Healthcare Matters Issue 833

www.healthcarematters.uk

ISSUE 833 – APRIL 2025

TEL 0121 824 7700

Adaptive and

Versatile Electric

Utility Vehicles

100% Electric, Zero Emissions

Page 32

eFOLDi/Moving the world

differently

4 6

25

Dals/Innovating language services

to meet the UK’s growing demand

Design Prosthetics/Love your new

prosthesis or your money back

CONTENTS 833

EDITOR’S NOTES

Welcome to our April edition. Explore our hand-picked features

on innovative companies across the healthcare industry.

Highlighted on pages 4-5, eFOLDI has been named as our

Portable Mobility Solutions Company of the Year. Thanks to

the pioneering, innovative designs of eFOLDi, many disabled

people and those with mobility impairments now enjoy greater

levels of freedom and independence. In this feature we talk

with Mark Hays, Financial Director of eFOLDi, about how the

last 12 months has been for the company.

Dals is a leading supplier of interpretation and translation services across the UK, and

has been chosen as our Interpreting & Translation Services Company of the Month. In

this feature we talk to Matt Taylor, CEO, Dals all about the company’s recent innovation

in video on-demand that comes completely unrivalled in the current industry. Pages 6-7.

This month’s issue is sponsored by Spark Care – your trusted care technology partner.

Check out its innovative product, Silver Shield: a discreet, intelligent, and proactive

technology that doesn’t just detect falls – it prevents them. See page 26.

Show preview included: Design in Mental Health 2025.

Gina Burton

Editor

Other topics covered: Pharmaceuticals, Nursing & Care, Disability & Mobility, Software

& Technology, Healthcare Estates, Training & Development, Medical Emergency

Equipment, Cleaning, Hygiene & Laundry.

HEALTHCARE MATTERS

DALS

INTERPRET/TRANSLATE

COMPANY OF

6

THE MONTH

MEDPAC

EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT

COMPANY OF

11 THE MONTH

eFOLDi

PORTABLE MOBILITY

COMPANY

OF THE YEAR

4

MEDSTROM

CLEANING, HYGIENE &

LAUNDRY

MATTERS 9

COVER STORY

INTASTOP

HEALTHCARE

ESTATES

MATTERS

14

19

REDRO

SOFTWARE &

TECHNOLOGY

MATTERS

BALCO GLOBAL

DESIGN IN MENTAL

HEALTH

PREVIEW

20

See page 32

23

AAT

DISABILITY &

MOBILITY

MATTERS

CONTACTS

PUBLICATION MANAGEMENT

Kimberley Best Publication Manager

0121 824 7700

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EDITORIAL

Gina Burton Editor

07483 931474

gina@productsandservicesreview.co.uk

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Robert Sharp Production Manager

production@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk

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and

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Unless stated as news, the entire content

of this publication is advertorial based.

To place an advertorial or an advert,

please call 0121 824 7700.

26

THORPE MILL

DISABILITY &

MOBILITY

MATTERS

SPARK CARE

NURSING

& CARE

MATTERS

ALPHA LABS

PHARMACEUTICALS

MATTERS

SPONSORED BY

24

28

PORTABLE MOBILITY SOLUTIONS Company of the Year

Moving the world differently:

eFOLDi’s legacy of independence

In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are

pleased to feature eFOLDi as our Portable

Mobility Solutions Company of the Year

“T

his award is a testament to the hard

work, creativity, and care our entire

team puts into making mobility

solutions that go beyond expectation.

“To be recognised by such a trusted name in

the healthcare industry means a great deal

and reinforces our belief that the right mobility

solution can transform lives, and we’re proud

to be play a role in that transformation,” said

Mark Hays, Financial Director of eFOLDi.

Technology has played a pivotal role in

offering robust, cutting-edge mobility solutions

for the modern era, transforming countless

lives in the process. Thanks to the pioneering,

innovative designs of eFOLDi, many disabled

people and those with mobility impairments

now enjoy greater levels of freedom and

independence.

eFOLDi was founded in 2016, and quickly

gained industry attention, winning the British

Invention of the Year Award the same year. Sir

Richard Branson, impressed by the ‘folding

magic’ of the eFOLDi designs then provided

seed funding which welcomed the first MK1.0

model that was launched in 2017, followed by

a significant design improvement and upgrade

to MK1.5 in 2018, the superlight Power Chair

and the innovative eFOLDi Lite in 2020.

Renowned as industry-leading experts in

the design of award-winning lightweight,

compact, portable mobility solutions, this

pioneering family-run business has continued

to excel in the industry since its inception,

offering customers a choice of three popular

and award-winning models: the Explorer, the

Lite and the Power Chair.

We caught up with Mark to discuss how the

last 12 months have been for the company,

“The last 12 months have been a strategically

pivotal period for us. We have heavily

focussed on R&D, which has really laid the

groundwork for our next phase of growth.

We’ve made significant investments, not

just in terms of the volume of new products

entering the development pipeline, but also in

the quality of those offerings.

“Additionally, we have expanded our product

marketing and supply chain capabilities to

ensure that when those products are ready

to launch, we’re fully equipped to take them

to market effectively and efficiently. We’ve

recruited key talent in these areas and

realigned operations to be more agile and

responsive to the market.

“Overall, we’d describe the year as one of

‘smart positioning’. We’ve been proactively

laying the foundations for long-term success,

strengthening our partnerships, evolving our

brand presence, and being very focussed

about where we invest our time and capital.

It’s been a year of laying foundations for the

future: innovation-led, infrastructure-ready,

and strategically aligned.”

Despite a challenging environment, eFOLDi

has managed to achieve a stable sales

performance which speaks volumes about the

brands strength and determination to meet the

growing demand for high-quality, lightweight

mobility solutions.

“We’ve seen strong signals of growth in

key areas, such as increased interest in our

latest product, the Navigator power chair,

and this has been backed

by encouraging feedback

from both customers and

retailers. This tells us we’re

well-positioned to capitalise as

market conditions improve,”

said Mark.

The past year has been

transformative for eFOLDi, and

one that has seen one of its

most significant achievements

– the launch of the Navigator

power chair. This ultralightweight,

folding powerchair

weighs just 12.4kg without

battery, making it one of the

lightest in its class. Designed

for both user and attendant

control, it offers unparalleled convenience for

everyday travel.

As well as this product launch, eFOLDi has

also expanded its warehouse and distribution

facilities in the UK to better meet growing

demand and to ensure faster delivery times for

all customers.

As a founder-led mobility business driven by

a passion for innovation, eFOLDi is dedicated

to creating solutions that empower people

to live life to the fullest. The company takes

great pride in its engineering excellence and

unwavering reliability – delivering some of

the lightest, most compact, and user-friendly

mobility products on the market.

From quick-folding mechanisms and light

touch single-hand controls, to variable

foot positioning, every detail is thoughtfully

developed to

enhance ease

of use. “We’ve

also integrated

whisper-quiet,

low-vibration

motors for

a smooth,

comfortable

ride, along with

secure-turn

technology to

provide added

safety and

peace of mind

especially in

tight or uneven

spaces,” added

Mark.

4

HCM IS SPONSORED BY SPARK CARE – SEE THEM ON PAGE 26

Another product that represents a major step

forward in the eFOLDi product range is the

eFOLDi Navigator. “It’s a game-changer in

the lightweight mobility space and one of the

lightest folding power chairs on the market.

What makes it particularly special is its dual

control functionality, offering both user and

attendant steering. It’s perfect for travel and

everyday freedom, and the early response

from our customers has been overwhelmingly

positive,” shared Mark.

Delivering quiet, lightweight, and effortless

mobility, the eFOLDi Navigator folds in

seconds for easy storage and transport. Its

robust magnesium alloy frame supports up

to 135kg, ensuring long-lasting durability and

dependable performance for everyday use.

While focusing on new product development,

eFOLDi has

also made

updates to its

existing models,

including the

eFOLDi Lite

and eFOLDi

Explorer, both

of which have

been refined

to deliver

even greater

performance,

comfort and

convenience.

“These changes

are based on

direct customer

feedback and

are aimed at improving user experience,

comfort, and practicality. Our mission has

always been to empower people with limited

mobility to reclaim their independence and

these updates help us do exactly that, with

more flexibility and ease than before,” stated

Mark.

With a recently expanded presence in China

to boost production capacity and enhance

operational efficiency, we asked Mark about

the company’s short- and long-term goals

moving forward.

“In the short term, we’re focused on

expanding our product portfolio to better

meet the evolving needs of the mobility

market. Our long-term strategy includes

entering new European markets, growing

our distribution networks, and continuing to

invest in intelligent, user-friendly innovation

that delivers real value to individuals and

healthcare providers alike. Our goal is to

remain a pioneer in personal mobility – offering

solutions that are not only functional, but truly

life-enhancing.

