NAEP News Issue 2

News Autumn 2020

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YO UR IN SI DE

NA PU EP W LL E OU B W T P IN OS DO TE W R

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE FOR THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF EQUIPMENT PROVIDERS

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Autumn 2020

NAEP: Busy Times Jean Hutfield, Chair NAEP

elcome to the second edition of the NAEP News, I hope you enjoyed the new look NAEP News, the original Equipment Services Journal was launched at the 2004 Conference and we were hoping that the first edition of our new NAEP News would be launched at the 2020 NAEP Conference but as you all know circumstances thwarted us, normally this editorial would be the one that a comprehensive review and photographs of our 2020 Conference would have filled the pages, but I am sure you will agree with me we have managed to fill the second edition with informative information that you have been able to contribute.

I am pleased to say if all goes well we have been fortunate enough to have booked next year’s Conference at the Chesford Grange Hotel to be held on the 8 - 9 June 2021 and the really good news is our supplier/ manufacturer colleagues have chosen to support us by leaving their deposit with NAEP. The Conference Programme will stay the Conference same ‘Personalised Quality Services’ the Chair is Lord Christopher Rennard MBE, Professor Paul Burstow, PC FRACA, Lord Andrew Lansley – UK House of Lords, Roy Lilley – Health Policy analyst, writer, broadcaster and commentator on all aspects of our National Health Service and the Social issues that impact on every one of us, Alyson Scofield Chair of the TSA will update

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us on the Joint Standards and one other to be confirmed. The speakers will be complemented by highly informative Workshops. To support our supplier/ manufactures, mobility providers and members of NAEP with the help of our NAEP News Editor have produced an eBulletin, this went out on the 12 August 2020, I hope you received your copy, this will go out on a monthly basis and if you would like to contribute please let us know and Mark Freeman will be in touch. This will complement the NAEP News and does not replace it so please keep sending in what have been your challenges, innovations, best practice, news, changes to your services and your views.

Wendy Lambie, Services Development Officer, has been working with our new web provider to give you all a Website that is new and refreshing with information that is up to date, we have asked the members that produced the original guidelines to look at them and update if necessary, I know that many of you have been doing this, thank you.

Debra Attwood, our Membership Secretary/Secretary has had a challenging time updating the membership database, I am pleased to announce we have an increase in membership because of her tenacity.

Community Equipment Retail Accreditation (CERA) is now a sister company of NAEP and the activity will be reported by Susan Heap, unfortunately the Regional Meetings that were arranged had to be put on hold because of COVID-19 but these will take place as soon as the Government allows and hopefully bring us more members.

If you would like to discuss any articles or contributions you have for NAEP News email: mdsfreeman@hotmail.com or jean.hutfield@sky.com Thank you.

@jeanhutfield

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Stop Press WIN A £25 MARKS & SPENCERS VOUCHER NAEP News launches the new NAEP NEXUS initiative in this issue and one of its components is the pull-out WEB WINDOW POSTER (p8-9) for our members. Found in the middle of this issue its a quick easy reference guide to our industry partners websites.

We ask you to simply pull out once you have finished reading the issue and put up on your office or dept. noticeboard for you and your colleagues to refer to as and when you need to.

Send us a picture of you and or your team with the poster in view shot and the one deemed the best by our editor in chief will win a £25 M&S voucher and appear in the next issue of NAEP News.

Please send your entries to enquiries1 @naep.org.uk Good luck and we can’t wait to see those pics!

NAEP News Team

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NAEP Chair / Treasurer Jean Hutfield Vice Chair Wendy Lambie Membership Administrator / Secretary Debra Attwood Service Development Officer Wendy Lambie Social Care Representative Susan Heap Health Service Representative & Communications Officer Jean Hutfield Clinical Representative Frances Kent CERA Lead Susan Heap Legal Representative Anne Reed Associated Services Representative Lynda Miller Regional Coordinator & Scottish Chair Anne Findlay North East & Yorkshire Regional Group Chair Katie Cunningham Trent Regional Group Chair Sarah Docksey (nee Bailey) Eastern Regional Group Chair Bridget Gaynord London Regional Group Chair Glenn Bartlett South East Regional Group Chair Anita Rush South West Regional Group Lucie Eden Midlands Regional Group Chair Jack Nunn North West Regional Group Chair Aurndra Golden NAEP News Team Creative Director Matthew Inman Publisher Mark Freeman NAEP News is published on behalf of NAEP by the team at TFK. Opinions, comments and reviews included in the journal are not necessarily those of the NAEP or the publisher. Contributions are included at the discretion of the NAEP and by submitting them for use in the journal you agree to transfer copyright to the NAEP. We reserve the right to edit articles and proofs are not sent to contributors. TFK hold the right to refuse the use of the design and look of NAEP news by a third party without their express written permission given in advance.

