The Bulletin Issue 52 - May 2018

The Bulletin REPRESENTING ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN HEALTHCARE

ISSUE 52 - MAY 2018

Working together to improve air travel READ MORE INSIDE… BHTA NEWS…MEMBER NEWS…EVENT NEWS…

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IDG DIARY

Andrew Barker, the former Managing Director of Mangar International and a Director of the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA), is acting as Interim DirectorGeneral on a part-time basis whilst the Association appoints a new Director-General In March, the Secretary of State for Health & Social Care, Jeremy Hunt, made a major speech outlining the principles that will guide the Government’s thinking ahead of the social care green paper, to be published later in 2018. He recognised the need for “full integration of health and social care centred around the person,” and he said that, “We know when this happens people stay longer at home, healthier, more independent and needing fewer hospital services”.

This is very much the message of the BHTA as we campaign to promote independent living and reduce bed blocking etc. In his speech Jeremy Hunt also committed to, “a consultation on Personal Health Budgets in order to achieve better integration for those with the greatest ongoing social care needs as well as health needs”.

Over the next two years there will be three pilots (in Gloucestershire, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire) in which every single person with a joint care plan will also be offered an integrated health and care personal budget. This approach should help to increase patient choice and ensure better and more appropriate provision. It is vital also, however, that new arrangements emphasise that patients and professionals can purchase products with confidence by working with BHTA members who are covered by our Code of Practice.

Andrew Barker Interim Director General

Contents Westminster Watch....................................................................... 3 BHTA News................................................................................... 6 Member News............................................................................. 12 Section Chairs............................................................................. 18 New Members............................................................................. 19

Find us on Twitter @wwwbhta British Healthcare Trades Association, Suite 4.6, The Loom, 14 Gowers Walk, London E1 8PY 020 7702 2141 bhta@bhta.com

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Westminster Watch

by Lord Rennard

The consequences of Brexit for health & Social Care immediate and total break with existing arrangements within the EU. The ‘transition period’ that businesses wanted is now accepted, and the Government’s stated intention is now to ‘maintain regulatory alignment with the European Medicines It published a report that makes very interesting reading: ‘Brexit: Agency (EMA)’. It is very important, however, that similar medicines, medical devices and substances of human origin’. considerations should apply to the regulation of medical The Committee of MPs concluded that it is important in the devices in future. This approach found support in the Select Brexit negotiations to try and preserve some of the current EU Committee which also noted evidence wide regulatory infrastructure. in support of ‘continued membership The MPs said that, ‘For the benefit of of the Single Market and Customs “For the benefit of patients, particularly those living with rare Union or retaining a Norway type EFTA/ conditions, on both sides of the Channel, EEA relationship’ whilst saying that ‘the patients, particularly it is vital that the UK life sciences sector is Government has ruled those options out’. those living with rare able to continue to participate in EuropeIn terms of specific aspects of the wide clinical trials. If the UK does not adopt conditions, on both sides negotiation is also important to try and the new clinical trials regulations and is of the Channel, it is vital ensure: unable to access the infrastructure that has that the UK life sciences • that any new arrangements will been developed within the EU to underpin ensure that healthcare products will be them, a variety of difficulties for patients sector is able to continue exempt from any new customs, tariff or and the life science industry could emerge to participate in EuropeVAT arrangements and are afforded preboth in the short and medium to long term. shipping clearance and fast track access The UK should seek to continue to be a wide clinical trials” across any new EU/UK borders member of EU Research and Development (R&D) funding and research mechanisms • that there should be mutual such as Horizon 2020 after leaving the recognition of the CE-mark between the UK and the EU EU, if possible on the same terms as it currently enjoys….It • that UK Notified Bodies (NBs) should remain within the is also in the best interests of patients for the UK to continue existing European network and oversight mechanisms, membership of all of the major EU pharmacovigilance systems and continue to be able to assess devices for the UK and and databases, including the European Database on Medical the EU markets Devices (EUDAMED) and Eudravigilance.’ The Government response to the Committee’s report is awaited.

• and that the MHRA should remain formally engaged with the European Commission’s new stakeholder body, the Their report can be found here: https://publications.parliament.

Medical Devices Co-ordination Group (MDCG) with full uk/pa/cm201719/cmselect/cmhealth/392/392.pdf access to the Eudamed database.

There have been significant developments in the Government’s approach to Brexit since the early days of insisting on an The potential consequences of Brexit for Health & Social Care in the UK were recently examined by the House of Commons Select Committee on Health & Social Care.

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Brand new Awards venue and presenter announced The BHTA Annual Awards are having an overhaul and will be held on Thursday 29th November, at The Alton Towers Hotel near Stoke-on-Trent.

