. We urge clients to engage with us to carry out their planned 6 monthly inspections,” added Phil.

Innovation is a continuous focus at Yeoman Shield, with several exciting new product additions on the horizon. With some launches just around the corner, Phil shared his enthusiasm, stating, “We can’t wait to get them out for everyone to see.”

Durable, cost-effective and built to last, Yeoman Shield wall and door protection products have been some of the best in the industry since 1966. Its outstanding commitment to quality, innovation, and customer-focused solutions, alongside decades of experience, have enabled the company to build and maintain a strong reputation in sectors such as healthcare, education, and commercial environments.

This has helped Yeoman Shield to consistently deliver products that combine durability, hygiene, and aesthetic appeal.

Yeoman’s dedication to British manufacturing, attention to detail, and ability to provide tailored protection systems for high-traffic areas has earnt them this recognition that reflects their exceptional contribution to improving the safety, longevity, and functionality of interior spaces across the UK.

In closing, we asked Phil, how he felt about receiving the award, “It’s always nice to be recognised for the quality of our products and services and in particular within the healthcare sector which has been at the core of business for almost 60 years.”

Apex Wiring Solutions: Engineering smarter systems for global healthcare infrastructure

In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are pleased to feature Apex Wiring Solutions as our Modular Wiring Company of the Year

Founded in County Durham, Apex’s North East headquarters is a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility dedicated to producing high-quality cables and prefabricated components. With international operations in the UAE and Australia, Apex supports a growing portfolio of global projects and clients, firmly positioning itself as a leading supplier of Modular Wiring Systems worldwide.

Since its establishment in 1980, the company has delivered over 22 million metres of cable, completed 533 projects, and designed an impressive 426 modular solutions – achieving up to a 75% reduction in installation times across the board.

We caught up with Paul Hopps, Sales Director, on the last 12 months, “The past 12 months have been incredibly positive for Apex Wiring Solutions. We’re

pleased to say that we’ve met our financial targets for the year and this achievement reflects both the continued strength of our offering, and the efforts of our dedicated team across the board.

“We’ve also made significant progress as a business, successfully branching out into a number of new sectors. A particular highlight has been our expansion into the Life Sciences sector, which has proven to be a real success story. The adaptability of our modular wiring systems continues to demonstrate their value across a wide range of applications.”

Proving to be a powerhouse in Life Sciences, it came as no surprise when Apex was the recipient of one of Ward Hadaway’s North East’s Fastest 50 Awards: recognised for drive, determination and innovative success across the region. With a history firmly rooted in County Durham, Apex has championed economic and social development across the North East for many years.

One great example of this was

a recent turnkey design, supply and installation of modular wiring and electrical services for the FujiFilm Diosynth Biotechnologies lab facility in neighbouring Teesside. This flagship site spearheads the R&D capabilities across the life sciences: namely pharmaceutical synthesis and biotechnical innovations. Apex supplied an industry-leading electrical lab infrastructure through prefabricated distribution boards, high-level service panels, lightning circuits and multi-circuit distribution boxes.

With over 30 years of industry expertise, Apex has earned a global reputation as a marketleading, award-winning provider of prefabricated wiring systems. The company has consistently delivered bespoke solutions across a range of critical sectors – including healthcare, education, construction, commercial, and more recently, life sciences. Apex specialises in the supply of cables, cable assemblies, and accessories for both high- and low-level power distribution systems, combining technical excellence with sector-specific insight to meet complex project requirements worldwide.

More recently, Apex has successfully launched its NEW Underfloor Modular Wiring System, and the feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive. “It’s a great example of our ongoing commitment to innovation and to responding to the needs of the market,” added Paul.

Apex brings a revolutionary approach to wiring in a fastpaced world where technological advancements, adaptability

and efficiency are key, far out performing traditional electrical wiring. Paul spoke to us about what it means to go modular and what benefits Apex’s products and services bring to its clients, “Going modular brings a new level of unparalleled flexibility, cuts time in half, and is an economical, low-cost alternative. Not forgetting reliability, our modular wiring systems offer factory-tested, repeatable solutions that not only enhance on-site productivity but also significantly reduces programme risk. The offsite manufacturing process also supports sustainability and efficiency, which are key considerations in today’s construction landscape.”

For the healthcare industry which can be a very demanding environment, Apex has years of experience and knowledge in completing successful projects for hospitals around the globe from Australia to Portsmouth and

London. One of its most recent completed projects was for the Royal Bournemouth Hospital’s new Women and Children’s Hospital, in partnership with W Portsmouth and IHP.

“We are pleased to report that this project was delivered on time and within budget, and we received excellent feedback from the client. It was a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate our capability and commitment to quality delivery in live healthcare environments,” said Paul.

Modular wiring has very quickly established itself as the preferred option for healthcare projects.

Other examples of when Apex has successfully implemented modular wiring solutions into healthcare facilities include: Aberdeen Royal Infirmary Baird and Anchor Buildings, Dublin National Children’s Hospital Ireland’s Largest Hospital, Chase Farm New Hospital, St Bart’s Hospital (London): Supporting a 10 year redevelopment by integrating sustainable and efficient modular systems, and Royal London Hospital: Implementing modular systems for a 727-bed facility, supporting Europe’s largest rental service and the Air Ambulance.

These projects highlight the efficiency, adaptability, and sustainability of Apex’s modular wiring in healthcare environments, as its ongoing investment in connector technology and manufacturing techniques has brought its ‘plug-andplay’ modular systems to the foreground.

With a small number of components, Apex delivers a system that is proven to reduce on-site labour by around 80%. From its pre-wired distribution boards to final luminaire or power outlet connection, Apex has a solution for any application.

Using its proven technology, Apex helps to reduce the risks, time and quality associated with traditional electrical installation methodology.

Looking ahead, we asked Paul what is Apex’s long and shortterm goals, “Innovation is at the heart of everything we do. In the immediate future, we’re preparing to launch a new fire-rated system designed specifically for central battery and fire escape zones within healthcare environments. We have to move with recent changes to specifications and this latest development should add even more value to the already valuable offer of modular wiring systems. Long term, we remain focused on refining our systems, exploring new applications, and continuing to respond to the evolving needs of our clients and industry.”

Finally, in closing, we asked Paul how the company felt receiving the award, “Extremely proud. The recognition of the whole team’s dedication to helping our clients is humbling. Our people are passionate about what they do, and this recognition reflects their commitment to delivering innovative, high-quality solutions that truly support our clients’ goals.”

Naidex 2025: A vibrant celebration of disability & innovation

Naidex 2025 brought together thousands of people to champion accessibility and inclusion. Held at NEC Birmingham from 19-20 March, this year’s show was one the biggest yet, buzzing with energy and collaboration.

Naidex 2025 wasn’t just an event; it was a vibrant celebration of the disability community, drawing thousands together for an empowering experience brimming with support and invaluable connections. For over half a century, Naidex has been the pivotal platform to confront crucial issues, amplify inspiring stories, and unveil innovative products and essential services.

From the lively Village Green and the Naidex Marketplace to the CPD-accredited conference theatres, the event offered something for everyone. The Main Stage saw sessions on the assisted dying bill, making adventure inclusive and the influencer blueprint. Plus, interviews from Mollie Pearce & Jody Cundy and a live podcast hosted by Jordan Jarrett-Bryan – Cool, Confident and Disabled.

With hundreds of exhibitors showcasing everything from assistive technology to mobility solutions and inclusive leisure, the exhibition floor was full of inspiration.

A highlight of 2025 was the ground-breaking Elevate Disabled Founders Pitch, championed by headline partners Lloyds Banking Group, which shined a light on the exceptional talent of disabled entrepreneurs. Furthermore, the expansion of Business without Barriers and the debut of the Evenbreak recruitment fair injected a dynamic new focus on workplace inclusion.

In the Business without Barriers theatre, attendees were offered a diverse array of sessions aimed at fostering a more inclusive world. The agenda delved into practical strategies for creating truly inclusive hiring

practices and workplaces, with dedicated discussions on supporting neurodiverse talent and building confidence within diverse teams. Entrepreneurship and self-employment advice was a key focus, alongside insights into the transformative potential of accessible banking. The theatre also explored broader themes such as a vision for inclusive travel and tourism, the importance of inclusive leadership, and effective inclusive language training for disability and chronic illness. Specific sessions also covered the power of sport in driving change, and crucial advice on wheelchair provision. The popular ‘Ask The Employer: Your Questions Answered!’ segment provided a valuable interactive element, rounding out a comprehensive programme designed to break down barriers in various sectors.

Neuro Convention welcomed thousands of healthcare professionals and provided a platform to share exciting developments and showcase innovations in neurological rehabilitation. Meanwhile the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Show successful integration added a new dynamic to the event. There was a huge focus on understanding and supporting those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. It brought together families, caregivers, and experts, creating a unique and helpful space for everyone affected by these conditions. Attendees could also benefit from additional training and workshops, hosted by Training2Care. These sessions included the Virtual Dementia Tour, Autism Reality Experience, Dementia Interpreters Workshop and DIET, Dining Immersive Experiential Training.

Watch this space for some exciting announcements to come! Naidex will be introducing some new elements to the March events, plus have some new developments based on feedback from

Our deepest gratitude extends to our visitors, partners, exhibitors, and the entire community for their collective spirit, making Naidex 2025 a truly inspirational and profoundly rewarding experience.

The Naidex team would like to thank all our visitors, speakers, and partners for making Naidex 2025 such a powerful platform for change.

This is Healthcare Matters’ pick of the best exhibitors from this year’s event, listed here in alphabetical order: Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare, Inclusive Dance UK, Kymco, LifeVac Europe & Sign Wow. Further details can be found on this page and the next four.

Naidex 2026 will take place on 25-26 March at the NEC in Birmingham. To pre-register, visit: www.naidex.co.uk or if you’re interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at Naidex, contact: sales@naidex.co.uk

Inclusive Dance UK: Different in life, united in dance Review - Top Exhibitors

Established in 2010, Inclusive Dance UK, is a registered charitable incorporated organisation and recognised as the national governing body for Para Dance Sport in the UK. We are a pioneering organisation dedicated to making dance accessible for all. We believe that everyone, regardless of ability, should have the opportunity to express themselves, stay active, and feel part of our welcoming community.

For over 14 years, we have been at the forefront of Inclusive Para Dance Sport, breaking down barriers for people with disabilities. Through dance, we promote physical and mental wellbeing, build confidence, and create social connections in a safe, social environment. We work across the UK, running in-person and digital programmes to ensure that no one is left out.

We are committed to expanding the reach of inclusive dance, training new instructors, developing innovative digital resources, and ensuring that dance is truly accessible to everyone. Our goal is to grow the sport, develop talent, and create more opportunities for people with disabilities to engage in and enjoy dance. Our national team of competitive athletes are paving the way and acting as role models for wheelchair users across the country, many of whom once believed that they had little prospect of ever achieving anything so exciting and fulfilling.

We participated in Naidex for the first time in 2025 to showcase our work, including a live demonstration of wheelchair dance by several of our members. Over the two days, we were able to meet and sign up over 100 new potential dancers, who we are connecting with local teachers so they can participate in our training classes and annual events, that are delivered across the UK. We met with over 15 new teachers and trainers with whom we are developing new centres for dance, in person, at home and in care homes. We are currently establishing training locations in Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Devon, London, Manchester, Oxford, and Stevenage.

If you or someone you know would be interested in joining us on this amazing journey, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Working together with our members and partners, we will break down barriers, transform lives, and create a future where disabled people have the same access to dance as everyone else.