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Autumn 2020

Roy’s Round-Up

Keep up-to-date with Roy's views and opinions at

@roylilley

A Personal Perspective

MicroCell Companion.

Ultra low profile alternating pressure surface.

Making Sense of Care

NAEP_News_Issue2_Roy_Lilley.indd 4

Covid-19

compassionate and enthusiastic people want to be. You are who you hang out with. Successful people want to hang out with successful people.

This is a success story Now is the time for leaders to remember, it’s their job to hire people better than them. Now is the time to look for talent and give it the opportunity it deserves.

Morecambe Bay Trust, despite all the other pressures have been busy recruiting... 85 new members of staff.

Difficult to do with all the social distancing and lockdown hurdles, but they did it. The NHS is a successful organisation. They’ve built on it.

Said; ‘come and be part of it’.

The NHS, so used to being on the back foot, it is important to use every opportunity to get onto the front foot.

True of corporations, the public sector, businesses, organisations departments and the office where you work.

Got a success? Shout about it, celebrate it and share it.

In the public sector you can’t send everyone home with a big-fat-cheque, to say thank you but there are lots of other ways.

If a department has a success, network it around the whole

organisation. Don’t wait for an ‘annual awards’ thing. If there’s a back that need patting... just go and do it.

Awards ceremonies remind people what they’ve done. Celebrating, now, captures the energy and enthusiasm to go and do it again.

If the group has hit its target or got the job done super-well-fast-andsmooth, stick a notice on the door... warn people they are entering a Success-Zone! Yes, it’s OK to boast.

Say well-done and thank you.

And, I mean... say it. Do not email it, don’t text it! If you can’t say it face-to-face, handwrite a note to say well done.

Saying thank-you is the most valuable thing you can do, costs nothing and is priceless.

Celebrating the smallest thing, like is was an Oscar, is because, for most of us, it’s the closest we’ll get to an Oscar.

Our people may not be stars on the screen but there is a galaxy of them with luminous skills, talent and commitment.

Reward it, every day.

If you go home, today, without saying to someone, ‘well done and thank you’, you’ve wasted a day and may I tell you... days are too precious to waste.

roy.lilley@nhsmanagers.net

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED AT NHSMANAGERS.NET KINDLY REPRODUCED. PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF GEORGE LEWIS ROMAIN

Did you see it? The WWll Spitfire was busy over the weekend, doing flypasts, celebrating the success of the NHS. ‘Thank U NHS’ is spelled out, under the wings. It’s been over Eastbourne, Southampton, Hereford and a star appearance at the British Grand Prix, at Silverstone.

The blue Spitfire PL983 ‘L’, flew over hospitals every Thursday, during lockdown and will continue its flypasts until September 20th.

They are writing the names of 80,000, ‘NHS heroes’ on the plane. You can nominate a person, to have their name included, on their Just Giving page.

At a time when the NHS has been beset with problems and there are issues piling up, celebrating success comes like a breath of fresh-air.

It is important we don’t lose sight of our successes. The biggest; the NHS wasn’t overwhelmed, the smallest... ... the pages of the Academy of Fabulous Stuff are full of Covid-19 ideas, innovations and success but I am sure it’s only the tip of the iceberg.

Where you work, I know there’ll be successes that will never see the light of day. They don’t have to be public but they do have to be celebrated.

However small, however local, they should be celebrated.

It’s not just CV-19, success is infectious and spreads like wild fire.

Success is a key, it opens the door for the next accomplishment and that opens the gates to the next result.

Success leads to success and that is where successful people want to work. The success of the NHS, in handling the Covid2020 crisis, has brought an unforeseen success.

Numbers looking for a career in nursing have shot up by 138%.

People looking at a career as a paramedic, up by 103%.

The NHS is the place bright,

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03/09/2020 14:18

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Autumn 2020

NAEP Insights Comments, Articles & Updates Lynda Miller, Associated Services Representative on the Council, former employee of The Red Cross (she has retired but is still involved), and regular attendee at The South Eastern Region meetings shares a message from The Red Cross with NAEP News. ealthcare workers and emergency responders need to know they can access short-term mobility aids loans for hospital patients and vulnerable people in the community throughout the coronavirus crisis. That’s the message from the British Red Cross which provides short-term loans of wheelchairs and other mobility aids in 70 hospitals across the UK. In recent weeks, the Red Cross has been scaling up its mobility aids service, providing support to additional healthcare sites, including the new Nightingale Hospital in Birmingham and Covid-19 rehabilitation units in parts of northern England such as Knowsley and Cleveland. It has also teamed up with Big Yellow Group, which has provided 27 storage locations free of charge, so that the Red Cross can store mobility aids and distribute them to hospitals, local resilience forums and even homes.

