Healthcare Matters Issue 836

CONTENTS 836

EDITOR’S NOTES

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

In this issue, we are proud to honour Celtic Therapy & Rehab as our Disability & Mobility Company of the Year. With a team of highly trained health professionals bringing over 35 years of experience across the NHS, private, and charitable sectors, Celtic Therapy & Rehab stands out for its holistic approach to wheelchair and seating solutions. We explore the company’s comprehensive services and its dedication to excellence through specialised Clinical and Technical Training Courses.

Gina Burton Editor

On page 8, we feature a special focus on the King’s Award for Enterprise 2025. We break down the entry criteria, explore what winning the award means for a business, and highlight a selection of the 2025 award recipients.

The Care Show London 2025 was a resounding success. Held at ExCeL London from 30 April to 1 May, the event featured six dynamic conference theatres at its core – each hosting a carefully curated programme of sessions designed to inform, engage, and inspire. Don’t miss our full review of the show on page 28.

Other topics covered: Healthcare Estates, Healthcare Solutions, Fall Prevention, Patient Handling Equipment, Medical Services, Training, Hygienic Solutions, Medical Waste, Nursing & Care.

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HEALTHCARE MATTERS

Comfort. Function.

In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are pleased to feature Celtic Therapy & Rehab as our Disability & Mobility Company of the Year

Celtic Therapy & Rehab are a team of highly trained Health Professionals based in South Wales with over 35 years’ experience of providing wheelchairs and seating in NHS, Private and Charitable sectors.

“Our mission is simple,” said Dean Williams, Rehabilitation Engineer & Director. “We want to improve the lives of both children and adults who use wheelchair and seating equipment. We will assess, supply and maintain wheelchair and seating products which will optimise the individual’s comfort, function and independence.

“As Health Professionals, we will provide unbiased, independent clinical assessments and recommendations which identify the user need and equipment solutions. We are also highly skilled at providing clinical education and training to Therapists, Suppliers, Case Managers and Wheelchair users.”

Celtic Therapy & Rehab was set up by Matthew Eveleigh and Dean Williams, both of whom have extensive experience in the fields of Occupational Therapy and Rehabilitation. As a highly trained and well-experienced Occupational Therapist with 20 years’ experience of wheelchair & seating as a Clinical Specialist OT in the NHS, retail and manufacturing sectors, Matt has worked in both acute and rehabilitation medicine before specialising in Wheelchair and Seating as a Senior Wheelchair Therapist in Cardiff & Vale NHS Trust. He later progressed to Clinical Specialist OT at the Special Seating Service in Morriston Hospital in Swansea which provided seating and mobility equipment for both children and adults with complex disabilities.

Dean is a highly skilled and experienced Rehabilitation Engineer with 18 years’ experience as a registered Clinical Technologist in the NHS, retail and charity sectors of wheelchairs, mobility & seating. Dean originally worked in Wheelchairs and Seating as a Rehabilitation Engineer at Morriston hospital in Swansea, specialising in specialist seating, wheelchair manufacture and production. He later progressed to Senior Rehabilitation Engineer working closely with Matt at the Special in Swansea, assessing for and prescribing seating and mobility equipment for both children and adults with complex disabilities.

Matthew and Dean have leveraged this extensive experience and knowledge and poured it into Celtic Therapy & Rehab, combining their unique combination of Occupational Therapist and Rehab Engineer skills to ensure that the assessment, supply and aftercare of your wheelchair and seating are designed to meet all aspects of your lifestyle.

To enhance their services, they have also teamed up with the industry’s best manufacturers to ensure that they can offer a range of solutions to meet every need alongside the maintenance support to ensure your seating keeps working as it should.

Celtic Therapy & Rehab understand how difficult life can be when your wheelchair or seating are incorrectly assessed. If you’ve ever been assessed by an experienced Health Professional, you’ll understand what a laborious and complicated process it can be. This is where Celtic Therapy & Rehab does things differently!

With a unique blend of Occupational Therapy and Rehabilitation Engineering expertise, Celtic Therapy & Rehab provides a comprehensive approach to wheelchair and seating solutions. Their combined skills ensure that the assessment, supply, and aftercare are tailored to every aspect of your lifestyle.

Serving clients across Cardiff, Swansea,

Wales, and the wider UK, they are committed to delivering the right wheelchair or seating system for your needs. And, as they are not tied to using any certain manufacturers, Celtic Therapy & Rehab can provide you with professional, unbiased opinions on products that will best meet your needs.

Through four simple steps: Initial Consultation, Clinical Assessment, Equipment Selection, and Handover, Celtic Therapy & Rehab will fit, deliver and handover the equipment to you as soon as possible. What’s more, as part of their aftercare service, you will also receive one visit a month after the initial handover to make any minor tweaks or adjustments. Following this, you will receive a visit 12 months posthandover to complete the first service.

Reflecting on the past 12 months, it has been a dynamic and transformative period for the company. Sustained growth in sales has fuelled continued momentum, allowing Matthew and Dean to expand the team with

Freedom.

the addition of two new members – an OT in training and an engineering apprentice – both of whom are actively progressing in their development. This addition of clinical expertise will help Celtic Therapy & Rehab to better serve and support their customers across the local area.

Another service worth noting is their Clinical & Technical Training courses designed for wheelchair users, wheelchair assessors, case managers, health professionals, and manufacturers. Delivered by their experienced team of clinical educators who have over 10 years’ experience of delivering industry leading training in 1:1, group, conference and online formats. The following training courses are available: Supine Assessment, Skin Protection, Powered Mobility, 24 hour Postural Management, Special Input Devices, Paediatric Mobility, Seated Assessment, Common Postural Problems & Solutions, Ultralight Manual Chair Considerations, and Position Change for Skin Protection and Function.

Celtic Therapy & Rehab is able to support a large range of mobility, and this includes through their retail arm Celtic Mobility. Making your world a better place, the Celtic team aim to keep you active, mobile and independent through their vast range of mobility products. from scooters, powerchairs, and wheelchairs to rollators, recliners, daily living aids, and more, Celtric Mobility also offer expert advice to help you find the right fit, as well as a comprehensive repairs and servicing service.

Offering the best products in the industry, including the Rascal Vie Scooter, where effortless mobility meets modern design, the Rascal VIE Scooter offers smooth performance, intuitive controls, and a comfortable ride.

You can visit their showroom which is based in Llansamlet, Swansea and open Monday -Friday 09:00-17:00.

01554 229725 info@celtictherapyandrehab.co.uk www.celtictherapyandrehab.co.uk

Materials handling product specialists

In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are pleased to feature Bryant Plastics as our Materials Handling Company of the Month

For healthcare providers seeking a dependable and forward-thinking partner in plastic manufacturing, for over 50 years Bryant Plastics has offered a comprehensive range of moving and handling solutions designed to meet the laundry sector’s unique demands.

With in-house design and production capabilities, Bryant Plastics supplies both standard and bespoke plastic products – including Roll Cages, Linen & Laundry Cages, Trucks & Trolleys, Bins, Tanks, Tubs, and Cans.

“Our products reflect a personal touch –they’ve been developed over the years with our customers and for them,” said Jackie Smith, Quality and Improvement Manager. “The plastic cages we produce today are a world away from those we made 20 years ago – though some of the originals are still in service, which speaks to their durability.

“We’re proud to be the UK’s leading manufacturer of plastic laundry cages and trucks. Our products are built to last and made right here in Yorkshire. Just recently, a customer asked how long it would take to receive their trucks. We told them: usually around three days after production. They were

surprised – they’d assumed the products came from China, and were thrilled to learn they’re made locally in the UK.”

As a family run business, Bryant has strong values, and prides itself on the service it provides, its relationships built over the years, and the quality and durability of its products.

One of Bryant’s most popular and trusted products is the Self-Levelling Trolley –designed with a spring-loaded platform that ensures safe and ergonomic handling in fastpaced healthcare settings. Ideal for efficiently loading and unloading heavy or multiple items, every component of the Self-Levelling Trolley, including the spring mechanism, is custommanufactured in Bryant’s own factory. This guarantees exceptional performance tailored precisely to customer requirements.

Bryant’s Linen Exchange Trolleys are another highly regarded solution, widely used across hospital wards and operating theatres for uniform and linen management. Built for strength and long-term durability, these trolleys – along with Bryant’s rotationally moulded Plastic Laundry Barrows and Roll Cages – offer a clean, hygienic method for handling, transporting, and storing laundry.

Available in a variety of colours, sizes, and styles, Bryant’s Linen Cages and Trolleys are a must-have across all healthcare environments. Optional features include printed covers and air ventilation holes, which allow linen to breathe while in transit or storage.

While plastic often carries a negative perception, not all plastics are created equal – and Bryant Plastics is proof of that. The company is dedicated to high-quality, sustainable manufacturing, delivering durable, hygienic, and reusable solutions that support both environmental goals and the operational demands of modern healthcare environments.

As part of its sustainability journey, Bryant Plastics was recently awarded a Silver Medal in Sustainability by EcoVadis – a globally recognised standard for evaluating corporate environmental and social practices. This achievement places Bryant within the top 15% of all companies assessed worldwide, reflecting its strong performance in environmental responsibility, labour practices, ethics, and sustainable procurement.

01535 357480

sales@bryantplastics.co.uk

These robust, purpose-designed units consistently outperform and outlast inferior alternatives. They also protect contents during transport or temporary outdoor storage, while eliminating the need for liners or singleuse plastic wraps – saving both time and costs. Designed to be snag-free and rust-resistant, they’re incredibly easy to clean and maintain.

https://bryantplastics.co.uk

The King’s Awards for Enterprise 2025

The King’s Awards for Enterprise stand as the highest official UK accolade for business excellence, celebrating outstanding achievements across four vital categories: Innovation, International Trade, Sustainable Development, and Promoting Opportunity through social mobility. These prestigious awards honour organisations that are driving progress, breaking boundaries, and creating lasting impact both within the UK and internationally.

stakeholders.

Far more than just a badge of honour, the King’s Award is a strategic asset – one that can accelerate growth, enhance visibility, and inspire future success.

Below are just a few of the 2025 King’s Awards Categories and Winners.

Entry Criteria by Category

Winning a King’s Award is a powerful endorsement that significantly elevates a business’s profile. It offers more than prestige – it boosts credibility, opens doors to new opportunities, and serves as a mark of excellence that influences customer and stakeholder decisions.

The royal seal of approval enhances a company’s reputation on both national and global stages, signalling to clients, partners, and investors that it meets the highest standards of performance. Winners are entitled to use the official King’s Awards emblem on their products, marketing materials, and communications for five years – a valuable asset that builds brand trust and authority in competitive markets.

For companies focused on international growth, the award can lead to increased exports, partnerships, and investment by demonstrating a strong and reliable track record in global trade. It’s a clear signal of capability and trustworthiness to overseas customers and markets.

