Healthcare Matters Issue 837

www.healthcarematters.uk

ISSUE 837 – AUGUST 2025

TEL 0121 824 7700

P McVey Building Systems

to spotlight award-winning modular healthcare projects

Page 27

Andersen Products: Low

temperature sterilisation system

8 12

30

Birchall Foodservice launches

62 page activity pack

MediTrac ® Corrugated Medical

Tubing minimises joints in system

CONTENTS 837

EDITOR’S NOTES

Welcome to our August edition. Explore our hand-picked

features on innovative companies across the healthcare

industry.

In this issue, we are proud to recognise five outstanding

companies as our Companies of the Month, each excelling

in their field: Mobility Product & Maintenance – Mobility Care

Solutions, Thermal Imaging – Thermidas, Complete Care –

Blueleaf Care, Pressure Care – Pressure Care Management Ltd,

and Comfort Foam – Alfrecell.

Med-Tech Innovation Expo 2025 proved to be a resounding success. Taking place at

the NEC in Birmingham from 4–5 June, the event introduced a brand-new VIP Buyers

Programme, offering senior buyers exclusive benefits such as complimentary parking.

Alongside this, the highly attended MTI Expo Conference drew eager audiences to the

Med-Tech Innovation and Insights Stages, where they discovered the latest developments

shaping the industry. Don’t miss our full review on page 6.

Anderson Products was a Top Exhibitor at Med-Tech 2025. Its UK branch, HW Andersen

Products Ltd was at the show promoting the EOGas4, the only FDA 510(k) cleared

sterilisation system for terminal sterilisation of duodenoscopes and colonoscopes. Page 8.

Other topics covered: Software & Technology, Healthy Eating, Nursing & Care, Cleaning,

Hygiene & Infection Control, Disability & Mobility.

Got news to share: kimberleybest@healthcarematters.uk

COVER STORY

Gina Burton

Editor

HEALTHCARE MATTERS

AMIES TECHNICAL

PLASTICS

MED-TECH

7

EXPO REVIEW

11

MOBILITY CARE

SOLUTIONS

COMPANY OF

THE MONTH

ANDERSEN

PRODUCTS

MED-TECH

EXPO REVIEW

THERMIDAS

THERMAL IMAGING

COMPANY OF

THE MONTH

BIRCHALL

FOODSERVICE

HEALTHY EATING

MATTERS

4

8

12

16

HQ.FM

NURSING

& CARE

MATTERS

See page 27

CONTACTS

PUBLICATION MANAGEMENT

Kimberley Best Publication Manager

0121 824 7700

kimberleybest@healthcarematters.uk

EDITORIAL

Gina Burton Editor

07483 931474

gina@healthcarematters.uk

PRODUCTION

Robert Sharp Production Manager

production@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk

ACCOUNTS

Paul Whitaker Accounts Manager

0121 824 4742

accounts@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk

Contact Sales on 0121 824 7700

info@healthcarematters.uk

www.healthcarematters.uk

For more information on print or format

requirements, please see our Media Pack

Find us on LinkedIn

follow us on Twitter

and

@hcm_uk

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.

PRESSURE CARE

MANAGEMENT

COMPANY OF

19

THE MONTH

25

BLUELEAF CARE

COMPLETE CARE

COMPANY OF

THE MONTH

ALFRECELL

COMFORT FOAM

COMPANY OF

THE MONTH

HEALTHCARE

ESTATES

2025

PREVIEW

YEOMAN SHIELD

HEALTHCARE

ESTATES

MATTERS 32

SPONSORED BY

18

24

MOBILITY PRODUCT & MAINTENANCE Company of the Month

Bringing customer care

In this issue of Healthcare Matters we have

featured Mobility Care Solutions as

our Mobility Product & Maintenance

Company of the Month

M

obility Care Solutions is a one stop

shop for mobility products, scooters,

vehicle adaptations as well as

repairs and servicing. Based in Sunderland,

the company was established in 2001 by

Terry and Claire Batten and has developed

a reputation for high quality products in the

mobility sector.

A family run company with more than 40 years

of experience in the mobility aids industry,

Mobility Care Solutions prides itself on its

impeccable product

knowledge and

attention to customer

service. With its

friendly, professional

team on hand to help

customers find the

right products and

equipment to suit any

individual needs.

Mobility Care

Solutions stock an

extensive range of products from wheelchairs

and mobility scooters to lifting aids and

adaptations; all from the biggest and bestknown

brands in the sector. As agents for

some of the most trusted mobility brands in

the industry, Mobility Care Solutions assures

reliability, quality and durability.

manually folding and electronically folding

mobility scooters that can easily fit into a car

boot without the need for folding down rear

seats.

For road-legal mobility

scooters, Mobility

Care Solutions

carries both class 2

and 3 variants with

outstanding features

like large batteries,

bigger tyres for optimal

performance and even

four wheel suspension.

Some of its advanced

models even come

with waterproof dash

panels, waterproof USB power outputs and

run flat pneumatic tyres among other features.

Mobility Care Solutions has an impressive

array of vehicle adaptations too. The company

The company’s range of high-quality

living aids has been carefully chosen with

convenience and safety in mind. Mobility Care

Solutions carry an extensive range of items

including bathroom accessories, beds and

mattresses and specially adapted kitchen

equipment. The company also boasts a broad

range of rise and recline chairs, as well as a

selection of bariatric chairs, fireside chairs,

suites and dining chairs specially chosen to

improve quality of life for those with limited

mobility.

Mobility Care Solutions’ offers a

comprehensive selection of walking aids

for use on the go. From walking frames and

canes to rollators and tri-walkers. There’s also

the company’s range of power chairs and

stairlifts on offer. With manual, electric and

transit options that are designed to get users

on the move.

Celebrated for its diverse range of mobility

scooters, the company offers the best brands

in the industry as well as folding scooters

designed to fit into a vehicle. With both

4

HCM IS SPONSORED BY MES LTD – SEE THEM ON PAGE 29

MOBILITY PRODUCT & MAINTENANCE Company of the Month

to mobility products

is Motability accredited,

so it is fully licensed to

install all kinds of mobility

adaptations including

driving control adaptations

like hand controls,

electronic accelerators,

pedal extensions, left foot

accelerators and steering

aids. Mobility Care Solutions

also operates a call out

service to nursing homes,

businesses or private

residences giving the

customer complete flexibility

when choosing vehicle

adaptations.

Another key part of Mobility

Care Solutions is its speedy

and reliable repair service.

The service includes mechanical repairs and

parts, and the company can handle problems

large and small thanks to the expertise and

experience of its skilled team. Mobility Care

Solutions also service every make and model

of mobility equipment, giving the customer

extra peace of mind when it comes to working

with the company.

Mobility Care Solutions is famed for its

comprehensive and dedicated customer

service. The company’s dedication to

providing independence to those with limited

mobility gives it a unique edge. Its vast array

of different mobility solutions are testament to

this dedication, but Mobility Care Solutions’

attention to customer service goes deeper

than that.

The company is fully

committed to offering

the very highest level of

customer service. Putting

customers’ needs at the

forefront of everything

it does. Mobility Care

Solutions assures extensive

after-care along with a

backup service, free delivery

and product demonstrations

to ensure customers get the

very best value for money.

Mobility Care Solutions’ 40

years of experience means

it has a deep understanding

of the products it sells

and what they mean to

customers. Offering free

consultations to help

determine the items that meet its customer’s

specific needs. As well as this the company

is a member of the Federation of Small

Businesses (FSB) and are Motability-approved

installers. Its team has undertaken rigorous

training on all the products it stocks and

supplies. Giving them the expertise to ensure

customers know what they are buying and

how to safely use them before they leave the

showroom.

As well as providing excellent service for

its customers, Mobility Care Solutions are

passionate about giving back to its local

community. Working closely with the local

council and fire brigade, the company

engages in safety checks for local tenants

who use mobility scooters in multistory flats.

The company is also in the process

of working with another council to

donate an evac chair for disabled

adults and children to use at the

beach.

Recently the company has embarked

on a complete overhaul of its

workshop. Making it more efficient

and enabling Mobility Care Solutions

to enhance its service offering. As

the company looks forward, it hopes to open

another shop to further support people with

limited mobility over a wider area.