Deaf patients are falling through the cracks – and it’s costing you more than you think

For many deaf people in the UK, accessing healthcare is a battle before it even begins. Whether it’s booking an appointment, understanding a diagnosis, or asking a simple question, basic communication barriers leave too many falling through the cracks. And when they do, the human – and financial – cost is far higher than most realise.

A silent crisis in healthcare

Around 1 in 6 people in the UK are deaf or hard of hearing, and over 87,000 use British Sign Language (BSL) as their first language. But despite this, the healthcare system often fails to meet their needs. Deaf people are twice as likely to have untreated high blood pressure and significantly more likely to experience mental health challenges, according to research by SignHealth.

In care homes, clinics, GP surgeries, and hospitals, communication is still dominated by spoken English. Staff might try writing notes, using gestures, or asking family members to interpret. But none of these methods are a substitute for a qualified BSL interpreter –especially when it comes to medical accuracy and safeguarding.

The result? Missed diagnoses, confusion about medication, cancelled appointments, and preventable deterioration in health. For health and social care professionals, this means rising costs, clinical risk, and growing compliance pressure under the Accessible Information Standard (AIS).

The financial impact

Deaf patients often attend appointments without understanding what’s been said – or they avoid seeking help altogether because they can’t communicate safely. These gaps contribute to more frequent A&E visits, delayed interventions, and more complex conditions requiring longer, more expensive treatment.

In fact, missed appointments alone cost the NHS over £216 million a year – many caused by inaccessible booking systems or poor communication. But this isn’t just an NHS issue. It affects local authorities, private clinics, care homes, and independent living providers too.

If your organisation supports vulnerable people – whether in residential care, supported housing, or outpatient clinics – then inaccessible communication isn't just a patient issue. It’s a service failure.

The good news: Solutions already exist The tools to close these gaps aren’t futuristic or expensive. They’re already here – and easy to implement.

Video Relay Services (VRS) and Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) enable real-time communication between deaf BSL users and hearing staff via qualified interpreters. Whether it’s a deaf patient calling to ask a question, a nurse explaining medication, or a care worker checking in on someone at home – communication becomes instant and accurate.

Services like SignWow offer organisations a simple way to embed this support directly into their websites, booking systems, and care processes. A ‘Connect to a BSL Interpreter’ button can be installed in minutes, giving deaf users immediate access to qualified support without needing to rely on relatives or written notes.

From councils and hospitals to extra care settings and private clinics, organisations using VRS/VRI have seen improvements in patient satisfaction, health outcomes, and operational efficiency.

Tackling loneliness and isolation, too But communication isn’t just about clinical care – it’s also about human connection. Many deaf people, particularly those in care homes, supported housing, or isolated communities, experience profound loneliness.

That’s why SignWow PA has been introduced as part of the wider SignWow platform. It connects deaf users with a BSL-fluent Personal Assistant for general conversations, questions, or

emotional support. Whether someone just wants to chat, share a story, or ask for help navigating a form, SignWow PA provides a lifeline – and reduces the emotional toll of isolation.

This matters, especially in settings like care homes, extra care schemes, or among service users with additional needs. Often, the difference between crisis and stability is simply being able to talk to someone who understands you.

The human and ethical case

For carers, therapists, clinicians, and local authorities, it’s not just about legal compliance. It’s about dignity. Every deaf patient has the right to be heard, understood, and involved in decisions about their health. Accessible communication isn’t a luxury – it’s a fundamental requirement for safe, inclusive care.

It also empowers teams. Staff feel more confident, safeguarding risks are reduced, and families feel reassured knowing their loved ones can communicate independently.

Your next step

If you’re in health or social care, education, mobility, or disability services – and you’re not yet offering BSL-accessible communication – now is the time to start. From frontline services to backend admin, SignWow makes it easy to provide fast, reliable, and fully compliant support to the deaf community.

Make your organisation more accessible today

SignWow offers a full suite of accessibility tools for deaf service users – including VRS, VRI, Call-Back, and SignWow PA. Whether you’re supporting residents, patients, pupils, or clients, we help you deliver compassionate, compliant care that includes everyone.

Visit: www.signwow.uk to book a free demo or learn more.

Review - Top Exhibitors

LifeVac Europe is changing this!

1.3 billion people who cannot receive first aid choking protocol due to a physical disability

Manufactured in the UK for the UK & EMEA, used by thousands of care/nursing homes, schools, nurseries, businesses, parents, carers and the NHS, LifeVac has helped save an incredible 4,147 lives to date when first aid choking protocol has failed or could not be performed.

LifeVac is a patented, regulated medical device, backed by 15 peer reviewed medical publications, which is replaced free of charge if ever used in a choking emergency and comes in different kits to suit everyone’s needs. One of the many great things about LifeVac is that it can also be self-applied providing peace of mind when no-one else is around.

Due to its patented one-way safety valve nothing can be forced downward when applied, it creates safe, non-invasive and effective suction in a choking emergency.

LifeVac Europe are on a mission to raise awareness of choking and make current first aid choking protocol inclusive. Currently first aid choking protocol is only 70% effective. If someone is not able-bodied and can only receive back blows, these are between 1023.8% effective.

MENTAL HEALTH Matters

Little Starts Gift Cards

As Children’s Mental Health Week starts, Little Starts Gift Cards is leading the charge in promoting positive mental wellbeing through engaging activities for the UK’s youngest citizens.

With NHS data indicating that 1 in 20 youngsters between ages 2 and 4 suffer from mental health issues the importance of early intervention and supportive activities has never been more crucial.

Self-awareness is a key building block for emotional well-being. For children, it’s about recognising and understanding their emotions, strengths, and challenges. When little ones learn to identify what they’re feeling and why, they can better navigate life’s ups and downs.

The first 1,000 days of a baby’s life are instrumental in them developing good mental health, including coping, emotional and communication skills.

Little Starts Gift Cards helps parents to choose events and experiences that help to build these key life skills.

Juliette Savage from Little Starts Gift Cards said, “Supporting children’s mental health is more important than ever, and Little Starts Gift Cards offer parents and loved ones a meaningful way to invest in activities that boost children’s wellbeing. Our gift cards open doors to enriching experiences that can make a genuine difference to a child’s confidence and happiness.”

More than two-thirds of employees are stressed by work

Claire Williams, chief people and operations officer at Ciphr, says, “Ciphr’s latest research provides some interesting, yet worrying, insights into the high levels of workrelated stress that exist across all job roles.

“One finding that stands out for me is how one in nine employees –that’s millions of people in the UK –feel stressed every single day. Work is not necessarily always the cause, granted, but it can be a significant contributor. If 11% of your workforce – likely more – is stressed daily, then it is going to have a big impact on their home lives and their work lives. So, employers need to be mindful of the role they can play in helping to relieve an individual’s stress and anxiety.

and negatively affect our happiness and job satisfaction. It can also lead to higher staff turnover and absenteeism.

“Some stressors are always going to be around, and there are many things outside of an employer’s control that can still take a toll. But there are many things that organisations can, and must, do to actively support their employees’ mental health and wellbeing with empathy and understanding.”

For parents and caregivers, fostering this skill helps create a supportive environment where children can flourish.

“Unrealistic workloads and time pressures, overbearing bosses, unsupportive colleagues, and toxic workplace cultures, can all trigger stress. This can interfere with people’s focus and productivity,

Reimagining hospital waste: How Pharmafilter delivers safer and cleaner healthcare

Hospitals generate massive volumes of waste through their daily operations. This waste poses ongoing risks of infection and environmental harm, compelling hospital management and staff to follow strict handling protocols through multiple stages – from bedside collection to final disposal – where every step introduces risks of cross-contamination, exposure to drug-resistant pathogens, and system inefficiencies. The manual, fragmented nature of current waste management not only endangers patients and staff but also drives up costs across the NHS.

Pharmafilter transforms hospital waste and wastewater treatment with a fully integrated, endto-end solution. Instead of relying on manual waste removal and offsite disposal, Pharmafilter installs intelligent shredding units close to the point of care – in wards, dirty utility rooms, and other designated areas. These units immediately process clinical, offensive, sharps, single-use bedpans and urinals, food, and pharmaceutical waste, eliminating the need for manual transport and storage.

Once waste enters the system, it no longer requires human contact. The shredded material moves via a sealed, automated route – through the hospital’s sewer system or a dedicated pipeline – bypassing public and patient areas entirely. This isolation prevents common hazards like spills, leaks, and cross-contamination during internal transit. As a result, hospitals reclaim corridors and circulation spaces for clinical use rather than waste transport.

Pharmafilter closes the loop with an on-site treatment plant that processes all solid waste and effluent from sinks, drains, and sewers. The system decontaminates waste, allowing it to be reclassified as general waste. It also converts organic content – over 50% of general waste volume – into biogas, which powers the system. This process reduces emissions, eliminates the need for offsite incineration, and cuts down on truck movements.

Pharmafilter also purifies hospital wastewater before it enters public infrastructure, removing all micro-pollutants – including bacteria, viruses, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), hormones, cytotoxins, and antibiotic-resistant organisms. These pollutants contribute to environmental

Europlaz donates 25 bleed kit lifelines

Medical device moulder Europlaz has donated 25 potential lifesaving bleed kits to the Liam Taylor Legacy. The donation was made by the medical manufacturer in memory of local resident Liam Taylor. The 19 year old tragically lost his life to knife crime in 2020.

The Liam Taylor Legacy was founded by Liam’s grandmother, Julie Taylor. Raising money to fund community emergency bags, each lifesaving kit contains essential tools to help stop catastrophic bleeding and give a person a stronger chance of survival while awaiting the arrival of emergency services. Throughout 2024, Europlaz has pledged to play its part in keeping the community safer further by also raising money to support the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance.

emergency life-saving bleed control kits installed in pubs, clubs and leisure facilities across East Anglia and London. Just recently, one bag helped to stabilise a victim in Chelmsford. “It’s really sad to see another of the donated bags was needed, but glad to see that it was successfully used to save another life,” reported Julie on the campaign Facebook page.

The anti-knife crime campaigner emphasises that a person can bleed to death in three minutes, so action needs to be taken fast. There are many ways that a catastrophic bleed can occur. Including a car accident or work related injury. Publicly accessible bleed control packs enables somebody to administer vital first aid to reduce blood loss until medical help arrives.

degradation and the spread of microbial drug resistance, posing growing concerns for healthcare and public policy.

By enabling localised treatment and reducing reliance on external providers, Pharmafilter helps hospitals align fully with the NHS Clinical Waste Strategy. Trusts gain greater regulatory control, resilience, and sustainability while eliminating unnecessary waste and promoting cost-saving innovation.

Hospitals can implement the system in both new builds and existing facilities, thanks to its modular and scalable design. Delivered through a Design, Build, Operate, and Finance (DBOF) model or as capital purchase, Pharmafilter offers financial savings that offset the costs of supply, operation, and maintenance.

Pharmafilter delivers a step change in hospital waste and wastewater management – minimising operational disruption, safeguarding patient and staff health, and creating cleaner, safer healthcare environments that meet the future needs of the NHS.

UK’s first Epigenetic DNAm analytic test

OptimallyMe’s exclusive ‘DNA Methylation and Epigenetic Age Test’ is a brand-new revolutionary analytics tool, that provides unparalleled comprehensive insights into genetic makeup, health, and ageing process. This cutting-edge new product, with its sophisticated personalised digital health dashboard, will be transformative for anyone keen on unlocking the secret to optimum longevity and repairing and reversing their ageing process.

This new test analyses DNA methylation patterns with cuttingedge scientific techniques to uncover epigenetic age based on the Horvaths Clock methodology GrimAge2. It is recommended that the test is repeated six months after first use, to see if the various longevity practices and anti-aging products being used by the individual are actually working. Many people invest serious time and money in the biohacking arena, and until the launch of this new test with its accompanying personalised health tech dashboard, there has been no real way to actually measure quantifiably if these investments work.