“We’d like to express our heartfelt thanks

to everyone who’s been part of the eFOLDi

journey thus far. The trust, encouragement,

and feedback we have received from

customers, healthcare professionals, partners,

and supporters continue to fuel our vision and

innovation.

“We’re excited for what lies ahead and look

forward to continuing to help people move

more freely, live more independently, and

experience more of the world around them.”

Contact

0800 622 6609

sales@efoldi.com

www.efoldi.com

HCM IS SPONSORED BY SPARK CARE – SEE THEM ON PAGE 26 5

INTERPRETING & TRANSLATION SERVICES Company of the Month

Dals: Innovating language

services to meet the UK’s

growing demand

In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are pleased

to feature Dals as our Interpreting & Translation

Services Company of the Month

ore than 25

years ago, Dals

M(formerly known

as DA Languages)

recognised the

increasing demand

for quality language

services due to the

growing number of

people in the UK

with limited English

proficiency. Global

migration patterns in the years since have

led to a further rise in the UK’s linguistic

diversity, which in turn has seen the

need for high-quality interpreters grow

exponentially.

Fast forward to today, and the Manchesterbased

company has more than 400

employees and is a leading supplier of

interpretation and translation services across

the UK. With a network of more than 10,000

professional interpreters covering more

than 500 languages – including British Sign

Language – Dals ensures round-the-clock

availability, 365 days a year.

As a leader in the language services industry,

Dals upholds the highest standards. Every

interpreter undergoes a rigorous vetting

process to ensure they meet the strict

requirements set by the various public sector

frameworks and registers, guaranteeing

expertise and professionalism in every

interaction.

Though it primarily serves

public sector bodies

such as NHS trusts,

police forces and local

authorities, Dals also

works with businesses

such as private healthcare

providers and legal firms.

It is regularly acquiring

new clients thanks to

its excellent reputation

and the fact its services

are tailored to meet the unique needs of

each organisation, offering flexibility and

reliability at every step. Clients benefit

from a dedicated relationship team,

with each organisation assigned

a personal point of contact for

seamless coordination.

Strong backing

The company’s stellar growth

has been enabled in part by

investment from private

equity firms, which

clearly spotted the

potential in the language

services market. Though

initially founded by an

experienced interpreter

called Actar Arya in

1998, the business was

later acquired by private

equity investors Foresight

Group. The company was then acquired by IK

Partners, its current owners, in 2021.

Matt Taylor, CEO, Dals

Having such strong backing has allowed it

to invest heavily in technology and over the

years it has worked tirelessly to continue

upscaling in this area, something that sets it

apart from its competitors. It now operates in

a completely Cloud-based environment, which

offers a number of market-leading platforms

for both clients and linguists.

However, it is Dals’ recent innovation in

video on-demand that is most unrivalled in

the current industry, with the service offering

99.9% uptime availability. More importantly,

it offers healthcare providers a much better

option for unplanned interpreting needs,

explains Matt Taylor, CEO at Dals.

“Video interpreting was previously only

available if booked in advance, which left

healthcare professionals with only telephone

interpreting for unplanned interpreting needs,”

he says. “While telephone interpreting is

very popular among our clients and is very

useful for many situations, it lacks the visual

cues of in-person interpreting and these are

sometimes vital in healthcare appointments.

Video interpreting on the rise

“On-demand video is playing a huge role in

bridging the gap between telephone and inperson

interpreting for medical providers and

their patients. It also comes with significant

time and cost savings, such that many

clients are now using it in preference to

in-person interpreting.”

Available on all mobile devices via an

app, on-demand is ideal for organisations

whose staff meet with individuals

with limited or no English skills.

It delivers excellent sound and

image quality, and it is a much

more cost-effective way for

patients to meet with their

healthcare practitioners.

What’s more, it is very easy to

use as patients can access ondemand

video remote interpreting

in just three clicks on the app.

They simply click to create a

new call link, select on-demand, and click

‘join the call’. When the call is finished, they

simply press ‘Close’ to return to the app. All

communication is always facilitated with a live

6


INTERPRETING & TRANSLATION SERVICES Company of the Month

interpreter on the device, and

all customer data is protected

with 256-bit encryption. The

app also includes a booking

portal.

In hospital settings, ondemand

is complemented

by Dals’ Tablet on Wheels, a

portable video device designed

to be at the optimum height

for a patient’s head when they

are in a hospital bed. This

device has been specifically

designed to be used with the

on-demand app for in-person

appointments, and can be

moved to wherever it is needed. Furthermore,

to combat the risk of bacteria being spread,

which is something of high importance to

healthcare clients, the device is covered in

antibacterial casing.

Video on-demand is also helping the company

and its clients improve their environmental

standing – by cutting down on the travel of

interpreters to and from bookings, it is cutting

the carbon footprint of all parties involved.

Sustainability high on the agenda

This ties in to Dals’ focus on ESG, says Matt.

“Our strategy focuses on

four pillars: our people, our

community, our planet and

our business principles. ESG

has always been a key focus

for the company, and we have

generated more than £15

million in social value to date.

To further drive our initiatives

in this area, we took the

decision to set up a dedicated

ESG team in 2023.”

In addition to this ESG

team, Dals has also

recently appointed a

marketing and sales

director, Jon Burke,

to push forward the

wide-ranging brand

overhaul it began late

last year. As part of this,

it plans to release its first

Sustainability Report this

year, which will highlight

its ESG credentials and

achievements and provide

external verification of its

successes in this area.

Matt says the company is also taking steps

to further improve access to interpretation

services, particularly in healthcare settings.

“There is an ever-increasing demand for

interpreters in the UK. We are determined

to continue to meet that demand, as

interpretation is too important a service to

become overwhelmed.

“As a business, we are concentrating

on growing supply chains, training and

recruiting the best new talent, and investing

in the technology that will make interpreting

more readily available and efficient. Virtual

interpreting models,

on-demand booking

platforms and Cloudbased

technology are

all being utilised to

optimise our service

so that our clients are

always able to meet

the needs of their own

clients. Our mission is

to make sure everyone

is understood.

“Particularly in healthcare settings, there is

significant evidence to suggest that language

barriers can have a detrimental impact on

patients’ access to healthcare, as well as their

clinical outcomes. We strive to ensure we

are promoting equality in the UK’s healthcare

system by enabling our clients to offer highquality

interpretation services to anyone who

needs them.”

Contact

0161 928 2533

enquiries@dals.co.uk

https://dals.co.uk


CLEANING, HYGIENE & LAUNDRY Matters

Reckitt Pro Solutions was

hygiene sponsor for

The Cleaning Show 2025

eckitt Pro Solutions, a global

Rleader in health, hygiene and

home products, has been named

the official hygiene sponsor for this

year’s The Cleaning Show, which

took place at ExCeL, London from

18-20 March.

The company is a manufacturer of

some of the world’s most beloved

and trusted brands, designed to

meet the commercial cleaning and

hygiene needs of offices, HoReCa,

facilities management companies

and educational sectors.

At this year’s event, Reckitt Pro

Solutions introduced its recently

launched Quantum Professional

range of warewashing products

designed specifically for the HoReCa

markets. The range was created in

response to the crucial requirement

in this sector for brilliant, clean glass

and dishware, as a critical driver to

securing 5-star reviews.

In addition, the company hosted a

speaker session in the Conference

Area on Thursday 20th March at

1:15pm. Here, Ross Jones and

Dr Navin Sharma presented on

‘Professional Warewashing Made

Easy’.

Paul Sweeney, Event Director of

The Cleaning Show, stated, “We’re

thrilled to have Reckitt Pro Solutions

join us as the official hygiene

sponsor for the 2025 event. As

a globally recognised household

name, their partnership brings

immense prestige to The Cleaning

Show.”

AR Materials Handling Ltd

By Andy Robinson, Managing Director

We are a Lancashire-based company,

with almost 50 years’ experience

supplying the commercial Laundry Industry &

NHS generally with all types of British-made

equipment, often specifically designed for

individual needs. We place a strong value on

service, relationships, and loyalty. This we

have cemented over

many years with our

customers and suppliers

alike.

The storing and

moving of products

and materials is not as

simple as it sounds,

we are consultants

and manufacturers

of materials handling

equipment made to suit

many industries.

With an engineering

background that

provides the expertise

required to solve most problems. We are

storage, moving and handling experts, our

objective is to make the task easier for the

operative, taking into account health and

safety, ergonomics and importantly the cost

effectiveness for the business.