The impact of the award is felt internally, too. It boosts employee morale, fosters a sense of pride, and helps attract and retain talent – all while reinforcing a company culture built on excellence and innovation.

One of the standout moments for winners is the invitation to a Royal reception, followed by a formal presentation of the award by one of the King’s representatives, a Lord-Lieutenant. This not only generates positive media attention but also offers valuable networking opportunities with fellow winners, government officials, and key industry

Innovation: Abacus Flooring Solutions Limited, Capture Green Limited, Garner Aluminium Extrusions Limited, Covec Ltd, Delta Fire Ltd, Geoptic Infrastructure Investigations Ltd, KPM Marine Ltd.

International Trade: Airpure International Limited, CABINZERO LIMITED, Datum Electronics Ltd, Bamboo Distribution Ltd t/a Bamboo Connect Ltd, Clear Value Trading Ltd, Dr PawPaw Ltd, Lund Halsey Console Systems Ltd.

Promoting Opportunity through social mobility: ACS Clothing Limited, Bridgeway Consulting Limited, Upbeat Enterprise Limited, Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust t/a Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, HTP Apprenticeship College Ltd, Netmatters Ltd, Parson & Colson Consultants Ltd t/a PC Consultants.

Sustainable Development: Camp de Rêves Glamping Ltd, Community Energy Pathways, Sonardyne International Limited, The Lakes Free Range Egg Company Ltd, The London Early Years Foundation (LEYF), Green Doors and Windows Ltd, Fabweld Steel Products Ltd.

Who can apply?

The King’s Awards are open to organisations of all sizes and sectors across the UK –including businesses, non-profits, and public sector bodies. To be eligible, an organisation must:

: Be based in the UK (including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man)

: Employ at least two fulltime staff

: Operate as a selfcontained enterprise with its own management and accounts

: Have a strong compliance record with HMRC

: Demonstrate robust environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices

International Trade: Applicants must have made a minimum of £100,000 in overseas sales in the first year of entry and show steep or substantial year-on-year growth in overseas earnings over either three or six years (with no dips), relative to business size and sector.

Innovation: Applicants must have introduced an innovation not previously sold, made it available for at least two years, and achieved outstanding commercial success as a direct result. The innovation must fall into one of these areas: invention, design or production of goods; performance of services; marketing and distribution; or after-sale support. Applicants must show the innovation has recovered its costs or is on track to do so.

Sustainable Development: Organisations must show an outstanding commitment to sustainability over at least two years, clearly embedding it into their vision and strategy. They must also demonstrate measurable positive outcomes – environmental, social, or economic – resulting from their initiatives.

Promoting Opportunity through social mobility: Organisations must have supported individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds for at least two years. This could include offering work experience, mentoring, training, or careers advice – with clear evidence of benefits to participants, employees, the wider community, and the organisation itself.

The King’s Awards for Enterprise are free to enter, and organisations can apply for as many categories as they wish. Applications are now open for the 2026 awards until 9 September 2025.

To register, you’ll need to create an account and register your details, answer questions about your eligibility, and submit your application by 1pm on 9 September 2025. Successful organisations will be notified by the end of March/early April 2026, and then officially announced in the London Gazette on the 6 May 2026. The Royal reception held for award recipients will take place in Summer 2026.

www.gov.uk/kings-awards-forenterprise

Sky Medical Technology wins prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation

Revolutionary geko® device more than doubles the rate of chronic wound healing – transforming patient care and scaling across global markets.

UK medical device innovator and manufacturer, Sky Medical Technology Ltd, parent company of Firstkind Ltd, has been awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation for its breakthrough wound care technology – the geko® device. Clinically proven to more than double the rate of wound healing, the geko device is driving a transformation in chronic wound care and enabling scalable, costeffective healthcare delivery across major markets.

non-invasive therapy that is now demonstrating a rapid rate of adoption from its UK commercial launch in February 2024. With integration across NHS Trusts and international health systems, the geko device is establishing a new standard in chronic wound management.

Sky Medical Technology is one of just 197 organisations to receive the King’s Award this year – recognition given only to the UK’s most forward-thinking and high-performing businesses.

Chronic wounds remain a critical global health challenge, costing healthcare systems billions annually. The geko device addresses this unmet need with a clinically validated,

integrating this into standard of care.”

“We are deeply honoured to receive the King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation,” said Bernard Ross, CEO and Founder of Sky Medical Technology. “This recognition reflects the exceptional work of our research, development, and commercial teams – and reaffirms our mission to deliver evidence-based innovations that truly change lives.”

“Importantly, the award isn’t just recognition of innovation – it’s a validation of commercial and market impact. We're solving a real-world clinical problem with a product that delivers measurable patient benefits and cost savings. The geko device is delivering faster healing, reduced nursing hours, and improved patient quality of life. Health systems are already

Clinicians are increasingly deploying the geko device alongside traditional compression therapy, particularly for hard-to-heal venous leg ulcers (VLUs). Using its proprietary neuromuscular electrostimulation technology, the device increases lower limb blood flow, accelerating healing and recovery. This leads to shorter treatment cycles, lower care costs, and enhanced patient adherence.

Designed for ease of use in both clinical and home settings, the geko device empowers patients to manage their care more independently. Its portability and simplicity are reducing demand on overstretched healthcare services and lowering the carbon footprint associated with frequent in-person visits and complex compression dressing changes.

Isle of Wight healthcare Apprenticeship programme recognised with the King’s Award for Enterprise

HTP Apprenticeship College and Hampshire & Isle of Wight NHS Foundation Trust have been jointly honoured with this most prestigious award.

The Careers for Young People (CfYP) Programme, designed to tackle the Isle of Wight's unique youth employment challenges, has been honoured with the King's Award for Enterprise in the Promoting Opportunity category.

The two-year programme offers 16 to 18 year olds a direct route into a wide range of NHS careers on the Isle of Wight. It’s a partnership between HTP Apprenticeship College and Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Foundation Trust, with both organisations receiving the 2025 King’s Award for Enterprise.

Founded in 2022, the initiative has been a huge success within the NHS, with

the majority of the first cohort now employed in substantive roles within the organisation. The fourth cohort will enrol in September, progressing to full time Apprenticeships after the first six months.

The programme is growing in reach as well as prestige, with plans to expand within the care sector beyond the NHS, as well as rolling the model out to the South Coast of England.

The programme has also been recognised by the health care industry in recent years, receiving a Nursing Times Award in 2023 and the Best Educational Programme at this year's HSJ Partnership Awards.

The idea came from Nicola Longson, Director of Transformation and Improvement at the

Trust, who wanted to “grow our own” team.

“We’ve proven that by investing in young people and supporting their development, we can build a sustainable workforce from within,” Nicola said.

Working with HTP Apprenticeship College, an award-winning independent training provider, supporting businesses and learners since 2000, has been a winning formula.

“We’ve seen a significant increase in fulltime entrants into health and social care apprenticeships, helping to build a skilled and passionate workforce for the future of the NHS,” says HTP’s CEO and founder Rachael Randall.

HTP aims to raise participation and attainment through high quality training, which meets the needs of learners and employers by developing innovative training solutions with its partners. HTP Apprenticeship College delivers high quality bespoke Apprenticeships and training in partnership with brilliant businesses across the UK.

Driving mobility forward

In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are pleased to feature KYMCO UK as our Mobility Manufacturing Company of the Month

Kwang Yang Motor Co. Ltd, known as KYMCO, is a Taiwanese manufacturer founded in the 1960s as a supplier to Honda. By the 1970s it began producing complete scooters and officially launched the KYMCO brand in 1992.

Today, KYMCO stands as a leading global force in the powersports industry, producing over half a million units annually – including scooters, motorcycles, and ATVs – and maintaining a strong international presence across Asia, Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Australasia.

KYMCO UK Healthcare is the mobility arm of KYMCO, dedicated to providing powered scooters and powerchairs designed to meet the needs of individuals with limited mobility. Incorporated in January 2008 by Mark Hermolle, KYMCO UK is a leading supplier through the Motability Scheme and maintains a prominent presence at industry events such as Naidex, where it recently showcased its latest addition to its product range, alongside a vast portfolio of high-quality mobility products, across the two-day show.

The product range covers everything from lightweight, portable models to highperformance mobility solutions, all supported

by an extensive dealer network and a dedicated UK headquarters in Bridgend.

KYMCO Healthcare has been a pioneer in mobility products for 25 years. As specialists in the mobility scooter and electric powerchair world, KYMCO UK’s products efficiently and reliably help thousands of people to regain a more active and fulfilled lifestyle.

One of KYMCO UK’s latest innovations in mobility is the ultra-lightweight K-Lite Comfort Ali scooter. Designed as the ultimate choice for those seeking a highly portable and lightweight solution, this model enables users to travel longer distances while making it significantly easier to lift and store in the boot of a car.

Built with a strong, ultra-lightweight aluminium frame and powered by a modern 20Ah lithium battery, the K-Lite Comfort Ali stands out as a superior option in the lightweight scooter market. Offering an impressive range of up to 18 miles, it combines durability and portability with exceptional all-round suspension for enhanced comfort over rough or uneven terrain.

Designed with user convenience in mind, it features a single-hand easy de-docking system for quick dismantling, making transport and storage effortless. Clear, intuitive controls improve safety and overall driving enjoyment, while alloy-style, soft-roll, puncture-proof wheels provide added peace of mind on the move. With its heaviest component weighing just 9.9kg, lifting the scooter into a car boot is simple and manageable.

Providing the perfect balance of lightweight design and robust performance, the K-Lite Comfort Ali is available in three colours: Mink, Mercury Silver and Black, has a maximum user weight of 21.3 stone, and can reach speeds of up to 4mph.

Available in-store now at KYMCO UK dealers nationwide, or search KYMCO’s dealer locator to find your nearest store: www.kymco.co.uk/ mobility-range

KYMCO UK offers a comprehensive range of mobility solutions, from compact, folding scooters like the KLite F, FE, and Mini Comfort models to robust, long-range options such as the Maxi XLS, Agility, Maxer, and the advanced KActiv powered wheelchair. This diverse product lineup is designed to meet a wide variety of user needs, whether for everyday convenience or extended outdoor use.

KYMCO UK’s powerchair range has also received praise for its innovative engineering and user-focused features. Models like the Vivio, KActiv (Rehab), and KActiv (Captain) reflect over 20 years of design expertise, delivering reliable, efficient, and highly adaptable mobility solutions tailored for both comfort and performance.

The K-Activ (Captain) powered wheelchair has been engineered to be KYMCO UK’s most versatile fixed-frame model, delivering an exceptional blend of comfort, performance, and user independence. Designed with adaptability in mind, it features adjustable rear suspension for a smooth, comfortable ride

and a fully programmable control system that allows users to fine-tune driving performance to their individual needs. The chair is also equipped with large 14” (35cm) pneumatic rear drive wheels and 9” (23cm) punctureproof front tyres, ensuring stability and peace of mind across a variety of terrains.