Mobility Care Solutions’s mission is to

cover the whole spectrum of your mobility

requirements and to provide solutions that are

complete and comfortable. Whether seeking

living aids, help with walking, incontinence

products, wheelchairs, mobility scooters or

assistive technology furniture, Mobility Care

Solutions has just what you need to maintain

your high quality of life.

For more on Mobility Care Solutions:

01915 487747

enquiries@mobilitycaresolutions.com

https://mobilitysunderland.co.uk

HCM IS SPONSORED BY MES LTD – SEE THEM ON PAGE 29 5

Review - Top Exhibitors

Med-Tech Innovation Expo 2025

The MTI Expo Conference was an absolute

must for anyone in the UK MedTech industry.

Featuring insights from organisations such as

Phillips, the Department of Health and Social

Care, Zeiss, NIHR, and more in the CPDaccredited

conference programme. Each day

kicked off with a slice of inspiration from the

world of MedTech, unique perspectives and

insights await.

The UK and Ireland’s leading medical device

manufacturing event, Med-Tech Innovation

Expo, took place from 4-5 June 2025 at

the NEC Birmingham. The event brought

together leaders, engineers, innovators

and manufacturers, connecting them with

technology and innovation to facilitate the

design and manufacture of life changing

medical devices.

The UK MedTech industry has an annual

turnover of 27.6 billion GBP. The UK is also

a major player in the international market

exporting over 5.6 billion GBP of MedTech

products in 2021.

The Med-Tech Insights Stage featured

in-depth discussions on industry trends,

regulatory updates, and strategic insights from

senior representatives of leading healthcare

organisations and blue-chip companies.

The Med-Tech Innovation Stage was designed

to spotlight the latest innovations in health

technology. Here visitors could discover

groundbreaking products, emerging companies,

and new trends that are set to revolutionise

the medical technology landscape.

PITCH, sponsored by NIHR, was the start-up

competition that brought together the world’s

leading, early-stage MedTech start-ups for a

live on-stage pitching session.

New for 2025, the VIP Buyers Programme

provided senior buyers with benefits such as

complimentary parking and entry to a private

networking lounge where they could enjoy a

free breakfast and refreshments.

The Connect Lounge was perfect for

networking with old and new clients. Visitors

could use the app to setup meetings with

exhibitors and speakers, so visitors could start

filling up their diary before the show started,

expanding networks and maximising time.

The start-up zone brought visitors face-toface

with a range of new start-up companies

from across the med-tech sector. The perfect

opportunity to see innovative products

launching in the industry from companies that

would not normally exhibit.

Med-Tech Innovation Expo returns next year

to Birmingham’s NEC from 3-4 June 2026.

This is our pick of the best exhibitors from this

year’s show, listed here in alphabetical order:

Amies Technical Plastics, Andersen Products

& Round Peg. Further details can be found on

this page and the next two.

https://med-techexpo.com

6


Amies Technical Plastics

ounded 1929 as a compression moulding

Fspecialist working with phenolic resins like

Bakelite, Amies Technical Plastics is often

regarded as the UK’s oldest plastics‐only

manufacturer.

Headquartered at its current site in Chesterfield,

Derbyshire on the edge of the picturesque Peak

District since 1961, the company remains a

family-owned business across 3 generations.

Core capabilities & markets

Amies specialise in manufacturing smaller,

highly accurate components, utilising a

fleet of German built, fully calibrated Arburg

injection moulding machines

ranging from 15 tonnes up

to 200 tonnes clamp force,

with additional capabilities

including a Class 7 cleanroom

and 2 shot moulding.

Working with an extensive

range of polymers – from

commodity resins such as PP

and HIPS right through to high

performance materials such

as LCP, PPS, PEEK, and now

increasingly sustainable biopolymers.

Amies has built a longstanding

reputation in medical and

technical injection moulding,

serving a broad range of

clients in the medical space

across Medical Device,

Diagnostics, Medical

Gas, IVD, Micro-fluidics

and Drug delivery. More

broadly Amies portfolio

also covers other

demanding sectors

in wider industry

such as Aerospace,

Fluid management,

Electronics, Hazardous

Environment, Battery

technology and the

Food manufacturing industry.

Technical capabilities

With a highly experienced

technical team combining

many decades of experience

in both processing and tooling,

Amies are very well placed to

support projects and advise

clients from their very earliest

concepts through to high

volume serial production.

Once a project is started,

extensive DFM is completed

combining the latest moulding

simulation software running

on a dedicated workstation

alongside years of real-world

experience of the many

different challenges, ensuring

problems are highlighted and

eliminated prior to tooling.


Tooling is fully

specified by Amies

team to ensure it

is robust and fit for

purpose and then

manufactured by one

of a small panel of

trusted toolmakers

approved by Amies.

Quality & compliance

Amies is accredited to

both ISO 9001:2015

and ISO 13485:2016 (medical device

standard), enabling rigorous fully traceable

quality management across regulated medical

moulding. With measurement and validation

capabilities that extend to full IQ/OQ/PQ

packages we can cover all eventualities.

Summary

Amies Technical Plastics blends nearly a

century of heritage with modern materials

engineering and precision manufacturing. As a

trusted supplier in highly regulated industries,

particularly medical devices, its niche focus on

complicated small parts made from hightech

polymers, underpinned by stringent ISO quality

systems and forward investment, ensures

it remains a standout player in UK technical

injection moulding

01246 568046

sales@amiesplastics.co.uk

www.amiestechnicalplastics.co.uk

Round Peg impresses

ound Peg impressed this year

Rwith their stand showcasing

their work at MedTech Innovation

Expo. Featuring snippets of exciting

products they have been working

on in the medical space, their stall

showcased their work with inhalers,

auto and pen-injectors as well as

bioscience, diagnostic and

DNA synthesis machines.

A huge crowd pleaser was

Round Peg’s ‘strongest thumb’

competition, where conferencegoers

were encouraged to

participate in a competition,

engaging with Round Peg’s

usability demonstrators to test

participants’ strength – the winning

thumb produced a whopping 178N

of force!

As an advanced engineering

consultancy with a mechanical

design and manufacturing focus,

Round Peg helps companies get

innovative products to market more

quickly while ensuring that they can

be robustly manufactured.

Working to create breakthrough

products and systems for leading

companies and brands, Round

Peg’s experience allows them to

effectively support new technology

through the crucial stages of

concept generation, design and

prototyping to manufacture and

delivery. Their experience spans

a range of industries – from

medtech and pharma to telecoms,

manufacturing and consumer

products.

In an exciting new development,

Round Peg has also recently

opened a second office in Bristol.

The team will support the work of

the main office in Cambridge, while

expanding Round Peg’s offering

across the UK.

01223 235532

contact.us@round-peg.com

www.round-peg.com


Low temperature sterilisation system

ince 1956, Andersen

Products has been

Sa trusted provider

of Ethylene Oxide (EO)

sterilisation solutions for

the life sciences industry.

The company was founded

by Dr Harold Andersen,

a surgeon at Bellevue

Hospital in New York City,

to produce his own medical

inventions – suction

drains and dual-channel

nasogastric tubes. The

need to sterilise these

innovative devices led

to the development of

Andersen’s first line of EO

sterilisers.

Over the years, Andersen has continually

expanded its product offerings to include a

wider range of medical drains and tubes, while

consistently advancing its sterilisation systems

to meet evolving safety and performance

standards.

Today, Andersen Products are used in over

6,000 healthcare facilities worldwide by

medical device manufacturers, hospitals, and

clinics either in-house or through contract

manufacturing, and is trusted by dozens of

industries including Universities, Veterinary

Practices, Healthcare, Packaging, Agriculture,

Public Bodies, and many more.

Andersen Products’ global operations

are anchored at its Health Science Park

headquarters in North Carolina, USA, which

houses the company’s manufacturing

facilities, quality assurance laboratory, and

research and development centre. In the UK,

HW Andersen Products Ltd, based in Clacton,

serves as the company’s European branch,

and oversees the sales, distribution, and

maintenance of all Andersen products across

Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Ethylene oxide (EO) has been widely used for

decades to sterilise medical devices and plays

a vital role in protecting human health. Today,

approximately 70% of all medical devices

manufactured globally are sterilised using

EO, and it is considered the gold standard for

sterilisation, providing hospital-grade sterility

assurance (10 -6 ) and unmatched gentleness

and material compatibility.