For many years we have designed,

Contact

https://cleaningshow.

co.uk/london

Bryant Plastics Ltd

ryant Plastics has been

Bmanufacturing plastic laundry

trucks and barrows in Yorkshire for

over 50 years and “Today we are

the UK’s leading manufacturer of

plastic laundry cages,” says Jackie

Smith, quality and improvement

manager.

“Recently we were asked how

long it takes for the trucks to be

delivered, we said usually about

three days after we have produced

them,” said Smith. “The customer

assumed they came from China

and was delighted to learn they

were actually produced here in the

UK.”

“As a family run business we have

strong values, and pride ourselves

on the service we provide, the

relationships that we have built over

the years within the industry and

importantly for us, the quality and

durability of our products.

“We work with businesses large

and small, and it is fantastic to

see the small businesses that

come for one truck or cage at the

beginning of their journey come

back for hundreds at a time as their

business grows.”

The ergonomics, storing, moving

and handling of products and

manufactured and supplied a range of items

whether it be a requirement for standard or

bespoke items, we will have a solution. We are

just as happy working on small projects as we

are on larger projects for bigger operators.

While working with metals provides

opportunities to design bespoke equipment,

we are also a huge fan of plastic, both for its

lengthy ‘life cycle’ and

hygiene properties.

We have worked hand

in hand with Bryant

Plastics Ltd for almost

30 years. Together we

have innovated many

fantastic products and

received recognition

throughout industry.

We only use virgin

plastic, buying cheaper

grade plastic is simply

a false economy and

have seen others go

down this path with dire

consequences. The containers we produce

last many years, and when they come to the

end of their life can be recycled into something

new.

For us details such as castors and wheels

are imperative, providing reliability, ease of

movement & longevity. It is true there are

cheaper

one’s out

there that

look similar

but often do

not stand up

to the rigours

of what is

required

therefore

prematurely

failing,

ultimately

having to be

replaced.

materials is not as simple as it

sounds, and Bryant work closely

with their customers, large and

small, so that over the years, with

them, they have designed a wide

range of cost-effective moving and

handling equipment specifically for

the laundry industry. Most recently

producing a self-levelling laundry

cage.

Said Smith, “Our range of self

levelling trucks, barrows, front of

ironers and now cages, can be

tailored to the needs of specific

functions within the laundry and are

essential for the health and safety

of staff.”

Products can

be moved in

many different ways, amongst the alternatives,

they can be manually pushed/pulled, power

driven with tugs etc or moved by fork trucks

and the like. The methods are endless; ARMH

have years of experience in these areas and

introduce our customers to options.

There are always better and smarter ways

evolving. We are always up for a new

challenge.

Contact

+44 (0)1706 225434

+44 (0)7785 502665

sales@armh.co.uk

www.armh.co.uk

Contact

01535 357840

www.bryantplastics.co.uk

8


CLEANING, HYGIENE & LAUNDRY Matters

Medstrom ECO: The future of patient hygiene

What is ECO?

In a sector that has seen

little innovation, the

Medstrom ECO portable

patient shower offers a

revolutionary alternative

to traditional bed bathing.

Using hydro-molecular

technology, it transforms

water into small droplets,

dispensing at 100 microns

through a stylus. This

precision washing ensures

only intended areas are

cleaned, preventing

water from spreading to

surrounding surfaces or

dispersing into the air.

Addressing the challenges

of patient washing

Traditional bed bathing

can be unsustainable,

undignified, and timeconsuming

for both patients and caregivers.

The process typically involves manually

adjusting water temperature, using large

amounts of water, and ‘scrubbing’ patients,

which can be harsh on sensitive skin.

Caregivers can also experience physical strain

from awkward postures while repositioning

patients, increasing injury risk.

ECO transforms this experience by making

patient washing quicker, more comfortable,

Introducing our new Recessed Combination Units

Sleek and space-saving solutions for

modern washrooms

Dudley Industries is proud to unveil our

latest innovation in washroom equipment:

two new Recessed Combination Units. These

dispensers combine a paper towel dispenser

and a waste bin into a single, streamlined

solution designed to meet the demands of

modern washroom

spaces.

Introducing our

new Recessed

Combination Units:

Sleek and spacesaving

solutions for

modern washrooms

Dudley Industries is

proud to unveil our

latest innovation in

washroom equipment:

two new Recessed

Combination Units.

These cutting-edge

products combine a

paper towel dispenser

and a waste bin into a

single, streamlined solution designed to meet

the demands of modern washroom spaces.

Why choose our Recessed Combination

Units?

Our new units offer exceptional functionality

and style, making them a must-have for any

washroom environment. Available in 5 litre

and efficient. Its automatic

water heating system

maintains a consistent

temperature for the wash

duration, eliminating

repeated refilling of pulp

bowls. With each wash

typically taking 10-15

minutes, ECO frees up

crucial time for patient care.

Additionally, the hand-held

stylus delivers a targeted,

warm spray, reducing

excessive scrubbing while

ensuring a thorough clean.

By minimising the physical

effort required to reposition

patients, it also reduces

manual handling strain for

caregivers. At the same

time, the stylus empowers

patients to participate in

their own hygiene when

possible, restoring dignity and independence.

Specifically, plus-size, end-of-life and critical

care patients who face the most considerable

physical challenges. Instead of simply being

‘wiped down’, patients feel refreshed and truly

clean, able to wash their hair and reach areas

that would otherwise be difficult.

ECO also significantly reduces water

consumption, cutting average usage per

patient from 10 litres to just 500ml – supporting

and 10 litre capacities, they are the latest

addition to our established range of recessed

dispensers. Their unique design fits neatly into

wall cavities, minimising obtrusion into the

room and optimising space. This is particularly

beneficial for smaller washrooms, where every

square inch counts, and creates a sleek,

seamless aesthetic.

Innovative one-door

access for easy

maintenance

Our new Recessed

Combination Units

feature a single door

that provides access to

both the paper towel

dispenser and the

waste bin. This onedoor

design simplifies

maintenance, allowing

staff to refill and empty

the unit quickly and

efficiently.

Flexible design to suit

your space

Understanding the varied needs of washroom

spaces, we designed the door to be

reversible. Delivered with a right-hand opening

configuration, the door can easily be removed,

rotated 180 degrees, and reinstalled to open

from the left if required. The lock is also

reversible, and a blanking cap is provided to

ensure a clean finish on the unused side.

the NHS net-zero sustainability goals.

Patient and caregiver reception

Since its deployment across 40 hospital

wards, ECO has received overwhelmingly

positive feedback. One Healthcare Assistant

noted, “It was quicker than using a [traditional

wash] bowl, less water was wasted, and the

bed was less wet.”

Likewise, many clinicians realised that use

of ECO significantly reduced use of towels

and wipes during the bed-bathing process.

Patients have also praised the experience,

with one noting, “It’s been great washing my

hair, I feel fresh and clean. And I can wash

areas I can’t get to as easily.”

Find out more

Discover how ECO can benefit your

healthcare facility. Visit Medstrom online

to learn more: www.medstrom.com/

product/eco

Two sizes to meet your needs

The two sizes of our new units cater to

different capacity requirements:

: 5 litre model – With a 360mm depth, it

accommodates approximately one and a

half packs of most paper towel sizes.

: 10 litre model – Featuring a 530mm depth,

it holds around three packs of paper

towels.

Built to last with a 10 year warranty

Designed and manufactured in the UK, these

units are constructed from durable stainless

steel, ensuring longevity and resistance to

wear and tear. Both models come with a 10

year warranty for added peace of mind.

Explore detailed specifications

For more information on the technical

specifications of our new Recessed

Combination Units, visit our listings on NBS

Source.

To upgrade your washroom with our innovative

Recessed Combination Units? Contact our

team today for more details or to place your

order. Let Dudley Industries help you create a

modern, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing

washroom environment.

Contact

+44 (0)1253 738311

sales@dudleyindustries.com

www.dudleyindustries.com


Secure medication

anytime, anywhere

MEDICAL EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT Company of the Month

In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are pleased

to feature Medpac as our Medical Emergency

Equipment Company of the Month

ack in 2011,

Medpac

Bfounder Jayne

Tarrant’s daughter

was suffering from

Epilepsy when she

started school.

“When my daughter

was diagnosed with a

condition that required

her to carry medicine

with her at all times,

I was suddenly faced

with the challenge of what to put it in,” said

Jayne.

As well as needing to carry it with her at all

times, the school needed a set with photo ID

and a treatment plan. It was at this moment,

Jayne realised there was

nothing currently on the

market that enabled

Jessica to always have her

emergency medication with

her.

“After using an old make-up

bag that I embarrassingly

handed over at parties

and clubs, I soon began to

realise I was not alone and

so I sat at my kitchen table

and designed something

that would fulfil all the

requirements that I deemed

necessary at the time,”

shared Jayne.