Of course, comfort is prioritised with a choice of a Captain seat or rehab seat, complemented by tension-adjustable backrest upholstery and an angle-adjustable backrest for an optimal driving position. The independently adjustable joystick and

multi-adjustable seating system comes with width and seven depth settings on the rehab seat offering further personalisation, whilst its power comes from its robust 450W motor, that’s built to handle tough outdoor environments, reaching speeds of up to 6mph (10km/h) as a Class 3 mobility vehicle.

Last year was one of supreme growth for the company, which was topped off this year by exhibiting at Naidex 2025, Europe’s leading independent-living exhibition for healthcare professionals and mobility users. KYMCO UK returned after a three year break, to unveil its

new product, and expand its UK dealer and sales team.

Just before the show, Mark Hermolle, Managing Director of KYMCO UK commented, “We’re delighted to be returning to Naidex after three years away from the event. 2025 is going to be an exciting year for KYMCO’s mobility side of the business, with a new product launch at the show, and more to follow. We want to be instrumental in putting Naidex back in the forefront of mobility healthcare product promotion, as well as our key platform for launching our new mobility products in the future.”

Josh Waddell, Group Commercial Director (Healthcare) at RoarB2B, also expressed his enthusiasm for welcoming KYMCO back to Naidex, emphasising the significant role the company and its products play within the healthcare community.

To ensure continued growth throughout the remainder of 2025 and beyond, we asked Mark about KYMCO UK’s future plans.

“We plan to continue to develop our market leading products through our dedicated R&D department. We now operate with three Area Managers across the UK whose sole responsibility is to run our Mobility Dealer Network, in which we will continue to grow whilst installing best practice alongside a superior back-up service.

Over 1,300 care homes have made the switch to Blueleaf Care’s plant-based cleaning range

Back in March, Blueleaf Care marked a major milestone in the rollout of its plantbased cleaning range, n-kind®, celebrating the 1,000th care home to adopt the innovative, chemical-free solution. Now with over 1,300 care homes across the UK using the n-kind collection, the power of plantbased cleaning is becoming clear.

Melton House, part of the Prestwick Care Group, was the 1,000th care home to embrace the n-kind collection. To mark the occasion, Blueleaf organised a special event and donated £1,000 to charities chosen by the Melton House team: St Oswald’s Hospice and the Alzheimer’s Society. The event featured a pottery painting workshop for residents, providing a creative and therapeutic connection to nature. The handdecorated pots now brighten communal areas within the home.

Andrea Blades, Care Home Manager at Melton House, commented, “We sincerely appreciate Blueleaf’s generous donation and the lovely event. Both St

Oswald’s Hospice and the Alzheimer’s Society make a real difference to those in need, and we’re proud to support them.”

Prestwick Care Group has now transitioned its care homes to the n-kind range as part of a wider sustainability initiative. The range comprises just two core products –clean15 and elimin8, to meet all cleaning and disinfection needs in a care environment. Packaged in fully recyclable materials and made from 100% biodegradable, plant-based ingredients, the products deliver a deep, long-lasting clean without harsh or corrosive chemicals.

Caring beyond limits: Lancashire caregiver wins national award

S

ophie Hughes, a caregiver at local home care provider Visiting Angels, has been named Caregiver of the Year at their national conference. Recognised for her unwavering dedication and compassion, Sophie’s role as the team’s ‘Freedom Champion’ has had a profound impact on her clients –many of whom now enjoy the freedom to go outside again, thanks to her support.

“Sophie has an incredible attention to detail, intuitively filling every moment of care with exactly what the client needs,” said Heidi Nursey, Managing Director of Visiting Angels based in Chorley. “Whether it’s a heart-toheart conversation or something as practical as cleaning out the fire grate, Sophie gives her all. She consistently goes the extra mile, noticing what

standards. Feedback from our care teams has been incredibly positive.”

Blueleaf’s n-kind range has gained strong momentum in the sector, thanks to its simplicity, safety, and sustainability credentials. Designed specifically for the care environment, it reduces complexity for staff while supporting greener practices.

matters most to her clients and acting on it without hesitation.”

Her unwavering commitment has not gone unnoticed.

Clients rely on her exceptional care every day, with one remarking, “Sophie is mature beyond her years, deeply attuned to the needs and emotions of those around her. She always goes out of her way to provide support in the best way possible. She truly deserves recognition because she does this day in, day out, without fail – she’s a gem!”

Atul Malhotra, Chief Operating Officer of the Malhotra Group, said, “Switching to n-kind has improved our efficiency and reduced our environmental impact, all while maintaining excellent hygiene

Ellen Brown, Sales and Marketing Director at Blueleaf Care, added, “More and more care homes are realising that chemicalfree cleaning doesn’t mean compromising on results. The switch to n-kind not only supports resident wellbeing but also demonstrates environmental leadership.”

As care homes continue to seek smarter, safer, and more sustainable solutions, n-kind is proving a powerful and practical step in the right direction.

www.blueleafcare.com/landingpage/n-kind

Angel on Earth: Derby care manager receives national award

Ashleigh Smith’s commitment to care has taken her from the heart of Burton and Derby to the top of the national stage. As the Registered Care Manager at local in-home care provider Visiting Angels, Ashleigh has been crowned Care Manager of the Year. Her leadership, dedication and passion have not only transformed her team but also made a lasting impact on the local community.

Ashleigh’s leadership has been nothing short of transformative for Visiting Angels. Under her guidance, the business has thrived – achieving a 98% caregiver retention rate and an impressive 40% business growth over the past year. Client satisfaction shines through in glowing five-star reviews, and the business recently earned an ‘Outstanding’ rating in its mock inspection designed to prepare care organisations for official evaluation by the independent health and social care regulator for England, the Care Quality Commission. This achievement underscores the exceptional standards Ashleigh consistently upholds.

“It’s hard to fully capture the profound

difference Ashleigh has made, not just in the success of our business but in the lives of our caregivers,” said Helen Lofts, Managing Director of Visiting Angels. “She is a trusted leader –someone our carers respect, rely on and turn to for guidance and support. Her impact resonates throughout the entire team.”

Excellence through education

In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are pleased to feature EDGE Services as our Training Provider of the Month

EDGE Services are one of the leading providers of people handling training in the UK today. Offering Key Trainer certificates in moving and handling, dementia care, and challenging behaviour that enable delegates to onward deliver this subject to their colleagues, EDGE provide the resources, techniques and skills to make a real difference to the health and safety of both Key Trainers, their colleagues, and their clients via a training team of expert nurses, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists.

We spoke to Ruth Hewitt, Operations Manager at EDGE Services, who explained some of the exceptional benefits to their services, “We are endorsed by The Royal College of Occupational Therapists for our People and Children Handling Key Trainer’s Courses, and we have RoSPA accreditation as customised

awards at either level four or advanced level four depending on the course.

“For Children/People Handling we have an online Resource Library which has everything delegates need to onward deliver their training, including eLearning, videos and all documentations, as well as quizzes, info sheets and guidance. The resource library access lasts the same duration as the certificate which is two years.”

One training course that has recently been accredited with RoSPA as a customised award at Level 4 is their Understanding and Managing Behaviour that Challenges Key Trainer’s Certificate. This qualification is designed to provide learners with the knowledge to analyse challenging behaviour situations and the skills to implement solutions in managing behaviour that challenges. It complies with current best practice and promotes inclusivity, whilst ensuring the wellbeing for the individual and their support worker.

Upon completion of this course, delegates will be equipped to recognise the triggers of potentially challenging behaviour and apply early intervention strategies to manage such situations effectively. They will gain a clear understanding of the relevant legislation surrounding the management of individuals exhibiting challenging behaviour, including the importance of thorough risk assessments, adherence to in-house policies, and proper documentation. The course also covers the legal framework concerning the use of reasonable force and the protection of human rights, ensuring that delegates are confident and compliant in their approach. Additionally, the course provides broader insights and practical guidance to support delegates in handling complex behavioural challenges in a professional and lawful manner.

has been designed to assess the competency of learners, who will be working effectively with individuals living with Dementia, and for them to have the competence necessary to teach others the knowledge and skills required to provide this support.

EDGE has the expertise and experience to train you in delivering industry-leading courses in moving and handling, dementia care, and managing challenging behaviour. With over 25 years of innovation in the sector, EDGE’s training programmes are known for their exceptional quality and practical impact. Their commitment to high standards and attention to detail ensures that your colleagues and clients are equipped with the skills and knowledge to make a meaningful difference in the future of care.

EDGE is equally respected for the way it values and supports its own team. The organisation is dedicated to ensuring that its staff are not only fully prepared to deliver outstanding training sessions, but also feel supported, valued, and fulfilled in their roles. This commitment to employee wellbeing and development was recognised in 2024 when EDGE was awarded UK Employer of the Year: Silver (2-49 employees) by The Investors in People Awards. This accolade reflects the company’s ongoing dedication to creating an exceptional workplace culture and fostering professional growth.

01904 677853

EDGE have also just introduced a Dementia Care Key Trainer’s Certificate at the same level. This two-day course will provide delegates with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to train others in the awareness of dementia that can be adopted to deal with symptoms, challenges, and how to work effectively. This award

enquiries@edgeservices.co.uk

https://edgeservices.co.uk

Housing without delay: Removing one of the major obstacles

AAT is in a unique position to help OTs deliver on the new Housing without Delay initiative.

Housing without delay and stairs

The Housing Without Delay initiative aims to use changes to the home environment to help people’s physical and mental health and reduce hospital admissions. As the UK’s #1 provider of portable, represcribable stairway solutions, we are in a unique position to support OTs to deliver.

Why stairs are an issue

Mobility is the #1 limitation affecting British people (1). Stairs are the second most common hazard in the home (2). Almost 50,000 people are hospitalised each year as a result of a fall on stairs (3). Making stairways accessible is therefore a key priority towards delivering the Housing Without Delay initiative.

Our top-selling Sella stairclimber, usually funded from equipment budgets & requires no installation. We can therefore remove delay while Grant applications are processed, whilst the building structure and fabric are assessed. And there is no waiting for installation. All that is needed is appropriate assessment, to fulfil PEOP suitability.

Sella stairclimber does more than make stairs safe

Further, unlike alternative stairway access solutions, our Sella stair climbing wheelchair can, through its portability, be used across multiple staircases within a home environment – and even

outside. The physical and mental wellbeing of the client and is enhanced.

The design of the Sella stairclimber also means transfers are reduced – particularly from seat/ wheelchair to stairlift and back. Once the stairway transfer is complete, the carer can continue onwards to destination without transferring the client. Their physical and mental wellbeing is thus also supported.