We want the evening to be a celebration of all the fantastic work done by the industry and an evening that can offer guests a wow factor Sally Edgington event organiser said: “We have taken into consideration feedback from members about location and costs and feel that Alton Towers has a fantastic offering and is great value.”

and through my charity work what a difference the products and services provided by BHTA member companies can make to people’s lives. The healthcare and assistive technology market is important to elderly and disabled people and I look forward to helping celebrate all the good work done by industry on 29th November”.

If you want to book your table or have any questions about the dinner please email sally.edgington@bhta.com

Simon Weston CBE, a veteran of the British Army and who has become known throughout the UK for his recovery and charity work after suffering severe burn injuries during the Falklands War, will be this year’s awards presenter.

Simon commented: “I am honoured to be hosting this year’s BHTA awards as I know from personal experience,

Will you be picking up an award this year?

April saw the launch of the 2018 British Healthcare Trades Awards which is a great opportunity for companies to enter the award categories that best promote their business achievements, new product developments giving you a chance to be recognised for everything you do in the healthcare market.

The awards will be presented at the BHTA Annual Awards dinner at the Alton Towers Hotel near Stoke-on-Trent on Thursday 29th November 2018.

If your company has launched a new product, does great work in your community, has an innovative marketing campaign why not download the entry form today and make sure you have a chance of picking up one of the awards this time.

BHTA Award categories for 2018 • • • • • • • • •

Best Contribution to the Community Best Product Best Service Most Effective marketing Campaign Independent Living Award Lifetime Achievement Award The NHS DAC Patients Service Award Retailer of the Year Tom Hillier Award – A Shopmobility award

This year’s Retailer of the Year Award is a great opportunity for healthcare professionals to nominate their local retailer that they rely on to support them with home demonstrations and advice.

Retailers and healthcare professionals work closely together to meet the needs of their customers and this year we are

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asking healthcare professionals to nominate a retailer that has gone the extra mile for them.

In 2018 we will be launching some new awards too.

Best Development in Collaboration with the NHS / Academia To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the NHS this year and working closely with academic health science networks and we are looking for the most innovative work being undertaken with the NHS.

Best Digital Innovation Award We will be looking for companies or organisations that have developed apps, web services and traditional installed software that have the power to transform the disability sector.

Entry Forms are available from the BHTA website at www.bhta.com or contact: steve.perry@bhta.com

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Network with posture and mobility professionals at PMG 2018 The organisation focuses on sharing knowledge and promoting good practice through an online journal, a small research fund and by hosting training events; the main one being an annual conference held every July.

In addition to the exhibition, there are plenty of other ways to network at the event. A speed networking event allows attendees to visit informal sessions facilitated by PMG committee members to discuss different topics. This year’s topics are: crash testing, pressure management, sensory processing disorders, supported lying, and wheelchair training needs.

Set-up by professionals working in the NHS wheelchair services in 1992, the PMG annual conference allowed them to network with each other and improve their knowledge of the field. Over the years, the organisation and event have grown, with focus also expanding to include 24-hour postural management, and networking progressing to include private and charitable sectors.

Following the speed networking event, a Cuban themed welcome event at a local restaurant will allow everyone to catch-up over a complimentary meal and drink. A drinks reception takes place in the exhibition hall the next evening, in preparation for the Gala Dinner.

The PMG Conference 2018 takes place 23rd - 25th July at Manchester Central.

The event now provides a great opportunity for manufacturers and distributors of posture, pressure, assistive technology and mobility products to network with hundreds of professionals from NHS-commissioned wheelchair services, other NHS departments, charitable organisations as well as independent therapists, all looking for the best solutions for their clients.

Despite its growth, the event still maintains a friendly atmosphere that makes it unmissable for regular attendees and wonderfully welcoming to first-time attendees.

At the time of writing, there are two stands still available; if you’re interested in booking a stand, please email Ffion Lane via conference@pmguk.co.uk. If you would prefer to attend as a visitor, we offer Exhibition Passes. This provides access to the exhibition hall with breakfast, lunch and refreshments included, plus optional free access to speed networking, welcome event and drinks reception. Bookings close on Friday 6th July, so don’t delay booking your place!

Posture & Mobility Group (PMG) is a charity and membership organisation for people working in the field of posture and wheeled mobility.

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BHTAnews

BHTA engaging with Consumers Following the success of attending last year’s Disability Awareness Day, BHTA will be exhibiting again this year. The event will be taking place on Sunday 15th July at Walton Hall near Warrington with doors opening at 10am. The event is expected to attract a crowd of over 25,000 people making it the world’s largest not-for-profit, voluntary-led, pan-disability exhibition. BHTA will be part of over 250 spaces taken by exhibitors including organisations from the voluntary, statutory and business sectors all working to a common goal of ‘Promoting Independence Throughout Life & Work’, with support groups and services, equipment, transport, technology, holidays, benefits, employment, education, training, mobility, leisure, recreation, sport and much more.