Its effectiveness lies in its

ability to penetrate even the

most complex and hard-toreach

areas of a device – such

as narrow lumens and internal

cavities – making it one of

the most reliable sterilisation

methods available. By

ensuring that these devices

are sterile before use, EO

sterilisation helps save lives

and supports better health

outcomes worldwide.


One product available

from Andersen Products

is EOGas4, the only

FDA 510(k) cleared

sterilisation system for

terminal sterilisation of

duodenoscopes and

colonoscopes. This

tabletop ethylene oxide

(EO) sterilisation system

offers rapid sterilisation and

aeration cycles, with the

fastest cycle completing in

just 3.5 hours.

The EOGas4 offers

unmatched sterilisation

compatibility, thanks to

its temperature-controlled

cabinet that operates at

low temperatures – without the need for

external vacuum lines or a steam generator.

This gentle sterilisation process ensures

the protection of your most delicate items,

including instruments,

electronics, drills, fibre optics,

handpieces, and cameras, as

well as materials like plastic,

fabric, cellulose, and rubber

that are incompatible with

other sterilisation methods.

Designed for ease of use, the

system features a simple twobutton

interface and a digital

display that provides realtime

updates on sterilisation

status and cabinet

temperature throughout the

cycle. The EOGas4 includes four

sterilisation cycles with active

aeration in the same cabinet and

is the only steriliser capable of

delivering terminal sterility at just

86°F (30°C) in a 12 hour cycle.

With easy installation that only

requires a 120v or 240v outlet

and a 1” exhaust line, it’s also

easy to make your system

zero emissions through Andersen’s optional

abators which are a simple cartridge-based

system that employ a dry catalyst resin. This

works because the resin converts ethylene

oxide into biodegradable organic compounds.

The replacement cartridges then remove more

than 99% of the EO in the exhaust stream,

resulting in a fraction of a gram of total EO

emissions over the course

of a multi-hour cycle. This

small amount of EO is then

vented to the outside where

it disperses rapidly, quickly

becoming undetectable. The

replaceable abator cartridge

also has a 200-cycle

capacity, and is nonhazardous

meaning it can be

discarded in most landfills

or returned to Andersen for

disposal.

The EOGas4 is innovation at its finest.

Taking excellence to the next level, the

premier sterilisation solution is ideal for

busy healthcare practices that use the

same expensive instrument multiple times

a day. It’s important to note that because

of the fast and extremely gentle cycle, that

when combined with hospital-level sterility

assurance 10 -6 , the EOGas4 becomes a

critical infection prevention tool that delivers

unparalleled versatility. This means you can

sterilise a wide range of delicate instruments

that would naturally degrade in an autoclave

without damage! Material types cleared by

the FDA for the EOGas4 include single-lumen

endoscopes, metal, plastic, and fabric.

Other features and benefits include low

acquisition and per cycle cost, integrated

biological process challenge device

(PCD), easy maintenance, and free

operator training for the life of

the system.

One satisfied customer, Dr.

Joseph P. Hunstad, Plastic

Surgeon H/K/B Cosmetic

Surgery Huntersville, NC left

a glowing review. “The latest

generation of heated gas

sterilisation units have been

a game-changer. Instead

of a 24 hour cycle, now we

have a few hours cycle and

it’s changed our whole environment. I

recommend these to colleagues all over

the world.”

As a leader in 100% ethylene oxide

sterilisation for more than 60 years,

Andersen is delivering the future of gas

sterilisation, today. These machines

have proven critical to the daily infection

control process in thousands of clinics,

hospitals, and Universities across 75

countries.

01255 428328

uk@anderseneurope.com

https://anderseneurope.com

8


SOFTWARE & TECHNOLOGY Matters

Trogenix bolsters

clinical research team

rogenix Ltd, a pioneering

Tbiotech company dedicated

to developing innovative cancer

therapies, recently announced two

senior appointments as the Company

advances its pipeline towards the

clinic. Atif Abbas, MD joins as Chief

Medical Officer (CMO), bringing

over 25 years of pharmaceutical

and biotechnology leadership with

extensive experience guiding drug

development programmes from

preclinical stages through clinical

trials to market approval and will

drive clinical excellence through

to commercialisation. Carolyn

Edwards, PhD joins as Vice President

(VP), R&D, bringing over 15 years

of comprehensive experience in

drug development and strategic

partnerships and will focus on

accelerating Trogenix’s R&D pipeline.

An oncology-focused physician,

Atif has successfully led numerous

first-in-human IND submissions

for immunotherapy compounds,

including PDL1-41bb bispecific

antibodies, NKG2A antibodies,

and STING agonists, while playing

pivotal roles in high-profile regulatory

submissions such as the successful

BLA filing for avelumab in Merkel cell

carcinoma. Most recently serving as

VP and Head of Immuno-oncology at

Servier Pharma, he has built and led

multidisciplinary clinical development

teams across senior roles at Spring

Bank Pharma, Kadmon (acquired by

Sanofi for $1.9B in 2021), Merck and

AbbVie.

Carolyn brings a unique blend

of scientific insight, operational

leadership, and partnership-building

expertise that will be invaluable in

the expansion and acceleration of

Trogenix’s R&D pipeline. Her proven

track record includes progressing

immunotherapies from concept

to candidate, securing a clinical

development partnership and asset

transfer. Carolyn completed her PhD

at the Department of Immunology,

Imperial College London, UK,

continuing her research at University

College London before Translational

Science and R&D Leadership

positions in immuno-oncology at

Crescendo Biologics and Achilles

Therapeutics.

info@trogenixbio.com

www.trogenix.com

Mainteno facilities

maintenance and

management software

Game-changing 3D eye

imaging technology

revolutionary 3D eye imaging

A system that’s set to transform

eye care, telemedicine, and clinical

workflows has been unveiled by

Centre for Sight, one of the UK’s

leading eye hospitals.

IMVIS (Infinite Medical Ventures

Imaging System) digitises the

traditional slit lamp exam, a core part

of eye examinations that has barely

changed in over 100 years.

For the first time,

high-definition, fully

3D eye images can

now be captured,

reviewed and shared

remotely – live or

retrospectively –

on smartphones,

tablets, and

computers, anywhere

in the world.

The system is ready for AI machine

learning, creating structured,

objective datasets that will power

future diagnostic algorithms and

smart decision-support tools. IMVIS

lays the groundwork for AI-driven

healthcare in ophthalmology and is set

to slash waiting lists, reduce clinician

workload, and improve national and

global access to specialist care.

Developed by Sheraz Daya, Medical

Director at Centre for Sight, and retinal

surgeon Professor Tom Williamson,

IMVIS is now in use at Centre for

Sight’s East Grinstead and Oxshott

centres, with London installations

coming soon at Harley Street and

London Lauriston Clinic.

“This is a complete digital

transformation,” said Sheraz Daya.

“IMVIS makes fully remote eye care

possible today while creating the

clinical infrastructure

for AI-driven

diagnostics tomorrow.

It’s more than an

upgrade – it’s a new

standard.”

The breakthrough

comes as

ophthalmology faces

rising pressures from

ageing populations,

limited capacity, and

overstretched clinical teams. IMVIS

offers a faster, more flexible alternative

to the in-person slit lamp exam,

enabling documentation, real-time

telemedicine, remote collaboration and

more efficient patient management.

www.centreforsight.com

www.infinitemv.com

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

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.

10


Cutting edge thermal imaging

Healthcare Matters is proud to announce

that Thermidas has been chosen as our

Thermal Imaging Company of the Month

stablished in 2008, Thermidas

is dedicated to developing and

Eadvancing infrared (IR) thermal

imaging for diagnostic use. Today, that

same commitment is helping UK care

home residents, particularly those with

dementia, limited verbal communication, and

with darker skin tones, by giving carers a

powerful tool to detect pain and health risks

early.

Developed in Finland by pioneering medical

researchers, Thermidas began as a specialist

research lab exploring the power of thermal

imaging for early detection in clinical care.