A speedy, cost-effective solution: re-cycle/ re-issue

Almost every local authority already owns at least one AAT stairclimber. When available (no longer needed by the original recipient), the stair climbing wheelchair can be quickly re-prescribed/recycled/ re-issued to another user.

Occupational Therapists achieve timely preventative measures for their clients without major capital expenditure. We charge <£1,000 for re-issue, including PEOP assessment, servicing of the Sella and in-person 1:1 training of the carer(s). No other stairway access provider has that breadth of capability.

(1) www.foundations.uk.com/beyond-adaptationslaunching-housing-without-delay (2) https://bregroup.com/press-releases/brereport-finds-poor-housing-is-costing-nhs-14bn-a-year

(3) www.rospa.com/campaigns-and-fundraising/ current-campaigns/safer-stairs

The Stair Climbing Company

As the Facilities Management sector continues to focus on meeting its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals in 2025, there is an increasing responsibility to enhance accessibility and inclusivity across almost all properties in the UK. ESG and accessibility are closely connected, with inclusive environments directly contributing to the Social pillar of ESG. By making buildings more accessible, companies promote diversity and inclusivity, which are essential for building a positive reputation, ensuring employers provide employees with a solution to support a diverse workforce and make reasonable adjustments to their working environments.

It is the responsibility of facilities managers to ensure that buildings cater to the needs of all individuals, regardless of ability. This includes addressing accessibility in both new developments and existing properties. In many cases, retrofitting older buildings or those with limited space can present challenges when it comes to meeting the requirements of accessibility laws. While the installation of lifts or ramps may be ideal, it’s not always practical –especially in historic or space-constrained buildings.

A practical and cost-effective solution to this challenge is the Stair Climber. These mobility devices are designed to help

To find out more about AAT’s stairclimbing solutions to housing without delay, visit: www.aatgb.com/s-max-sella

More about the Housing Without Delay initiative can be found here: www.foundations.uk.com/beyondadaptations-launching-housing-without-delay

individuals with mobility impairments navigate stairs with ease, offering a viable alternative to more traditional accessibility solutions. Stair Climbers can be particularly beneficial when structural limitations, such as restricted building layouts prevent the installation of elevators or ramps.

Not only do Stair Climbers make buildings more accessible for individuals with mobility challenges, but they also play a role in ensuring compliance with accessibility regulations such as the Equality Act 2010 and Building Regulations Part M. These laws mandate reasonable accommodations in public buildings, and Stair Climbers provide a compliant, practical solution for situations where permanent accessibility options are not feasible.

Facilities management and health and safety teams also have a duty of care to ensure the safety of employees in the event of evacuation. Stair Climbers are a great way to move wheelchair users downstairs safely and back up stairs in the event of lift failure and emergency evacuation, particularly excellent solutions for basement evacuation.

As ESG goals continue to shape the Facilities Management sector, integrating Stair Climbers into accessibility strategies is a smart, cost-effective way to enhance inclusivity. They offer a flexible and accessible alternative, ensuring that buildings remain welcoming to everyone while supporting broader ESG and social responsibility objectives.

Healing through experience

In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are pleased to feature Therapy 4 Stress as our Clinical Hypnotherapy Company of the Month

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 as one of the most effective forms of therapeutic support.

“I’ve always been a helper – people were drawn to me for comfort and advice, even from a young age. I dreamed of becoming a nurse, but life took me down a different path. From bookkeeper to mother, Tupperware lady to financial advisor, every step eventually led me to my true calling as a psychotherapist,” said Renie.

“I decided it was time to follow my dream, and I took a course in hypnosis and psychotherapy. And haven’t looked back since! However, after two years as a psychotherapist I got breast cancer. It was grade 3, I had a Lumpectomy (including lymph nodes) – which resulted in five months of chemotherapy and 17 days of radiotherapy, when I lost all my hair. I think because of my training, I was able to get through it without many issues. But during this time, I saw others suffering.

“So, after my treatment ended and I got back to full working order, I started volunteering at a cancer support centre. This helped me to get my confidence back, while also helping others who were going through similar things that I’d been through.”

Through her practice, Therapy 4 Stress, Renie offers tailored support for individuals struggling with anxiety, stress management, fears, phobias, low self-confidence, and selfworth.

Her practice has now been successfully running since 2010, boasting over 15 years working as a qualified psychotherapist, Renie

has developed her professional skillset to also 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.

Based in Watford, sessions are available both in-person and online via video call.

“The main techniques I specialise in are BWRT and Hypnotherapy although I sometimes use

NLP and TFT. As every client is different, I tailor the therapy to suit the person and their issues. My clients usually range from the ages 18-65,” said Renie.

We then asked Renie how does she develop a rapport with her clients, and create an environment where they feel safe and comfortable, “I believe that knowing I’ve been through a similar journey and got through it, helps the people I see now believe they can get through it also. This naturally builds positivity within myself and within them, that

they can get through it.

“At the beginning I like to get to know my client to make sure we are a good fit. This starts first with either a phone call/text or email to arrange an appointment. During our first consultation, I then find out what I can do to help, and we work together from there.”

Renie’s passion combined with her personable, person-centred approach is a reflection of her lifelong passion to help others. Focusing on her latest completion of the professional development course: BWRT® level 3, she states this is one of her most exciting developments so far.

“This course focuses on the physiological aspects of the mind/body connection, and how they can work together to improve physical issues.”

‘BWRT®’ stands for ‘BrainWorking Recursive Therapy®’, a model of psychology and psychotherapy created by UK professional therapist, Terence Watts, MCGI. It’s a completely logical, practical and down-toearth therapy, and for it to succeed, only requires the person receiving the therapy to know what they want to change in their life.

Renie is now a Certified Practitioner, and has been trained to deliver this therapy, while adhering to strict ethical codes.

If you would like to work with Renie, please get in contact below.

07956 002424

Travel, work and medical anxiety

The most comprehensive study of UK patients has revealed the reasons why people miss hospital appointments, costing the NHS £960 million per year, equivalent to the budget for nearly 26,000 annual nurse salaries.

The report – from DrDoctor, the UK’s leading patient engagement platform (PEP) – comes at a critical time for the NHS as it faces costs of £2.6 million a day, from 46 missed hospital appointments every minute in the UK.

The insights from 5,003 UK adults who have missed at least one NHS hospital appointment in the last two years – and were

therefore logged as a ‘Did Not Attend’ (DNA) – finds that nearly half (46%) of these patients go on to miss more.

In 2023/24, eight million patients missed a scheduled appointment. Currently, the elective backlog stands at more than seven million patients.

“The NHS is under a lot of pressure to fix the growing waitlist. Tackling that problem starts with reducing the number of patients being logged as Did Not Attend to prevent the backlog from growing. We’ve conducted the biggest patient survey into DNA patients because by understanding the challenges patients face, we can better apply AI technology in the right areas – which we know reduces the number of hospital appointments 30%,” Tom Whicher, CEO and Founder of DrDoctor, said.

Blenheim encourages social prescribing

Blenheim Palace is encouraging all to take a ‘wellbeing walk’ to mark World Mental Health Day as it highlights the positive impact of social prescribing and the natural environment on mental health and wellbeing. ‘Britain’s Greatest Palace’ is committed to creating accessible, nature-based and health and wellbeing initiatives through its Blenheim Innovation Partnership for all of its visitors and staff.

Across its various businesses – Palace, Estate and Property, Blenheim has introduced a number of initiatives and programmes as part of a campaign to create a healthy workplace environment.

Blenheim, its property arm Blenheim Estate Homes and long standing development partner Pye Homes, have introduced a Wellbeing Ambassador programme for their staff, and have a new drop in ‘tea and chat’ session in their employee hub.

They also have a dedicated Wellbeing Coach Ruth Chaloner, a trained Psychotherapist that

supports all staff with their mental health and provides mentoring, coaching and training. Ruth supports and trains a team of 24 Wellbeing Ambassadors who are on hand to offer advice and reminders about how to reach out for support.

To explore the health benefits of Blenheim Palace, visit: www.blenheimestate.com/ land/strategy/natural-healthservice

To find out more about Blenheim Palace’s ‘Wellness Walks’ and ‘Being at Blenheim’ on Spotify, visit: www.blenheimpalace.com/ visitus/wellness-walks

Digital transformation or smarter hospitals through digital transformation

In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are pleased to feature Synbiotix Solutions Limited as our Healthcare Facilities Management Company of the Month

Established in 2003, Synbiotix Solutions Limited provides an integrated suite of clever software solutions to support all the functions of facilities management across healthcare estates.

Over the years, Synbiotix has provided ground-breaking innovation solutions to help Facilities Managers, Head of Estates, and Private Hospitals within the NHS who want to streamline their operations by embracing digital solutions.

“We have five key modules which are branded as: XCater, XClean, XTask, XMaintain and XAudit,” stated Danielle Knight, Marketing Manager, Synbiotix Solutions Limited.

“Within these modules are innovative solutions for bedside ordering, cleaning audits in line with the National Standards of Cleanliness, auto allocation, security and asset tracking, and more.”

Synbiotix is a trusted name within the NHS and the healthcare facilities management industry. The Synbiotix system is used in NHS Trusts and Healthcare Settings across all of the UK, with expert staff based across the country, ensuring seamless implementation, training and long-term success.

As the NHS faces increasing pressure to optimise patient flow while maintaining high-quality care, there has been more and more delays in scheduling, inefficient data management, and administrative bottlenecks that have led to longer patient wait times, increased operational costs, and resource strain.

Synbiotix is transforming patient care across hospital environments through its advanced task management solutions, seamlessly integrated with PAS and RIS systems. This integration goes beyond a simple technological enhancement – it represents a strategic investment in creating a more efficient, data-driven, and patient-centred NHS.

By enabling real-time data sharing across departments, Synbiotix helps hospital trusts streamline workflows, accelerate clinical decisionmaking, and reduce delays in patient transitions. The result? Improved co-ordination, reduced administrative burden, increased compliance and reporting accuracy, and, most importantly, a better experience for both patients and healthcare professionals.

In addition, Synbiotix offers a powerful integration engine designed to seamlessly connect with EPR and PAS systems. This capability was recently validated in a successful hospital trial, where the Synbiotix task management system – integrated with the hospital’s internal PAS – delivered dramatic results. The trial demonstrated a reduction in emergency department wait times from 24 hours to just 1 hour. This real-world success underscores the impact of intelligent integration: faster patient flow, improved clinical responsiveness, and more efficient use of NHS resources.

in safeguarding patients. XClean helps facilities teams improve operational efficiency, meet audit requirements, and raise hygiene standards across the board. Available directly or through frameworks such as NHS Supply Chain for Cleaning Supplies, Equipment and Associated Products, there are various options for NHS Organisations to procure and deploy XClean as part of their digital transformation strategies.