Dave Thompson MBE DL, Founder and Chief Executive at Warrington Disability

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Partnership and their social enterprise the Disability Trading Company said: “It is a pleasure working with BHTA. It has a well-established and respected position at the heart of the mobility and independent living sector. Through BHTA’s attendance, it provides us with links to hundreds of trade specialists and provides the BHTA with an excellent opportunity to further promote its services, range of helpful Get Wise leaflets and Code of Practice.”

Sally Edgington, Research & Support Lead who will be representing BHTA at the event said: “This event is a great opportunity for BHTA to speak with consumers about the value of buying products from BHTA members and what that actually means. Last year I spoke to hundreds of people throughout the day to help raise the profile of the BHTA and Code of Practice. Attendance at consumer facing shows such as this is

part of the BHTA’s strategy to ensure consumers understand what it means to buy from a BHTA company and what the BHTA’s function and responsibilities are.”

For more information about DAD go to https://www.disabilityawarenessday.org. uk/

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Understanding legal rights for children initiative BHTA is collaborating with Newlife, the charity for disabled children, so families and professionals understand and use the legal rights of children with disabilities to get timely provision of equipment.

Together, the two organisations are supporting the launch of a Barristers Report.

Newlife has commissioned a report that will provide health and social care professionals working with families the legal know-how to challenge their local statutory health services on decisions made in relation to providing essential disability equipment for children.

Many BHTA members deal with a number of charities funding equipment that should be funded by statutory services, money that could be better spent on equipment and services that improve quality of life, rather than just the essentials.

The report, to be published in May this year, provides clarity on the legal responsibilities of health and social care services to fund equipment for children with disabilities. It will provide insight into a number of specific areas including the assessment timescales for children with disabilities and how those working in health and social care can use the legal system to ensure assessments are carried out in a timely manner and that equipment provision is an inherent part of that process.

Additionally the report explores the use of blanket bans, frequently used

to deny specialist equipment for children with disabilities, specifically with regards to car seats and specialist beds.

Carrick Brown, Senior Care Services Manager at Newlife, said: “Families across the UK are becoming more distressed by the ‘NO’ culture created by local health and social care service policies and decisions driven by budgets rather than the needs of an individual child. Many of these policies and decisions can be legally challenged. The report will support professionals to act as a critical friend to their employers to improve care and avoid litigation. Newlife has already successfully changed the law. This report provides an opportunity for professional health and social care workers and families to use the law better to ensure their children get the right equipment they need at the right time.”

with Newlife for some time and I am pleased the project is making such quick progress and we are now able to share this work. The hope is that the document we produce can help many families ensure their children do not have to fight for the provision of equipment they are entitled to.”

This work supports the report launched by the BHTA ‘Failing Disabled Children Across the UK’, and the ongoing support BHTA have been offering to the Disabled Children’s Partnership.

To find out more about Newlife’s Care Services and equipment provision, please visit their website www. newlifecharity.co.uk and pre-order a copy of the Campaign and Barrister Report by emailing: info@newlifecharity.co.uk

The BHTA is working with Newlife to produce an easy read non-legally terminology document (layman’s guide), which will highlight the key findings and should help families to understand the policy landscape better in order to challenge their local health services to ensure their children receive the essential equipment and support they’re legal entitled to.

This document will be launched at a parliamentary event in November. Sally Edgington, Research & Support Lead for the Children’s Equipment Section said: “We have been in discussions

Top 100 course for Golf Day This year’s BHTA Golf Day will be held in the Midlands at the Blackwell Golf Club, near Bromsgrove, Worcestershire on Wednesday 18th July 2018.

The course was designed by the team of Fowler and Simpson and a rarity in golf architecture. Blackwell is a traditional English mature parkland course and has been ranked in the top 100 UK courses for a number of years and has hosted the Open Championship Regional Qualifying Event 6 times and was home to the

Midland Boys Championship for many years, won one year by a 14 year old Sandy Lyle.

competition please contact Karim Uddin at karim.uddin@bhta.com or visit the website at www.bhta.com

A great day out, it’s a chance for members to invite customers and guests, enter a company team or just come along as an individual and join a team. You will be made welcome and there will be a buffet lunch and presentation after the event, so you may go home with a trophy to celebrate your day.

The website for the course is at http:// www.blackwellgolfclub.co.uk

If you would like more information about how to book and enter the

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BHTAnews

BHTA members to Step up for the Stroke Association Following the success of the inaugural BHTAsteptember event by the stairlifts and access section, we are pleased to announce this will now become an annual event in the BHTA calendar.