In three years, Julie has diligently raised more than £35,000 to fund

Contact: Eoin Gleeson, Pharmafilter GH +44 (0)203 869 1672 +75 00 919 255 en.gleeson@pharmafilterltd.com https://europlaz.co.uk https://optimallyme.com

Users will gain unique insights into their potential health risks

and receive detailed personalised recommendations for lifestyle modifications. With this knowledge, people can make informed choices to optimise well-being, promote longevity and reverse biological age, and most importantly are able to monitor progress and effectiveness through repeat testing.

Unlike the genetic DNA methylation tests that are on the market, this pioneering new test from OptimallyMe focuses on ‘epigenetic DNA methylation’. It identifies completely different biomarkers, which no other DNA test measures.

Envirocloud named Water Safety & Compliance Leader of the Year 2025

Envirocloud is delighted to announce that we have been named ‘Water Safety & Compliance Leader of the Year 2025’ at the SME News – UK Enterprise Awards. This national accolade recognises our continued commitment to raising standards in water hygiene, safety, and compliance across the UK.

Established in 2012, Envirocloud has grown to become the UK’s most trusted water safety consultancy, authorising engineer and expert witness providers. With over a decade of specialist experience, we deliver expert-led services to a broad client base – particularly within the healthcare sector, where robust water management is critical to patient safety and operational assurance.

We offer comprehensive consultancy services, including Authorising Engineer (Water) and expert witness support, Legionella and Pseudomonas risk assessments, policy development, auditing, training, and remedial consultancy. Our approach is grounded in compliance with key regulatory guidance such as HTM 04-01, HSG274, and ACOP L8, ensuring clients receive advice and action plans aligned with both legal requirements and best practice.

A major factor in our award win was the successful development and rollout of SampleHub; our state-of-the-art water sample management platform. SampleHub provides real-time visibility of sample data, tracking

compliance and highlighting areas of concern through an intuitive, user-friendly interface. This removes the need for manual spreadsheets and decentralised reporting processes, giving organisations complete control over their sampling programme with full audit traceability.

Whether working with NHS Trusts, private hospitals, FM providers, or universities, Envirocloud takes a partnership led approach embedding long-term support models that prioritise risk reduction, data confidence, and governance transparency.

info@envirocloud.co.uk

www.envirocloud.co.uk

UK’s first Continuing Healthcare Calculator

Aleading legal expert in NHS Continuing Healthcare Claims (CHC) is raising awareness of the complex legal implications surrounding long-term healthcare eligibility disputes and reimbursements with the launch of the UK’s first Continuing Healthcare claims calculator.

Many individuals and families struggle to secure funding for long-term care costs that should be covered by the NHS, often paying thousands of pounds unnecessarily.

NHS Continuing Healthcare funding is available to individuals with significant ongoing health needs, but the application and appeals process is often challenging.

To help, Winston Solicitors has launched an easy-to-use NHS continuing healthcare calculator to help individuals determine whether they may qualify for NHS continuing healthcare funding and how much they could potentially recover.

It shows that the average nursing home patient could save a minimum of £6,166 per month and £73,992 annually.

The tool works by offering a preliminary assessment of continuing healthcare eligibility and estimates the potential future savings or retrospective reimbursements for care costs that the NHS should have covered.

P4 reflects on the latest developments in emergency lighting

The capability to safely evacuate people from a building in the event of an interruption to mains power supply can be a matter of life or death, so the importance of emergency lighting should not be underestimated.

Many legitimate claims are initially denied due to inconsistent assessments and a lack of awareness about legal rights. As a result, millions of families may be entitled to reclaim care fees that were wrongly paid.

For more information on NHS Continuing Healthcare claims and to access the Eligibility Calculator, visit: www. winstonsolicitors.co.uk/nhscontinuing-healthcare-funding

Facilities Managers need to be aware of legal requirements imposed by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and British Standard BS 5266. It is easy to get bogged down with the unenvious task of manually testing emergency lighting, knowing that if they fail to achieve the minimum testing requirements of a monthly functional test and annual duration test, profound consequences including fines and potentially imprisonment, are just around the corner. Rest assured however, that P4 is constantly innovating to make staying compliant and fully prepared in the event of an emergency easier than ever.

the most important innovation in emergency lighting. Pioneered by P4 over 30 years ago, standalone self-testing fittings removed the need for Facilities Managers to manually test emergency lighting on key switch circuits, while internal batteries added increased resilience compared to traditional central battery systems.

The technology developed into P4’s addressable ‘Link’ system, currently installed in over 25% of NHS trusts, providing centrallised management of emergency lighting and automated status notifications. Wireless communication systems followed culminating with the recent release of our FMT self-healing wireless mesh system and Cloud integration – emergency lighting in multiple sites can now be managed from one intuitive portal.

01328 850555

sales@p4fastel.co.uk www.p4fastel.co.uk

Self-testing technology represents

Bringing Hoppiness to the older generation

In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are please to feature Alive Activities

as winners of our Commitment to Excellence Award

Alive is a charity based in the South West that is dedicated to improving the quality of life of older people. They provide activity and training to older people and carers anywhere in the UK which is both person-centred and co-produced.

“We want older people to thrive in their later years, to still have purpose, connection and joy,” stated Isobel Jones, Chief Executive Officer at Alive.

From delivering activity sessions in care homes, to poetry, music, art, and exercise classes, Alive use a variety of tried and tested methods to connect older people with the communities and people around them, stimulating them to tap in to their childhood and personhood memories.

“A Commitment to excellence means we keep

older people at the heart of what we do – that the activity we deliver is because older people have asked us for it. We want to support older people by being their voice, so they are heard, listened and respected. We use steering groups to find out what they want, aswell as talking to carers and paid carers too. We never stop being creative and finding different ways to push the boundaries of older care and creativity. We want to keep challenging and highlighting what can be done. When we see the smiles on faces – we know we've done a good job and we will never stop,” said Isobel.

Over the last year, Alive has also been responding to the wants of its members by working with care homes, local brewers, and the Bristol community to coproduce a beer named Hoppiness Brews!

This fascinating opportunity came from a member who stated in a gardening session that he wanted to start growing beer. Alive actioned his want, and supported him to plant hops which he tended and grew himself. Alongside the help of care homes, more hops were planted, and Alive then developed reminiscence and sensory sessions with the Bristol Hops Collective.

Isobel continued, “Our intergenerational work has truly flourished this year. Thanks to a National Lottery Grant, we’ve connected care home residents with people of all ages – from babies and toddlers to schoolchildren, Guides, and university students. Together, we’ve explored forest schools, attended theatre performances, shared stories, and even enjoyed days out at the beach. One of our proudest achievements was hosting the very first intergenerational tea party in a hospital setting – a milestone that required navigating a sea of red tape, but was well worth the effort.”

Looking ahead, Alive is always looking for new ways of reaching older people by bringing more creative activity sessions to care homes, and increasing their community links. Soon to launch, will be a new intergenerational network for those involved in intergenerational practice. Alive will be taking its ‘Lullaby Circle’ and ‘Toddlers that Came To Tea’ to a wider set of care homes and talking about ageing on a wider scale. Alive is also producing an art installation, with voices of the young and old together discussing ageing.

07861 385543

“This was featured on the Guardian and on the One Show. Now, we are working with St Monica Trust and this year celebrating their 100th year of care, will see the production of the only older person’s beer. This is a beer that has been planted, grown, watered, tended, harvested, named and marketed by older people. To take Hoppiness Brews to the next level – we are launching a separate CIC so we can look at different beers, tastes and ways of talking about dementia with a positive can-do attitude. We are looking for more care homes to become involved, grow hops, run sessions, and be involved in Hoppiness.”

info@aliveactivities.org https://aliveactivities.org

Pole Star Global donates core tech to Mercy Ships

Pole Star Global, a leader in maritime technology, has partnered with the global charity Mercy Ships to provide them with free access to Pole Star’s Podium platform. Mercy Ships operates the world’s largest non-governmental hospital fleet, offering essential healthcare to underserved communities. These hospital ships, staffed by volunteer professionals, provide life-saving treatments to individuals who otherwise have limited or no access to medical care.

Mercy Ships uses hospital ships to deliver free, world-class healthcare services, capacity building, and sustainable development to those with little access in the developing world.

Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships has worked in more than 55 developing countries, providing services valued at more than $1.7 billion and treating more than 2.8 million direct beneficiaries. Our ships are crewed by volunteers from over 60 nations, with an average of over 1,200 volunteers each year.

“One of our top priorities is ensuring the safety and security of our patients and volunteers, and Mercy Ships is excited to partner with Pole Star, who supports our shipboard operations and allows us to concentrate more of our resources on healthcare and training. Pole Star is a valuable partner, and we look forward to continuing a long relationship with them, as they help us bring hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor,” says Carine Bray, Company Security Officer at Mercy Ships.

www.mercyships.org www.polestarglobal.com

Group Director raises over £5,500 completing London Marathon

Andy Williams, Sales and Marketing Director for the Gainsborough Healthcare Group, has completed his first London Marathon and raised over £5,500 for SHINE, the spina bifida charity.

Part of the Gainsborough Healthcare Group, Abacus Specialist Bathroom Solutions is one of four brands that Andy is responsible for in terms of sales and marketing. As a talented cricket player and not a runner, he has been training for several months to tackle the London Marathon. Despite sustaining a knee injury before the race, he completed the course in less than six hours. His family were so proud to cheer him over the line including one of his daughters who has spina bifida.

and my injury – but the incredible atmosphere, the energy from the crowds, and the thought of raising money for SHINE, the spina bifida charity, kept me going to the finish line. A huge thank you to family, friends and colleagues who supported my fundraising.

As he received his race medal, Andy said, “It wasn’t easy with the heat

Training for and running a marathon is a small feat compared to those challenges my daughter Margot often faces – she inspires me every single day.”

The donations Andy has raised will now help fund the continued services and support provided by SHINE to people of all ages with spina bifida. The whole Gainsborough Healthcare Group team, including Abacus, fully congratulate Andy on this epic achievement.

info@abacushealthcare.co.uk

www.abacushealthcare.co.uk

Kilworth Interiors: Providing exceptional service for 25 years

In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are pleased to feature Kilworth Interiors as our Healthcare Flooring & Furnishing Company of the Month

Located centrally in Leicestershire, Kilworth Interiors specialise in contract commercial flooring and furnishings, providing bespoke solutions and quality products to a variety of customers. The multi-generation, family run business has grown over the years, with the inclusion of specialist procurement, design and installation staff giving Kilworth Interiors a wealth of experience and expertise to draw from.

Kilworth Interiors provide a complete and comprehensive service to residential homes, care homes, hotels, schools, retail outlets, restaurants, entertainment venues and office spaces. Their services include tailored interior design, selection and sourcing of the best available products, installation by professional fitters and ongoing management of assets and installations.

customer’s vision and requirements. Then detailed drawings and designs are created, bringing the client’s ideas to life and ensuring optimal space utilisation. Once the client’s vision is clear, Kilworth meticulously selects and procures the finest products to match the chosen style and budget. Finally, Kilworth’s experienced and skilled installation team will expertly transform the space, paying close attention to the smallest details and delivering a flawless finish that promises to exceed expectations.

As the UK’s elderly population grows and life expectancy increases, the need for elderly care continues to be a top priority. Alongside this is the necessity for properly furnished and designed care homes. With an excess of 25 years’ experience in healthcare, hospital and care home supply; Kilworth are uniquely placed to appreciate the rigorous need of this especially demanding sector of the market.

style, presentation or client budget, the company strives to create spaces which are not only practical but beautiful.