Synbiotix continues to embrace new technology, never settling for less. With a strong belief in the power of possibility, Synbiotix are enablers of transformation, with a promise to always give more.

Echoing this promise, Synbiotix has collaborated with Living Map, a digital mapping and wayfinding company who can produce 3D mapped buildings, when linked to the Synbiotix system it results in a greater overview of task management.

“This collaboration brings to life functionality such as tracking equipment, allocating jobs to staff, such as porters and managing cleaning audits with easily visible, colour-coded rooms. This is an exciting time for us at Synbiotix and we’re pleased to be able to showcase all our developments at events such as HFM, Healthcare Estates and Global Health in Riyadh,” mentioned Danielle.

“We also have a new Visitor Order Platform App which is fully integrated with XCater. Visitors can now order food in a similar style to Deliveroo or Just Eat. This enhances visitor experience with convenient, on-demand meal options, also delivering cost savings and opening up the possibility of a new revenue stream for the company using it,” added Danielle.

Within Healthcare Environments, cleanliness across all areas is crucial

Food for thought

The implications of new Simpler Recycling regulations on the care home sector

From March 31st, new waste disposal regulations came into effect as part of the Government’s Simpler Recycling initiative. Designed to reduce waste and increase recycling rates across the country, this has direct and potentially significant implications for the care home and nursing home sector. Anenta, the UK’s leading independent healthcare waste management specialist for the care home sector, explains the issues at hand.

Under the new Simpler Recycling regulations, in addition to segregating clinical waste and offensive waste into separate waste streams, care homes now have a legal duty to separate out all recyclable materials from general waste.

Paper and card, plastic, glass, metal, and food waste all need to be separated and stored in segregated waste collection streams, necessitating larger storage areas, more waste receptacles, and more waste collections.

Although this has implications and associated costs, the new regulations are important because incorrectly disposed waste not only puts a strain on England’s waste capacity –hampering sustainable waste targets – but also significantly adds to the cost of care home waste bills.

Food frustration

Of all the new waste streams, food waste is likely to be one of the biggest headaches for care homes. That’s because if you produce more than 5kg of food waste per week, you will need to implement a separate food waste disposal system.

Food is a particularly significant form of waste for most care homes as it’s almost impossible to avoid when catering for residents.

In some cases, care homes will have good protocols in place for uneaten or waste food, with collections for anaerobic digestion or composting in place. However, for many others this will not be the case, quite simply because it’s always been easier to put waste food into general waste.

And while food waste from canteens or communal eating areas may be relatively easy to collect and recycle, it’s important to remember that a significant amount of other food waste – resulting from items being consumed by both staff and residents in other areas – has the potential to end up in general waste too. Under the new rules that cannot be

allowed to happen and that means you now need to make separate food waste bins readily available in public areas.

What if you don’t comply?

Under the new legislation, if you put food waste into the wrong bins, your supplier will not be permitted to collect them. However, you’ll still be charged, and repeated noncompliance could result in fines or other penalties, which could be as high as £5,000 or more.

To avoid this, you’ll not only need to have sufficient food waste bins in place within your care home, but appropriate training to ensure that all staff are aware of the importance of segregating waste correctly. Here, appropriate signage is also advised to avoid any confusion.

You’ll also need to ensure that food waste collected within your care home – including inedible food parts such as bones, eggshells, fruit and vegetable skins, tea bags and coffee grounds – actually make it into the designated food waste bin for collection.

When you consider that general waste for care homes costs anything between £180 and

£250 a tonne, whereas food waste – collected for anaerobic digestion – costs between £105 to £190 per tonne, it simply doesn’t make sense to continue putting food in your general waste.

Quite apart from avoiding large fines – which could affect your reputation – switching from using the general waste stream for food disposal to anaerobic digestion will save your business anything between 8% and 16%. That’s a saving of £60-£120 per 1,100 litre bin per annum. For care home groups with multiple locations, that’s a saving that soon mounts up.

So, far from being a bad thing financially, the new recycling regulations actually have the potential to bring about long-term cost savings for care homes throughout England. Viewed through that lens switching to segregation makes complete sense.

But it’s not the only benefit. By diverting your food waste from general waste into a separate food waste recycling stream, it can be reprocessed through anaerobic digestion to create organic fertiliser and biogas, helping your business move one step closer to becoming zero-to-landfill and achieving your environmental targets.

This avoids your care home food ending up in landfill where it would release methane, a gas which, according to the UN Environmental Programme, is 80 times more harmful than carbon dioxide.

Adopting this process will help to ensure that the correct waste goes into the correct channels, saving your care home money, keeping you compliant, minimising environmental impact, and avoiding inadvertent contamination that could cause issues with your waste collection, leading to extra cost, and stringent action by the authorities.

Far from being feared, the new Simpler Recycling regulations should be embraced, saving your care home money and playing a part in saving the future of the planet.

For guidance and advice on how to meet the Simpler Recycling Workplace Rules, and for information on the best systems to adopt for waste storage and collection, email Anenta at: contact@ anenta.com or call 033 0122 2143 or visit: www.anentawaste.com

New re-usable & recyclable sharps containers help strengthen Zero Waste to Landfill credentials

Sanaway has introduced new re-usable and recyclable sharps containers as part of its auditable ‘Zero Waste to Landfill’ service commitment

The new containers are re-used 10 times before being recycled into new re-usable sharps containers and form part of Sanaway’s ongoing focus to reduce environmental impact for both the company, and its nursing and residential care home customers.

The container’s VisiLOCK system also optimises safety by eliminating the risk of content spills that may lead to crosscontamination or accidental needlestick injury.

The family-owned business operates across the South of England, servicing customers that demand a reliable, personal and high standard of service at a competitive price.

at no extra cost. This not only demonstrates our dedication to help minimise the impact our industry has on the environment, but can also help customers achieve up to an 87% carbon saving. This being in line with the NHS’s targets for a 50% reduction in emissions by 2026.”

Reduce, re-use and recycle

Each sharps container has a VisiLOCK closing mechanism to ensure optimum user safety.

Once full:

: Sanaway collects and delivers the containers to the processing facility where robots open and photograph the contents before incinerating the sharps.

The company’s fully auditable Zero Waste to Landfill service ensures that over 50 tonnes of waste collected annually from its customers is completely diverted from landfill. Instead, this waste contributes towards the power supply for more than 50,000 homes. Additionally, the company’s ISO 9001 accreditation provides confidence in its day-to-day management practices – offering particular value to nursing and residential care homes with ISO 14001 certification by enabling them to fulfil their continuous improvement requirements.

Commenting on the new service, Martin concludes, “We believe considered improvements like these to our customer first, high service standards are the main reason many of our clients have been with us for so many years, contributing to our enviable 95% customer retention rate and year on year growth.”

Founded in 2006, Sanaway successfully expanded its ZWLF clinical waste and sharps removal services to include bulk waste removal during the 2020 COVID pandemic to help alleviate the strain the extreme pandemic situation placed on existing service providers, and the clinical settings they supported.

Co-founder and director, Patrick Martin, says, “We are exceptionally proud of our environmental philosophy and commitment, which has been at the core of the company since day one.

“Providing the new re-usable sharps service is now standard for all our customers, and

: The containers are sanitised, checked and returned for re-use.

: Containers are tracked using barcode scanning to monitor their usage cycles, after 10 uses, the container is granulated and remanufactured into a new sharps container.

: This process is repeated 10 times, meaning the original plastic is re-used 100 times.

: After completing 10 full cycles, the plastic is granulated again and repurposed into non-medical products, such as road traffic cones.

Sanaway’s Zero Waste to Landfill philosophy is a market leading standard, based on Energy from Waste (EFW) technology, which means it is a sustainable solution for both waste management and energy production. 99.995% of the process is recyclable and all the recyclable elements are removed before the incineration process leaving only 0.005% non-recyclable.

With a strong focus on providing the highest level of personalised service to its customers, Sanaway operates without call centres, ensuring direct communication and swift response times with its dedicated, uniformed staff.

For more information, visit: www. sanaway.co.uk or call 0345 094 9495.

Innovating hygienic environments

In

this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are pleased to feature Bioclad

as our Hygienic Solutions Company of the Month

Bioclad products are specified and installed in healthcare, pharmaceutical, leisure and education facilities throughout the world. Its extensive product range that encompasses bespoke integrated plumbing systems, Antimicrobial PVC Cladding, Wall Protection systems and design effect PVC are supported by an established installer network throughout the UK with a growing family of international partners worldwide.

We spoke to Sophie Warhurst, UK Sales Manager, who explained the company in more detail, “Bioclad was established in 2017 as an extension of our installation business ‘Advanced Hygienic Contracting’. While Bioclad focuses on manufacturing and supplying our Hygienic Wall Cladding, Integrated Plumbing systems among other of our hygienic solutions, Advanced Hygienic Contracting manages the project from the design stages right through to completion and site handover.

“Demand for our hygienic solutions has grown significantly in recent years, and we’ve worked hard to understand the unique requirements of this industry and continuously innovate our products to be not only hygienic, but also durable and safe.”

As both the manufacturer and supplier, every role within Bioclad is vital to its success. “We operate as a cohesive team, from pricing and order preparation, delivery to aftercare and final invoicing. Each department works in harmony to ensure smooth product delivery and customer satisfaction,” added Sophie.

Bioclad offers an all-in-one solution that reduces complexity for contractors and clients. This streamlined approach eliminates the need to coordinate with multiple suppliers, reducing delays and simplifying project management.

Some of its most innovative products come from its award-winning BioClad Antimicrobial Range, designed to prevent the growth of MRSA, Ecoli among other bacteria and viruses.

Antimicrobial is used to describe substances which demonstrate the ability to reduce the presence of microbes, such as bacteria and mould. With four main types of antimicrobial additive, based on Silver-Ion, Copper, Zinc and Organic technologies, Bioclads range of antimicrobial products use Silver-Ion antimicrobial additives which are suitable for deployment in a broad range of materials and applications, including paints, coatings, textiles, polymers and other material types.

Silver-Ion technology forms a surface on which 99.9% of microbes cannot survive, offering powerful protection against harmful pathogens. A standout product in this range is Bioclad’s Antimicrobial Wall Cladding. Available in a variety of finishes and colours, it provides a seamless, watertight with a welded finish, offers an easy-to-clean solution ideal for maintaining high hygiene standards.

In addition to its antimicrobial properties, the cladding is free from VOCs and can achieve a BS EN 13051-1 fire rating – making it a safe, sustainable choice for environments such as operating theatres, commercial kitchens, laboratories, and wetrooms.

“We are also proud to have recently received a Patent Award for our Antimicrobial Integrated Plumbing Systems (IPS). This milestone marks the culmination of five years of dedicated research and development and is a significant achievement for our company,” added Sophie.