New team members for BHTA Engage Helping to keep the mobility industry informed with the latest news and views, Sarah Sarsby has joined BHTA Engage as the company’s New Content Writer and Marketing Assistant.

Graduating with a Masters in English Language from De Montfort University, Sarah will be working on all BHTA Engage publications and helping to develop new activities.

Also joining the team is Gareth Liddiatt, who becomes the New Sales Manager.

With over 15 years of advertising and sales experience, Gareth will be working on all BHTA Engage publications and introducing companies in the industry to the various packages available to help them reach more customers.

BHTA Engage prints and publishes the monthly THIIS (The Homecare Industry Information Service) magazine, the industry’s longest-running trade publication keeping retailers and manufacturers informed with the latest industry news.

BHTA Engage also runs AT Today, a website informing healthcare professionals about the latest innovations and research in the healthcare market.

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The chosen charity for this year’s event is the Stroke Association, the UK’s leading charity dedicated to conquering stroke. They rely on your support to provide vital services, campaign for better stroke care and to find better treatments. There are over 1.2 million stroke survivors in the UK with 100,000 strokes happening in the UK each year. That’s one stroke every five minutes. Even though you are now twice as likely to survive a stroke compared to 20 years ago, stroke is still the fourth single largest cause of death in the UK. The Stroke Association push for greater awareness of stroke and its warning signs and campaign for better stroke care.

Charlotte Lee Community & Events Fundraiser at the Stroke Associations said: “We are so thrilled to be working with BHTA on this year’s Steptember event. We hope that lots of you get involved in taking on the 10,000 steps per day throughout September to raise awareness and money for the Stroke Association. Throughout this challenge, 8,460 people will have had a stroke. You could make the difference to those stroke survivors and their family and friends by taking on Steptember.”

The challenge is for each participant to walk 10,000 steps every day of September. To mark the 10,000 steps we have set a target of raising £10,000. Sally Edgington, Research & Support lead and event organiser said: “We were overwhelmed with the support members received last year and are looking forward to pushing ourselves even harder this year to raise more money for this fantastic charity.”

To find out more or donate please see this years fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ BHTAsteptember18

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A year on for new qualification It’s nearly a year since 25 Orthotic and Prosthetic (O&P) Technicians enrolled as the first cohort for a new O&P Technician qualification – the Professional Development Award (PDA) in Rehabilitation Technologies.

This is a new, on-line, distance learning qualification designed to meet the range of skills and knowledge required to develop and improve practice by providing a flexible and integrated training programme for technical staff working within the fields of Orthotics & Prosthetics.

There has never been a formal, recognised qualification for O&P technicians so a small BHTA working group formed to work on raising the profile of this skilled group and develop a qualification that would appeal to potential future employees.

Developed with support from BHTA, British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO), Clyde University and the Orthotic Education and Training Trust (OETT) there is now a recognised qualification for those who have been working in the sector previously as well as those looking to join this area of O&P. For many years there was no formal qualification for Orthotists and Prosthetists and many ‘graduated’ from being good technicians in the workshop to wearing a white coat and taking their technical skills in to the clinic room. That all changed with the introduction of the O&P university courses and we saw graduate Orthotists and Prosthetists making it a professional role. However, any orthotist or prosthetist will admit that their

skills will only produce good outcomes with the support of the skilled technicians in the workshop. With this in mind, and conscious of the aging technician workforce, we set up the training course so that technicians could benefit from gaining a qualification in their chosen field – just as the orthotists and prosthetists did when the University course were introduced.

The third cohort of technicians are just about to start the course and gain access to a wide variety of mandatory and optional units to cover the core requirements for producing prosthetic limbs or orthotic devices. The qualification is suitable for candidates working for the NHS, for companies supplying a service to the NHS or in the Private sector. It’s important that skilled technicians, already working in this sector, have the opportunity to translate their skills in to a recognised qualification as well as employers having a formal education and training programme to attract the next generation of technicians – with the ageing population and the rise is diabetes, stroke, O&P technicians will always be in demand and this course will help to protect the service’s capability to deliver effective orthotics and prosthetics for many years to come.

https://www.glasgowclyde.ac.uk/courses/18451-pdarehabilitation-technologies/1105 https://www.oett.org.uk/downloads/ FundingApplicationFormFINAL.pdf

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Air Travel – the industry working together BHTA has been involved with the airline industry for several years through the mobility section by listing the specifications of the industry’s mobility range to be used by the ground handling teams at airports around the UK.

standard airline seat giving firm postural support for a disabled child whilst travelling by air.

After the meeting, Steve and Graham got together and decided that there was a lot of synergy between the programme that was being developed and the products that BHTA members supply and could contribute to the journey.