This deep respect for the client’s needs underscores the entirety of Kilworth’s operations. Since 2005, the company has prided itself on providing exceptional service and going above and beyond for customers. The central ethos of Kilworth business is to always endeavor to support their customer’s needs past the recognised service agreement and nurture mutually beneficial client relations built on quality and integrity.

The Kilworth process begins with an initial consultation designed to fully grasp the

Products for healthcare must be resilient, have good colour fastness and be easy to clean, so Kilworth works with all the major manufacturers of impervious backed, heavy duty healthcare carpets. As well as this Kilworth supplies hard wearing, low level carpets for areas of heavy wheelchair use and heavy duty solution dyed carpets for use in hospitals and care homes. All carpet supplied by Kilworth to the healthcare sector is manufactured using nylon & polypropylene to provide better wear and tear as well as resistance to bleach based products to preserve the excellent colour options Kilworth offers.

Kilworth’s decades of expertise in the healthcare industry, especially care homes, is underpinned by a deep respect the company holds for resident’s lives and backgrounds. For Kilworth, ensuring comfort, dignity and enjoyment to residents in their twilight years is an essential part of the job. Without neglecting

With a proven track record of delivering outstanding service, a reputation for exceptional customer care and a wealth of experience in the industry, Kilworth have established themselves as the go-to choice for transforming spaces into exceptional care environments. As Kilworth looks to the future there has already been some exciting developments in 2025. With the acquisition of additional warehouse space and new staff members joining the team to continue to deliver Kilworth’s premium service to their customers.

For more information on Kilworth Interiors, see below: 01162 599848 info@kilworth.co.uk www.kilworth.co.uk

Care Horizons launches new cleaning and maintenance initiative

Care Horizons has launched a comprehensive cleaning and maintenance service, offering professional assistance with cleaning, maintenance, gardening and household tasks across the Southwest region.

Care Horizons supports adults of all ages throughout the Southwest, providing services for a diverse range of mental health conditions, learning disabilities and those living with neurological illnesses. While the carers do a stellar job at caring for their clients, legislation prevents them from being able to do simple household jobs such as changing a lightbulb or doing some gardening.

Hence Care Horizons has launched this new initiative where they will provide a professional service for those in need, anywhere in the Southwest region.

This initiative will significantly benefit Care Horizons’ vulnerable clients ensuring they get the very best and most reliable support they need. Care Horizons ensures to only use the most professional and trusted tradespeople and domestic workers who clients can access straight through their carer. This service will not only benefit and improve the wellbeing of Care Horizons’ clients but it will also allow for anyone in need in the wider Southwest region to have access to Cleaning, Ironing, Decluttering, Gardening, Plumbing and Small Maintenance jobs.

“We have launched this initiative because amidst the chaos of life, every individual deserves to have access to help with cleaning and maintenance in their own home. Having a clean environment and reduced stress provides better wellbeing all-round,” says MD, Vierka Hiscock.

Visiting Angels celebrates trifecta of award wins

Visiting Angels, the home care brand renowned for its pioneering ‘carer-centric’ approach, is celebrating an exceptional hat-trick of awards – cementing its reputation as an industry leader. The accolades highlight the company’s innovative business strategy, community focus and outstanding leadership under UK CEO Dan Archer.

At the prestigious Alicia Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards (GBEA), Visiting Angels was honoured with the Scale-Up Entrepreneur of the Year Award for the North East, Yorkshire and The Humber region. This category celebrates businesses that have achieved remarkable growth while maintaining their core values and identity – a hallmark of Visiting Angels’ carer-centric ethos. The recognition further underscores their ability to ‘scale up without losing culture’, a principle at the heart of their mission.

Archer was also named Business Leader of the Year at The Yorkshire Post Excellence in Business Awards in the same week. This award recognises leaders who demonstrate outstanding vision, determination and results in their respective industries. Dan’s leadership has been instrumental in not only expanding Visiting Angels’ footprint but also setting a new benchmark for care providers nationwide.

To round off an extraordinary November, Visiting Angels claimed a third accolade at the Connect Yorkshire Awards, winning the Leading the Way in the Care Sector Award. This achievement comes alongside their shortlisting for two honours at The Great British Workplace Wellbeing Awards –Excellence in Employee Engagement and Best Employee Benefits Package – further cementing Visiting Angels’ reputation as a leader in both care and employee wellbeing.

Adding to the celebrations, Dan

Caring for someone with dementia: Take steps to make daily life easier

Anybody caring for someone with dementia knows the impact on daily life reaches far beyond their cognitive, memory skills. It affects their movement and mobility.

Already, almost 1 million people have dementia. Half of the UK population will be affected by dementia in our lifetime (1). Only 7% of our homes have key accessibility features such as a ground floor WC.

The impact of dementia on mobility and movement means that even something as mundane as going up, down stairs – to bed, to bath, to use the toilet – becomes difficult. It can even be potentially dangerous.

How to make life safer

That risk can be managed, quickly & easily, without any of the delay usual with a home adaptation, and without impacting on how others in the household can use the stairs. Our S-Max Sella stairclimber/ stairclimbing wheelchair is a portable, mobile unit that folds compactly away when not in use.

Class 1 Medical Device certified, Sella provides a proven, safe, supported way for you, the carer, to take the dementia patient up and down stairs – and beyond. Familiar routines can be preserved. You don't need to transfer your loved one from the Sella at the top or bottom of the stairs. Sella continues the journey onwards to whichever room, further improving safety.

Battery-operated, each charge delivers sufficient power to undertake 300 steps, all executed at a

speed set by the carer. The step process can be paused en route, and Sella automatically smoothly brakes at the top of each riser to maintain complete operator control.

We support your Occupational Therapist in assessment of the home environment, dementia sufferer & their carers to ensure all are comfortable with the kit. We also set up the Sella to suit each person involved and train you in how to use it.

Living with dementia: Julie Murray’s story Julie Murray was given a Sella to help her with her husband Robert who has dementia. Their OT realised the only way the family could get Robert up, down stairs to bed and bathroom was on son Harry’s back!

Julie says, “The Sella has changed our lives! It’s made daily life so much safer. It has meant I can keep Robert’s routine, life, as normal as possible, getting him up to bed. With only having one toilet at the time, upstairs, the Sella meant I can get him there in time. And even with a wetroom downstairs now, the Sella is still in daily use, getting Robert up in the morning and to bed at night.”

(1) https://dementiastatistics.org/about-dementia/ prevalence-and-incidence

eFOLDi launches four wheel scooter with Secure-Turn™ gyro stability

UK-based mobility innovator eFOLDi has launched the Compass, its first ever fourwheel scooter, which offers a breakthrough in lightweight, stable, and portable mobility design.

Designed for users who need added confidence and balance without compromising on portability, the Compass combines the convenience of eFOLDi’s folding technology with the reassurance of four-wheel support. Weighing just 11kg (excluding battery), the Compass offers intuitive controls, ergonomic comfort, and cutting-edge Secure-Turn™ technology for enhanced safety while moving.

“This is an evolution for eFOLDi,” said Sumi Wang, Founder of eFOLDi. “The Compass marks our entry into the four-wheel scooter category. We’ve designed it specifically for users who want more stability, but still need something easy to lift, transport and use every day. It’s our most intuitive and confidence-boosting scooter to date.”

Key Features of the eFOLDi Compass include:

: Secure-Turn™ Technology – eFOLDi’s inbuilt gyroscope detects changes in orientation to enhance turning stability, reduce tipping risk, and improve rider confidence.

: Ultra-Light Magnesium Alloy Frame –just 11kg without the battery, combining high strength with portability.

: Effortless Bi-Fold Design – a simple, two

step colour-coded folding mechanism ideal for users with limited dexterity.

: Quiet, Low-Vibration Motor – engineered for smoother rides to reduce fatigue.

: On or Off-Board Charging – with a rapid charge time and a range of up to 10 miles (16km).

: Solid Tyres and Auto Braking –Maintenance-free, puncture-proof tyres and electro-magnetic braking that slows upon throttle release, making it ideal for users with slower reaction times.

Created for those with minor mobility issues or health conditions such as arthritis, COPD, or MS, the Compass offers memory foam seating, an adjustable handlebar, a spacious footplate, and optional flip-up armrests making it practical for daily life and days out. It is backed by a 7 year battery warranty and 2 year scooter warranty.

The Compass is launching with a full trade support package including POS, literature, image library, and consumer-facing video content.

Forterra brings festive cheer to Mycenae House’s ‘Reach Out’ Project with £500 Donation

A

s part of its Community Fund scheme, building products manufacturer Forterra recently contributed £500 to support the Christmas party for Mycenae House’s ‘Reach Out’ Project. The festive event brought together participants of the project for a day of celebration, connection, and community spirit, helping to combat loneliness during the holiday season.

Mycenae House, a Community Centre hub in Blackheath, runs the ‘Reach Out’ Project to provide social and creative opportunities for vulnerable individuals in the local area. This annual Christmas party, made possible through Forterra’s donation, was designed to foster meaningful connections and promote mental well-being during a time of year that can be particularly isolating for some.

1.5m UK construction workers at risk

Half of all UK construction workers, or 1.5m people have worked in a dangerous environment while suffering poor mental health and close to 700,000 suffered injuries, according to new research from business insurer QBE.

For the first time, QBE research shows the cost to the UK construction industry from poor mental health. QBE surveyed 362 UK construction workers about their mental health at work. The results indicate that even with the increased risk of injury, they are likely to continue to work.

Three quarters of UK construction workers with poor mental health said at some point they continued to work in a dangerous situation despite the increased risk involved. In addition, more than one quarter of construction workers (27%) have taken time off in the last 12 months due to poor mental health, with almost half of them (46%) taking at least 1 week off.

The research also shows that in the UK construction industry, more than 5.1 million working days were lost to poor mental health last year, this compares to 18 million working days for the whole UK economy. The construction sector is one of the largest in the UK economy – employing 3.1 million people or over 9% of the workforce. According to government reports, stress, depression or anxiety account for almost half (49%) of all work-related ill health. And it is the biggest cause of lost workdays in the UK with work-related ill health accounting for over half (54%) of working days lost.

https://qbeeurope.com/risk-solutions/ qrisk/minds-in-business

The Christmas party has been a cherished component of the ‘Reach Out’ Project since its inception in 2017. The event complements the project’s weekly well-being sessions, which offer conversation and activities aimed at combating isolation.

Attendees ranged in age from 25 to 86 and included individuals supported by Oxleas Mental Health, as well as those in supported living environments, and other vulnerable community members. The event provided a rare opportunity for joyful social interaction for people who struggle with disability, loneliness or socio-economic hardship.

www.forterra.co.uk/about-us/community

ABM UK steps up

for veterans

More than 30 teammates from ABM, the leading provider of facility, engineering, and infrastructure solutions, tackled the tough terrain of the Lake District last weekend in support of veterans and their families.

Raising thousands of pounds for Walking With The Wounded, the military charity providing support for veterans who need it the most, 35 ABM team members took on the Cumbrian Challenge – a formidable test of endurance, teamwork, and resilience.

Divided into nine teams, the participants undertook three different routes, ranging from ‘The Peak’ – a 14km hike with a 761m ascent – to ‘The Tougher’ –a 27km hike with a 1,411m ascent – all navigating the incredible yet demanding landscape of Grasmere.

Particular congratulations goes to ABM Team 7, led by ABM Director, David Donovan, who were awarded first place for their triumph on the ‘Over 50s Peak Route’.