On top of this, Jayne also had to make sure

that any teachers or staff members knew

what Jessica’s medication was for and how to

administer it, if called upon. Jayne eventually

decided an old make-up bag was not ideal

and started to research a potential market

both in terms of demand

and the types of medication

people need to carry with

them.

Medpac was born out of

a personal need. After

extensive research into

common medical conditions,

essential medications,

transportation challenges,

and school medicine storage

policies, Jayne developed

and refined four

prototypes before

finalising the perfect

design.

“Jayne chose the

colour orange

because she wanted

something bright and

easy to find in an

emergency that was

not related to first

aid (red and green)

or gender specific

(pink and blue). Given that she’s half Dutch,

bright orange worked, and has proven to be a

success! The bright orange colour makes the

Medpac easy to find in an emergency and the

Medpac photo ID card allows the Medpac to

be easily identified to the owner who may be

unable to do so themselves

in an emergency situation.”

Today, over 10 years

later, Medpac is sold

around the world and has

revolutionised the healthcare

and education industry

for those suffering with

epilepsy, allergy, asthma,

diabetes and other medical

conditions where accessible

emergency medication is

vital.

As a company, Medpac has

grown in size, adding more

products and accessories

to the range since the very first product burst

onto the healthcare scene in 2012. From

essential Medpacs to practical accessories,

everything you need to store and organise

your medication for is catered to.

The Medpac is available in a variety of

sizes, each insulated

with a thermal lining to

help regulate medication

temperature. It is designed

to store a variety of

medications, including

two boxes of Epistatus

with space for additional

epilepsy treatments,

diabetes supplies (such as

hypoglycemia treatments

that require refrigeration),

Epipen and Jext pens,

antibiotics, asthma medication, and more.

The Medpac is splashproof and features an

external pocket for an ID card and an internal

pocket for extra medication.

“Medpacs are

designed in

the UK, and

engineered to

be versatile.

Education is our

primary target

customer as it

is well-suited for

children to take to

school, however,

it also caters

to individual’s

undergoing

hospital stays,

family day trips,

or just for day-to-day use!” added Jayne.

The range also includes Medpac replacement

ID Cards and Treatment Cards, Gel

Cool Packs, Sickbags, Drawstring bags,

wristbands, and more.

Contact

0845 073 9430

sales@medpac.co.uk

www.medpac.co.uk


TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT Matters

Inizio Engage targets health

and safety improvements

nizio Engage, the global healthcare

Ipartner, has teamed up with Applied

Driving to support its clinical team

and other lone workers using the

Companion+ Mobile Safety App.

The company has initially adopted

the safer driving and personal safety

solution across 65 mobile employees

with a wider rollout planned for a

further 115 users within its UK and

US operations.

“The wellbeing of our team is of

utmost importance to the business,

so we are committed to identifying

and using the latest health and safety

innovations,” explains Kate Kelly,

Managing Director UK & Ireland of

Inizio Engage. “With the adoption of

the Companion+ Mobile Safety and

it’s personal safety features, we can

elevate the welfare of those driving

and operating alone by providing

the highest levels of assistance,

engagement and support.”

Inizio Engage has previously used

a lone worker safety device, but it

lacked the functionality, usability

and affordability of Companion+.

The mobile app’s SOS function

allows an alarm to be raised with

a swipe of the phone, while Triple

Tap is a three-tap process – even

when a device is in a pocket or

bag – to call for help and the

check-in timer schedules a check

call to confirm safety. In addition,

crash detection uses mobile phone

sensors, proprietary algorithms and

AI to detect when a collision has

occurred.

Companion+ is designed to improve

driver behaviour while protecting

users in a sphere of safety. The

app automatically assesses at-risk

driving events and sends Triggered

Training in the form of a safety

message, video or e-learning

module, tailored specifically to the

user’s individual needs.

Contact

www.applied-driving.com

Visiting Angels awakens

the greatness within

n-home care franchise Visiting

IAngels has wrapped up another

year with a grand celebration of

network-wide achievements. While

franchisees, carers and the head

office team were invited to reflect

on a remarkable 2024 marked with

growth and success, this year’s

theme of ‘Awakening the Greatness

Within’ also underscored the

brand’s commitment to unlocking

the full potential of its network as it

looks ahead to 2025 and beyond.

Over 300 franchisees and carers

from across Visiting Angels’

network attended the brand’s

fourth annual conference, held at

the Leonard Royal Hotel in London.

With ‘Awakening the Greatness

Within’ the running theme for the

day, the event centred around

harnessing kinetic energy to drive

the business forward into 2025

– a concept UK CEO Dan Archer

developed after reflecting on the

brand’s remarkable progress this

year.

“When I think about our incredible

growth, I’m reminded of a lesson

from my GCSE Physics,” said Dan.

“Potential energy is the energy

stored, waiting to be released,

while kinetic energy is the force

created when that potential is set

in motion. Over the years, we’ve

built a solid foundation – strong

brand recognition, glowing online

reviews, exceptional client care

and a national staff turnover rate

of under 10%. This conference

wasn’t just about celebrating where

we are – it was about unleashing

that stored potential, turning it into

the momentum that will propel us

toward even greater success.”

For more information

about opportunities with

Visiting Angels, visit: www.

visitingangelsfranchise.co.uk

12


HEALTHCARE ESTATES Matters

Enhancing infection control and facility maintenance:

The 2025 approach to impact protection solutions

With healthcareassociated

infections

(HCAIs) still posing a

significant challenge, NHS

Trusts continue to prioritise

innovative solutions that

enhance infection control

while ensuring cost-effective

maintenance. As healthcare

facilities evolve, modern

solutions like antibacterial

impact protection sheet

have become indispensable

in improving safety, hygiene,

and durability in high-traffic

areas.

The role of impact protection in infection

control

Healthcare environments demand stringent

hygiene measures. While handrails and taps

often receive attention, surfaces like walls and

doors are equally critical.

These areas, frequently

touched by patients,

visitors, and staff, can

harbour harmful bacteria.

Advanced antibacterial

wall and door protection

solutions can now inhibit up

to 99% of harmful microbes

such as C. difficile, MRSA,

Salmonella, and E. coli, offering

a proactive approach to infection

control.

Innovations in impact

protection

Modern antibacterial impact

protection sheet, enhanced with

advanced biocidal technology

such as Hygienilac ® , prevent

bacterial growth by disrupting

the microbes’ ability to access

nutrients. These solutions are

embedded throughout the sheet

material, ensuring that even if

the surface is scratched, the

antimicrobial properties remain effective.

Designed for durability, these sheets boast

UV stability and resistance to water solubility,

maintaining efficacy for years. Compliance with

fire safety standards, such as BS476 Parts 6

and 7, further underscores their suitability for

healthcare settings.

Beyond infection control:

Long-term benefits

Impact protection sheet from

Intastop not only prevents HCAIs

but also reduce maintenance

costs by protecting against

routine wear and tear. Facilities

that invest in these solutions

experience fewer disruptions and lower

ongoing repair expenses. The versatility of the

impact protection sheet allows customisation

for different environments, with options for

texture and colour to blend seamlessly with

existing designs.

Why choose Intastop in 2025?

For over 30 years, Intastop has led innovation

in wall, door, and people protection. By

understanding the unique demands of

healthcare environments, Intastop continues

to deliver solutions that balance safety,

functionality, and aesthetics. Its impact

protection products align with the NHS’s

goals for infection control, cost efficiency, and

sustainable facility management.

As NHS Trusts look to the future, adopting

durable, antimicrobial solutions like impact

protection sheets ensures safer, more efficient

healthcare spaces for patients and staff

alike. Whether refurbishing an existing facility

or designing a new one, these products

are an essential part of modern healthcare

infrastructure.

Visit: https://intastop.com/productcategory/wall-protection/

to learn more

about our wall and door protection

solutions.

14



Protect. Support. Enhance.

hen it comes to high-traffic environments,

Wwalls and corridors take a beating. The

Yeoman Shield Contour Hand/Crash Rail is

the perfect solution – offering a combination

of protection, support and style to keep your

interiors looking their best while reducing

maintenance costs.

Why choose the Contour Hand/Crash Rail?

: Dual Functionality – Designed to act as

both a handrail for support and a crash rail to

absorb impact from trolleys, wheelchairs and

carts, preventing costly wall damage.

: Durable & Hard-Wearing – Manufactured

from high-quality materials, our rails are

resistant to scuffs, scratches and impact,

making them ideal for hospitals, care homes,

schools and commercial buildings.