In February 2017 BHTA’s Steve Perry was asked to join an event at Edinburgh airport called, ”Your guide to Flying with a Disability”. Led by Graham Race of the Queen Elizabeth The pair put together a Get Wise leaflet to flying with a Disability Foundation Tryb4uFly the event took passengers through the which is available from the BHTA website. airport experience with an in depth step As the momentum started to build Chris by step guide of how to try and make the Wood, who has two disabled children “Chris’s aim is to one journey as easy and seamless as possible and is passionate about travel, was with some pre-planning. day have the ability for introduced to Steve. Chris’s aim is to The event brought together airport staff, ground handling teams, airlines, specialist holiday companies, insurance providers, BHTA members involved at airports, charities, consumers and charities.

It was clear that all the partners were working with the same intention, to improve the travel experience for disabled travellers and their partners and family. With over 400,000 disabled children in the UK, Graham was one of the leading designers of the Travel Chair which offers a unique chair that’s fits into a

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one day have the ability for powered wheelchairs to drive onto an airplane and his children remain in their Powerchairs for the entire journey. Chris said: “If we can travel by train, bus and taxi why not an airplane”. It was clear that all the stakeholders in the process needed to be brought together to have a joined up approach to making the travel experience better.

powered wheelchairs to drive onto an airplane”

In September 2017 a symposium “Wheelchair in the Cabin”, was held at Virgin Airlines in Crawley to bring many partners

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together to discuss how we could forward the aims of all the groups involved in the travel process. A video from Penny Mordaunt MP opened proceedings followed by presentations

by Chris Wood, Whizz Kidz, CAA (Civil Aviation Authority), Graham Race and Michelle Erwin who is working with the group on the actions being taken in the USA. The event was a who’s who of the industry, but it illustrated the commitment by all parties to consider what changes can be made now and what the challenges would be going forward to meet the aim of travelling in a cabin.

BHTA members are already involved at various airports and it was clear the services are growing but in a very positive yet piece-meal way as many new programmes do. All members highlighted their involvement in the airline sector and it was clear there was a momentum that needed channelling to bring all the good work together.

“The event was a who’s

who of the industry, but it illustrated the commitment by all parties to consider what changes can be made”

BHTA subsequently held a meeting of the CAA at their Wellingborough office and it was clear that there were existing challenges for the ground handling teams loading, unloading and making safe for travel. The CAA have a different set of requirements and needs to make sure they load passengers and their equipment within a time frame for departures and accept that there are many challenges with the wide variety of mobility products to load into the variety of airplanes they handle.

The group’s work continues to grow with meetings with Baroness Sugg, the Aviation Minister, and with HAAG Heathrow Airport Action Group.

There was noticeable media coverage of the travel experience by Frank Gardner the BBC correspondent recently, which highlighted some of the issues we need to tackle but also that there is still much work to do if the UK is going to be a world leader in traveling with a disability.

More media announcements will be made but if you are actively involved in the aviation industry and want to share your experience and programmes that will help the passenger experience please get in touch with Steve Perry BHTA at steve.perry@bhta.com

Whilst the product information supplied by mobility manufacturers and importers is critical to assist the ground teams it was also clear that working closer with the industry could only help improve the process. Steve is now working with the CAA to put together some information guidance for passengers that will help the handling teams going forward. In the future we are looking to bring BHTA members and Ground Handling teams together to discuss the challenges each group have.

On March 14th BHTA held a meeting hosted by Sunrise Medical to bring members together in an inaugural meeting to discuss the programme being developed in the airline industry.

The meeting had attracted BBC Breakfast Television who interviewed Graham and Chris for the programme.

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membernews Repose to the DIY rescue The team at Repose Furniture has been involved in the recent filming of DIY SOS: The Big Build in the South West of England.

National Sales Manager Helena Elcocks was contacted by the production team as they were looking for a bespoke seating solution for the owner of the property which was being revamped.

“When I received the call and they explained what they were trying to achieve and what a difference one of our chairs would make to the owner of the home I knew we had to do all we could to help make his dream a reality” commented Helena.

Helena decided that the best solution would be a C-Air which features a dynamic frame and design that offers a solution to the ever-changing demands of individual care requirements, efficiency and infection control.

Helena attended the final day of the project with Managing Director Lisa Wardley and both were delighted to see their generous donation in the finished home and also hear from the family about what a difference the chair would make. “I would urge anyone who is contacted by DIY SOS to get involved. It was a hugely rewarding experience for everyone here at Repose and I am delighted that we were able to help DIY SOS complete their project” commented Lisa.

Repose can be contacted on 0844 7766001, or visit www. reposefurniture.co.uk

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The Duke of Kent opens new Fittleworth Head Office Fittleworth Medical Ltd was pleased to welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent to open their new head office in Littlehampton, West Sussex.

with us for decades. Our people are the key to the service we provide clients every day and this new facility will be the foundation for our success in the future.”