Walking With The Wounded provides crucial support to ex-service personnel as they transition from military to civilian life, a mission closely aligned with ABM’s ongoing support of the armed forces community. As a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant, ABM is committed to ensuring both veterans and serving armed forces personnel are encouraged to join the ABM family across all lines of business, and that they are supported in their working life as valued team members.

www.abm.com

www.walkingwiththewounded.org.uk

Augustine Therapeutics appoints Rie Schultz Hansen

Augustine Therapeutics NV, a biotechnology company focused on developing new therapies for neuromuscular, neurodegenerative and cardiometabolic diseases through the inhibition of the cytosolic Histone DeACetylase 6 (HDAC6) enzyme, recently announced the appointment of Rie Schultz Hansen, PhD, as Chief Scientific Officer, effective immediately.

With more than 20 years’ experience in drug discovery and early-stage drug development, Rie is an experienced executive with a strong background in cardio-metabolic and inflammation-driven diseases as well as peptide therapeutics.

Prior to joining Augustine, she served as the Chief Scientific Officer at Aelin Therapeutics, where she played a key role in developing a degrader platform based on induced protein aggregation to neutralize disease-causing proteins. Later, she spearheaded an entrepreneurial initiative advancing AI/MLbased solutions derived from Aelin Therapeutics technology, securing initial funding and forging a collaboration for assay development and highthroughput screening capabilities.

Rie spent the majority of her career at the peptide development specialist Zealand Pharma (CPH: ZEAL) where she worked across multiple functional areas, mainly focused on cardiovascular, metabolic and inflammatory diseases. Roles at Zealand Pharma included Innovation Officer, Vice President, Head of Discovery and Innovation, and Interim Chief Scientific Officer, governing the preclinical portfolio until CTA/IND submission and developing and implementing the strategy for research and chemistry for pre-clinical projects. Throughout her career Rie has maintained a strong connection with academia and has served for several years as a member of the Danish Cardiovascular Academy Grant committee.

In addition, Augustine recently announced the founding of a Copenhagen, Denmark based subsidiary, Augustine Therapeutics Denmark ApS, which will serve as the company’s hub for research related to cardio-metabolic diseases.

www.augustinetx.com

Preview

Save the date for Care Management Show –Birmingham

Save the date for the next Care Management Show and step into a new era with us. Plus more care sector events to add to your calendar!

The next Care Management Show will take place at NEC Birmingham on 27 June. We’re excited to be launching our new one-day format designed to deliver more value, greater insights, and even better networking opportunities.

Care Management Show

Care Management Show is the must-attend event for care owners, managers and professionals who want to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. This is your opportunity to hear from expert speakers, make new connections, and explore solutions that will help you lead with confidence.

It’s still free to attend – so book your ticket now to secure your place! And make sure you sign up to our newsletter to get all of the latest updates on the conference programme, speakers and event information.

While you’re saving the date for Care Management Show (27 June) at NEC Birmingham, here are some more care events you may be interested in adding to your 2025 calendar...

Caring Times Owners Club

Caring Times Owners Club is an exclusive community for care owners, directors and operational heads. It’s free to join the club and members get access to a year-round programme of events.

Each event offers an agenda of high-quality content and discussion for care operators, as well as networking and match-made meetings with top suppliers.

The next two dates in the calendar are 21 May at Celtic Manor in South Wales, including an overnight stay at the luxury hotel, and 8 July at IET: Savoy Place in London.

Caring Times Owners Club is also hosting a Charity Golf Day for care owners on 22 May.

National Care Awards

The National Care Awards are the largest awards recognising excellence in the UK care sector. This year’s awards ceremony is taking place at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge on 7 November.

With 25+ categories

encompassing care homes, domiciliary care, specialist care and more, entries are open now until 16 August. Take this opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of your team.

https://caremanagementshow.co.uk

Where compassion meets clever technology

In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are pleased to feature Spark Care as our Advanced Fall

Detection & Technology Enabled Care Company of the Month

Founded by Nadia Morris, CEO, an experienced care home operations and governance manager with a deep passion for improving lives through better care, Spark Care is a care technology specialist, providing fall detection, fall prevention, and passive monitoring solutions to care homes, home care providers, supported living services and housing with care schemes.

Drawing on over two decades of hands-on experience in both the UK care sector and tech innovation, Nadia established Spark Care in 2023 to bridge the gap between compassionate care and modern, meaningful technology. Working across the UK and Ireland, supporting care providers nationwide, Spark Care’s main site is based in Wiltshire, with another office in Dublin.

“By having two sites, it has enabled us to offer hands-on support and local insight across both regions,” said Nadia. “Spark Care is all about offering specialist consultations, technology installations, support, and training – helping care providers to make smart choices around future-ready technology that improves safety, dignity and

operational efficiency. We are proud to be firmly rooted in the health and social care technology sector, with a specialist focus on elderly care and adult support services.”

One unique contributing factor to Spark Care’s services is that it is not tied to one manufacturer or system. Acting in the best interest of care providers, Spark Care select the best-in-class technology that delivers real outcomes. This could be anything from AI-powered fall detection to smart lamps and sensors that track vital signs. With a focus beyond flashy technology, Spark Care offers thoughtfully designed solutions that prioritise dignity, deliver real impact, and enhance everyday efficiency.

One of its latest additions includes Silver Shield, powered by Protosense, a global leader in mmWave innovation, Silver Shield is not just another sensor for use in fall detection, it is the product of years of dedicated research and development in precision monitoring.

“We’re incredibly proud to be the UK and Ireland exclusive partner for Silver Shield, a groundbreaking fall detection and human sensing technology. It detects slow, fast and slip-fromchair falls in real-time, monitors vitals such as heart and respiratory rate, and offers full room coverage with zero cameras or microphones,” said Nadia.

As well as Silver Shield, Spark Care is also one of only two UK trusted distributors of Nobi Smart Lamps, a beautiful ceiling lamp that silently watches over residents and automatically calls for help if a fall is detected.

Products like these are revolutionary for the future of care, and can make the difference between life and

death. Spark Care only deliver specialised solutions that reflect the industry’s best and highest standards, with products that are solely designed to transform the care sector and to help organisations achieve optimal results.

To accommodate a recent shift in client demand, Spark Care’s team of experts and list of suppliers are growing rapidly. Nadia expanded, “We now have Care Technology Consultants covering the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland, bringing local knowledge and personalised support to every region. Plus, as an approved supplier to the Spectrum Care Purchasing Network, our technology is now available at reduced pricing for its members.

“We’re growing fast and expanding our offerings – including remote monitoring, smart medication support, and integration with nursecall systems. Our goal is to help care providers become safer, smarter, and more sustainable – all while keeping people at the heart of every solution.

“We’re not just about tech, we’re about people. Spark Care exists to improve outcomes – and we’ll never lose sight of the human stories behind every alert, sensor or system. If you want carefocused, genuinely helpful advice, we’d love to hear from you.”

Spark Care support care home owners, registered managers, group directors, supported living schemes, local authorities, housing associations, and forward-thinking domiciliary care providers. So, if you’re responsible for care delivery, technology, procurement or compliance – Spark Care can help.

A Poison Like No Other: A wakeup call we can no longer ignore

At Bluewater, we’ve made it our mission to end the need for single-use plastic bottles, not just as a matter of business, but as a moral imperative, writes Dave Noble, Chief Communications Officer, Bluewater. Every now and then, a book comes along that crystallises why that mission is so urgent. A Poison Like No Other by science journalist Matt Simon is one of those books – and it should be required reading for anyone who still questions the devastating impact of plastics on our planet and our bodies.

Simon meticulously exposes the harsh reality of microplastic pollution – a crisis that has quietly escalated into one of the greatest threats to human and environmental health. With compelling storytelling and rigorous research, he lays bare how microplastics have become omnipresent: in the food we eat, the water we drink, and even the air we breathe. They’ve been found in unborn babies, in the deepest ocean trenches, and on the peaks of remote mountaintops. It’s a story of planetary contamination on an unimaginable scale.

Perhaps the most disturbing aspect Simon reveals is how easily this could have been

mitigated – and how often it has been downplayed by industry lobbyists eager to protect the status quo. The book is a direct challenge to those who still defend the myth that single-use plastic bottles are not as harmful as environmentalists claim. The evidence says otherwise. Over 600 billion plastic bottles are produced every single year. Many of them end up as microscopic fragments that linger in our ecosystems and our bodies for generations.

At Bluewater, we have no vested interest in Simon’s publisher, nor do we sponsor him in any way. But we wholeheartedly admire his diligent, clear-eyed journalism and his urgent call to action. His voice strengthens the growing consensus that the age of singleuse plastics must end.

We founded Bluewater in 2013 to be part of the solution. Under the visionary leadership of our founder and CEO, Bengt Rittri – a recognised Swedish ecopreneur and founder of clean air trailblazer Blueair – we’ve committed ourselves to designing and delivering innovative water purification and beverage solutions that make it easy, safe, and sustainable to ditch plastic bottles for good at home, work, and play. Bengt’s work has been recognised globally by organisations and publications

such as Sublime Magazine for his pioneering contributions to a cleaner, healthier planet.

Our message is simple, but urgent: There is no longer any excuse for using single-use plastic bottles.

We have the technology. We have the alternatives. What we need now is the collective will – from consumers, companies,

and governments alike – to change how we hydrate, how we consume, and ultimately, how we protect our future.

Let A Poison Like No Other be your wake-up call. Let’s refuse to be part of the microplastic horror story. Let’s act now, together.

www.bluewatergroup. com/en-gb

For over a decade Bluewater innovative water dispensers have been helping major sporting events, large scale conferences and major venues turn the tide of single use plastic bottle use

Bengt Rittri, Founder & CEO, Bluewater Group

Frequency Precision

Frequency Precision is a small familyowned, forward-thinking business based in Devon which is one of the foremost suppliers into the domiciliary care market as well as the primary healthcare market.

Founded in 1985, the company specialises in providing innovative medical alert systems designed to enhance safety and ensure immediate assistance in emergencies. Its wide range of medical alert devices, including fall detection systems, are tailored for individuals who may require quick access to emergency services, such as the elderly or those with a medical condition.

Whether you need a mobile medical alert system with GPS location tracking or an athome monitoring system, the company offers reliable solutions that integrate seamlessly into your daily life. They understand the importance of keeping your loved ones safe and free from harm, which is why they offer a wide range of medical alert devices alongside their own Airlert technology to help with their

Frequency Precision’s founder, Doug Dwyer, was inspired by his own mother’s care needs to create innovative solutions for monitoring people at risk. Doug developed a discreet sensor using air pressure to detect when someone gets out of a bed or chair. The system that Frequency Precision uses today is called Airlert and uses the same principles as that original mat. It is used by thousands of people in private homes, care homes and hospitals around the country. It is a notable example of how individual experiences can lead to impactful innovations.

foot pressure. They are usually used in a doorway, hallway or next to a bed as a form of fall prevention.

The Airlert technology has a wide range of applications:

care. They pride themselves on their ability to provide products that make the perfect addition to any healthcare setting, benefitting clients on a national and international scale. Their team of specialists collaborates closely with clients to determine the perfect addition to their healthcare environment.

: Airlert bed mats can be used on any type of bed frame and mattress combination with the pressure mat being placed underneath the mattress where the person sleeps. Different pressure sensors can be connected to the mat, allowing it to detect when a person leaves or occupies a bed and send an alert to carers.

: Airlert convulsion sensor mats look and work in a comparable way to the bed mat but unlike the regular bed pressure mat, is used specifically for people who live with epilepsy to detect the convulsions indicative of someone having a tonic-clonic generalised seizure.

: Airlert chair pressure pads offer the same function as bed mats, with the obvious difference being that they are placed on chairs rather than beds.