Bioclad’s IPS (Integrated Plumbing System) panels feature a discreet, purpose-built design engineered to conceal essential pipework while incorporating the same advanced antimicrobial technology found in Bioclad’s wall cladding. Fully compliant with HBN0010 Part C, these pre-fabricated units are constructed as one complete unit completely wrapped in Bioclad’s antimicrobial PVC, ensuring an ultra-hygienic finish.

Each IPS unit includes hinged, lockable access panels, providing both secure service access and ease of maintenance – ideal for healthcare, commercial, and hygiene-critical environments.

Looking ahead, we asked Sophie what plans Bioclad has for the future, “With the recent Patent Award and the growing demand for our IPS units, we plan to scale up our operations and expand our offerings to better serve our clients. Having the flexibility and control of our manufacturing and distribution this is allowing us to develop our design methods, colour way and keep offering a high-quality product to suit the growing markets.

“We're really excited about the future of Bioclad and remain committed to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. As the healthcare industry evolves, so do we-continually developing solutions that meet the highest standards in hygiene and performance.”

Many killed as a result of medical research fraud

The global scale of lives lost from medical research fraud is exposed in a new film unveiled at a premiere screening in London’s Leicester Square on September 23rd 2024.

World-renowned cardiologist Dr Aseem Malhotra and specialist filmmaker Donal O’Neill’s new feature ‘First! Do No Pharm’ exposes the unscrupulous behaviour of the global pharmaceutical industry and hears sensational testimony from a host of industry experts.

Having previously altered the public’s perspective on both wholesale statin usage and the dangers of high sugar consumption, Dr Malhotra now explores the current state of the broader health system and the corruption within.

The feature makes shocking revelations about the pharmaceutical industry and charts Dr Malhotra’s decade-long struggle for greater transparency in medical research.

“This film is the most incendiary work I have ever completed,” says Dr Malhotra. “It is going to make a lot of profit-hungry people in the pharmaceutical industry unhappy. But it is going to save lives and that is all that matters. We have a pandemic of misinformed doctors and misinformed and unwittingly harmed patients. It is time to put an end to this once and for all.”

Through personal storytelling and riveting interviews of key experts around the world –including Professor Jay Bhattacharya, Dr Peter Wilmshurst, Robert F Kennedy, Professor Robert Lustig and former Editor in Chief of the British Medical Journal, Fiona Godlee – Dr Malhotra exposes a worrying narrative and underlying malfeasance within the healthcare system. He offers policy-specific solutions to reverse the damage.

INDEPENDENT LIVING Matters

Fighting product piracy!

Counterfeit medicines create a serious global problem that affects both patients and pharmaceutical manufacturers. Faller Packaging has taken up this challenge – and the company is developing innovative packaging solutions with the aim of ensuring that counterfeits can be detected quickly and reliably.

With a broad portfolio of anticounterfeiting technologies, the specialist company for folding cartons, leaflets, labels and combination products implements all the regulatory requirements with its solutions from a single source. Pharmaceutical manufacturers, for example, can use Faller Packaging’s service to print their folding cartons and labels with all the common serialisation codes. This is particularly attractive for small batches where serialisation on the packaging line is not economically viable.

Serialisation is carried out using a 2D data matrix code that contains all the relevant information, including product code, serial number and expiry date. Yet

another key element of counterfeit protection is the tamper-evident seal, which shows if a package has already been opened. Faller also offers solutions with tamperevident labels, which clearly indicate if a user has tried to open the package.

In addition to the legal requirements, Faller Packaging also uses embossing, punched perforations and microtext – and special materials, security colours and coatings also ensure that each package can be clearly identified, authenticated and traced.

www2.faller-packaging. com/anti-counterfeiting

Training and consultancy based in real life

Healthcare Matters is proud to announce that Howe 2 Training has been chosen as our Training & Consultancy Company of the Month

Howe 2 Training was founded in 2019 by Mark Howe as a self-employed entity. The company’s rapid growth led to the establishment of its limited company status in 2022 and since then the bespoke training and consultancy firm has gone from strength to strength.

With over 30 years’ experience within the health, social care and education sectors; Mark is uniquely positioned to lead Howe 2 Training’s mission. Writing and delivering in excess of 50 different face-to-face training courses over the years alongside advising on training needs and analysis. Mark is also diagnosed with both Autism and ADHD; making Howe 2 Training distinctly sensitive to the needs of those who are neurodivergent.

At the heart of Howe 2 Training’s business is a commitment to delivering high-quality training and consultancy services to the health and social care sector. Inspired by Mark’s vision and experience, the company aims to transcend conventional training culture by offering meaningful, real-life training experiences. Howe 2 Training’s courses span a range of topics. From mandatory and statutory courses; to in-depth training covering individuals with a diverse array of needs. The company also offers bespoke training services tailored to the client’s specific needs and built at no extra cost.

Howe 2 Training also offers a selection of tailored consultancy solutions, designed to meet the diverse needs of its clients. Its services include comprehensive training needs analysis,

health and social care assessments and specialised consultancy for Autism, ADHD and Neurodiversity. Its ‘Training Needs Analysis’ service gives practitioners a full explanation of the comprehensive training needs analysis service available for companies of all sizes. While the ‘Health & Social Care Assessments’ offer support and real-life insights into autism, ADHD, neurodiversity and mental health.

Howe 2’s ‘Understand Autism, ADHD and Neurodiversity’ consultancy services offers a range of options for a variety of partners. Its one-on-one sessions for adults who have been recently diagnosed; provide accurate information, support, guidance and legal perspectives. For businesses, Howe 2 Training can help employers become more inclusive for employees with autism, ADHD or neurodiversity. Howe 2’s ‘Parental Support Consultancy’ assists parents with guidance on legal aspects for schools and educational establishments and its ‘Family Impact Consultancy’ supports families impacted by these conditions.

Howe 2 Training’s distinct advantage comes from its focus on utilising real-life training and experience to embed training and consultancy. Mark explains, “We offer bespoke training where a customer can have their policies and procedures embedded into courses to make them even more real life – this work is conducted by the business at no charge at all for the customer.”

This focus on lived experiences is paying off for Howe 2 Training. The

company’s approach has led to it being registered as an approved and quality assured training provider for Skills for Care, meaning the company is a recognised training provider by the government. Howe2 Training & Consultancy are an approved training provider for The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability & Autism with the NHS. Mark has also become an approved ‘Lead Trainer’ with the NHS, meaning the company can also offer ‘train the trainer’ training for tier 2, (this includes training ‘facilitators’ and ‘cotrainers’ (experts with lived experience of a learning disability and/or autistic people).

As well as this, Howe 2 Training has earned accolades such as the Health & Social Care Consultancy of the Year 2024, Diversity & Neurodiversity Excellence Awards 2024 and Best Nationwide Health & Social Care Training Company 2023 from SME News Midlands Enterprise Awards.

Howe 2 Training’s story is a testament to resilience and excellence. Its expanding services across children’s and adult social care, healthcare and other sectors demonstrates the company’s dedication to real-life training, delivered by professionals with extensive personal and professional experience.

Review - Top Exhibitors

A resounding success of insight, innovation, and inspiration

Care Show London 2025, held at ExCeL London on 30 April and 1 May, concluded with resounding success, bringing together thousands of care professionals, thought-leaders, and innovators from across the UK. Warmed up by a mini-heatwave, the event buzzed with energy, fostering meaningful conversations, forging new partnerships, and delivering actionable insights to elevate the adult social care sector.

A spotlight on learning and leadership

The heart of the event lay in its six dynamic conference theatres, each offering a curated programme of sessions designed to inform and inspire. A standout addition this year was the Catering, Hydration & Nutrition Theatre, introduced to address the critical role of nutrition in care settings. This theatre provided practical strategies

to enhance meal quality and resident well-being, aligning with CQC’s Regulation 14 focus on nutritional standards.

Celebrity chef Rosemary Shrager headlined this theatre with her engaging session, ‘Care to Cook: A Fireside Chat with Rosemary Shrager’, sharing her passion for elevating culinary standards in care homes and the importance of mealtime experiences in residents’ lives.

Celebrity voices championing care

The Care Keynote Theatre featured compelling talks from renowned figures deeply connected to the care sector. Broadcaster and Alzheimer’s champion, Anna Richardson, delivered an enlightening session on the challenges of dementia care in the UK, emphasising the need for compassionate and informed support.

Comedian and author, David Baddiel, shared his personal experiences with his father, offering heartfelt insights into the realities of caregiving and the societal perceptions surrounding it.

Early detection of pressure ulcers: A game-changer for care homes

Pressure ulcers (also known as pressure injuries) remain one of the most persistent and costly challenges in long-term care. Widely recognised as an indicator of care quality, pressure ulcers (PUs) affect an estimated 10.7% of UK care home residents (1). Given the UK’s 441,000 care home residents, this equates to over 47,000 people living with pressure ulcers, the majority of which are in early stages.

Yet under current Care Quality Commission (CQC) guidance, only the most severe cases – Stage III and IV – require mandatory reporting. That leaves approximately 80% of pressure ulcers, primarily Stages I and II, outside the formal oversight system. These early-stage ulcers may be less clinically severe, but they account for over half (54%) of all PU-related costs in care homes (2)

The core issue? Visibility. Early-stage ulcers are

frequently missed or underreported, largely due to reliance on manual skin assessments – subjective and error-prone methods that too often fail to detect damage until it’s too late. The result is delayed intervention, avoidable pain, and increased longterm costs.

This is where thermography offers a breakthrough.

Thermidas, a pioneer in clinical thermography, provides an innovative solution that detects subtle temperature changes in the skin – a key early marker of tissue damage – before any visible signs appear. Used routinely in Finland and Germany, and now being trialled in UK care homes under NHS supervision, Thermidas thermal imaging tablets integrate easily into daily assessments. The technology gives carers a fast, objective tool to identify PU risk early and intervene sooner.

Multiple studies, including those by Cai (3) and Judy (4), have demonstrated the effectiveness of thermography in reducing acquired pressure ulcers to zero. Cai reported that, “The efficiency of infrared thermography for diagnosing pressure injury was better than that of Braden scale,” while Judy reported 100% accuracy in predicting both the presence and location of future ulcers.

Empowering the next generation and how language matters

A highlight of the People & Business Theatre was the ‘Supporting the Future Workforce: 2024 Thirty Under 30 Winners Panel’. Chaired by dementia campaigner Big Ian Donaghy, the panel featured rising stars Lois Adamson, Eve Macey-Norris, and Donell Mungure, who discussed innovative approaches to workforce development and the importance of nurturing young talent in the care sector.

The session ‘Care Talk: How Language Affects Public Perceptions of Care’ delved into the profound impact of language on societal attitudes towards care. Chaired by Daniel Casson, speakers Jennifer Pearl, Rebecca EnglishWilliams, Simon Bottery and Dr Jane Murray, explored how thoughtful communication can challenge stereotypes and foster a more respectful understanding of the care profession.