The dedicated facility was purpose built to house over 100 staff who provide care to thousands of people with stoma and urological needs across the United Kingdom.

Fittleworth started as a family business in 1986 and has grown to over 300 employees providing localised service from 38 locations.

“This opening signals the next step in the Fittleworth journey,” said Managing Director, Gary Bang. “We chose to build less than a mile from our previous location in order to ensure the retention of our staff, some of whom have been

“Our Clinical Respect programme launched in 2015 has put a name to what we do every day,” Marketing Director Jeremy Stokes added. “It’s an ethos that the entire company believes in and delivers”.

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UPDATE FROM ICB GROUP

Exciting new addition to exclusive insurance scheme for BHTA members

By David Widdick, Business Development Manager We are always looking to find ways to adapt the insurance scheme we run for members. Normally we are speaking to members to find out what risks are keeping them awake at night, then negotiating with insurers to build these into our existing offer.

its directors and officers. The personal liability of your organisation’s leaders can arise in several ways, including the following: •

We combine this with continually checking our prices against others in the insurance market to make sure we offer members something unbeatable in terms of both price and cover.

Wrongful trading — The directors kept trading despite knowing that the company was insolvent.

•

Fraudulent trading — The directors carried on business with an intent to defraud creditors.

•

Misfeasance — The directors wilfully took actions that injured another party.

•

Redundancy notifications — The directors failed to notify the government of the collective redundancies.

However, we have for some time looked for a solution for the smaller members who do not necessarily need the extensive covers offered under the main scheme and who pose a smaller risk to insurers. Our aim is to provide a policy that is simple to understand and to buy; to an industry that provides some complicated products and services.

As a result, we are launching BHTA Essentials. This provides cover for business property and liability from as little as £224, including tax, per annum. All we need is a simple onepage form to be completed and payment can be made by instalments.

We are finalising our documentation at the moment, but expect to see more information released very soon from both us and the BHTA. If your renewal is soon, you have less than 5 employees and turn over under £1 million a year please feel free to get in touch with either myself or my colleague Matthew O’Leary on 01784 608 100 or via email: david.widdick@icbgroupuk.com or matthew.oleary@icbgroupuk.com.

Carillion’s Demise—Could You Be Held Responsible For Insolvency?

Carillion, formerly the second-largest construction company in the United Kingdom, went into compulsory liquidation on 15 January. Unfortunately, this type of situation is not uncommon, as the number of companies that entered insolvency in 2017 rose by 4.2 per cent to 17,243, according to the Insolvency Service.

Regardless of the size of the organisation, insolvency has significant repercussions for everyone involved—especially

While hopefully it never happens, if your organisation should go bankrupt, your directors and officers need to know how to ensure that they are not held personally responsible. The most effective protection is with comprehensive directors’ and officers’ liability insurance.

Whilst directors’ and officers’ liability cover is useful after an event, being protected before the loss is invaluable to businesses and the most prudent way is to protect your business against a bad debt, even before the loss occurs.

Trade Credit Insurance protects your sales and profit with the comfort of having cover in place by mitigating potential losses and working as a sales enabler. Unfortunately the failure of Carillion and the effect it has had on the supply chain (subcontractors) has in some instances been a catastrophe, and at best a business interruption to the cash flow. Specialist Trade Credit insurers will be paying out claims in the region of £35M just for the losses associated to the demise of Carillion alone, putting insureds back into the position they were before the loss.

This class of insurance cover is available through ICB, who have a dedicated Credit Division and whilst there are always risks associated with trade, particularly in these volatile times, the experienced team at ICB can assist you by structuring a tailor made policy meeting your every business need.

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membernews Crowdfunding campaign raises over £1 million eFOLDi, a new mobility vehicle aiming to disrupt the current mobility scooter market, has ended its crowdfunding campaign, raising £1,146,200 from 773 investors, exceeding its original target by over 200%. The company is now looking for regional dealers to work with across the UK. Developed by BHTA member SunTech UK, the company turned to crowdfunding platform CrowdCube with the goal of raising £350,000 for 5% equity of the company, however, the opportunity quickly grabbed investors’ attention and reached its initial goal within a matter of days.

Managing Director Sumi Wang said: “I would definitely recommend other companies consider it as a viable option for raising investment. Crowdfunding is great, especially if you have a good product. It’s much better and start-up friendly compared to traditional fundraising.”

She added: “We will adjust our business plan according to the final investment received and we have already started recruiting key personnel and expanding the team. Importantly, we are looking to appoint regional distributors in the next few weeks.