Today, it’s a proven, third-generation technology

bridging science and practice – bringing

hospital-grade innovation into care homes to

help prevent pressure ulcers, reduce hospital

admissions, and improve resident outcomes.

Thermidas provide clinically certified, noninvasive

thermal imaging systems that support

early detection of pressure ulcers (PUs),

diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), pain, infections and

circulatory problems – especially valuable for

non-verbal, bedbound or cognitively impaired

residents. The company’s goal is to transform

temperature measurement into a frontline

diagnostic tool that helps clinicians and carers

prevent complications before they escalate.

The company’s offering boasts an impressive

array of features and benefits. CE-certified and

MHRA-registered medical-grade thermal tablets

and AI-supported thermal analysis software

provide portable, non-contact solutions that

carers can easily use as part of daily routines.

By enabling early detection, and providing

actionable insights, Thermidas supports better

outcomes, through AI-enhanced thermal risk

stratification.

To ensure successful care home adoption,

Thermidas offers comprehensive onboarding,

training, and UK-based support. Its technology

integrates seamlessly with care plans, digital

records, audit trails, and real-time alerts.

Providers using Thermidas systems report a

return on investment in under seven months,

thanks to reduced treatment costs, improved

resident outcomes, and enhanced regulatory

compliance.

In collaboration with partners, Thermidas

have also developed new care protocols that

integrate thermal risk classification into existing

documentation workflows, making it simple

and effective for frontline carers and nurses to

adopt. These co-designed solutions ensure

clinical value, ease of use, and meaningful

impact on resident outcomes.

Operating at the intersection of medical

technology, digital health and preventative care;

Thermidas’ systems are already influencing

wound prevention strategies and diabetic foot

management pathways in multiple care settings

globally. In the UK, proactive care models

are being implemented in accordance with

the NHS 10 Year Health Plan for England, in

collaboration with NHS and Care home group

partners, putting Thermidas at the forefront of

preventive care in Britain.

As Thermidas looks to the future, it plans to

invest in scaling its deployment in care homes

THERMAL IMAGING Company of the Month

and community care to reduce preventable

hospital admissions. As well as this, the

company plans to expand its international

partnerships. Particularly in the USA, EU

and Middle East. As Thermidas grows it will

continue clinical research into new thermal

biomarkers for early disease detection and

begin to introduce AI-enhanced thermal

analysis to further support frontline clinicians

with automated decision support.

Thermidas represent a new era of preventative

healthcare. Using non-contact, non-invasive

technology to detect and prevent problems

before symptoms become severe. Its vision is

to help clinicians and carers make faster, betterinformed

decisions that improve outcomes and

reduce costs for health systems globally.

07974 150252

stephen.taylor@thermidas.fi

https://thermidas.fi

Thermal imaging helps people of

colour by detecting subtle temperature

changes that are often missed on darker

skin, where redness is harder to see


HEALTHY EATING Matters

Birchall Foodservice launches 62 page activity

pack to support the care sector

Burnley-based

wholesaler

and founder

Country Range

member, Birchall

Foodservice, has

launched its firstever

Care Home

Activity Pack – a

62 page guide

designed to support

activity coordinators

and caterers

working within the healthcare sector.

Recognising the challenges that care home

teams face in delivering engaging, enjoyable,

and meaningful activities for residents,

the pack offers a comprehensive range

of creative ideas built

around food. Its aim

is simple: to spark joy

and connection through

shared experiences that

centre on mealtimes,

cultural celebrations, and

interactive activities.

At the heart of the pack is

a month-by-month events

calendar, highlighting

Materials matter

n this article, Nadine Hummert –

Ithe founder of luxury sustainable

lifestyle brand Equilibrium

Lifestyle – draws on her extensive

experience in carefully sourcing

materials for upholstery, and her

background in health and wellbeing

to share why the products and

materials in your home truly matter.

What materials should I be

avoiding?

Non-organic cotton blends –

While not a direct gluten source,

cotton blends can harbour dust

mites, which may be an issue

for those with sensitivities.

Conventional cotton production

involves the use of chemical

fertilisers and pesticides that can

leave residues on the cotton fibres.

These residues may cause skin

irritations and allergic reactions

in individuals with sensitivities.

recommendations.

Spelt husk – Often marketed as

a natural, organic ‘ancient grain’

– spelt is more than just a food

ingredient. Its husks, the hard outer

shells of the grain, are commonly

used in meditation cushions,

neck pillows, heat wraps, and

even pet beds, thanks to their

breathability, mould resistance,

and hypoallergenic reputation. But

here’s what’s often overlooked:

spelt is a form of wheat, and those

husks still contain gluten.

If you’re managing a gluten allergy,

it’s worth taking a closer look at

what’s inside your soft furnishings

and other regularly used items in

your home. Start by checking the

filling: spelt, wheat husk, barley

hulls, and even oat hulls can all

contain traces of gluten.

Opt for naturally gluten-free

alternatives like buckwheat husk,

kapok fibre, organic linseed or

organic cotton. Using washable,

sealed covers can help minimise

contact and keep stray particles

contained, while regular airing and

surface cleaning helps reduce

buildup. Always double-check

labels and don’t be afraid to ask

what’s inside.

key seasonal dates

such as Valentine’s

Day, Easter, and

Remembrance

Sunday – each

paired with activity

suggestions, food

ideas, games, and

even suggested

decorations. These

are supported by

easy-to-follow

recipes and product

Popular food-themed games include Biscuit

Jenga, Build Your Own Pizza nights, and

Food Bingo, which are designed to encourage

motor skills, social interaction, and laughter.

There’s also a ‘World on

a Plate’ section, offering

immersive cultural

experiences for countries

including Italy, Mexico,

Spain, France, China, and

the UK – complete with

themed menus, music

ideas, and crafts.

https://equilibrium-lifestyle.co.uk

To help tackle hydration

in fun and engaging ways,

ACI Group highlights

‘French Paradox’

CI Group has highlighted

Athe unique properties of

Mediterranean ingredients as

key factors that can support the

UK’s heart health, highlighting its

Hytolive ® and Vintera ingredients

as ways to help recreate the

‘French Paradox’ in the UK.

The French Paradox refers to the

observation that French citizens

experience lower rates of coronary

heart disease despite high

average consumption of saturated

fats and cholesterol. Research

suggests that this is a result of

the recognised Mediterranean

diet, which includes red wine and

olives – both of which are high in

polyphenols and antioxidants of the

kind found in Hytolive and Vintera.

ACI is the exclusive supplier of

both ingredients to the UK market,

as part of its fruitful partnership

with upcycled nutrition specialist

Alvinesa.

Hytolive is an extra virgin olive oil

(EVOO) extract derived from the

olive fruit, as opposed to many

other EVOO extracts that are

derived from the leaf, meaning

it qualifies as a food product.

the pack features ideas such as mocktail

parties, milkshake decorating, and ‘Guess the

Drink’ challenges – all designed to improve

fluid intake without it feeling like a chore.

Joe Moulton, Marketing Manager at Birchall

Foodservice, said, “This pack combines

food and fun to help care homes deliver

meaningful activities that residents will

genuinely enjoy. It’s all about sparking joy

through shared experiences, whether that’s

a themed afternoon tea or a game of Food

Bingo.”

The pack has been developed with support

from trusted foodservice brands including

Albany, Soreen, McVitie’s, Kellogg’s,

Lakeland Dairies, and Nestlé. It offers a mix

of inspiration and practicality, helping care

teams save valuable planning time while

delivering enriching experiences.

Available now to all Birchall Foodservice

customers and care homes across the UK,

the pack is free to download.

To access the Care Home Activity Pack,

visit: www.birchallfoodservice.co.uk/

resources or get in touch with the

Birchall team by calling 01282 429446.

It is rich in hyroxytyrosol, a

potent antioxidant that has been

demonstrated to help remove

excess cholesterol and improve

cardiovascular health. Vintera,

meanwhile, is a grapeseed extract

sourced from the byproducts of

wine production and is rich in

polyphenols, which have been

shown to enhance beneficial HDL

cholesterol and reduce the risk of

plaque formation in the arteries.