This has all been achieved despite significant staff and volunteer shortages, while the British Red Cross has also kept many of its communitybased mobility aids centres open so that people who need items like wheelchairs can still order and collect them. British Red Cross operations manager for mobility aids Geoff Cheshire said: “No one should have to stay in hospital for lack of a wheelchair or other mobility aid, and vulnerable people with mobility challenges shouldn’t feel trapped in their own homes, especially at a time when we are already self-isolating. “The lack of a mobility aid can prevent someone from doing even simple tasks around

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the house, let alone enjoying some meaningful exercise, indoors or out.

“Those concerns can be the difference between someone having to stay in hospital or being able to return home, and we want clinicians and emergency responders embedded in communities to know we are here to support them.”

Big Yellow Group chief executive Jim Gibson said: “As part of our commitment to local communities, we support charities up and down the country. “Now more so than ever, it is important for us to work together to help in any way we can.

“By donating space across the UK to the British Red Cross, we’re able to provide secure, accessible and clean facilities for the organisation to store its mobility aids while enabling its wonderful volunteers to continue with their invaluable work at this time.”

Mobility aids support people to recover from illness and injury, improving choice, independence and wellbeing, and that helps take the strain off NHS professionals.

Benefits can include reducing pressure on services, speeding up recovery time and enabling people to return home sooner. For the person using the mobility aid, Red Cross research shows wheelchairs can help people manage day-to-day life better and aid rehabilitation inside and outside the home. This support gives them a better chance of returning to good health, an independent life and a fulfilling day-to-day routine.

The British Red Cross backs the We are Undefeatable campaign that encourages people with long-term health conditions to remain active, even in the face of restrictions on

movement and social contact, and believes that it is crucial people are able to make the most of their daily period of exercise even if they have mobility issues. British Red Cross mobility aids are also available in the community and people can still order and collect them from many sites across the UK. Wheelchairs are generally available to hire for £15 per week for up to 20 weeks and are free to borrow for people who genuinely cannot afford to pay. However in the current crisis, and when the organisation is working in support of the NHS, the service is free at point of contact to those who need it.

Steve Davidson, 60, of Oxfordshire, has redeployed from the British Red Cross’s first aid training team to the mobility aids service and is now helping people who collect items from its Abingdon centre. He said: “We want people to know we’re open for business and able to help those who need a mobility aid during this crisis.

“I’ve been a Red Cross first aid trainer for two years and I was a driver before that so, when the opportunity to redeploy came up, I just wanted to help. “I’ve already had a few people in to collect wheelchairs and we’ve even had people who needed different types of help and, because we’re the Red Cross, we’ve been able to do that.

“It’s great to have that background and be able to talk to people calmly, especially if they’re worried or distressed. “It’s nice to be able to do something and what could be better than helping someone who is having difficulties in an already stressful situation? That’s what the Red Cross is all about.” British Red Cross wheelchairs are cleaned and disinfected, and all Red Cross centres comply with social distancing and hygiene requirements.

To find out more about our mobility aids service for clinicians, local authorities and emergency responders 0300 456 1914 mobilityaids@redcross.org.uk

03/09/2020 14:22

naeporganisers

Autumn 2020

Regional Matters Your Stories

9

North West Region

“During the Covid crisis, it has prevented us from entering people’s homes and here is one example of how not being able to see things for ourselves can impact on our outcomes… A gent on my caseload contacted me to say that his standing hoist was beeping intermittently and keeping him awake. I ran through the usual drill by reading the manual and liaising with the care agency to ensure that the hoist was being charged when not in use, what colour light should be showing and that the emergency button was not activated.

My gent agreed to bide his time and give chance for the battery to charge up. After some time he came back to report to me that the hoist was still beeping.

I contacted Ross care and proceeded to arrange a repair.

The repair visit was carried out and the battery was replaced. I thought at that point we had cracked it.

Some days after the gent rang me again to say that the hoist was still beeping. Although he is patient, I could tell that he was coming to the end of his tether. I rang the care agency again and asked them to check that the plug socket was working and even switched on!