Care Show London returns next year to London’s ExCeL from 29-30 April 2026. Before then, Care Show Birmingham will be at Birmingham’s NEC from 8-9 October 2025. This is our pick of the best exhibitors from this year’s London show, listed here in alphabetical order: Amethyst Clinical Education, End of Life Support Services, The Mobile Dentist Company & Thermidas. Further details can be found on this page & the next two.

www.careshowlondon.co.uk

A thermal scan during a routine check-up of a 78 year old immobile resident revealed a warmer area on the back – despite no visible signs of pressure injury; thermal imaging gave carers actionable insights for precise repositioning

If the sector is serious about reducing pressure ulcer prevalence and costs, it must close the earlystage visibility gap. By integrating technologies like Thermidas into everyday care, care homes can shift from reactive treatment to proactive prevention –improving outcomes for residents and providers alike.

Quantity and percent of UK care home residents with a PU

The implications are significant: improved resident safety, reduced hospitalisations, and more efficient use of care staff time. Thermography supports clinicians’ judgement, enhances early detection, and aligns perfectly with the Department of Health and Social Care’s commitment to digital care and eliminating avoidable harm.

References

(1) Sugathapala et al, 2023, Prevalence and incidence of pressure injuries among older people living in nursing homes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

(2) NHS Pressure Ulcer Productivity Calculator https://shorturl.at/n0Ks0

(3) Cai et al, 2021, Application of infrared thermography in the early warning of pressure injury: A prospective observational study

(4) Judy et all 2011, Improving the Detection of Pressure Ulcers Using the TMI ImageMed System

Review - Top Exhibitors

Dying for a Cuppa® The Masterclass: Death education from a human perspective

By Katie Costello – End of Life Support Services, Soul Midwife, Funeral Celebrant, Accredited Death Educator and Founder of the Dying for a Cuppa Masterclass

In April this year, I exhibited at the Care Show. London. Over two packed days, surrounded by innovation, tech, and talk of the future of care.

I was one of the only exhibitors to bring something often left behind in these conversations: death and dying.

Not just the clinical side of dying. Not the paperwork. Not the jargon. But the deeply human, emotional, spiritual, and practical reality of end-oflife care. I didn’t turn up with euphemisms or shy away from the ‘D-word’. I showed up authentically and unapologetically, with 12 years of experience behind me, having supported, and witnessed, hundreds if not thousands of people die.

I’ve worked across the healthcare spectrum. Community care, hospice care, and nursing home settings, and within multi-disciplinary teams. And no matter where I’ve been, I’ve seen the same thing: death is still one of the hardest things for healthcare professionals to talk about. Not because they don’t care. Quite the opposite, they care deeply. But they often don’t have the language, confidence, emotional tools, or the space, to have those vital conversations with those who are dying, or with the families around them.

I’ve witnessed what happens when conversations about dying don’t happen. Decisions are made that don’t reflect the person’s wishes. Families are left unsure and grieving not just the loss of their loved one, but the way they died. Staff carry silent emotional weight. And so much more.

That’s why I created the Dying for a Cuppa®

The Masterclass: CPD accredited death education from a human perspective, for anyone and everyone. A space to understand death and dying, to explore our own thoughts and fears, and to develop the confidence and language to support others.

At the Care Show, I spoke to managers, carers, nurses, students, service leads, and business owners. I had conversations, real, human ones. Because that’s what death education is really about: connecting human to human. Bringing death down from something clinical, terrifying, or taboo, and instead returning it to what it is – a natural part of life.

Since the show, I’ve had the privilege of delivering the Masterclass to a growing number of organisations across the UK: nursing homes, dementia-specialist providers, care agencies, and palliative-focused teams. Some invested in this because they’re already seeing the need. Others because staff told them they wanted it. In every session, people have said the same thing: “We wish we’d had this sooner”. And “this should be mandatory”. And they are right, it should be.

And the truth is, we all carry our own grief. We all bring our own beliefs, fears, and life experiences into our roles. And without support that allows people to explore that safely, with honesty and kindness, it gets pushed aside or buried deep and that has real impacts on care.

This is why I believe death education should be embedded in the culture of every care provider, not as an afterthought when someone’s already dying, but as core training for everyone in the organisation. We all come into contact with death in this work. We all need to be ready. We all need to know how to recognise dying, what to do and how to support someone during their dying time.

If you’re reading this and you’re a manager, a team leader, a training coordinator, or someone responsible for culture and care standards in your organisation – ask yourself: do your staff feel confident talking about death? Do you? Do the team know how to support someone emotionally and practically at the end of life? Do they know how to support each other? Can they recognise dying and be present?

Investing in this kind of training doesn’t just benefit staff, it benefits residents,

patients, families, and the whole reputation of your service. It’s a unique selling point when families are choosing homes or agencies. It shows you don’t just tick the box; you care about what matters and you value your teams and importantly, those you support.

Because death is not just a clinical event, it is a human experience. And it deserves the same attention, compassion, and confidence as every other part of care and life.

Alongside the Dying for a Cuppa Masterclass, I also offer a range of consultancy services, bespoke workshops, talks, and seminars. These are tailored to meet the specific needs of healthcare organisations, educational settings, and even businesses outside the care sector. I’ve worked with HR teams, finance firms, and corporate clients who understand that end-oflife awareness, death literacy, grief support and emotional resilience aren’t just healthcare issues, they’re human ones.

katiecsoulmidwife@gmail.com

www.katiecsoulmidwife.com

www.facebook.com/katiecsoulmidwife

www.instagram.com/katiecsoulmidwife

www.linkedin.com/in/katie-costelloendoflife

On-site private dentistry: For care homes and secure mental health facilities

S

ince 2011, our friendly dental teams have been using portable equipment, including digital X-ray to bring dental care to patients who find it hard to get to a surgery. We look after patients with mobility issues, frailty, dementia, learning difficulties and disabilities and mental health conditions in residential care and NHS and private secure hospitals throughout England.

The service is designed to provide a programme of examination and treatment, giving patients access to dental care, providing families and staff with reassurance and enabling the home or hospital to evidence that oral health is a priority.

Clinics include: clinical dental examination, with oral cancer screening, periodontal health assessment, hygiene treatments (scaling/ polishing or denture cleaning), temporary fillings, simple permanent fillings, smoothing

of sharp tooth surfaces, non-complex and mobile teeth extraction (if medical history permits), denture adjustment and instant denture relines.

We charge on a sessional basis – there are no additional charges for treatment from the list above. A Dental Clinic Report, left with staff as a record for each patient seen, sets out any treatment given together with any future treatment need, referral or prescription required.

We offer regular clinics under a contract arrangement or Dentist for the Day, or Threequarter Day clinics bookable as and when required.

Extract from a review given by the CEO of Rustington Hall Care Home, “We are a 62 bed nursing and care home in Rustington, West Sussex and we were looking for a dentist to be able to visit our home and provide a dental service to all our residents. We have been

Complex care training

Specialising in providing holistic education and care for the body and mind, Amethyst Clinical Education utilises a comprehensive and integrated approach to empowering individuals to achieve peak physical and mental health.

Amethyst Clinical Education was established by Karen Fitzpatrick, a Clinical Educator with over 25 years of experience as a qualified adult and paediatric nurse and teacher, specialising in PICU and ICU care.

Karen’s vision shapes the foundation of the company: to offer budget holders, PHBs, ICBs, and other stakeholders a trusted, highquality, and affordable training provider that places the service user at the centre of all learning. Guided by core values – compassion, excellence, integrity, collaboration, and innovation – Karen and her team are committed to delivering empathetic, ethical, and forward-thinking education tailored to the unique needs of every learner.

Amethyst Clinical Education offers a comprehensive suite of Clinical Skills Training Courses, including Respiratory, Neurological,

Elimination, Endocrine, Gastrointestinal, and Central Line care. These are complemented by CSTF-aligned mandatory training and Care Certificate programs. All courses are designed to meet industry standards in the health and social care sectors, promoting consistent, evidence-based knowledge in areas such as data security and information governance, equality, diversity and human rights, and safeguarding of both adults and children. Training is delivered in full compliance with current UK legal and regulatory requirements.

using The Mobile Dentist Company for nearly 18 months and they have been truly fantastic. All their staff are very professional and provide an outstanding service. They interact with the residents to help them to feel at ease. The relatives are able to feel confident that the general oral health care provided is good with many positive comments and remarks received. Rustington Hall had an unannounced CQC inspection on the day the mobile dentist company were in the home and the inspectors commented on their service. The Mobile Dentist Company are the people to use. I would thoroughly recommend them.”

We aim to be part of your healthcare team –please contact us for more information and a bespoke quotation.

Amethyst Clinical Education is dedicated to inclusive training that supports learners of all backgrounds and abilities. Whether it’s their Respiratory Training Course that covers key topics such as invasive and non-invasive ventilation and tracheostomy care, offering expert-led guidance to build confidence and competence in complex care, or their Neurological training, where caregivers gain essential knowledge of brain function and seizure types, along with practical, personcentred management

techniques. Each Training Course is designed to help restore independence, improve mental wellbeing, and enhance the quality of life for service users and their families.

Vickie Edwards leads the Psychotherapy Services, offering online sessions in Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for clients aged 18 and over. With over 22 years of experience working within the NHS, Vickie is a Registered Psychotherapist, Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, and Cognitive Analytic Therapist, holding accreditations with the BABCP, ACAT, and HCPC. Vickie specialises in a broad range of issues from life coaching, to ADHD, co-dependency, and many more.

Vickie also supports families on their own mental health journeys, helping them navigate the emotional challenges and complexities that can arise while caring for a loved one in need.

Vickie Edwards

Karen Fitzpatrick

Supporting safer care

In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are pleased to feature Medaco as our Patient

Handling Equipment Company

of the Month

Based in Bristol, Medaco operates nationwide, supporting clients across the UK through its regional teams and mobile engineers.

Specialising in the supply, installation, and maintenance of patient handling equipment, Medaco’s goal is to provide safe, compliant, and reliable solutions that support care professionals across hospitals, care homes, and SEND schools.

Since its founding in 1985 by Jerry Smallridge, the company has remained true to its original vision: to support the care sector with reliable equipment and expert service. What began as

of our clients, helping them stay compliant, improve efficiency, and extend the life of their equipment. Through our Assetain™ programme, we take a proactive approach to asset management, helping clients keep equipment compliant, reduce downtime, and avoid unexpected costs. Our goal is to make life easier for care providers and support better outcomes for the people they care for.”