Both Hytolive and Vintera

are sustainably sourced from

Spain, meaning customers can

incorporate their wellness-boosting

properties into their recipes and

formulations without compromising

their important ESG goals.

www.acigroup.biz

12


PREEMINENT ENGINEERING Company of the Month

Innovative storage

solutions for hospitals

In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are

pleased to feature DJ Hill Engineering Ltd

as our Preeminent Engineering Company

of the Month

J Hill is widely

recognised for its

D expertise, experience,

and quality of work within

the engineering industry.

Based in Cardiff and

established in April 2008 as

a sole trader by David Hill,

the business later became

incorporated as a limited

company in September

2009, and has continued to

grow ever since.

Honing a top-quality service

that is dedicated to providing

high-quality bespoke metal

products, D J Hill has

established itself as a trusted

supplier, catering to the distinctive needs of

diverse sectors across South Wales and the

South West area.

“Our rigorous approach to precision, quality,

and innovation distinguishes us from our peers

and underpins every project we undertake,” said

David.

“We’re proud to utilise our technical expertise

and vast knowledge to solve complex

engineering challenges, continuously striving to

exceed our client’s expectations while remaining

committed to the principles of sustainable and

responsible engineering.

“As manufacturers of bespoke fabricated metal

products, we specialise in welding, fabrication

and manufacturing. For the healthcare industry,

our main product is our Bed Stacking System,

but we also manufacture other

products like stillages, trolleys,

street furniture, fire escapes,

internal & external staircases,

automated gates, and other

bespoke storage systems.”

The Bed Stacking System

is an innovative solution

that enables healthcare

organisations to manage and

allocate beds with maximum

efficiency. By transforming

bed management from a

reactive, manual task into

a proactive, data-driven

process, it plays a vital role

in improving operational

performance, profitability, and

– most importantly – patient outcomes.

Beyond optimising bed availability, these

expertly designed and

fabricated storage

units deliver practical

advantages that make

day-to-day operations

smoother and safer.

They free up valuable

space while reducing

fire and trip hazards

in hospital corridors,

creating a cleaner

and more organised

environment. Their

structured design gives

maintenance teams

and staff greater organisational ability, ensuring

equipment is stored systematically and always

accessible. By streamlining storage, they also

increase the number of beds ready for patient

use at any given time, directly supporting the

delivery of high-quality care. Above all, they

enhance overall safety, declutter the workplace,

and save space in a cost-effective, practical way.

Available in 3, 4, or 5 bed models, D J Hill is the

only UK manufacturer of vertical bed storage

systems, helping hospitals save considerable

floor space in their environments. Since being

granted the patent for this product in 2019, it has

been implemented in dozens of hospitals around

the country.

“When certain items or products are not available

off the shelf, we can provide bespoke solutions.

Our team of experts are prompt and reliable,

ensuring your project runs smoothly from start

to finish. We masterfully handle all aspects

of commercial and domestic steelwork and

engineering, skilfully navigating complex tasks

to deliver results that surpass expectations. All

customers can benefit from our comprehensive

suite of tailored services, and be assured that

their engineering needs are in the hands of a

capable and dedicated team,” said David.

To enhance its capabilities, D J Hill has recently

purchased a 4kw laser cutter and a 300-tonne x

4.1m pressbrake that will allow them to improve

lead times and also work to tighter tolerances.

This service is offered by Laser Cutting South

Wales, which operates

as the company’s

domain name.

As your premier

destination for topnotch

laser cutting

and metal fabrication

services in South

Wales, D J Hill also

provides bespoke

engineering solutions

catering to both

commercial and

domestic projects. With

services catering to steelwork, metal fabrication,

gates and railings, D J Hill incorporates

sustainable principles with experience from a

team that has a rich history of delivering highquality

custom metal products.

Looking to the future, we asked David what’s

next for D J Hill, “We would like to increase the

number of bed stackers produced/installed,

and also potentially introduce an automated

bed washing system for hospital beds and

mattresses.”

029 2079 0784

07725 947217

0845 485 0600

sales@djhillengineering.co.uk

www.djhillengineering.co.uk

https://lasercuttingsouthwales.co.uk

14


NURSING & CARE Matters

Bringing joy, engagement, & connection

to care: How HQ.FM Quiz and Bingo

Software Is transforming elderly services

I

n the everevolving

landscape

of elderly

care,

providers are

constantly

seeking

innovative, cost-effective

ways to enhance resident

engagement, improve wellbeing,

and foster a sense of

community. HQ.FM Quiz and

Bingo Software has emerged

as a breakthrough solution,

bringing the timeless joy of

games like quizzes and bingo

into the digital age, tailored

perfectly for residential nursing

and care homes, senior housing

providers, and homecare

services.

At its core, HQ.FM offers an

easy-to-use platform that delivers

professional

live quiz

and bingo

sessions,

specifically

designed with

the elderly

audience in

mind. The

software

enables care

home staff

to provide

high-quality

entertainment

without additional workload or

the need for specialised training.

Whether in a single residential

facility or across multiple care

homes within a group, HQ.FM

brings people together through

shared, engaging activities that

stimulate the mind and uplift the

spirit.

For owners and managers of care

homes, the value goes beyond

just resident satisfaction. Regular

participation in HQ.FM

sessions contributes to

residents’ cognitive health,

combats loneliness, and

strengthens social bonds –

key factors that align with the

Care Quality Commission’s

(CQC) emphasis on personcentred

care. As an added

benefit, the software can

also be used for family

engagement events, helping

homes foster

a more

inclusive,

vibrant

community.

Senior

management

from care home groups will

appreciate the scalable, multilocation

functionality. HQ.FM

can stream the same highquality

content to numerous

homes simultaneously, ensuring

consistency in activity standards

across the organisation. For

housing providers supporting

independent elderly living, HQ.FM

provides a simple, engaging way

to deliver regular entertainment

and assist in reducing isolation

whilst promoting a sense of

belonging without the logistics of

organising in-person events.

Homecare

providers,

too, can tap

into HQ.FM

as a flexible,

remotefriendly

enrichment

tool. Clients

receiving

care at home

can access

live sessions

from a tablet

or smart TV,

bringing them the same joy and

stimulation experienced in larger

communal settings. In an industry

where connection and quality of

life matter as much as care itself,

HQ.FM delivers an innovative

yet deeply human solution.

For elderly service providers

committed to excellence, it

represents a smart, practical

investment – one that transforms

leisure into something meaningful

and memorable.

See how their platform can

elevate your care homes’

entertainment game at:

https://hashtagquiz.co.uk/ and

start your free trial now!

Contact Simon at 07941 322339 or

email: ops@hashtaghosts.co.uk

or visit: www.happyquizzing.co.uk

16


The clock is ticking:

NURSING & CARE Matters

Why clean water can’t wait

By Dave Noble, Chief

Communications Officer,

Bluewater

S

ix hundred billion

single-use plastic

bottles. Over one

hundred million synthetic

chemicals. Water safety

crises making global

headlines. The numbers are

staggering – and they’re not

abstract statistics. They’re

symptoms of a planetary

emergency playing out daily

in homes, offices, and public

spaces around the world.

At Bluewater, we’ve spent

the past 14 years working

to eliminate the need for

single-use plastic bottles and

remove toxic ‘forever chemicals’ such as PFAS

from drinking water. What began as a mission to

purify water has evolved into delivering hydration

solutions that actively support body and mind – at

home, at work, and at play.

Every so often, a book crystallises why this

mission matters so urgently. A Poison Like No

Other by science journalist Matt Simon is one

such work. Simon’s meticulous reporting lays

bare the scale of microplastic pollution – a crisis

that’s seeped into the deepest ocean trenches,

the highest mountaintops, and, alarmingly, our

own bodies.

Microplastics aren’t just unsightly litter. They’re

tiny fragments that can enter the human

bloodstream and even be detected in unborn

babies. They carry chemical additives, and they

don’t go away. Simon’s investigation shows

how industry lobbyists have downplayed the

threat, protecting short-term profits while leaving

the public exposed. His work dismantles the

myth that single-use plastics are a harmless

convenience.

The evidence is clear: over 600 billion plastic

bottles are produced every year. Many break

For over a decade Bluewater innovative

water dispensers have been helping

major sporting events, large scale

conferences and major venues turn the

tide of single use plastic bottle use

down into microscopic

fragments that persist for

generations, infiltrating

food, water, and air. In other

words, we’re ingesting the

consequences.