I was baffled. Sometime soon after the gent rang me saying that none of the actions of carers had stopped the beeping. In the end I decided that there was nothing more I could do but to get Ross care to replace the

whole hoist.

I got the usual email from Ross care stating that the repair had been completed and discovered a phone message from the gent. When I heard his voice my heart sank and I thought he was going to tell me that the problems had persisted. Instead he was apologising profusely, saying that ross care had been out and the beeping sound had gone off when they were present, only to find that the sound was coming from an alarm clock !”

LAURA CHOUETTE & JAN KAHANEK UNSPLASH.COM

In the dark and difficult days we have all have found ourselves operating in over the past several months, Aurndra Golden chair of the North West Region received this light hearted tale from Vicky Black one of her members of staff.

Thanks for sharing it with us and your colleagues Aurndra, it certainly raised a smile in the NAEP News office when we read it!

Comprehensive posture management designed for high need users Contact us for a joint visit

T: +44 (0)1223 206 100 E: info@accora.care W: www.accora.care

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4

Eastern Region

NAEP News asked Bridget Gaynord chair of the Eastern Region to keep a diary during Covid Lock down Here are the first of two articles that follow Bridget’s experiences and thoughts during the difficult lock down period We think it’s a fascinating insight into carrying out an Equipment Review Group and introducing a new product in a time of redeployment and social distancing.

February 2020 Commissioning permission sought to change mobile hoist as replacement actuators were now more expensive than a new product. We were also having great challenges in arranging supplier support for prescriber workshops on the hoist. The ICES commissioners granted permission for a change of product. The plan was to arrange an ERG during spring 2020 Spring involving our contract provider and our prescribers.

March 2020 Covid-19 and lockdown started. Our ERG plans were postponed until ‘post Covid’. Little did we realise at this point that this would not be a 6 or 8 week hiatus and that we would not be returning to ‘normal’.

Autumn 2020 consulted and involved in the process.

However, we faced a number of challenges including • Nearly all community staff were redeployed to the newly set up Covid teams and were unlikely to be released for a physical ERG day.

• Some key staff were shielding at home.

• Gatherings of more than two or three people were being strongly discouraged by most health trusts and Local authorities in this area unless ‘essential’. I couldn’t argue that it was essential we met together for this and I didn’t wish to place my colleagues at any type of risk • The meeting room and training room at the provider dept we use for ERG had been converted into a work area for staff to help maintain 2m separation in the office and overflow storage for the additional stock we had purchased. We had no space in which to carry this out.

The first part of our ERGs is to create a commissioning ‘essential features’ list. In the case of a mobile hoist this includes factors such as a safety fatures 9emergency stop button, manual lowering etc) as well minimum SWL, actuator counter. It also included supplier sevice features such as on line resources to support prescribers, regular workshops for prescribers and training for depot staff.

Identify a ‘long list’ of suitable products

drawn for a number of sources including items use don other contracts in our region. NAEP is a great resource for asking for not just what is used, but how it works for other contacts.

27 April – 1 May 2020 Work on the ERG has begun in earnest.

Fortunately, in Cambridgeshire, the Covid peak demand appears to have passed. The reconfigured service ICES service is meeting prescribers needs and the depot is coping very well with the changes. The first part of our ERGs is to create a commissioning ‘essential features’ list. This is a piece of work I normally do with input from the lead commissioner and the provider.

In the case of a mobile hoist this includes factors such as a safety features 9emergency stop button, manual lowering etc) as well minimum SWL, actuator counter. It also included supplier service features such as on line resources to support prescribers, regular workshops for prescribers and training for depot staff.

Covid didn’t affect this element of the process, although may suppliers would d have normally taken the opportunity to offer to show me their products face to face at this stage.

To compensate I used supplier resources on the web sites and had length telephone conversations with some. I also started to create the group membership for this ERG. Normally membership is drawn

April 2020 Annual prices increases on contract items published. The price increase on the mobile hoist was unacceptably high and so the commissioners decided not to purchase any further stock and that selection of a new mobile hoist needed to be arranged despite Covid restrictions. I wanted to make sure that prescribers were

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03/09/2020 14:38

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03/09/2020 14:45

naeporganisers for our Prescribers Equipment Group who meet quarterly, our contract provider and any other key clinicians.

However, due to both the shorter timescale and the redeployment of many of the PEG members we had to be a little more pragmatic and proactive. I raised the issue at the virtual community OT Leads meeting and asked for volunteers. a number of Team leads volunteered, or In time honoured fashion, volunteered one of their team members. I also invited the M&H lead for the community trust as well as representatives form our provider. We had a team of 13, about half the normal size. The next step is to create a ‘long list’ of potential hoists. NAEP is invaluable in asking for this type of feedback, and an e-mail to the Eastern region members provided me with the mobile hoists used in other contracts and how the services fund them. The OT who works for our provider was able to provide the hoists used on their other contracts.