: Airlert floor pressure mats are placed on the floor in order to detect

Frequency Precision medical alert systems are designed for various environments and needs offering bespoke solutions to all problems:

: Home systems – Ideal for elderly individuals or people with medical conditions living independently, these monitored medical alert systems provide constant monitoring and send immediate alerts in case of emergencies.

: Mobile medical alert systems – For active individuals, the mobile systems ensure security with the freedom to move around. Equipped with GPS tracking and fall detection, these mobile devices provide real-time assistance.

: Primary healthcare services – The medical alert systems integrate seamlessly with healthcare services, allowing caregivers to monitor patient safety and respond quickly to incidents.

: Wearable fall detection devices – In assisted living facilities or hospitals, these fall detection devices provide an extra layer of protection, ensuring fast emergency help in case of a fall.

: Emergency services – With direct connectivity to emergency response teams, the reliable medical alert systems ensure swift dispatch in life-threatening situations.

01837 810590

contact@frequencyprecision.com

www.frequencyprecision.com

Why choose Auxilium Medical Services?

Decontamination and sterilisation is critical within healthcare and there are many ways to maintain a sterile department. One of the most important ways to keep up with a sterile environment, is ensuring your machines are getting the servicing and testing they need.

Why decontamination and sterilisation is important

Decontamination removes germs on surfaces and objects, which is crucial for several reasons:

: Stopping the Spread of Infections –Medical tools and surfaces can carry harmful germs. Proper cleaning helps prevent spread infections in hospitals and clinics, keeping patients safe. Infections acquired in healthcare settings, known as healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), pose significant risks. Effective decontamination and sterilisation practices reduce the incidence of HAIs, thereby protecting patients from additional illnesses that can complicate their recovery.

: Safe Reuse of Medical Tools – Many medical instruments, such as endoscopes and surgical tools, are designed for reuse. Decontaminating/Sterilising these instruments ensures they are safe for the next patient, reducing the risk of cross-contamination. Without proper decontamination, pathogens from one patient can be transferred to another, leading to new infections.

: Following Rules and Regulations – The

healthcare industry has strict guidelines for cleaning, decontaminating and sterilising. Compliance with these regulations not only protects patients but also helps healthcare facilities maintain their accreditation and avoid legal issues.

Why choose Auxilium Medical Services?

We understand that the sterilisation and decontamination of your equipment is critical to your operations. Here’s why you can trust us with your servicing needs:

: Industry Expertise – With years of experience in maintaining decontamination and sterilisation equipment, we understand the unique challenges faced by facilities across the UK.

Jeito Capital leads financing in ReproNovo

Jeito Capital, a global leading independent Private Equity fund dedicated to biopharma, announced recently it is leading a USD 65 million (EUR 57 million) Series A financing round in ReproNovo, a company dedicated to developing innovative treatments for reproductive medicine and women’s health.

AXA IM Alts and M Ventures co-led the financing round alongside a syndicate of healthcare funds: Ysios Capital and ALSA Ventures.

Ksenija Pavletic, Jeito Partner and Chief Commercial Officer, with 25 years of experience in reproductive medicine and women’s health, will join ReproNovo’s Board of Directors.

Founded in 2021, ReproNovo is developing novel approaches to address critical gaps in reproductive medicine and women’s health, including male and female infertility

as well as uterine health. The company, led by a team of experts in this space – Jean Marie Duvall, Chief Executive Officer, Joan-Carles Arce, MD, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer and Medical Officer, and BingMei Hao, Chief Financial Officer – brings a proven track record in successful clinical development and commercial launches.

Since its inception, ReproNovo has rapidly built a pipeline comprising two Phase 2 clinical-stage assets across three disease areas, and the company plans to use the proceeds from this financing to advance this pipeline across multiple programs: : With its lead candidate, RPN-001 (leflutrozole), the company will focus on the development of an oral therapy for male infertility due to low testosterone levels. : RPN-002 (nolasiban), also orally administered therapy, is a firstin-class compound to manage adenomyosis, an overgrowth of endometrial tissue into the uterus that can result in severe menstrual bleeding and pain.

: Comprehensive Knowledge – Our technicians are trained on a wide range of brands and models, ensuring versatile and effective solutions.

: Minimised Downtime – We prioritise fast response times and efficient service to keep your operations running smoothly.

: Compliance Assurance – We ensure that all equipment we service meets the latest UK regulations, giving you confidence in your compliance status.

Take the first step towards reliable equipment

Ready to experience the Auxilium Medical Services difference? Here’s how you can get started:

: Contact Us – Reach out via phone at 01934 352320 or email us at admin@ auxiliummedicalservices.co.uk. Our friendly team is here to answer your questions and discuss your needs.

: Request a Quote – Visit our website at www.axms.co.uk to request a free, noobligation quote.

: Schedule a Service – Let us help you develop a tailored maintenance plan that keeps your equipment running smoothly and efficiently.

01934 352320 admin@auxiliummedicalservices. co.uk www.axms.co.uk

Blackford and Lucida Medical partner

Blackford, the pioneering strategic AI platform and solutions provider, and Lucida Medical, a leading developer of AI for cancer imaging, today announced a commercial partnership to bring the Pi – Prostate Intelligence solution to healthcare professionals via the Blackford Platform.

Blackford provides healthcare professionals access to an extensive portfolio of more than 120 AI solutions designed to drive clinical accuracy and efficiency and improve patient outcomes. By integrating Lucida Medical’s advanced technology into the Blackford Platform, Blackford can offer healthcare providers more powerful tools to support analysis of prostate MRIs.

“Our partnership with Lucida Medical enhances our ability to provide healthcare professionals with AI to help deliver more precise and efficient prostate cancer diagnosis and care,” says Ben Panter, Founder and CEO of Blackford.

“We are delighted to integrate the Pi solution into our extensive AI portfolio aimed at empowering clinicians with the tools they need to make informed decisions, ultimately improving patient outcomes.”

Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer, with case numbers forecast to double by 2040 and up to 50% of cases currently being diagnosed late, at stages III-IV. Pi has been designed to help healthcare professionals work more quickly by automating laborious steps, and to increase accuracy for detection of clinically significant prostate cancer.

Dr Antony Rix, Co-Founder and CEO at Lucida Medical, says, “Recent research has shown that Pi has expert-level performance in realworld applications across multiple healthcare settings, scanner types and vendors. We are delighted to work with Blackford to offer Pi to hospitals across the UK and Europe to help clinical teams save time and offer their patients the best possible diagnosis and treatment for prostate cancer.”

Bradshaw unveils new all-electric, compact RCV line-up for smarter urban waste management

Bradshaw Electric Vehicles, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of electric vehicles and waste management solutions, has launched a new range of Refuse Collection Vehicles which are specifically engineered to tackle the challenges of urban and food waste collection.

The Refuse Collection Vehicle range, which includes the Goupil G4, the long-wheelbase G4L and Bradshaw’s pedestrian PFB1500, are each designed to offer a solution to local authorities and waste management companies who need to operate in confined urban and pedestrian areas.

All three models have been made available in 4 body configurations; high tip body only, high tip body with bin lift, high tip body with bin lift and compaction arm or high tip body with bin lift and rear door for food waste collection.

Both the Goupil’s and Bradshaw’s RCVs are compact, agile, highly manoeuvrable and ideally suited to towns, high streets and pedestrianised areas. Their compact dimensions enable access through street barriers and around street furniture, while electric powertrains ensure a silent and pollution-free operation, making them an efficient alternative to traditional refuse collection methods.

The road-legal Goupil G4 is available with two lithium battery options, offering either a 62 mile or 93 mile range (wltp figures) on a single

charge. The standard G4-RCV has a 2.0m3 hopper and a payload of up to 740kg and works with 120, 240, and 360 litre bins. The G4L Long-Wheelbase adds 500mm to its chassis, increases the volume to 3.5m3 and works with larger 660-litre bins.

Based on the popular PFB1500, which is available with a number of body options, including cage body, Bradshaw’s pedestrian-controlled walk-along RCV is designed to tackle the challenges of urban waste collection in areas with high pedestrian footfall and limited vehicle access.

The pedestrian-controlled RCV handles 120, 240 and 360 litre bins and features a corrosion-resistant aluminium hopper. The ergonomic tiller head provides a comfortable and precise operation and can be driven easily with either hand. With five braking systems, automatic hill hold, and advanced safety features, it ensures safe operation on slopes.

All three RCVs feature corrosionresistant aluminium bodies with a 90° tipping angle for easy waste disposal into larger containers or larger RCVs for satellite operations, streamlining waste collection rounds and reducing overall time on the streets.

innovate and respond to the evolving needs of its customers, we have introduced this new RCV range to offer a more sustainable and efficient solution for urban waste collection.

With increasing pressure on local authorities to reduce emissions and improve air quality, traditional diesel-powered waste vehicles are no longer viable. Bradshaw’s latest offering addresses these concerns by providing a zero-emission, cost-effective solution tailored for urban environments.

The Goupil G4 RCV in particular arrives at a crucial time for waste management operations following the introduction new recycling regulations coming into effect on 31st March 2025, requiring businesses across England that produce more than 5kg of food waste per week being legally required to segregate food waste from general waste.

Ramsy Labassi, Marketing Manager of Bradshaw Electric Vehicles, commented, “As a company that is continually looking to

“Urban zones are becoming increasingly difficult for traditional waste collection vehicles to navigate due to rising congestion, restricted access zones, low-emission regulations, and the continued pedestrianisation of city centres and high streets. However, Bradshaw’s new compact RCV range has been purpose-built to overcome these challenges, offering local authorities and waste contractors a practical and zero-emission alternative that can easily access tight spaces and operate safely in areas with high pedestrian footfall.

“Both vehicles have been launched at a time where there’s a growing need from local authorities to improve efficiency in collecting waste, especially with the new food waste regulations coming into force recently, and we are delighted to already be receiving overwhelming interest for our new vehicles as they seek innovative and environmentally friendly alternatives to existing refuse collection practices – which typically involve large diesel-powered vehicles that simply have become unsuitable and impractical in line with how urban environments are evolving.”

SoMax Finance: Empowering financial transformation with expert solutions

In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, organisations across all sectors – especially those in health and social care – face a constant need to stay on top of changes. Recent shifts in salary and tax regulations have made it more crucial than ever for health and social care providers to ensure their financial processes are up to date, efficient, and compliant.

For many owners, who took on this role out of a passion for care rather than business management, handling the financial side can be especially challenging. This is where iplicit’s Cloud-based financial software, paired with SoMax’s expert consultancy, delivers accurate, transparent, and controlled financial management for organisations.

With extensive experience consulting for health and social care providers, SoMax understands the operational challenges care homeowners face without a robust financial management system. Many of these providers, who didn’t originally expect to manage a business, often find themselves handling complex financial responsibilities that demand both time and accuracy. Without streamlined financial processes, they frequently lack visibility over their finances, resulting in less informed decision-making at all levels. SoMax leverages its expertise to guide these organisations in adopting iplicit’s software, enabling deeper financial insights and driving improvements.

A key benefit of iplicit’s financial software is the clarity it provides on true margins and costs – crucial in the health and social care sector, where margins are often slim. It delivers precise insights into expenses, enabling better contract negotiations, supplier assessments, and internal improvements. For health and social care providers, understanding these elements is essential for optimising staffing, managing resources effectively, and ultimately providing the best care to patients.

Another strength of iplicit’s system is its ability to present information in ways that support effective decision-making. For example, it empowers users to swiftly identify anomalies, such as unplanned overtime or unexpected cost spikes, which often serve as early warning signs of underlying operational or financial challenges within an organisation. By identifying these early, health and social care providers can take proactive measures such as re-evaluating contracts or reallocating resources. These actionable insights empower leaders to enhance operational efficiency and maintain financial stability.