This isn’t just an environmental

story – it’s a health story.

At Bluewater, we see the

connections every day.

Microplastics in rivers and

oceans can travel straight into

municipal water supplies. PFAS

and other synthetic chemicals

leach from plastic into food and

drinks. Once in the body, some

have been linked to cancer,

infertility, ADHD, and immune

disorders.

That’s why Bluewater’s

technology is designed to remove up to 99.7%

of known contaminants – including PFAS,

microplastics, and other toxic chemicals – directly

from tap water. At the heart of that capability is

our proprietary SuperOsmosis system, a leap

beyond traditional reverse osmosis. It delivers

faster flow, higher purity, and dramatically

less water waste, making it both powerful and

sustainable. Whether in a compact under-sink unit

for a family kitchen or a larger system for a busy

office, SuperOsmosis turns ordinary tap water

into an exceptional hydration experience.

For offices and public spaces, our Bluewater

Flow dispenser delivers that same advanced

purification at scale – a high-performance, easyto-use

solution that keeps employees, customers,

and visitors hydrated without the environmental

cost of bottled water. Outdoors, a growing

number of premium golf courses in the UK, USA,

and South Africa now use Bluewater hydration

stations to keep golfers refreshed on the course.

Paired with our durable, stylish reusable bottles

– already a hit with athletes worldwide – these

systems slash plastic waste while ensuring clean,

safe water from the first tee to the 18th green.

Under the leadership of founder and CEO Bengt

Rittri – a Swedish ecopreneur also known for

creating the clean-air pioneer Blueair – we’ve

committed ourselves to solutions that are as

sustainable as they are effective. Bengt’s vision,

recognised by environmental leaders worldwide,

guides every decision we make: from the

engineering of our purifiers to our expanding

range of healthy beverage offerings that make

good hydration a pleasure, not a chore.

Meanwhile, the headlines keep coming. In Alsace,

France, residents have been told to boil tap

water after bacteriological contamination. A joint

investigation by Le Monde and Radio France

revealed that at least one-third of bottled mineral

water brands have allegedly been treated illegally

to remove bacteria, breaching EU rules. Trust in

bottled water, long marketed as pure, is beginning

Olympic gold medallist and Bluewater

brand ambassador Ellie Aldridge tries

Bluewater’s great-tasting purified water

from the company’s versatile, officefriendly

Flow dispenser

to crack.

As The Guardian recently reported, chemical

pollution remains decades behind climate change

in public awareness. Researchers from Deep

Science Ventures estimate more than 100 million

synthetic chemicals are in circulation, with tens

of thousands in everyday use. Fourteen percent

of European teenagers already have PFAS levels

high enough to cause adverse health effects.

These are not distant threats. They are here. Now.

The good news is we have the technology and the

alternatives. Bluewater can remove contaminants

at the point of use and replace single-use

bottles entirely. What’s needed is the will – from

consumers choosing sustainable options, from

companies investing in safe materials, and from

policymakers regulating for long-term health over

short-term convenience.

We have heard the wake-up call. Let’s refuse to be

part of the microplastic and toxic chemical horror

story. At Bluewater, we’re ready to make clean,

safe water a reality everywhere people live, work,

and play.

The clock is ticking. But it hasn’t run out yet.

www.bluewatergroup.com/en-gb

Bengt Rittri, Founder & CEO, Bluewater

Group


COMPLETE CARE Company of the Month

Experts who care

In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are

pleased to feature Blueleaf Care as our

Complete Care Company of the Month

T

rusted by over

4,500 care homes

in the UK care

industry, Blueleaf has

been supporting the

care industry for over

37 years, delivering

products that reflect

one simple principle:

to provide the right

product, services and

outcomes for every

single customer.

Nick Frogbrook, Chief

Executive Officer, gave

us a little more insight into the company and its

history, “Blueleaf has grown in recent years into a

leading partner to the Health and Social Care sector

but our dedication to the care sector goes back

to 1987 through the legacy of NHG and Clinicare

who merged in 2018 and formed Blueleaf, later

joining with Nexon in 2023. Despite our growth, we

remain a family-owned business, committed to the

values that have shaped our journey from the very

beginning.”

“We operate from two key locations: our new head

office in Crawley, West Sussex, and our established

site in Castleford, West Yorkshire. Together, these

two strategic hubs enable us to deliver nationwide

coverage with efficiency and consistency. From

Crawley and Castleford, our dedicated fleet of over

50 vehicles supplies essential products to care

homes across the UK every week – ensuring we

remain responsive, reliable, and ready to meet the

needs of care providers, wherever they are.”

As one of the UK’s leading supply partners to the

health and social care sector, Blueleaf is proud to

support providers in the sector with services that

go far beyond products like consumables, medical

equipment, and furniture.

Nick explained, “We partner with care homes to

understand their specific needs and outcomes

– whether that’s improving resident wellbeing,

streamlining operations, or progressing toward

sustainability goals. We ensure we help them

address their challenges by bringing intelligent

solutions to every aspect of care home operations,

from dedicated account management to our

integrated system which

simplifies ordering and

budget management for

our customers.”

Blueleaf also place a

large emphasis and

focus on a continuous

progression in carbon

reduction and has

been internationally

recognised as a

Planet Mark certified

organisation.

“Our approach

combines deep sector expertise, time-saving

technology, and a commitment to sustainability. A

perfect example of our commitment to sustainability

and performance is the n-kind range – a growing

brand that now goes beyond cleaning products

to include a wider selection of environmentally

conscious solutions. At the heart of the range are

our plant-based, 100% biodegradable cleaning

products, which are designed to be kinder to both

people and the planet. They’re the only plantbased

range certified to BS EN 1276 and BS EN

14476 with a 30 second contact time, delivering

powerful performance

without compromise.

These products are

safe for staff and

residents and help our

customers achieve

their sustainability

goals,” added Nick.

The n-kind range is

a key cornerstone

of Blueleaf’s

commitment to

sustainability. What

began as a carefully

developed collection of plant-based, 100%

biodegradable cleaning solutions has now grown

into the leading platform for all its environmentally

conscious products.

“At Blueleaf, we believe that true progress

isn’t about settling for less – it’s about pushing

boundaries and reimagining what’s possible. Too

often, sustainability is treated as a box to tick or a

challenge to overcome. We see it differently. For us,

sustainability is a driver of innovation, shaping how

we can deliver better care today while protecting

the ability to do so tomorrow,” stated Nick.

From powerful, fast-acting cleaning solutions

certified to BS EN 1276 and BS EN 14476, to an

expanding line of paper products and surface

wipes, the range is designed to demonstrate that

exceptional results need not come at the planet’s

expense. And this is only the beginning – with

more sustainable solutions on the horizon, n-kind

is establishing a new benchmark for what care

environments can achieve.

“We support our clients by taking the time to

understand their challenges and providing tailored

products and solutions, including guidance on

selection, usage, and efficiency. Our sectorspecialist

Account Managers also work closely with

care homes to recommend best-fit options – not

just in terms of cost and quality, but in long-term

value and care outcomes,” added Nick.

In other news, Blueleaf has recently partnered

with Renray Healthcare – a leading name in care

home furniture design and manufacturing. This

collaboration marks a major step forward for

Blueleaf, allowing them to bring even more value to

care providers through a truly end-to-end furniture

solution.

“By combining Renray’s expertise in care home

furniture manufacturing with Blueleaf’s deep sector

knowledge and unwavering customer support,

we’re now able to help

care homes transform

their environments

like never before.

Whether it's a new

build, a refurbishment,

or an urgent need,

we’re able to

deliver high-quality,

purpose-built furniture

that enhances

comfort, dignity, and

practicality for both

residents and carers,”

said Nick.

Looking ahead, Blueleaf remains committed to

leading the care sector by taking a broader, more

impactful role in improving outcomes across the

industry. This approach is underpinned by two

of the company’s core values: a determination to

achieve the outcome, ensuring their work delivers

real and lasting impact, and a philosophy of care,

always – placing people at the heart of every

decision, from product development to customer

support.