I asked community OTs via their monthly meeting for suggestions and recommendations, as well as the community Trust M&H team for input.

30 April 2020 I compared all the proposed items against the commissioning essential features and reduced the working list of around 15 hoists to 9. There was one clear front runner at this point, one hoist which met all our essential commissioning features and was in the right price bracket. This was going to be straight forward.

1 May 2020 I sent a spreadsheet for the ERG members with the essential criteria on one page and asked them to add in any other clinical features they felt were essential or desirable. The second sheet contained the supplier and model of the 9 hoists already identified and asked them to suggest any other we should be considering.

NAEP_News_Issue2_Regional_v4.indd 10

Autumn 2020

10-14 May 2020 Replies received from all group members. A number of features were added to the essential list.

No additional hoists were proposed for consideration. I reviewed the 9 hoists against the updated criteria and shortened the list to 7 hoists. The ERG members were sent a second spreadsheet with each hoist and a web link to the suppliers web site along with each hoist performance against 7 key features. The ERG members were asked to look at the web sites and the comparison and identify a first and second choice. I had wanted to provide video links to a demonstration of each hoist done by the suppliers for us. Unfortunately, unless these were already available it wasn’t possible as most suppliers had furloughed many of their staff and closed the head offices. The staff who were at work, were working from home with no access to video equipment or technical support to produce this type of resource. This was quite a blow considering we couldn’t see or use the hoists as we would do normally for an ERG. Nothing beats actually using the equipment you are reviewing.

14 May 2020 There was a major frustration today.

I received a phone call from one supplier. They had provided an incorrect price for the hoist that was the clear front runner. It was going to be 3 times the price I was originally given and out of our price bracket. I had to remove this hoist from the short list and resend the information to the group members.

This was not going to be so straightforward after all.  bridget.gaynord@nhs.net I hope you enjoyed reading and look out for the follow up article in the Winter issue of NAEP News.

NAEP Regional Chair Contacts

1

Scotland Chair Anne Findlay Scottish Regional Group Chair and Regional Coordinator Scotland anne.findlay@glasgow.gov.uk E

2

North East & Yorkshire Chair Katie Cunningham North East and Yorkshire Regional Group Chair katie.cunningham@leeds.gov.uk E

3 Trent Chair Sarah Docksey (nee Bailey) Trent Regional Group Chair sarah.docksey@nottscc.gov.uk E

4 Eastern Chair Bridget Gaynord Eastern Regional Group Chair bridget.gaynord@nhs.net E

5 London Chair Glenn Bartlett London Regional Group Chair glenn.bartlett@croydon.gov.uk E

East 6 South Chair Anita Rush South East Regional Group Chair anita.rush@nhs.net E

7

South West Chair Lucie Eden South West Regional Group lucie.eden@nhs.net E

8 Midlands Chair Jack Nunn Midlands Regional Group Chair jack.nunn@mpft.nhs.uk E

West 9 North Chair Aurndra Golden North West Regional Group Chair aurndra.golden@stockport.gov.uk E

03/09/2020 14:38

naep.org.uk

The Industry

Autumn 2020

Products, News & Views

Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers and distributors of community medical products and services. We are proud of our strong commitment to UK manufacturing. Our wellrespected range of acute and community beds are manufactured in Halifax and our range of community aids for daily living are manufactured at our Leicestershire site. Both production facilities have remained fully operational during the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting the NHS and Local Authorities throughout the UK. From hospital to home, we continuously invest in innovative product ranges. Our mission is to be the preferred One Stop Shop, offering an extensive range of independent living products to assist users throughout their own homes and in community settings.

• Bedroom High quality community beds with a choice of foam, hybrid or dynamic mattresses.

Complimentary products such as hoists, overbed The Industry

Ethitec “Ethitec are excited to report more success, with the news that Wigan Council have just gone live with their ELMS2 system. The Council recently The Industry

NAEP_News_Issue2_Industry_v4.indd 11

tables and cabinets.

• Bathroom Safety A huge range of toileting, bathing, showering equipment helping to prevent falls.

• Living Room From riser recliners to handy grabbers, we have a range of daily living aids to help users around the home.

• Kitchen A range of kitchen aids to make cooking and eating easier.

Our trolleys help with carrying items.