Anyone interested can contact hello@ efoldi.com

Recare acquires Mi-Life in Kettering Oxfordshire-based retailer Recare aims for continued growth as it expands into neighbouring county Northamptonshire with the acquisition of the Mi-Life by Recare showroom in Kettering.

Alongside its current successful showroom in Long Hanborough, Oxfordshire, the new Mi-Life by Recare showroom in Kettering will enable the company to extend its service in both the basic and highly complex mobility needs.

Richard Holland-Oakes, Managing Director of Recare, commented: “You should always be looking for different avenues to develop and grow your business. With the introduction of Personal Wheelchair Budgets starting to take effect, alongside tighter NHS budgets for mobility needs, this is an ideal move for Recare.”

“Working closely alongside Millbrook Healthcare’s Northamptonshire Wheelchair Service, within the same facility, Mi-Life by Recare and Millbrook will be excellently placed to deliver an innovative model of care and mobility provision to Northamptonshire residents. This includes offering a full range of clinical and technical support while offering the widest possible choice to individuals.”

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Can’t Talk, Can’t Speak, Can’t Communicate?

The BHTA independent Living section has been busy working with our alternative, augmentative communications members (AAC), to help those in need of communications aids know how to access products and services.

The term AAC covers a wide range of techniques that support or replace spoken communication. Techniques include gestures, signing, symbols, communication boards and books, as well as powered and computerised devices such as voice output communications aids (VOCAs).

The BHTA has worked with Communication Matters, an organisation committed to supporting people of all ages who find communication difficult because they have little or no clear speech. The result of this work has been the development of a Get Wise leaflet which has been designed to answer any questions relating to accessing services, funding and suitable products and a poster will accompany this.

We also now have a Facebook page called ‘BHTA Communication Aids’ aimed at end users, carers and professionals and post a range of useful information and signpost. A Trustee at Communication Matters said: “The leaflet/article is a fairly clear and concise over-view of the current situation regarding funding and provision of AAC equipment and support across the UK, and the addition of some basic AAC ‘rules’ is a useful adjunct.”

Jiraffe to support Newlife Specialist equipment provider Jiraffe has made Newlife, the Charity for Disabled Children, its first ever Charity of the Year.

Sheffield-based Jiraffe is a family business that supplies innovative postural care products across the UK, including seating, standing, sleeping, therapy, mobility and bathroom equipment.

Newlife is the largest UK charity providing specialist equipment for disabled and terminally ill children, with many families relying on Newlife where equipment from statutory services is refused or there are delays in provision.

Aiming to raise £5,000 for Newlife, Jiraffe staff will take part in a programme of activities throughout 2018, including an in-house raffle, bake sale and innovative volunteering events where team members de-tag clothing from high street retailers.

Jiraffe team members will also take on the gruelling Yorkshire Warrior obstacle challenge at Ripley Castle, near Harrogate.

Chris Fielding, Deputy Community Fundraising Manager at Newlife with Holly Jenkins, Divisional Director at Jiraffe

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Communication really matters Can’t talk...

Can’t speak...

Can’t communicate...

BHTA GET

WISE

Can’t Can’t talk... Can’ t sp comm Augmen unica eak... tative help peop and te... le to com Alternative speech Commun mun is impaired .

To find out more information about what is available from your nearest specialist service contact 0113 343 1533.

www.communicationmatters.org.uk

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The get wise leaflet is available on www.bhta.com

020 7702 2141

www.bhta.com

New Section Structure for Independent Living The Independent Living section have recently been discussing how they can best cover the broad remit of the companies that are part of the section, and have found some clear focus moving forwards.

New facility for Cortech fuels expansion Cortech Healthcare, which designs, develops and manufactures a range of independent living products, is continuing its expansion programme since establishing an Isle of Man presence last year.

Following initial investment from the Isle of Man Government Enterprise Development Scheme (EDS) in August 2017, Cortech now has a new 2,500sq-foot facility in Ballasalla which was opened in March by Minister for the Department for Enterprise Hon Laurence Skelly MHK. As well as creating new jobs on-Island and recruiting local employees, the business is working to relocate employees with specialist skills from the UK to live on the Isle of Man and aims to have a team of 12 in place within the next two years.

Using a unique, patent-protected movement system, Cortech Healthcare is developing a range of independent living products and is in advanced discussions with several UK distributors for the first line of products in the range – electronic commodes and electronic commode shower chairs, which use an intelligent electronics system to encourage body movement in and out of the chair that re-engages the correct muscles for each action.

Cortech has plans for the further implementation of the movement system in other independent living products – all to be designed, developed and manufactured in the Isle of Man.