: Hygienic & Low Maintenance – The smooth,

easy-clean surface helps maintain hygiene

standards in healthcare and public spaces

while reducing time spent on cleaning and

repairs.

: Stylish & Customisable – Available in a range

of colours and finishes to complement your

interior design. Whether you want a subtle,

seamless look or a bold statement, our rails

can be tailored to your needs.

Supply-only or expert installation: You choose!

At Yeoman Shield, we understand that every

project is different. That’s why we offer two

flexible solutions:

: Supply-Only – If you have your own

installation team, we can provide all the

materials you need, complete with fitting

guides for an easy, hassle-free installation.

: Expert Installation Service – Let our

experienced team handle the installation for

you, ensuring a precise, professional finish

that meets your requirements and guarantees

long-term protection.

Protect your interiors today!

Invest in a solution that saves you time and

money while enhancing safety and aesthetics.

The Yeoman Shield Contour Hand/Crash Rail

is an essential addition to any environment that

demands durability and style.

Contact us today to discuss your project

needs or request a quote!

www.yeomanshield.com

16


Proven

Antimicrobial,

Bespoke Modular

IPS units

Unrivalled protection

against bacterial

growth

BioClad® Limited

Unit 7 Bardner Bank,

Burley Road, Killinghall,

Harrogate, HG3 2FN

01423 647055

www.bioclad.com


DRLC Ltd joins NHS SBS Framework Agreement

In a crucial step

towards enhancing

fire safety and

compliance

across NHS

buildings, NHS

Shared Business

Service (NHS SBS)

has launched a

new framework

agreement aimed

at ensuring full

compliance with

safety and fire

regulations. Among the suppliers awarded

a place on this framework is DRLC Ltd:

Authorising Engineers.

As Authorising Engineers, the company plays

a vital role in supporting fire safety within

healthcare premises. Having been awarded a

slot means DRLC are now officially approved

to provide a wide range of critical services

such as fire safety and ensuring compliance

with the Building Safety Act.

It has never been more important for NHS

buildings to be safe, compliant and functional.

The healthcare sector continues to face

significant infrastructure challenges and

with the infrastructure backlog reaching an

estimated £13.8 billion, it is of utmost priority

to address critical repairs to guarantee safety

of both staff and patients. This is why the NHS

Shared Business Service (NHS SBS) launched

a comprehensive

Building and Fire

Safety Compliance

Framework

Agreement, aimed

at tackling these

challenges and

improving safety

standards across

NHS buildings and

the wider public

sector.

Brendan Griggin-

Ryan, NHS SBS senior category manager,

said, “NHS SBS is pleased to introduce our

new Building Safety and Fire Compliance

Framework Agreement. It provides the NHS

and wider public sector with a comprehensive

range of services, including fire safety,

asbestos management and removal, lifts

maintenance

and

installation,

water

treatment,

PAT testing,

authorising

engineers, and

pneumatic

tube systems.

“Developed

with a regional

structure, it

facilitates both national and SME suppliers,

offering a blend of solutions to our customers.

“The framework agreement aligns with key

health and safety regulations, ensuring

compliance in critical areas such as fire safety,

water treatment, and asbestos management.

This alignment is crucial for maintaining

the safety and integrity of NHS buildings,

protecting patients, staff, and visitors.

“With the recent budget announcement

allocating £1 billion to the NHS to address

critical repairs, this framework agreement

provides a compliant procurement route for

essential safety services."

For companies like DRLC, the framework

offers an invaluable opportunity to collaborate

with public sector organisations and provide

the Authorising Engineer services required

to meet fire safety

regulations and other

essential compliance

requirements. The

company’s inclusion

in the framework

positions DRLC as

a trusted partner in

safeguarding NHS

facilities.

Contact

www.drlc.uk

18


UK care system needs

more than vote-winning

promises

uno Almeida, the founder

Nand CEO of Nourish Care,

the leading provider of digital

care management software in

the UK that supports more than

385,000 people drawing on care,

says that the UK care system is

unsustainable and is in urgent

need of more than vote-winning

promises.

According to Nuno, not fixing

our care system will cost the UK

dearly as adult social care must be

seen as an investment, not a draw

on resources.

“The care system is broken and

it is in urgent need of attention

because the problem is only going

to grow. In the next 10 years,

600,000 more of us in the UK are

going to need care, in fact, most

of us will have to draw on care at

some point and as it stands, the

system is already struggling. The

incoming government is going

to face huge infrastructure and

budget challenges,” says Nuno.

“As it stands, there are inequalities

when it comes to care access,

people are being coerced into

packages that don’t suit their

needs and the shortage of carers

will only worsen.”

Contact

https://nourishcare.com

SOFTWARE & TECHNOLOGY Matters

Healthcare in 2025

s 2024 draws to a close,

ADesignit’s Myles Washington,

Director of Experience Design

and Strategy and Dr Pardis

Shafafi, anthropologist and Global

Responsible Business Lead, are

looking to what 2025 could mean

for the world of healthcare – where

they see the rise of AI diagnostics,

autonomous telehealth solutions

and a more proactive approach to

healthcare challenges:

Dr Pardis Shafafi, Global

Responsible Business Lead:

Healthcare research for 51% of the

populace

“Investments will, finally, be allocated

towards women’s health as VCs

and business research continue to

demonstrate the huge benefits for

society as a whole. The specific

commercial incentives for those who

invest in women’s healthcare will

become clearer.”

Myles Washington, Director of

Experience Design and Strategy:

AI to become the backbone of

diagnostics

“In the near future, artificial

intelligence will become the

backbone of diagnostics and

decision-making in healthcare. EHR

systems will transform, integrating

advanced Clinical Decision Support

(CDS) tools to deliver real-time,

actionable insights. These systems

will decode complex patient data,

presenting it in intuitive formats that

fit seamlessly into clinical workflows.

Healthcare providers will benefit from

unprecedented clarity and precision,

enabling faster, smarter decisions that

save lives.”

Autonomous telehealth & Remote

Patient Monitoring (RPM) comes to

the fore

“In 2025, we will see telehealth and

RPM become truly autonomous,

breaking through current barriers of

accessibility and infrastructure. With

the rapid evolution of technologies

like 6G, IoT, and connected systems,

remote patient monitoring will no

longer just track health – it will predict

and proactively manage it. These

advancements will enable healthcare

providers to intervene in real-time,

fundamentally transforming the

patient experience from reactive to

proactive and eventually predictive

and future hopes of prescriptive

proactive care.”

Contact

www.Designit.com

Mainteno facilities

maintenance and

management software

Mainteno is a

complete, costeffective

solution

for task facilities

management.

Whether it’s

managing planned maintenance or dealing with

fault repairs, Mainteno simplifies the day-to-day

maintenance of almost any organisation.

Usability made affordable

Mainteno was designed with practicality in mind. The

interface is so intuitive that basic operation can be learned

in minutes, and you can be a power user in one afternoon.

Elegant usability usually means a hefty price tag – so

our customers are often surprised to learn just how

affordable Mainteno is.

No set-up fees, no lengthy contracts. Mainteno adapts

to any organisation’s maintenance needs.

Our award-winning software keeps everyone in

the loop and archives all your communication

and documentation in one place. For total

control of your organisation’s assets,

Mainteno also seamlessly incorporates asset

management and tracking.

Mainteno streamlines every aspect of the

maintenance management process, saving

your organisation time and money.

ainteno is an advanced award-

facilities maintenance

Mwinning

and management software

that streamlines every aspect

of maintenance management

processes.

“We provide online software and

have provided online maintenance

management software for the

past eight years,” said Mainteno’s

David Lattimer. “Our software is

extremely diverse and adaptable

for many industries and has been

used to manage many different

types of facilities by companies

including The Dogs Trust, DPD,

funeral homes, schools and

care homes.”

All accessed

through one easy

to use platform,

Mainteno

is a CMMS

(Computerised

Maintenance

Management

System) which

provides a CAFM

(Computer Aided

Facilities Management) solution

for organisations.

Mainteno Facilities Management

Software from David Lattimer on

Vimeo.

View a detailed explanatory

video of Mainteno here:

https://vimeo.com/425488696

or above or for any further

information, please see the

details below.

Contact

+44 (0)208 798 3713

sales@redro.co.uk

www.mainteno.com


Leading event for design in mental healthcare returns

Design in Mental

Health 2025

Design in Mental

Health takes

place on 3-4

June 2025 at the

Manchester Central

convention complex,

with its Conference,

Exhibition and

Awards once again

creating a unique

forum for discussion,

debate and discovery on good design in the

built environment for mental healthcare.

The event brings together clinicians,

academics, researchers, architects, estates

and facilities professionals, capital projects

managers, policy planners, experts by

experience, and others from around the world.