• Outside A large range of wheeled walking aids, wheelchairs

awarded Ethitec a multi-year contract to implement their ELMS2 software solution to help manage the operations of their Community Equipment Service. The CES provides an important facility to the people of Wigan, supporting people through the issue of daily living equipment and medical aids.

ELMS2 is now assisting the CES by offering a proven IT toolset to support the management of their procurement, delivery, collection, decontamination, maintenance, repair and storage related activities.

As well as installing ELMS2 on Council managed servers, Ethitec provided a range of professional services including data migration, training, consultancy, and handholding. The ongoing pandemic meant that some of the services were delivered

and powered mobility products designed to promote independence.

• Personal Care Our dressing and home health ranges aims to make life a little easier. drivedevilbiss.co.uk salesorders @drivedevilbiss.co.uk 0845 0600 333

remotely, without disruption to the agreed project plan.

Mike Weatherall, Ethitec’s Operations Manager, paid tribute to the Council team – “We’ve all been really impressed by the team in Wigan.

Considering that they have been under some significant pressures recently that have stretched their resources even more than normal, everyone that we have dealt with have been remarkably pragmatic, professional, and upbeat. It’s been a challenge for both parties, particularly as Ethitec haven’t been able to get on site as much as normal, but the commitment from all involved led to a particularly smooth go-live process.” ethitec.com/elms2 sales@ethitec.com 0116 2470806

03/09/2020 14:30

naeporganisers

Autumn 2020

BES Healthcare The Hygienio disinfection system, brought to the UK by BES Healthcare, has shown to be effective against Coronavirus. In Italy, this system has recently been utilised at an airport in Pratica di Mare to disinfect travellers’ items after their return from China. It is also being successfully used in community equipment stores across the UK. How does the Hygienio work? The patented technology allows a uniform mixing of disinfectant and pressurised steam. The mixture is sprayed as a light mist through the diffuser nozzle, and applied to equipment or areas that need disinfection.

Where can it be used? The mist ensures that the disinfectant reaches hard to reach areas and intricate surfaces. It can be used in rooms, vans, on fabric, furniture, and any other equipment such as wheelchairs, etc.

Benefits of Hygienio • Eliminates transfer of microbes associated with wiping down equipment by hand • Effective against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including bacteria, virus (Coronavirus), yeast, fungi and spores • Chemistry does not cause bleaching • Microbicidal agent provides bacteriostatic effect and does not need to be wiped dry • Cost effective, as it streamlines operational activities and associated costs • Disinfects any surface Depending on the environment and the area being disinfected, Hygienio comes in two models to cater to these needs.

The Industry

beshealthcare.net info@beshealthcare.net 01179666761

FormAlign The replacement FormAlign® F4 seat cushion offers high level pressure care for wheelchair and static day care seating options. With the clever integral shear-reducing design, the F4 is a “go-to” product when it comes to simply maintaining a good posture whilst ensuring good quality pressure relief. The innovative gel and gel/foam layers effectively manages pressure with enhanced immersion qualities. Blood flow is increased, and peak pressure points are minimized because the gel columns share the pressure load from bony prominences, which increases the “footprint” and in turn decreases pressure. This stimulates wound healing and reduces the risk of pain-related problems and skin breakdown. The solution offering users the ability to sit longer without discomfort. Selecting the correct cushion requires consideration of mobility, postural stability and the need to prevent or treat pressure ulcers.

The Industry

Features and Benefits: • Gel layers and covers that can easily be disinfected and even machine-washed • Proven pressure redistribution to prevent skin breakdown and heal existing pressure ulcers • Worry-free comfort-no risk of punctures, flattening, failing or inflation issues • Effective temperature control design • No risk of the migration, leaking or oozing hazards posed by air- or fluid-filled products • Gel’s vibration dampening qualities absorb vibration, reducing associated fatigue.

• Wipeable cover for infection control • Various size options available • Next Day Delivery Available formalign.co.uk sales@formalgroup. co.uk 01473 467777

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naep.org.uk

Autumn 2020

Enable Access Enable Access is the UK manufacturer of the RampCentre and Aerolight mobility access ramps and the Welcome Giant Modular Half Steps. Enable Access specialises in supporting local authority community loan equipment store teams with ramping and access solutions. Commissioners, clinical leads and loan equipment store managers have a challenging balance to achieve. They need to provide a standard core contract/catalogue stock range that is as versatile as possible, easy-to-specify, easy and safe to use, minimises risk for prescribers and users, all whilst offering long-term value in a loan equipment store recycling environment. The Enable Access team uses its years of experience to support local authority loan equipment teams to optimise their core list of portable ramps and steps to a rationalised range of highly versatile ramping and access solutions that are easy-to-specify, easy-to-use, and achieve long-term cost savings through increased recycling and fewer time-consuming and costly specials. One key product example is the Doorline-Multi lightweight portable threshold ramp which solves awkward, fragile uPVC thresholds, often eliminating the expense of having to fit replacement level access doors.