03300 552288

info@blueleafcare.com

www.blueleafcare.com

18


PRESSURE CARE Company of the Month

Innovating pressure care

In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we

are pleased to feature Pressure Care

Management Ltd as our Pressure Care


stablished

in 1996 by

EPaul Morrish,

Pressure Care

Management

Ltd is a familyrun

company

from Hampshire,

whose early years

consisted of selling

air-flow mattresses.

Today, the company

has grown into a large team of experienced

professionals, who together, aim to

provide the best cost-effective solutions

for pressure care and pressure sore/ulcer

prevention.

With a vast product range that improves

comfort, promotes independence, and

reduces the risk of pressure ulcers, Pressure

Care Management Ltd works closely with the

NHS, care homes, and private clients, to offer

product assessments and tailored solutions

that meet individual clinical needs.

The range includes support positioners, lateral

tilting systems, and fluidised positioners, all

of which have been

designed to enhance

the quality of life for

people with mobility

issues or long-term

care needs.

“At Pressure Care

Management Ltd,

our solutions are

clinically engineered

to enhance patient

outcomes through effective pressure

redistribution, intelligent monitoring, and

tailored support,” said Craig Suckling,

General Manager. “Our designs are backed

by clinical evidence and are proven to aid in

the prevention and management of pressure

injuries across a range of acuity levels. We

offer configurable systems that align with

individual patient risk

profiles and diverse

care environments.

With integrated realtime

monitoring and

alerts, clinicians can

intervene proactively,

reducing complication

rates and improving

continuity of care.

Additionally, our

intuitive interfaces are

designed to support clinical workflows, reduce

cognitive load, and minimise onboarding time

for staff.”

By focusing on innovation, comfort, and

clinical effectiveness, Pressure Care

Management Ltd helps healthcare providers

improve patient care while reducing costs and

complications.

One innovative feature worth noting is their

unique PnuemaPure Filter System, which

is featured in products from their PosiPerle

Postural range. Pressure Care Management

is the only positioner on the market that can

offer products using this technology which is

also 100% recyclable

to improve longevity

and multi patient use.

PnuemaPure Filter

System is a clinically

proven filter allowing

clean air flow while

blocking viruses,

allergens, microbes

and mould. Using

hermetically sealed

seams that allow for a complete barrier

with no stitch holes, the filter allows clean

air to flow into the cushions, blocking out

pathogens and allergens such as MRSA, C.

difficile, E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,

Candida, albicans, Aspergillus niger,

Norovirus, Influenze Type A, Adenovirus 5 and

Coronavirus, 229E.

sitting or lying, and can be placed either

between the knees, the crotch area, or for

arm support. To better cater to all medical

circumstances, the Wedge is also fully

waterproof and can be reused between

patients after cleaning thanks its pure air filter.

Another product worth noting is the KomfiTilt

Edition 5, which is an advanced lateral tilting

system designed to offload and redistribute

the user’s body weight, promoting the

prevention of pressure areas forming and

improving tissue viability; in the interest of

bed sore prevention and the prevention of

pressure sores &

ulcers. This product

is a new addition

to the range, and

essentially acts as

a pressure relieving

mattress for pressure

ulcers. Featuring

a 10/30/60 minute

cycle time, plus a 30 minute ‘pause’ button,

it uses a simple plug & play system, as well

as an auto deflate function for personal care,

transfer or CPR. It is suitable for foam and

alternating air cell mattresses, and profiling

beds with angle adjustment, and comes with a

whisper quiet pump.

Looking ahead, Pressure Care Management

will continue to set new standards with

innovative products that revolutionise pressure

care and patient positioning. Having recently

expanded its team to enable a wider coverage

across the UK as well as a faster service,

we asked Craig what more can we expect

from the company, “We will continue to keep

innovating, ensuring we remain as a leading

provider of pressure care solutions that

empower individuals.”

01264 366330

info@pressurecaremanagement.com

www.pressurecaremanagement.co.uk

The PosiHeel Offload Positioner is a popular

product in this range, as it is an ideal choice

for pressure relief from injury and redistributing

pressure from one area of the body to another.

Using self-moulding technology, it can easily

mould to the patient’s body through 3D

macro-contouring, and is made with high

quality durable Polyurethane and Polyamide

providing a soft touch feeling.

The PosiPerle Wedge Positioner is used for


CLEANING, HUGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL Matters

The future of cleaning

is bright

he Cleaning Show 2025, held

Tat London’s ExCeL from 18-20

March, reinforced its position as the

UK’s leading event for the cleaning

and hygiene sector as it welcomed

over 8,000 attendees. Over three

days, the event highlighted the

latest advancements in cobotic

technologies, infection control

and sustainability, reinforcing

the industry’s commitment to

efficiency, safety, and environmental

responsibility.

With 157 exhibitors showcasing

the latest innovations to attending

cleaning and facilities maintenance

professionals, the event provided an

essential platform for networking,

knowledge sharing, and business

growth. Leading companies in the

sector including Nilfisk, Jangro,

Robert Scott, Kärcher, and Reckitt

Pro Solutions, all launched brand

new products and services during the

event, allowing attendees to explore

and gain insights into the solutions

and technologies driving change in

the sector.

The show also provided a key space

for industry leaders to meet

with new faces & strengthen

existing relationships,

ensuring continued growth

and progress within the cleaning and

facilities management industry as

the focus turns to attracting the next

generation of talent.

Paul Sweeney, Event Director of

The Cleaning Show, commented,

“What an event! With the atmosphere

and innovation on display at the

largest Cleaning Show ever last

month, it's clear the cleaning and

facilities industry is moving forward

at an impressive pace. The event

successfully brought the whole

industry together, fostering crucial

networking and collaboration

opportunities that will undoubtedly

shape a bright future for the industry.”

The Cleaning Show 2026 will take

place in Manchester from 18-19

February 2026 and The Cleaning

Show 2027 will take place from 16-18

March 2027.

https://cleaningshow.co.uk/manchester

https://cleaningshow.co.uk/london

Single-use products are

essential for infection

control and cleanliness

such as paper towels, to prevent the

spread of infections.

Art Cleaning

Founded in 1999

by Director Simon

Hart, Art Cleaning

has grown from a

domestic window

cleaning business

into a nationally

recognised leader in

commercial cleaning.

With its headquarters

in Birmingham and

over two decades of experience,

the company continues to set

industry standards in quality,

service, and innovation.

In 2024, Art Cleaning proudly

celebrated its 25th anniversary

– a milestone further elevated by

being awarded ‘Window Cleaning

Company of the Year’ by the

Federation of Window Cleaners

for the second consecutive time.

This recognition highlights not

only the company’s outstanding

service delivery but also the

consistent dedication of its expert

team.

A core pillar of Art‘s success

is its commitment to client

relationships. Understanding the

real-world pressures clients face,

the team is known for its flexibility,

responsiveness, and genuine

partnership approach. This has

led to enduring collaborations

with prominent organisations,

including:

: Nottinghamshire County

Council – since 2007

: Edgbaston cricket stadium –

since 2016

: University of Warwick – since

2019

Further supporting excellence

in service delivery, Art has

developed an internal Advanced

Window Cleaning program,

covering high-level tasks such as

internal curtain walls, stairwells,

balustrades, and drip control. This

ensures every team member is

equipped with specialised skills to

meet evolving industry demands.

0121 356 0491

info@artcleaning.co.uk

distinguished panel of experts

A joined a webinar hosted by

Knowlex to explore the role of singleuse

products in infection control and

hygiene, particularly in healthcare

settings and commercial kitchens.

The session featured Professor Katie

Laird, Professor of Microbiology, Head

of the Infectious Disease Research

Group, and expert in both infectious

disease and textiles at De Montfort

University; Professor Mark Wilcox

OBE, an internationally recognised

microbiologist and expert in C. difficile

infections from NHS England; and

Emma Brookes, Head of Soft FM and

Strategy at NHS England.