The section now has a chairman Matthew Spooner from NRS Healthcare, but has also appointed 3 vice chairs covering sub sections Retailers (Dale Spademan – KingKraft), Manufacturers/ Distributors (Chris Dawson – Drive Devilbiss) and Equipment Providers (James Parramore – Rosscare). The section want to reach out to members and ensure meetings are engaging and cover topics that are relevant to members businesses.

The sub sections will also occasionally meet or have conference calls separately and discuss items relevant to their areas of interest. Sally Edgington Research & Support Lead said: “This new approach to the section should ensure that members see more useful and relevant information and the hope is we see more members at future meetings.”

If you want to find out more about this new strategy or have any questions please contact: sally.edgington@bhta.com

40 year achievement for Chris Congratulations to Chris Cochlin, Director of Home Delivery Service for Respond Healthcare, who has recently celebrated a fantastic 40 year’s service within the stoma and continence industry, a tremendous achievement.

and Chris again became a key member of the senior management team and was pivotal to its successes, running teams within administration, HR, customer service and the warehouse.

Chris joined Simpla Plastics back in November 1977 and was with the company through the growth and successful sale of Simpla, holding several successful roles within Sales, Office Management and HR.

Today, Chris, in her position of Director of Home Delivery Services, runs Respond Healthcare, which has 8 DACs throughout the UK and is ever more ambitious not just for herself and her company but also for everyone that works for her and with her.

She was also a key member of the senior team in Pelican Healthcare.

In 2007, Pelican Healthcare was acquired by Eakin Healthcare Group

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Section Chairs 2018 The BHTA is the largest trade body in the healthcare field in Britain representing nearly 500 companies, small, medium and large, organised in one or more of 12 sections covering most sectors of the industry. This Chairman Alastair Maxwell unique sectional structure 07974 980201 provides a platform for all companies to have an effective voice within BHTA and, through the Association, to influence the development of healthcare policies in the UK. The sections and the Section Chairs are: Beds and Support Surfaces David Beavis Task Force Matters Tel: 07488 326179

Orthotics & Prosthetics Colin Hurley Colin Hurley Business Development Consultant Tel: 07921 917100

Childrens’ Equipment Jill Morony Safespaces (Cornholme) Ltd Tel: 01706 816274

Pressure Care, Seating and Positioning Debbie Williams Invacare Ltd Tel: 01656 776200

Dispensing Appliance Contractors Philip Salt Salts Healthcare Ltd Tel: 0121 333 2000 FAME Ben Ludzker Kays Medical 07780 952275 Independent Living and Hearing Care Matthew Spooner NRS Healthcare Tel: 01530 232390 Mobility Group Jeanette Warner Better Mobility Ltd Tel: 01442 768782

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who’swho Andrew Barker Interim Director General 07765 241841

Ray Hodgkinson MBE Director of Public Affairs

Sarah Lepak Director of Governance & Policy

Lord Rennard Director of Communications

Sally Edginton Research & Support Lead

Nadim Anwar Operations Manager

Nigel Woods Administration Officer

Kevin Hodges Section Support Lead

Susan Burberry Finance Officer

Karim Uddin Membership & Relations Manager

Donna Eade Shopmobility Co-ordinator

Philip Woodward Accreditation & Professional Development Manager

Steve Perry Marketing & Communications Manager

Jane Weller Research & Support Lead

Margaret Smith BHTA Scotland

Nigel Bliss Finance Manager

Charlie Lawrence Business Administration Apprentice

Calvin Barnett BHTA Engage, Managing Editor

Sarah Sarsby BHTA Engage

Gareth Liddiatt BHTA Engage

Stairlifts and Access Phil Rice Anglia Stairlifts Tel: 07753 441623 Stoma and Continence Products Philip Salt Salts Healthcare Ltd Tel: 0121 333 2000 Decontamination and Infection Haydn Pugh Apex Medical 07964 556057 BHTA Scotland Group Jonathan Scott Salts Healthcare Ltd Tel: 0121 333 2000

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New members A warm welcome to all these new member companies: 1. SEACROFT MOBILITY LTD Skegness, Lincolnshire e enquiries@seacroftmobility.om t 01754 8822327 w www.seacroftmobility.com

4. HARVEST HEALTHCARE LTD Rotherham, South Yorkshire e neil.davis@harvesthealthcare.co.uk t 01709 377172 w www.harvesthealthcare.co.uk

2. MOBIQUIP LIMITED Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire e sales@mobiquip.co.uk t 0800 118 2625 w www.mobiquip.co.uk

5. SEMPERIT INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS LTD Birmingham e stuart.baddeley@semperitgroup.com t 07720 410655 w www.sempermed.com

3. QUANTUM HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS Lichfield, Staffordshire e james@quantumhealthcareproducts.co.uk t 0121 288 5052 w www.quantumhealthcareproducts.co.uk

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