Another example is the newly upgraded modular Welcome Giant Half-Step, which is designed to safely accommodate walking-frame/rollator users; multiple steps can now be joined for use with steps up to 30cm (12ins) high, creating a highly innovative recyclable alternative to a concrete/wooden step adaptation. Enable Access fully supports contract stock provision with comprehensive virtual and face-to-face training sessions and ongoing technical support for both the prescribers and equipment technicians.

The Industry

www.enable-access.com sales@enable-access.com 020 8275 0375

Joerns Healthcare Joerns Healthcare, the home of Oxford Hoist, is committed to improving patient and care-giver experiences, placing the safety and well-being of others at the centre of everything we do. Our products are designed to meet and exceed the needs of today’s demanding care environment.The Oxford Up, is a manual stand-aid and seated transfer device, designed to support easy, safe and efficient patient transfers. Suitable for clients who require some assistance when standing but are able to participate in the process, the Up can play a key role in patient rehabilitation and promoting on-going independence. Manufactured from aluminium and weighing just 22.5kg, the Up is among the lightest and most nimble in its category; but don’t be fooled, a maximum safe working load of 200kg (31st) also places it among the elite. High-grade castors offer outstanding manoeuvrability across a range of floor surfaces and ensures minimal exertion on the part of the caregiver. As with all Oxford products, injury reduction, fall prevention and ergonomic principles were fundamental considerations during the Up’s development phase. Perfect positioning of both the swing-away seat pads and knee support help ensure optimum patient positioning. Adjustable leg positioning and a contoured base allow excellent access for the patient and promotes better posture and ease of use.

The Industry

joerns.co.uk info@joerns.co.uk 0844 811 1156

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03/09/2020 14:31

naeporganisers

Autumn 2020

NAEP News Meets Debra Attwood, NAEP Administrator & Membership Secretary

NN: When did you first join NAEP? DA: I was first appointed as joint Health & Social Care Commissioning Manager with responsibility for a new Community Equipment Service back in March 2002.

I had to learn very fast as this area of work was new to me, my previous role was Business Manager for an integrated Adult Learning Disability Service, helping to move clients from long stay hospitals into local community settings.

After a bit of research I found that there was a national organisation for equipment who just happened to hold an annual conference so I booked my place and that was it!

NN: What did you want to be when you were growing up?

DA: I used to go horse riding every week and when I was about 10 my friend Kathryn and I decided that we would become the first girls to join the mounted police service NN: What’s the scariest thing you have ever done!

DA: Two things come to mind, Bungy Jumping in New Zealand off the historic Kawarau canyon bridge, headfirst into the river below and riding at ridiculous speeds around the Nürburgring racetrack on my BMW R1100R motorbike, frightening but exhilarating!

NN: Tell us something that most people will not know about you?

DA: I’ve given it away with the answer above! I have ridden motorcycles for years, starting when I was 18 with a 125cc Honda, have been a member of a few motorcycle clubs, marshalling at many race meetings including the British GP and enjoying lots of long distance travel. Steve (my husband) and I even had our honeymoon at the Isle of Man TT Race week NN: What is your favourite country you’ve visited?

DA: Definitely Chile – it has everything – Atacama Desert, Andes Mountains, volcanoes, lakes, dramatic ocean, wildlife, national parks, excellent vineyards and great people.

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“ I always look forward to the meetings especially the networking sessions, sharing of ideas and experience. ” NN: What’s the best thing that ever happened to you?

DA: Meeting my husband when I was only 16, then growing up and experiencing life together.

NN: Favourite food memory?

DA: My Mum’s sunday roast – especially her roast pork & crackling, roast potatoes, apple sauce and lots of veg!

NN: Tell us about your favourite book, film & music/composer?

DA: Book – that’s a difficult one because I belong to a book club and we read a wide selection, some good some bad, but always ones that generate a lot of debate (over several glasses of wine)!

One of my most recent favourites was ‘Once Upon a River’ by Diane Setterfield.

It was one of those rare times that we all loved it and it is definitely in my top 10.

Film – I love all sorts of films but have a real soft spot for Westerns (who knew)!

The best by far is The Big Country with Gregory Peck, Jean Simmons, Charlton Heston and Burl Ives.