Transparency is another essential benefit. With real-time visibility over financial metrics, health and social care providers can access a snapshot of their organisation’s financial health at any given moment. This level of insight ensures

decision-makers have the latest, most accurate data available crucial when making high-stakes decisions related to regulatory compliance, budgeting, or resource allocation. Having immediate, on-demand access to information is invaluable, playing a pivotal role in driving revenue growth per bed or user by providing a clear understanding of operational costs, resource allocation, and profit margins. By leveraging tools like iplicit’s financial software, this clarity enables better pricing strategies, enhanced service delivery, and sustained financial health, fostering long-term growth.

SoMax’s expert guidance during the adoption of iplicit software further uncovers inefficiencies and offers a clear, comprehensive view of financial standing. With their support, organisations can implement targeted adjustments that drive substantial savings and growth over time.

In summary, implementing iplicit’s advanced financial management software with SoMax provides health and social care providers with more than just a financial tracking tool – it’s a powerful, end-to-end solution. Designed to enhance visibility, sharpen decision-making, and ensure adaptability to regulatory changes, this partnership empowers organisations with the clarity, control, and agility needed to thrive in today’s complex financial landscape. Beyond achieving regulatory compliance, health and social care providers gain actionable insights to drive growth, efficiency, and superior outcomes. For care homeowners, it means having a trusted partner to help balance their passion for care with the demands of running a successful business.

Contact: Laura Evans, Partner and Business Development 07961 507061

laura@so-max.co.uk

info@so-max.co.uk

https://so-max.co.uk

Underpinning excellence in healthcare cleaning

Carlton Relf discusses the benefits of empowering and motivating cleaning staff through comprehensive training programmes – and why education is so important

Effective training has always been a lynchpin of professional cleaning services but unprecedented UK demand for healthcare and consolidation of the healthcare sector’s expectations of cleanliness, have made it absolutely mission-critical.

With ever-increasing patient healthcare demands, NHS and private healthcare providers are demanding that cleaning suppliers adhere to higher operating standards while demonstrating compliance with them. But the statistics also show how difficult frontline infection control can be: the NHS has around 300,000 healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) annually.

But the numbers also demonstrate our industry’s essential role in healthcare and other sectors. Analysts IBIS World calculate that industrial cleaning revenues have gone up 5% each year since 2020, especially given rising NHS funding. The British Cleaning Council reckons Britain has 75,000 cleaning businesses and apart from the largest enterprises and SME cleaning firms, most are micro-businesses of fewer than 10 people. As a result, small cleaning firms are often delivering essential services locally to much larger organisations.

As a result, cleaning companies will increasingly need a focus on training to develop their employees’ cleaning skills within a context of risk assessment, decision-making to best meet customer needs, compliance and service professionalism.

Cleaning firms and better healthcare Game-changing momentum towards higher healthcare cleaning standards came with theNHS’s National Standards of Healthcare Cleanliness 2021, which reflect more modern methods of cleaning, infection prevention and control (IPC). However, these standards also emphasise transparency in cleaning service delivery, to help assure patients, the public, and staff alike that safe cleanliness standards are being achieved.

Meanwhile, data generated by advances such as robotic cleaning and intelligent building management systems, are transforming NHS and private health sector cleaning

managers’ knowledge and understanding of their healthcare facilities’ usage and required cleaning regimes. As a result, cleaning firms are seeing clients drawing up data-driven and more formal cleaning specifications, and with them, requirements for auditable skill levels in the teams that meet them.

All these factors are naturally creating new opportunities for cleaning firms but at the same time, they are increasing the pressure on cleaning suppliers to upskill, comprehensively train and demonstrate the quality/technical skills of their workforces. Commercial cleaning companies will therefore need to organise regular employee and management training while keeping up-to-date workforce training records.

This dual approach – expert cleaning and effective communication of teams’ capabilities to customers – will further build clients’ confidence that they can maintain specified cleaning standards and professionalism to capitalise on these opportunities safely.

Rigorous training, empowered people

Because of cleaning services’ pivotal role in healthcare, rigorous training not only supports cleaning service excellence but also enables teams to effectively assess and manage changing risks at work, make informed decisions, and set customers’ expectations, at all parts of the customer journey. Forward looking, highly-qualified cleaning contractors are able to meet these changing client requirements, by equipping their managers and cleaning teams with core capabilities through rigorous training programmes.

These programmes cover five main areas, including:

1) Engaged and empowered staff

Smart cleaning companies will make comprehensive, rolling training programmes the key to effective and reliable service delivery. Research across many industries shows that fully trained staff feel more empowered and motivated to meet clients’ needs. Engaging and motivating your cleaning teams and individual team members/ operatives also means clearly and relentlessly communicating the standards required and what is expected of each team member. But

engaging people also means regularly creating ‘no-cost’ rewards, such as complimenting team members for fantastic work, or having suggested a solution to a client’s cleaning problem, or dedication to their job such as still making it to a customer site during bad weather.

2) Core training programmes

As part of providing the best services, cleaning companies’ line managers and cleaning specialists need to maintain a core training programme for all their team members. This will comprise initial site assessments, regular hands-on practice, understanding individual client sites’ reporting needs, required compliance with healthcare standards and reporting, keeping industry accreditations updated, and ongoing education needs.

Cleaning contractors intent on building their company brand and retaining key contracts based on service excellence will increasingly need to demonstrate relentless alignment with all health and safety & environmental regulations. For NHS applications, compliance with the 2021 cleanliness standards and their audit processes is now a part of new hospital cleaning contracts which in turn triggers a series of training needs for cleaning providers.

A relentless focus on training & accreditation can boost service excellence and cleanliness. For example, fully-trained teams embarking on an NHS or private healthcare contract will be empowered to make checks during a first clean, such as surface contamination tests and escalating the testing level if contamination is identified. For specialised tasks, such as the removal of biohazardous waste, cleaning teams will need training on relevant waste removal, storage protocols and dedicated equipment’s safe operation.

Effective team training can play a key part in reducing HCAIs that may endanger patient health and lead to expensive deep cleans down the line. Fully-trained cleaning teams can be focused on improving cleanliness in hospital or health centres’ high-touch areas, such as medical equipment and high traffic areas. They can also recognise the correct disinfectants for different situations. Well-planned cleaning regimes can enable

treatment rooms being released earlier, giving clinical teams scope to increase treatment rates.

There are a plethora of cleaning courses available ranging from individual, team and specialist subject courses, to ‘training the trainer’ type courses enabling senior managers to become accredited trainers for their workforce. The key is to locate training courses within a wider approach of customer service excellence, based on risk identification, decision-making, action and customer communication and expectationsetting.

3) Education on site needs

Alongside regular training programmes, cleaning teams need to be continually educated and given regular reminders about each site’s cleaning requirements, and client personnel’s expectations, to ensure the highest standards in healthcare cleaning and reporting.

As well as ensuring excellence in service delivery, rigorously-trained cleaning teams will gain the confidence to quickly prioritise actions for key buildings, locations and ancillary sites. A confident, well-trained team can also check and verify their cleaning responsibilities with their client’s personnel or think outside the box and ask questions when things don’t seem right. This proactive approach can help avert incidents such as:

: Avoiding confusion between in-house FM/ cleaning teams and suppliers over required cleaning regimes, for example, whether NHS 2021 national cleanliness standards or legacy 2007 ones are specified : Property management/cleaning teams being unable to specify effective and safe cleaning regimes to cleaning providers : Communicating to clients that potentially dangerous tasks like cleans at height need

prearranged notice, ensuring suitablytrained teams can complete the work with appropriate equipment supported by in situ safety notices.

4) Dynamic disaster response

With UK healthcare facilities facing unprecedented demand, it’s critical for healthcare organisations to make optimal use of high-use treatment facilities. Cleaning providers can play a crucial role in managing effective disaster responses that can prevent, or at least minimise, service disruption.

Emergency cleaning situations range from biohazards (bodily fluid spills or contaminated materials), chemical leaks, and food/beverage spills, but also include smoke damage to building fabric from fires, or accidents like fire extinguishers being discharged. Stormy winters and extreme weather have led to increased flooding incidents and revealed that an ageing NHS property estate is leading to more frequent emergency clean-ups.

Commercial cleaning companies working with NHS and other public bodies will be responsible for essential daily tasks such as ‘clean and close’ of toilets. Company teams well-versed in incident response can work with hospital/local authority cleaning teams to rapidly assess any incident of abuse/ mistreatment of such facilities, close the facilities where safe cleaning isn’t possible and organise a prompt deep clean using approved biohazard equipment and operatives in PPE, to deal correctly with the situation. This incident know-how and dynamic decisionmaking helps avert potential health risks to hospital/healthcare buildings’ users and minimises facilities’ closure time.

Cleaning providers that maintain regular and refresher employee training and ensure their teams have all necessary industry

accreditations, give clients the confidence that they can respond effectively to emergencies. Trained teams will quickly grasp how to make best use of specialised equipment and products for optimal cleaning (such as robot cleaning that automates low-risk cleaning for store rooms or corridors) and help drive up contract performance.

5) Embedding excellence

As teams build up their training with healthcare certifications and recognition programmes, this embedding of know-how empowers operatives, strengthens long-term service delivery, and seals teams’ pride in their work.

Last year also saw an industry milestone with the launch of the Level 2 Healthcare Cleaning Operative Apprenticeship enabling cleaning companies to fund a recognised qualification and demonstrating that the industry is also helping its people build their career in cleaning – a fine response by our industry to accusations that a job in cleaning never led to qualifications.

Training for higher standards

Commercial cleaning is key to UK healthcare’s effective and safe operation amid spiralling patient demand. Cleaning providers that ensure rigorous workforce training for cleaning excellence within a philosophy of risk identification, informed decision-making and compliance, will be best placed to help their clients drive higher cleanliness standards, achieve better infection control and deliver safer treatments.

Carlton Relf is managing director at Maidscando.

Total Clean: Award of Excellence 2025 – 35 years of excellence in commercial cleaning & office cleaning

We are delighted to announce that Total Clean has been awarded the E2 Media Award of Excellence 2025 for Commercial & Office Cleaning Services

This prestigious accolade, presented by E2 Media, recognises businesses that demonstrate outstanding achievement, innovation, and commitment to quality within their industries.

Winning this award is a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication, and it reinforces our commitment to providing clients with the highest standards of cleaning and service excellence.

As a leading provider of office cleaning services, we are proud of our history. Founded in 1988 Total Clean began with a vision to revolutionise the commercial cleaning industry by delivering exceptional service and building lasting client partnerships.

From our early days as a small local operation, we have grown into a leading national cleaning company with a network of operational hubs strategically located across the UK. This nationwide network is committed to delivering a consistent, high-quality cleaning service, no matter where your business is located.

taken our knowledge of medical cleaning and applied it to cleaning offices, schools, bars, restaurants, gyms, public sector cleaning and more.

This award joins a growing list of our recent achievements, including Tomorrow’s Facilities Management Awards 2024, HSBC EF100 Award Winners 2024, and BICSc Awards Environmental 2024 Finalist. These recognitions reflect our unwavering commitment to adopting best practices and innovation within the commercial cleaning sector.

At Total Clean, we also understand the increasing importance of sustainable ecofriendly cleaning, and workplace safety. This is why we are committed to making sustainable changes to our business.

We have transitioned our fleet to electric vehicles and are exploring future technologies like hydrogen fuel to further reduce our carbon emissions. Our operational office features stateof-the-art commercial fast chargers, powered by our solar PV system, reducing our carbon footprint and contributing towards achieving our Net Zero goals.