Over two packed days, attendees can

exchange knowledge, network, and immerse

themselves in the latest technologies,

products and ideas for creating and equipping

both acute and rehabilitative settings.

The Conference: Deep dives into key

themes

This year’s Keynote speakers are Dr Adrian

James (Medical Director for Mental Health and

Neurodiversity at NHS England), Baroness

Berger (Member of the House of Lords and

former Shadow Minister for Mental Health),

Preview

Marsha McAdam

(International

Patient Leader),

Professor Yvonne

Jewkes (Professor

of Criminology at the

University of Bath),

and Geoff Brennan

(Safewards Clinical

Supervisor at King’s

College London).

In addition,

Conference Delegetes have access to a range

of interactive sessions including presentations,

panel discussions and workshops. The

conference programme is organised around

the following eight core themes, offering

something for everyone:

: Clinical and Operational Learning

: Collaboration and Partnership Innovation

: Design, Estates, Facilities, and Equipment

Learning

: New Ways of Working

: Person-Centred Approach

: Policy, Research and Standards

: Safety- and Psychologically-Informed

Environments

: Service User Learning

The Exhibition: A complete showroom plus

FREE seminars

The DiMH25 Exhibition is free to attend and

presents a complete showroom of equipment,

products and services for the design, build &

operation of mental health facilities & spaces.

Attendees can test out and compare

innovative solutions from over 60 leading

suppliers to the sector, including many NHS

framework approved suppliers.

New for 2025 is a free-to-attend seminar

theatre in the Exhibition Hall, featuring

presentations on a range of subjects

including environment design, compliance,

sustainability, and more. On 4 June, this

theatre will also feature a series of live inperson

interviews with winners of the 2025

Design in Mental Health Awards.

The Design in Mental Health Awards 2025

The prestigious Design in Mental Health

Awards will be presented in 13 categories at

a vibrant ceremony from 5pm on 3 June at

Manchester Central. These honours recognise

standout achievements in mental health

environments.

The awards ceremony is free to attend for

all attendees and includes complimentary

refreshments and entertainment – a perfect

way to network with peers.

Book your place

Registration for Design in Mental Health

is open at: www.designinmentalhealth.

com with a range of attendance options

available and public sector discounts

available.

Meet SOFTDISPENSER ® : A smarter, safer solution

for mental health spaces

Balco Global Ltd designs innovative,

ligature-lite products for behavioural

health environments; and the

SOFTDISPENSER is one of our most forwardthinking

solutions to date. Unlike rigid plastic

or metal units, SOFTDISPENSER is soft

yet durable, helping to reduce ligature and

weaponisation risk without compromising on

practicality or hygiene.

See it for yourself on Stand 405 at the Design

in Mental Health Show, Manchester Central,

3-4 June 2025.

We’ll be showcasing the

SOFTDISPENSER ® , our

flexible, ligature-lite dispenser

developed in partnership with

NHS teams. Available in two

models (for toilet tissue and

hand towels) it’s designed

to reduce weaponisation

and ligature risk in high-risk

environments, while remaining

durable and

practical for daily

use.

It’s ideal for wet rooms and

ensuites, with a flexible

construction that retains its

shape even when bent or stood

on. The breakaway design uses

concealed magnets, and the

unit contains no hard fixings,

significantly reducing self-harm

risk

Durable, practical, easy to

maintain, and designed for

high-risk spaces, Balco’s

product range supports safer

environments for both staff and

service users. Our approach is grounded

in what really works, not just what meets

minimum compliance. From breakaway doors

to ligature-lite dispensers, every detail is

considered.

SOFTDISPENSER features include:

: Minimal weapons & ligature risk

: Breakaway design with no visible magnets

: Antimicrobial and fire retardant

: Soft, wipe-clean surface

: Available in a range of calming colours

Contact

sales@balco-global.com

www.balco-global.com

20


DISABILITY & MOBILITY Matters

Case study: Bath seat delivers

“lovely” sensory experience

Imagine not being able to enjoy the immersive

experience of bubbles in the bath, relaxing in

warm water.

For a group of young adults with learning

disabilities and neurological impairments

that pleasure is now a reality, tailored to their

individual needs. It’s the result of determination

by their Occupational Therapists at the Royal

Hospital for Neuro Disability to find a suitable

way to enhance their sensory experiences.

The residential ward at the Hospital has a

specialist bath with sensory lighting and bubble

jets. The very limited functional ability of many

of the ward’s 12 residents meant they were

unable to benefit from the bath.

Many of them had not been in a bath since

early childhood: their complex postural needs

and behaviours posed significant difficulty in

supporting them safely in the water, ensuring

they did not slip,

slide or injure

themselves on

the hard sides.

At a Kidz to

Adultz exhibition,

the OTs saw

AAT’s Aqua

Liberty infinitely

adjustable bath

support system,

arranged a trialand

now have

the answer!

Aqua Liberty is the first – and to AAT’s

knowledge only – supported bathing system

that fits any user and any bath. It comprises

AAT’s innovative variable vacuum posture

cushions secured to a base which features

adhesive cups for quick and easy attachment

to and removal from the bath itself while

ensuring the seat system does not slip or slide.

The cushion is precisely moulded to each user,

holding its shape without pressure points to

support them correctly and appropriately in

the water, and adjusted if required by the OT

team. Optional lateral panels to provide side

cushioning are also available.

“Being shaped around them, Aqua Liberty

is supportive and

comfortable. We’ve

had great success

with it, and, with new

residents onto the

ward, have repeat

ordered,” says Senior II

Occupational Therapist

Continuing Care

Service @ the Hospital,

Ginnie Garlick.

“The ability to access

the bath, experience

being immersed in

warm water and

interacting with the bubbles has greatly

enhanced the quality of life of our residents. It

offers them a lovely sensory experience.”

Full details of the Aqua Liberty infinitely

variable bathing system can be found at:

www.aatgb.com/aqua-liberty


DISABILITY & MOBILITY Matters

Cerebral palsy sufferer

finds new joy in life

35 year old Daniel has had

Care Horizons in his life

for 16 years. Diagnosed with

cerebral palsy at birth, Daniel

has round-the-clock care from

a rotating team of five Care

Horizons staff, who work in 15

hour shift patterns.

Care Horizons provides holistic

at-home care to over 21

residents in the heart of Yate in

South Gloucestershire, based

upon each individual’s wishes,

rights competence and health

challenges. Care Horizons seeks

to develop each individual to

their fullest potential, while

maintaining dignity and equality

for all their customers.

“As a child, I was limited by

my disability. It was extremely

challenging for my parents, who

relied on a care support team,

who couldn’t always be there

when needed. At 17 years old, I

was sent to boarding school to

receive the care I needed and

enable my parents to be able to

work.”

“A few years ago, I moved

to Yate and finally found my

independence. I was introduced

to Care Horizons by a fellow

friend, who found their 24/7

shift patterns of in-home care

unparalleled. Since then, I have

been helped by a wonderful

team, who work their socks off

to ensure I am fit, healthy and

enjoying life.”

For more information on

Care Horizons and its

bespoke care offering,

please visit:

www.carehorizons.co.uk or

phone 0117 405 4320.

Thorpe Mill

The Thorpe Mill Optimise Firm-

Edge Mattress is designed

for individuals with mobility

issues, the elderly, or those

using profiling beds, offering

superior comfort, support, and

safety. A key feature is its firm

edge support, which prevents

users from rolling out of bed and

reduces the risk of injury.

This firm

edging

also

makes it

easier to

stand up,

transfer to a

wheelchair, or

adjust positions

with greater

stability.

The pressure-reducing

profiled design enhances

comfort while promoting good

posture and a restful sleep. To

extend its lifespan, the mattress

features a four-way turn design,

allowing for even wear over

time. It comes complete with a

vapour-permeable,

waterproof zipped

cover, protecting

against spills

while ensuring

easy cleaning and hygiene

maintenance – ideal for both

home and healthcare settings.

With its combination of safety,

durability, and ease of use,

the Optimise Firm-Edge

Mattress provides a secure and

comfortable sleeping surface.

Whether assisting with standing,

supporting safer transfers, or

enhancing overall sleep quality,

this mattress is designed to

improve mobility, reduce

risks, and ensure

a peaceful,

supported,

and

restful

night’s

sleep.

Bespoke

sizes are available

on request.

For more information, please

call 01535 682630, email:

sales@thorpemill.co.uk or

visit: www.thorpemill.co.uk

24


NURSING & CARE Matters

Silver Shield: The complete

protection your residents deserve

Brought to you by Spark Care: Your

trusted care technology partner

t Spark Care, we understand

that safety and dignity are

Aat the heart of outstanding

care – whether delivered in

a care home, someone’s

own home, supported

living, or sheltered

accommodation. With

over 20 years’ experience

across the care and

technology sectors, we

support care providers

to embrace technology

that genuinely makes a

difference.