Medaco offers a comprehensive range of products and services including ceiling track hoists, mobile hoists, the Liko Golvo, pressure care mattresses, commodes, and assisted bath ranges, all created with safety, comfort and dignity in mind.

a small, family-run business quickly evolved into a respected national organisation, earning widespread recognition within the care industry for its unwavering commitment to quality and compassionate support.

We heard from Steve Smallridge, Operations Director at Medaco, “Medaco is now one of the UK’s most trusted providers of patient handling equipment, supporting safer, more effective care through reliable products and specialist support.

“We also offer Assetain™, a service that manages the full lifecycle of patient handling equipment. It’s been a game changer for many

These solutions not only enable care home managers to deliver high-quality care, but also make everyday tasks safer and more manageable for their teams. Medaco is committed to ensuring its customers have the right equipment, remain fully LOLER compliant, can operate systems safely, and are supported in extending the lifespan of their patient handling equipment.

One product that is quickly becoming a favourite in care homes is the Reval Caprice Bath, thanks to its innovative technology and thoughtful design. With features like an integrated hoist and transfer seat for effortless, safe handling, variable height adjustment to support caregiver comfort, and touchless digital controls to help reduce infection risks, bathing has never been easier or safer.

“The spa-like hydrotherapy offers a calming, sensory experience that’s especially beneficial for residents with dementia. This bath not only enhances comfort but also raises the standard of care, making it a standout product we’re proud to offer.

“At the heart of it all, our aim is to support residents’ wellbeing, ease the burden on care teams, and help everyone lead a fulfilled and dignified life,” added Steve.

To meet demand, Medaco has expanded

its team significantly over the past year across engineering, compliance, and service coordination. This growth has enabled the company to better support care providers with the timely, reliable service they need, while continuing to build strong partnerships across the healthcare sector.

In closing, we asked Steve, what more can we expect from Medaco in the future, “Medaco is continuing to grow in response to the increasing demand across the healthcare sector. With an ageing population, more complex care needs, and a national focus on compliance and patient safety, the need for high quality medical equipment and reliable service has never been greater.

“We are committed to expanding our team and capabilities to meet growing demand, investing in advanced technology, enhancing our Assetain™ service, and strengthening our nationwide support network. As the healthcare sector continues to evolve, we remain dedicated to evolving alongside it, delivering the expertise, efficiency, and care our clients depend on.”

033 33 22 33 44 – Option 1 sales@medaco.co.uk https://medaco.co.uk

Bruno Stairlifts: Empowering mobility in the UK

For many individuals, stairs can be a significant obstacle in their homes. Whether due to age, injury, or disability, the ability to move freely between floors is essential for maintaining independence and quality of life.

Bruno Stairlifts, a leader in the mobility industry, offers a practical solution that allows individuals across the UK to regain their freedom and safety at home.

Bruno stairlifts give people with mobility challenges an effortless alternative to stairs, allowing them to maintain their independence. With a reputation for providing reliable, high-quality, user-friendly stairlifts, Bruno offers multiple stairlift models, for indoor and outdoor staircases, with varying lift capacities and options to meet individual needs.

Tailored solutions for every home

Indoor straight stairlifts: Bruno’s dependable Elan is its most popular indoor stairlift and features a

21st (135kg) lift capacity, and the Bruno Elite offers next-level adjustable comfort and a 30st (190kg). weight capacity.

Both the Elan and Elite use a unique, vertical rail that allows the stairlift to be installed close to the wall and maximise open space on the stairs. In addition, the covered gear rack gives a clean, sleek appearance and eliminates exposure to grease.

Indoor curved stairlifts: As the only stairlift manufacturer who handcrafts their bespoke rails, Bruno Elite curved stairlifts are unmatched in their precise fit and graceful appearance. The handmade vertical rail provides a solid foundation and space-saving design. The 30st (190kg) lift is highly customisable – with adjustable seat height and space between the armrests – to ensure individual comfort.

Multiple power options are available for Bruno indoor straight stairlifts, including power swivel seat, power footrest, and manual and folding rails.

Bruno straight indoor stairlifts come with a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Outdoor stairlifts: Bruno’s Elite outdoor stairlifts are available in straight and curved models and offer 30st (190kg). lifting capacities and weather resistant materials, including marine-grade vinyl seat, and a lightweight cover. All Bruno outdoor stairlifts are performance tested from -18oC to 52oC to ensure all-weather dependability.

Bruno outdoor stairlifts offer a standard 5 year Limited Warranty.

Easy, safe operation

Operating a Bruno stairlift is easy. The rider simply takes a seat, clips the seat belt and pushing the armrest control to move the lift. At the top landing, standard Bruno stairlifts swivel up to 90 degrees and lock in place for safe exit away from the stairs. In addition, all Bruno stairlifts feature obstruction safety technology and seat positioning belts for added

safety. Because Bruno stairlifts are battery operated, they are also to make multiple trips even in a power outage.

Exceptional customer support

Bruno’s commitment to customer satisfaction extends beyond the sale. Bruno’s factory-trained dealers, available across the UK offer professional, caring sales, installation and after-sale service.

Peace of mind

With their commitment to stairlift quality, safety, and user satisfaction, Bruno empowers individuals to live independently and with dignity. Whether navigating a straight or curved staircase, indoors or outdoors, Bruno has a solution!

Conclusion

As the UK’s population ages, the need for practical, reliable mobility solutions like Bruno Stairlifts has never been more critical. With their commitment to quality, safety, and user satisfaction, Bruno continues to empower individuals across the country to live independently and with dignity. Whether navigating a straight or curved staircase, indoor or outdoor, Bruno’s range of stairlifts ensures that everyone can enjoy the freedom and safety of their own home.

For those seeking a trusted mobility solution, Bruno Stairlifts stands as a leader in the industry, offering reliable and innovative products that help individuals maintain their independence and mobility at home.

Henry Boot Construction begins £3m mental health facility refurbishment

Henry Boot Construction has begun major refurbishment works on mental health facility, Maple Ward, at the Longley Centre in Sheffield, to provide a safer and more supportive space for staff and patients.

The £3m project includes a full refurbishment of the two-storey mental health unit & involves redesigning the layout to create 17 en-suite bedrooms, an accessible bedroom, calming de-escalation facilities, and a newly landscaped garden courtyard.

As part of the improvements, the team will be installing new drainage, manholes, and window and door openings, alongside refurbishing mechanical and electrical systems. Patient safety will also be a key focus, with the removal of fixed ligature anchor points throughout the site.

The renovation will also create or upgrade several essential spaces, including a quiet space, dining room, staff rest area, lounge, clinic room and dispensary.

Maple Ward provides important assessment and treatment for individuals experiencing a diverse range of emergency mental health needs.

Commenting on the project, Lee Powell, MD of Henry Boot Construction, said, “We’re very proud to be delivering the refurbishment of this important mental health facility in Sheffield. This project is obviously much more than just bricks and mortar – it’s about creating a safe, calming, and supportive space for those experiencing urgent mental health needs. The refurbished ward will also be complemented by a new garden courtyard, creating another open-air

Get hands on about Legionella

Despite an established understanding that TMVs taps offer the highest form of protection against infection, particularly in high-risk environments, Hydrosense is warning healthcare providers about the risk of Legionnaire’s disease if necessary precautions are not taken.

Hand hygiene in washrooms is critically important in preventing the spread of germs and maintaining public health – particularly, in high-risk environments, such as hospitals and care homes, where susceptible individuals need to be protected from infections. As part of this, the role of hand washing is long understood to be one of the most effective tools to prevent the spread of infections (Hospital Acquired Infections or HAIs).

To this end, many public buildings, particularly health and care facilities, now use non-touch taps to negate

the need for physical contact, thus significantly reducing the risk of cross-contamination, while also creating significant scope for water saving and cost efficiencies.

Typically, Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs) will play a key role in this by allowing water to be stored and distributed at temperatures high enough to kill Legionella bacteria, while enabling it to be delivered at a safe temperature for use by mixing it with cold water.

However, while TMVs are essential for minimising the risk of scalding, Legionella testing expert Hydrosense is reminding healthcare providers that, without the right precautions in place, they can inadvertently increase the risk of Legionella growth.

After the emergency

Workplaces can support mental health after trauma through crisis response, peer support and cultural change led by Mental Health First Aiders and Advocates.

When a serious incident unfolds at work, the first priority is to save lives and ensure physical safety. But once the immediate danger has passed, another, less visible emergency can begin.

Whether it’s a terror attack, a fire or gas emergency, a road traffic incident, or a theft where staff are threatened, these events can leave a lasting emotional aftershock. Anxiety, depression, stress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may affect people, or even whole teams. For employers, recognising and addressing this hidden impact is just as important as the initial response.

“The impact on mental health doesn’t end when the incident does,” says Dan Bevis, Director of Urgent & Emergency Care at St John Ambulance. “Hidden triggers can resurface and unexpected triggers like anniversaries & memories can bring the past back.”

Trauma is personal and can be complex: two people may react very differently to the same event. That’s why mental health support is such an important part of an effective response.

Trained Mental Health

First Aiders play a critical role in the aftermath of a crisis. They provide an immediate, calm point of contact, recognising early signs of distress, initiating non-judgmental conversations and directing colleagues towards appropriate support like Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) or their GP.

But mental wellbeing doesn’t begin or end with a crisis. Building a culture of mental wellness in any organisation means prioritising prevention, strengthening resilience and supporting people every day.

retreat for self-reflection and relaxation.”

The refurbishment is expected to complete in late autumn this year and the ward will then be reopened.

www.henrybootconstruction.co.uk

Close Brothers Property Finance has agreed a £24million loan with the James Taylor Homes Group and HGP to redevelop the headquarters of the Blind Veterans UK charity. The site is an iconic Grade II listed training and rehabilitation centre in Ovingdean, East Sussex.

www.closebrothers.com https://hydrosense-legionella.com

The building, originally constructed in the 1930s, was the first purpose-built rehabilitation centre for vision-impaired ex-servicemen and women. It was designed to resemble a plane from the air, so it was visible to the RAF pilots flying overhead. In 2021, Blind Veterans UK announced their intention to move to a more modern and suitable facility in Rustington, on the beach, which gives members “much more opportunity and independence”, according to the charity.

The listed building will be sensitively renovated to create 64 spacious, beachfront two and three bedroom apartments. The 20m indoor swimming pool will be retained, and there will also be a state-of-the-art onsite gym and communal cinema room, which can be hired by residents. A number of original features will also be retained, such as the Braille handrail on the main staircase. Externally the gardens, which were designed by a Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medallist, will be retained and restored and there is a private walkway from the building to the beach, which will also be retained for residents’ use.

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.

When it comes to your prosthesis, you need someone you can trust. Chris Parsons is the founder of Design Prosthetics Ltd, an independent, private prosthetic clinic based in Lewes, East Sussex. With over 40 years of experience in prosthetics and orthotics, Chris has dedicated his career to improving the lives of individuals with limb differences.

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.