We continue to support St Helena Hospice and Isabel Hospice with our Colchester and St Albans office profits going directly to supporting vital community programmes and providing essential care. We also partner with Charity Boots to collect and distribute football boots to underprivileged children, promoting sports and healthy lifestyles.

The trust and high regard our clients across the UK hold for us speaks volumes about our honest and ethical business practices. We believe in building strong partnerships with our clients, taking the time to understand their specific needs and tailoring our services to meet their exact requirements.

As we continue to grow, our focus remains on maintaining the high standards that have become our trademark as well as being committed to sustainability. We believe Total Clean is a name you will hear more about in the years to come.

Thank you to E2 Media and our valued clients for their continued support.

As well as office cleaning, we also work in the medical sector, meeting rigorous CQC standards and infection control. We have

In addition to our fleet modernisation, we also use concentrated cleaning products to minimise packaging waste and implement water-saving techniques. We also provide ongoing training programs for our staff on sustainable cleaning practices.

We’ve also developed our own ‘Total Defence’ range of sustainable cleaning products, including disinfection and antiviral fogging services.

Beyond commercial cleaning, we are deeply committed to our community. We proudly support charities like St Helena Hospice, Isabel Hospice, and Charity Boots, making a positive impact both locally and internationally.

At Total Clean we provide a range of services including deep cleaning, specialised floor cleaning, upholstery cleaning, postconstruction cleaning, window cleaning, biohazard cleaning, end of tenancy cleaning and much more.

Learn, network, collaborate

R

PM Events is proud to be hosting the Care & Occupational Therapy Show at Westpoint Exeter on July 16th 2025.

This will be a one-day event that features an interactive trade show floor, where attendees will have the opportunity to talk with representatives from organisations and businesses in the industry while exploring their latest products and services, as well as informative panel discussions on various topics including clinical intervention, occupational therapy assessment methods, advertising ideas for healthcare providers, diagnostic tools and more.

With 1,500m2 of space, our exhibitors will have plenty of room to showcase themselves alongside 6 national keynote speakers who are internationally renowned experts in this field!

The South West provides community-based services to an estimated 126,230 people. The Expo is the South West’s most specialised endeavour, to provide the best business solutions to the rapidly growing care industry. With technology being the ‘new model of care’, the Expo offers your business the ideal growth platform.

Raise your brand profile with a range of cost-effective and very clever ways to get your business in front of a broad audience of people in the care industry…

Reserve your FREE ticket now for our 2025 exhibition and set aside the day in your diary to make face-to-face connections with influential figures in the industry as well as potential suppliers who can add value to your organisation…

The Care & Occupational Therapy Show has been running for 5 years. This year’s event will

include buyers from Care Homes, Domiciliary care companies, Care Groups, NHS, Trusts, Individual Carers, and Individual Practitioners also. Attracting around 2,000 visitors it will truly be a festival of business for the care community.

For 2025, the South West Care Exhibition will be bigger and better, aptly rebranded to the Care & Occupational Therapy Show, with space for almost twice the number of exhibitors as 2020, a great proportion of which have already been filled by repeat bookings.

Among them are certain to be organisations that will be bringing along innovative products and services that will not have been showcased in the South West before. Attending the show is your chance to be among the first to benefit from and be inspired by the amazing innovation that will be on display.

www.careexhibition.co.uk

Outsourced payroll services you can trust

At One Less Worry, we specialise in providing reliable, accurate, and personalised outsourced payroll services to businesses of all sizes. Since our launch, we’ve built a strong reputation by delivering expert support to a growing list of clients across the UK. Our consistent growth and client loyalty are a reflection of the quality, professionalism, and trust we bring to every partnership.

We understand that no two businesses are alike. That’s why our service is fully tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Whether you run a small startup or a large corporation, you can expect a payroll service that’s designed with your operations in mind.

Our approach combines modern efficiency with a personal touch. Every client is assigned a Dedicated Account Manager who will work closely with you to ensure smooth, accurate payroll processing and provide proactive

advice when you need it.

What you can expect from One Less Worry:

: A bespoke service tailored to your business

: Direct access to a dedicated account manager

: Fast, friendly responses to all your queries

: High levels of accuracy and attention to detail

: Full confidentiality and professionalism at all times

: Exceptional customer service

: Honest, competitive pricing with no hidden fees

: Deep experience and a reputation for reliability

We’re proud to be a trusted partner for businesses who prefer to outsource their payroll for convenience, accuracy, and peace of mind. Our clients range from those who could manage payroll themselves but choose not to deal with the hassle, to those who need comprehensive guidance and support.

ZeroSole insole: Pressure relief for foot pain

Developed by UK podiatrists, ZeroSole is a brand-new modular insole that provides customisable, targeted pressure relief (offloading), for common plantar foot lesions and pressureinduced foot pain.

At the heart of ZeroSole is a unique, patented design using medicalgrade silicone and shock-absorbing memory foam. ZeroSole enables practitioners to create low-pressure zones for every patient’s foot needs. The removable plug system allows for easy, tool-free adjustments, making it the ideal choice for busy clinics or mobile practitioners. Simply remove the hexagon plugs to relieve foot pain in seconds.

ZeroSole’s unique benefits:

: Targeted Offloading – Create bespoke low-pressure zones which is clinically proven to relieve pressure-induced foot pain and common plantar lesions (eg. corns/calluses).

: Long-Lasting

While our office is based in Plymouth, our services extend throughout the UK. We’re happy to meet you at your office, welcome you to ours, or connect wherever is most convenient for you.

If you're looking for a dependable, costeffective payroll service that saves you time and reduces stress, look no further than One Less Worry –because your business deserves more focus and fewer distractions.

Let us take care of your payroll, so you have One Less Worry. See us on Stand 20

Healing with heart: Therapy 4 Stress brings compassionate support

Therapy 4 Stress will be exhibiting at The Care and Occupational Therapy Show 2025 on the 16th July, at the Westpoint Arena, Exeter at Stand 5

: Shock Absorbing – ZeroSole’s memory foam mid-layer & deformable silicone plugs provide superior comfort for patients with pressure points & fat pad atrophy.

ZeroSole: Custom comfort, clinical results. Come see us on Stand 34

Durability – The first modular insole comprised of medical grade silicone, for long-lasting, effective offloading. : Quick & Convenient – Perfect for busy clinics & home visits! ZeroSole can be quickly & easily modified without the need for any specialist equipment, & fit within standard footwear.

Using her experience of over 15 years working as a psychotherapist, Renie established Therapy 4 Stress in 2010 after completing a diploma course in hypnotherapy. Since, Renie has professionally developed her skillset, and is now also qualified to offer neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), timeline therapy (TLT), thought field therapy (TFT) and brain working recursive therapies (BWRT®) levels 1-2, all of which can be used alongside hypnotherapy, tailored to a person’s needs.

Whilst she is constantly studying new techniques, Renie’s passionate, personable, and people-centred approach is a reflection of her lifelong passion to help others. Her latest professional development course is BWRT® level 3 for examples is possibly one of the most exciting

developments in therapy so far, focusing on the physiological aspects of the mind/body connection, and how they can work together to improve physical issues.

As a cancer survivor, Renie brings a deeply personal understanding of what it means to navigate life with a serious illness. Her lived experience fuels the empathy and insight she brings to her work, and she passionately advocates for hypnotherapy and BWRT® as some of the most effective forms of therapeutic support.

Through her practice, Therapy 4 Stress, Renie offers tailored support for individuals struggling with anxiety, stress management, fears, phobias, low self-confidence, or self-worth. Based in Watford, sessions are available both in-person and online via video call.

Meet Dr Jane M Mullins and DUETcare at COTS

Duet Care will be exhibiting at The Care and Occupational Therapy Show 2025 on the 16th July, at the Westpoint Arena, Exeter at Stand 61

Created by Dr Jane M Mullins, Dementia Nurse Consultant, Researcher, Trainer & Author with over 35 years’ experience in dementia care, (in memory clinics, community, hospital and care home settings) DUETcare Ltd hosts Finding the Light in Dementia Training, which is co-produced with people living with dementia, carers and leading professionals and researchers in the field.

Dr Jane M Mullins is a highly respected expert in her field, with extensive research experience that includes managing clinical trials for the first licensed drugs used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. She has also played a key role in supporting psychologists undertaking PhD research. Notably, her own doctoral study, A Suitcase of Memories, employed sensory ethnography to explore innovative, multisensory approaches to communication and connecting with people living with moderate dementia. Her work has been widely regarded as groundbreaking, significantly advancing understanding, education, and awareness around dementia care.

Future-proofing care: Care & Support West champions digital tools

At Care and Support West we are always looking for innovative ways to support the adult social care sector to not just survive, but thrive. We are the leading representative body for organisations & individuals involved in the social care, support & health sectors in the West of England.

This current, evidence-based training provides engaging, inspiring and informative resources through film, storytelling, audio and animations, and is delivered via an e-learning platform, online webinars, study days, face to face sessions, and masterclasses. Swansea University have undertaken an independent review of the training and have found that an astounding 96% of trainees agree that the training significantly improves the quality and safety of care while helping the staff feel more confident in their role.

Finding the Light in Dementia Training is open to health and social care professionals, public sector workers, volunteers, families, and members of the public. The Training teaches the essential skills to help people living with all types of dementia to live well and meaningful lives in all care settings.

A proudly independent

family business, for professionals, by professionals

As a family company that’s been in business for over 55 years, we have a reputation for excellent customer service, knowledgeable staff, and are partners with the biggest brands in the commercial appliance industry such as Miele, Electrolux, Asko, Liebherr, Maidaid and more.

With decades of expertise, Gillman’s is your trusted partner for supplying top-quality commercial washing machines, tumble dryers, ironers, dishwashers, bedpan washers and refrigeration tailored specifically to the care sector. You can count on us for reliable, efficient solutions that meet the unique needs of your home, ensuring consistent results and exceptional

hygiene every time.

We offer a full range of equipment, including commercial washing machines, tumble dryers, bedpan washers, dishwashers, and detergents, all designed to meet the specific needs of care homes, while ensuring compliance with WRAS, CQC, and HTM 01-04 standards. Our solutions go beyond just meeting regulatory requirements – they’re built to help improve environmental performance and reduce running costs. For example, our load-weighing washing machines automatically adjust water and detergent usage based on fabric type, while our energyefficient heat pump tumble dryers save both money and energy.

Come see us on Stand 14

With a depleting workforce and funding constantly being squeezed we recognise that digital technologies have a key role to play in helping care providers continue to deliver quality services with less. One of the ways we support and encourage innovation amongst care providers and our members is through our Corporate Partnership Programme which connects members with trusted, sectorspecific service providers.

Among them is Bemlo, a Swedish organisation specialising in smart, easy to use digital workforce management solutions. Bemlo enables care providers to fill shifts more efficiently and easily

all through the one platform. Care providers across the region who have piloted Bemlo have all reported a significant reduction in agency and administration costs, improvement in the well-being of their colleagues and in staff retention.

Join us at the COT show on Stand 55 to see Bemlo in action and hear real success stories.

07860 439809 enquiries@

Quality hinges for over 200 years Gold & Wassall are the UK’s No.1 manufacturer of hinges. We provide a fully comprehensive manufacturing service, which enables us to offer any hinge, for any application.

All our hinges are manufactured at our premises in Tamworth, UK.

Enhancing Lives Together

From hospital to home, it’s our mission to promote independence; we design, develop, manufacture and supply products to enhance the user’s quality of life.

The eFOLDi Lite is one of the world’s lightest, most compact folding scooters

Its revolutionary design makes the eFOLDi Lite one of the lightest, most compact folding travel-scooters available – weighing just 15kg. It folds and unfolds in just a few seconds and is easy to store and transport. No complex assembly is required – just unfold and go.

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.