Music/Composer – it has to be Ennio Morricone, an Italian Composer, Conductor and trumpet player.

Still touring at 91 years old

NN: How do you like to unwind and relax?

DA: I go line dancing twice a week, but to relax it has to be with a gin and tonic… Cheers!

NN: To finish with, what is your proudest moment working with NAEP? DA: When I was appointed as Chair of the Eastern Regional Group. They are a great bunch of people, so pro-active, supportive and knowledgeable. Over the years we have produced several guidance documents that I know other regions find of great help. I always look forward to the meetings especially the networking sessions, sharing of ideas and experience.

 debra.attwood@naep.org.uk

03/09/2020 14:27

naep.org.uk

Autumn 2020

The CERA Column

Supporting Retailers Nationally In the first of a new regular article in NAEP News, The CERA Column, Susan Heap explains the background behind the organisation and its aims and goals. he high street retailer of equipment for people with disabilities and mobility issues has come a long way! The retailer has become an integral part of equipment provision across the country and supports statutory organisations in their prevention, safety and promotion of independence strategies, and also supports carers in their continuing role.

Retailers complete the jigsaw of provision which helps people to stay in their own homes, avoid hospital and long term care admission and avoid carer breakdown. They can also help with facilitating discharge and self- help, particularly for people with long term conditions which they are able to manage themselves. Retailers can be a great support to a stretched primary care as many have demonstrated in this current COVID-19 crisis.

CERA (Community Equipment Retailer Accreditation) has moved from being a sister organisation of NAEP to being part of that organisation. NAEP has supported equipment providers over many years and hosts the famous annual NAEP conference!

CERA’s goals are to spread awareness of retailer equipment providers throughout local communities and national organisations. CERA invites all retailers to get involved in the organisation. They are asked to tell CERA what support they need and any

additional benefits they think they will help their businesses moving forward.

CERA has processed several arbitration requests (one of the many benefits of membership), with successful outcomes. In addition, each shop will receive the NAEP News, the E-Newsletter and be able to take advantage of a new advertising package.

The decision to integrate CERA membership with NAEP means that each of the shops will still be members of CERA. This will be linked to NAEP but allows each of the Retailers to retain the special CERA benefits.

The annual fee is at a total cost of £116.30 + VAT per shop and covers the £70 CERA membership per shop and one NAEP individual 3b named member at £46.30. We have also included the NAEP benefit for these 3b members, which is to have access to the Regional Group Meetings and the Annual Conference. Membership runs annually from 1 January to 31 December.

We will also be inviting any additional people in each of the shops to become individual named members of NAEP at £46.30 + VAT per annum, so that they can enjoy the benefits of being a NAEP member, which again will include access to regional group meetings and

the annual conference which is being held in June 2020 (please visit naep.org for further details).

Finally, we have plans to promote CERA membership, and the retailer contribution to people’s wellbeing across the country. There were plans to have an event, initially in Tameside, Greater Manchester.

The Together Centre in Dukinfield have been offering drop ins to members (and visitors) to help them with advice and sourcing equipment. The plan is to hold an event at the Centre to encourage the public, retailers, health care professionals, designers of services and managers of frontline services to have conversations about how to work together to make the right equipment at the right time easily available to people who need it. This is supported by Ross Care and Ableworld.

Unfortunately, the event has had to be put on hold for obvious reasons.

We hope to arrange it for the Autumn, but it may have to be early next year.

However, if this is successful, we will arrange other events across the country. This is an exciting time for both NAEP and CERA and, despite these difficult times, we will continue to work hard to make the organisation even more successful.

Please refer to the CERA website for full details and contact info ceracommunityequipment.org info@ceracommunity equipment.org

Everything for Independent Living Supporting choice on self funded equipment...

• Community Equipment Loan Services • Prescription Wheelchairs & NHS Approved Repairer • Mobility Sales, Service & Repair

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Try Before You Buy • Compare Items in Store Free OT Advice • Local Setup, Service & Repair Find out more at www.rosscare.co.uk

03/09/2020 14:25

Head oďŹƒce and enquiries

020 8750 1560 Medequip provide assistive living equipment as part of the community equipment loan service, working in partnership with the NHS and local authorities across the UK.

If you want to purchase independent living aids, why not visit our online store where you can choose from our extensive range of products.

www.manageathome.co.uk

0800 910 1313

Technology Enabled Care Service

We provide a response and support service which assists people to live independently with dignity, safety and reassurance using appropriate technology.

www.medequip-connect.com

01706 572 460 www.medequip-uk.com