Silver Shield is one of those rare solutions

that ticks every box. Discreet, intelligent,

and proactive – it doesn’t just detect falls, it

prevents them. It offers silent, contact-free

health monitoring, and integrates seamlessly

with your existing care systems – all while

respecting privacy and supporting staff to

deliver faster, more responsive care.

More than fall detection: True fall

prevention

At the core of Silver Shield is advanced

60GHz mmWave RADAR, providing 99.9% fall

detection accuracy. But it doesn’t stop there.

Silver Shield predicts falls before they happen,

giving care teams a vital early warning.

Each unit is discreetly mounted to monitor a

six metre radius, learning residents’ or service

users’ movement

patterns over time.

Using intelligent

AI, it recognises

changes in

movement, mobility

or behaviour and

sends instant alerts

if something’s off.

Care providers

using Silver Shield

have seen fall rates cut

by up to 85%, helping to prevent

injuries, reduce hospital admissions,

and reassure families that their loved

ones are in safe hands.

Beyond safety: Intelligent, contactfree

health monitoring

Silver Shield works around

the clock to monitor vital

signs – with no need

for wires, wearables, or

physical contact:

: Tracks heart rate,

breathing patterns and

sleep quality in real time

: Detects subtle behavioural changes linked

to health deterioration

: Preserves dignity – no cameras, no resident

interaction required

This early insight enables proactive

intervention, helping spot issues such as

infections, respiratory problems or increasing

frailty before they escalate.

Smarter care, faster response

Silver Shield equips care teams with real-time

alerts and clear, actionable data:

: Cuts response times from an average of 57

minutes to just 2 minutes

: Supports data-driven care planning and

strengthens CQC compliance

: Provides digital reporting and audit trails

that reduce admin pressure and support

best practice allowing care staff to focus

on building relationships, not chasing

paperwork.

Privacy first: Always

Silver Shield is built

around trust. Unlike

camera-based

systems, it never

captures images

or video. There’s

no intrusion, no

discomfort, and it’s

fully GDPR compliant – giving

reassurance to service users,

families, and care teams.

Expertly installed, fully supported

Silver Shield is installed and supported by

Spark Care’s experienced team. We take

care of the full process from start to finish,

including seamless integration with nurse call

systems, care planning platforms, and staff

training.

Whether you’re a care home, home care

agency, supported living provider or housing

association – we tailor our approach to suit

your setting, your service users, and your

team.

Real results, real impact

Care providers using Silver Shield have

reported:

: Improved compliance through proactive

and preventative care

: Annual cost savings of over £150,000, with

ROI achieved in 4-5 months

: More time for meaningful interactions and

hands-on care

: Residents and service users maintaining

independence for 3-5 years longer

Spark Care: Raising standards across every

care setting

“Silver Shield is more than a system. It’s a

commitment to safety, dignity, and smarter

care. Whether you support residents in a

care home or people in their own homes,

this technology empowers care teams and

provides true peace of mind.”

– Nadia Morris, Founder & CEO, Spark Care

Ready to see the difference?

Book a consultation with Spark Care today

and discover how Silver Shield can transform

safety, efficiency, and outcomes in your care

setting – wherever care is delivered.

Because when it comes to protecting those

we care for, only the best will do.

Contact

01635 019608

hello@spark-care.co.uk

www.spark-care.co.uk

26


Is AI always a beneficial

tool or does it have

downsides?

uring a recent trip to the Care of

DEngland conference in London it

sparked a conversation between us

about the use of AI in the care sector

and how it may not always be the

best way forward despite everyone's

need to use the latest technology.

AI has emerged as a promising tool in

various sectors, including healthcare.

In the care sector, AI applications

offer the enticing prospect of

improving efficiency, accuracy, and

even patient outcomes. However,

beneath the surface lies a complex

web of ethical and legal concerns,

particularly regarding data protection

and privacy. As AI continues to

infiltrate the care sector, it becomes

imperative to address these issues

head-on, lest we find ourselves

ensnared in a GDPR (General Data

Protection Regulation) quagmire.

The GDPR is designed to safeguard

individuals’ personal data, ensuring that

it is processed lawfully, transparently,

and for specified purposes. While

this regulation is undoubtedly crucial

in protecting privacy rights, its

intersection with AI in the care sector

presents significant challenges.

“Clients are the forefront of everything,

and staff should be protected,” says

Vierka Hiscock, Care Horizons, MD.

One of the primary concerns with

AI is the barrier it creates between a

client and their carer. When talking

to a client they should be the main

priority and they should receive the

best communication. Hence, when

devices such as Alexa are used in

care homes a barrier is being built

between the client and the carer and

this can cross GDPR as well as break

down the bond between the client

and carer.

For more information on Care

Horizons and its bespoke care

offering, please visit:


phone 0117 405 4320.

New promotions for Joe

Sparrow & Jessica White

Joe Sparrow – Services Manager

oe Sparrow is 53 years old and

Jstarted her career in care at just

19 years old. She was inspired by

her mother who had worked in a

hospital for over 25 years and then

in a community home, dedicated

to both her roles and making a

difference to people’s lives. After

seeing how much her mum loved it,

Joe was inspired and began her own

career in care.

Joe joined Care Horizons in 2007

where she started as a Team

Leader. Since starting she has seen

Care Horizons flourish and get

progressively bigger, having taken on

more care packages and in turn new

staff. She has seen the company

gain a much bigger presence within

South Gloucestershire, building

good relationships with social

workers and enabling them to offer

more training.

Jessica White – Deputy Manager

Jessica White is 30 years old and

has worked in social care for 7

years. When asked how she got into

social care she explained that her

son was diagnosed with autism at 2

years old and that day changed her

NURSING & CARE Matters

life forever.

“I felt I needed to understand him

and help him the best I could, I

learned Makaton and did various

courses on understanding autism

and learning disabilities,” said

Jessica.

In October of 2019 she started a

role as a support worker at Care

Horizons. Since starting she has

gone from strength to strength being

promoted to a team leader in 2021

and now to Deputy Manager.

For more information on Care

Horizons and its bespoke care

offering, please visit:


phone 0117 405 4320.

Your trusted interior specialists

for exceptional care homes

Kilworth is your trusted partner for

exceptional care home flooring and

furnishings. With a rich history spanning

generations, we’ve honed our craft to deliver

tailored solutions that elevate any environment.

Located centrally in Leicestershire, we

specialise in flooring and furnishings, providing

bespoke solutions and quality products ideally

suited to residential

homes and care

homes.

Utilising our

vast skills, we

create luxurious

environments that

exceed the usual

expectations of

retirement living

and assisted care

environments.

Full service offering

Our comprehensive service encompasses

everything from bespoke interior design

and product sourcing to expert installation

and ongoing management. We offer a vast

selection of flooring options, including carpets,

carpet tiles, sheet vinyl, and specialist flooring

products and furnishing services including

design, sourcing and management of interior

spaces across the care sector.

Whether you’re seeking to create a warm and

inviting atmosphere in a residential home or a

functional yet stylish space in a care home, our

team of experts is dedicated to bringing your

unique vision to life.

Seamless processes

Our process begins

with a comprehensive

consultation

to understand

your vision and

requirements. We

then create detailed

drawings and

designs, bringing

your ideas to life and

ensuring optimal space utilisation. Once your

vision is clear, we meticulously select and

procure the finest products to match your style

and budget.

Finally, our skilled installation team will expertly

transform your space, paying close attention

to the smallest details, to deliver a flawless

finish that exceeds your expectations.

CARE HOME INTERIORS Matters

Above and beyond care

At Kilworth, we pride ourselves on building

lasting relationships with our clients. Our

dedicated team, comprising skilled designers,

procurement experts, and experienced fitters,

is committed to exceeding your expectations.

With a proven track record of delivering

outstanding service, we’re your go-to choice

for transforming spaces into exceptional care

environments.

Since 2005, we have always endeavoured

to support our customers’ needs above and

beyond the recognised service levels. We

pride ourselves on the feedback received by

our customers, who recognise that we are

always prepared to go the extra mile to fulfil

optimum service at all times.

Contact

0116 259 9848

info@kilworth.co.uk

https://kilworth.co.uk


PHARMACEUTICALS Matters

50 years of trust: Advancing

healthcare and science together

Alpha Laboratories

has been supplying

quality to science

since 1975

A

lpha Laboratories Ltd is proud to

be celebrating its 50th anniversary

this year, marking half a century

of commitment to supporting clinicians,

scientists, and patients across the globe.

Founded in 1975, Alpha Laboratories has

become a trusted supplier of laboratory

consumables, liquid handling supplies,

diagnostic solutions, and lab equipment.

David Giles was a

founding member and

Chairman, pushing the

company forward with

tenacity, passion and

a drive for scientific

innovation.

That passion and drive

has continued, with Alpha

building a reputation for

providing high-quality

products that support

critical research and

healthcare applications.

Five decades on and the

company remains true

to its original vision and

ethos: to help science

improve people’s lives.

Alpha’s core values are

embedded in the pillars of

People, Planet, and Culture. The company’s

team, with their expertise, professionalism,

and commitment to local communities and

the environment, takes pride in being part

of Alpha. Alpha views its people as both

its greatest asset and its driving purpose.

The company operates under a shared set

of values, including innovation, empathy,

growth, trust, and responsibility. Through

these principles, Alpha is dedicated to

supporting science education at all levels,

fostering interest and engagement to build

a sustainable workforce for the future of the

industry.

Alpha Laboratories offers clinical labs a

comprehensive range of diagnostic assays,

reagents, and equipment across key

fields – blood grouping, clinical chemistry,

haematology, haemostasis, immunology, and

microbiology. With decades of collaboration

with the National Bowel Screening

Programmes, the company has pioneered

support for advanced Faecal Immunochemical

Testing (FIT) to benefit both screening and

symptomatic needs.

Moreover, as a leader in calprotectin assays,

Alpha Laboratories empowers accurate,

non-invasive monitoring and diagnosis of

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), reducing

the need for costly endoscopic procedures.

Helping clinicians make timely, accurate

diagnoses and improve patient outcomes.

“Celebrating 50 years is a testament to the

hard work and dedication of our team, and

to the trust our customers place in us,”

said Rob Vint, Managing Director of Alpha

Laboratories. “As we look to the future, we

remain committed to advancing healthcare

through innovation, sustainable solutions,

and exceptional service. Our journey has

been shaped by strong partnerships with

healthcare professionals, researchers, and

suppliers, and we are proud to have played a

role in supporting scientific

progress and improving

patient care. While much

has changed over the

past five decades, our

core values of integrity,

collaboration, and a

passion for making a

difference have remained

constant. We are excited

about the opportunities

ahead and look forward

to continuing to serve

the scientific and medical

communities for many

years to come.”

As Alpha Laboratories

celebrates this remarkable

milestone, it remains

focused on its vision for

the future, continuing

to invest in innovative

technologies, sustainable practices, and

global healthcare solutions.

To learn more about Alpha

Laboratories’ 50 year journey,

visit: www.alphalabs.co.uk/50th

28


FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Matters

Optimising patient flow by integrating task

management with patient administration systems

and radiology information systems

he NHS faces increasing pressure to optimise

Tpatient flow while maintaining high-quality care.

Delays in scheduling, inefficient data management,

and administrative bottlenecks can lead to longer

patient wait times, increased operational costs,

and resource strain.

The challenges

Patient flow refers to the movement of patients

through various hospital departments, from

admission to diagnoses, treatment and discharge.

A well-optimised patient flow minimises delays,

expedites patient discharge, frees up beds and

reduces unnecessary patient stays. Non-Integrated

Gen Z and millennials

admit they know more

about their mental health

than their dental health

wo in three (65%) 18-34-year-olds

Tadmit they know more about their

mental health than their dental health,

according to new research from

Bupa – with 19% of this age group

acknowledging they did not know

there was any connection between

oral health and mental wellbeing. In

fact, just 13% of all Brits felt they are

better informed about their dental

health than their mental health, a

knowledge gap that is costing UK

businesses thousands of pounds

a year.

The results come as part of a wider

look from Bupa into how much Brits

really know about the ways dental

health connects with their overall

physical and mental wellbeing. And

the answer is very little, especially

when it comes to mental health. 85%

of respondents did not think mental

health problems have anything to do

with the health of their teeth, tongue

or gums and drilling deeper, only 12%

knew it is connected to panic attacks

while just 7% understood the links to

bipolar disorder.

workflows can be problematic for a number

of reasons:

: Manual data entry errors and duplication

of effort across systems

: Lack of real-time communication

channels between departments

: Complex radiology scheduling and realtime

changes cause portering resource

challenges

: Delays in real-time system updates by

staff hinder patient flow and disrupt

hospital operations

How system integration can improve

efficiency

Integrating task management software

with Patient Administration Systems (PAS)

and Radiology Information Systems (RIS)

allows hospital trusts to create data-driven

environments where data flows seamlessly between

departments. This approach improves co-ordination,

minimises administrative workloads, and enhances

the overall patient experience.

Key benefits of integration:

1) Improved workflows: Integrated systems ensure

that moves and domestic activity is seamlessly

co-ordinated across all platforms, minimising

data entry and ensuring clinical staff has access

to up-to-date information.

2) Faster decision making and reduced waiting

times: Real-time updates and instant access to

There’s low public awareness of the

links to serious physical conditions

too, with just over half (53%) of the

population recognising the link to

mouth cancer. Even fewer are aware

of connections to other conditions like

diabetes (25%) or heart illness (14%).

Alongside the research, Bupa took

to the streets of London to ask

passersby how much or little they

know about dental health. You can

watch on LinkedIn, Facebook or

Instagram.

Contact

www.bupaglobal.com/en

tec Skills and

IEmployment, a

leading provider of

skills development

and employment

services in Wales,

was recognised

for its commitment

to mental health

on October 9th,

2024, receiving

the Silver Award

for Workplace

Wellbeing at the

Mental Health

& Wellbeing Awards Wales and

the prestigious Quality Mark Gold

Accreditation for Mental Health and

Wellbeing.

Organised by The Ajuda Foundation,

the awards honour individuals

and companies that prioritise the

wellbeing of others. The Ajuda

Foundation is a not-for profit

organisation that promotes positive

mental health and wellbeing support,

providing resources, workshops and

training throughout Wales to support

critical data enable effective decision-making,

reducing patient wait times and improving care

outcomes.

3) Increased compliance and reporting

efficiency: Integrated systems facilitate accurate

data recording and tracking, allowing staff to

generate reports on patient flow and resource

utilisation.

4) Reduced wait times for radiology: Integrated

workflows speed up patient movement in and out

of radiology and other departments.

5) Reduced wait times for movement out of

medical assessment units: Quicker discharge

and bed cleans at ward level free up space to

move patients out of MAU and onto wards.

The future of hospital efficiency

As hospitals continue to embrace digital

transformation, integrating task management

software with PAS and RIS is becoming essential

for enhancing operational efficiency, reducing

costs, and improving patient care. This integration

is not just a technological upgrade but a strategic

investment in building a more efficient and patientcentred

NHS.

For more information about how Synbiotix

can help you reach your targets through

integration with your PAS and RIS systems,

contact us at: sales@synbiotix.com or call:

+44 (0)330 400 4150.

Itec Skills and Employment

secures gold and silver

honours at mental health

awards wales

Itec Director, Gareth

Matthews (left) and Itec

HR Manager, Hannah

Barron (right)

individuals and

groups.

As an employee

owned company,

Itec actively

involves staff in

shaping wellbeing

policies through

surveys and

forums, ensuring

initiatives align with

employee needs.

These awards

highlight Itec’s comprehensive

wellbeing strategy, which includes

support from line managers, an

Employee Assistance Programme

(EAP), menopause support, mental

health training, access to a wellbeing

app and many more. The Quality

Mark Gold Accreditation recognises

organisations that go beyond in

promoting mental health and wellbeing.

Contact

www.itecskills.ac.uk

30


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Its revolutionary design makes the eFOLDi

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Enhancing Lives Together

From hospital to home, it’s our mission

to promote independence; we design,

develop, manufacture and supply products

to enhance the user’s quality of life.

Biomed96 is a specialist in the medical

equipment industry offering a comprehensive

range of patient monitoring consumables,

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probes, handheld vital sign monitors, face

masks, COVID Antigen test kit, Dental surgical

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LineIn aim to deliver improved patient services, that

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With over 30 years’ experience in researching

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Thermidas’ mission is to lower the

cost of healthcare with infrared (IR)

thermal imaging. Thermidas has

two core focus areas; prevention of

Pressure Injuries in hospitals and

care homes and the prevention of

diabetic foot ulcers.

Thor Assistive Technologies Ltd are Distributors of

Neuro Rehabilitation Robotic and related devices.

We believe in ‘Robotic Integrated Rehabilitation’

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UK based, providing products from around

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Apex Wiring Solutions is transforming electrical

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Trusted by healthcare leaders across the globe, we’re

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Healthcare Matters Issue 833

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