The panel shared their insights into

the complexities of infection control

in these critical environments, with

discussion focusing on the challenges

and benefits of using single-use items,

Emma Brookes highlighted that while

there is no one-size-fits-all solution,

high-quality paper towels are the

most effective option for hand drying

in restrooms. She emphasised the

importance of investing in superior

products to ensure high hygiene

standards and minimise bacterial

transmission. Professor Katie Laird,

with her deep expertise in infectious

disease and textiles, provided a unique

perspective on the materials used

in hygiene products. She explained

how understanding the intersection

of textiles and infectious disease is

crucial for selecting the most effective

products for infection control. Her

role as Head of the Infectious Disease

Research Group and her specialised

knowledge of textiles allowed her to

highlight how specific materials and

manufacturing processes can impact

the effectiveness of hygiene solutions

in preventing the spread of infections.

Watch here: www.youtube.com/

watch?v=hzVEFsTn3n0

https://knowlex.co.uk

20


DISABILITY & MOBILITY Matters

Award-winning adaptive

fashion wear

The brainchild of Caron Mcluckie, B’adaptive is an

online shop selling adaptive joggers and casualwear

(clothing) for wheelchair users

I

n 2016, social worker Caron

Mcluckie and mother of

three, faced a lifechanging

day and one that she will

never forget. Her teenage

son: Emile had a spinal

cord stroke, leaving him

paralysed from the waist

down. Due to his condition,

he has no bowel or bladder

function and now has to

self-catheterise every three

hours. Over time, Caron

realised that Emile’s clothes

didn’t fit him properly.

causing his lower back and

bottom to be exposed, it

was also difficult to selfcatheterise

whilst wearing

joggers.

Caron searched the market for

adaptive clothing but struggled to find clothing

that was practical but also fashionable for her

teenage son. She hit on the idea of designing

her own clothing range and after extensive

research: talking to other wheelchair users,

physiotherapists, occupational therapists and

carers, took a leap of faith and contacted the

Fashion Institute at Manchester Metropolitan

University with her own design.

Belong long, the prototype was made of

Caron’s joggers,

the pattern worked

well and Caron went

forward to launch

Bealiesadaptivewear.

Bealies Adaptive

Clothing was born and

Caron was on a mission

to bring fashionable,

adaptive clothing to the

1.2 million wheelchair

users across the UK.

Emile’s sister, Esther

called him ‘Bealie’ and

this inspired the name

of the company and in

2021, Caron was ready

to bring the product

line to market. Fastforward

two years and

the small company

has been mentioned

in Cosmopolitan,

Manchester Evening News and

has won the Fashion & Beauty

Start Up of the Year 2023 at the

Start Up Awards North West

and a fashion pioneer award

from Bizwomen.org

We congratulated Caron and

wanted to find out more about

this inspirational fashion brand,

“We launched a crowdfunding

campaign to raise funds to

manufacture a small run of the

joggers to test the market and

sold the joggers via our online

shop.

“We have relocated to Cornwall

and we are working with a

small factory in Plymouth

who will manufacture the next

run of products. Our clothing

products are all 100%

cotton, designed to

wash well, which is

particularly important for

incontinence sufferers

and their carers.

“Initially, our brand

was aimed at my son’s

demographic: younger

males but over time,

we have diversified our

range and now have a

popular unisex range.

The response has been

overwhelmingly positive

and we have continued

to grow our ambassador

base: these are our

talented group of models on our website.

“Rather than marketing ourselves as ‘disability

clothing’ per se, we have thought long

and hard about the language we use.

“B’adaptive is all about empowering

people, with adaptive, fashionable

clothing. From my experience with

Emile, as a thirteen year old in a

wheelchair, he didn’t want to wear

fuddy-duddy clothing, he wanted to fit

in, just like any other teenager. Life is

hard enough being a teenager, without

having to worry about wearing oldfashioned

clothing.

“Looking to the future, we have

recently launched hoodies to match the

joggers, launched joggers in two new

colours (pink and khaki) and in autumn

of 2025 we will be launching adaptive

underwear, t-shirts and new styles of

joggers.

“We are considering transitioning from a

limited company to a non-for-profit company,

to access more funding but in the meantime

are looking for investors that would like to help

us grow our brand organically.”

Quote HCM at the checkout for 10%

discount

www.bealiesadaptivewear.co.uk

www.twitter.com/bealiesaw

www.instagram.com/

realbealiesadaptivewear

22


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 trial – and 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

are also available.

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

“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


COMFORT FOAM Company of the Month

Bespoke innovation

in PU foam comfort

In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we have

featured Alfrecell as our Comfort Foam


outcomes – combustion modified ether,

combustion modified high resilience, visco

elastic/memory and specialist gel-infused

foams.

E

stablished in 1960, Alfrecell is a leading

UK-based producer and converter of

high-quality polyurethane (PU) comfort

foams and a trusted supply partner to the

bedding, furniture, leisure and healthcare

industries; with a special focus on the

community care, acute care and homecare

sectors.

Operating from two dedicated facilities in

Alfreton, Derbyshire, Alfrecell has served the

needs of UK and European care institutions

for decades, developing a strong reputation

for quality, safety and customer-focused care.

Alfrecell foams have

supported generations

of products, with a

focus on breathability,

pressure care and

body support. The

applications of its foams

enable a diverse range of

solutions for supporting; comfort,

therapy, patient care and protection.

Offering solutions for aids to daily living, to

products for acute care environments, its

portfolio comprises pressure care mattresses,

cushions and ancillary products such as

overlays, underlays, positioning products and

accessories. The company promotes four

foam families to achieve successful product

The company’s offering incorporates a large

range of standard products delivering readymade

solutions, as well as fulfilling bespoke

product requirements for the benefit of its

business partners. Offering value-added

conversion services for healthcare specific

requirements.

Alfrecell’s comprehensive suite of services

can support its customers at every stage of

their project. From prototyping, development

and fabrication; to product assembly, finishing

and extensive onsite warehouse capacity

for stock order fulfilment. Its specialist

conversion site encompasses

advanced cutting solutions

and dedicated machinery

for precise, customised

manufacturing.

The company’s

unique partner-based

approach, serves as an extension

to its customer’s business needs; with

flexibility to fulfil basic stock orders to large

scale production for contract requirements.

Alfrecell’s customers are at the centre of the

business. Through a combination of over

60 years’ experience and a commitment to

service excellence, the company’s innovationdriven

approach delivers new products

and solutions that add real value to client’s

business.

As a UK based manufacturer, the company

is in full control of service and supply. From

wet chemicals through to finished goods.

Alfrecell’s unique position as an end-to-end

producer and converter, means its high

capacity foam production plant not only

produces both standard and bespoke models,

but has storage capacity for over 2,000 foam

blocks across multiple foam grades.

Alfrecell also boasts a fully SATRA-accredited

laboratory onsite. Giving the company the

ability to enable best practice for compliance

and regulations including flammability,

re-use of components, impact resilience,

breathability, support and chemical legislation

(REACH, POPs and biocides).

As standard, Alfrecell foams meet the

UK Furniture and Furnishings Fire Safety

Regulations (1988) and, in addition to key

PU foam tests such as density, hardness,

resilience, wet compression set and dynamic

fatigue; Alfrecell also holds the

CertiPUR recognition of

approval – The PU-Foam

SHE-Standard.

Alfrecell uses its expertise in

manufacturing and converting

PU foams to turn our customers’

vision for new products into reality,

adding value to their business.

Supporting its customers and the

challenges they face, from new products to

new ways of doing business. After decades

of impeccable service Alfrecell is proving

with the right mindset and know-how, the

possibilities of PU foam are endless.

For more on Alfrecell, see below:

01773 838000

info@alfrecell.com

www.alfrecell.com

24


Preview

Healthcare Estates News

Programme announced for Healthcare

Estates 2025

The programme for Healthcare Estates

2025 – IHEEM’s flagship annual

event, taking place on 21-22 October

at Manchester Central – is now online.

Sessions in the Conference and Exhibition

Theatre tracks are available to explore now,

with the Keynote lineup to be announced in

the coming weeks.

Free exhibition entry with access to

Keynotes and theatres

The Healthcare Estates Exhibition is

free-to-attend and is ideal for discovering

solutions, connecting with decision-makers,

and shaping future strategies. There is a

record number of exhibitors showcasing

cutting-edge solutions across products,

services, and equipment, from planning

and construction to energy, smart tech, and

infection control and representation from

NHS England.

The free Exhibition Visitor Pass also gives

access to all Keynotes and an extensive

programme of presentations within the

Exhibition Hall, all at no extra cost.

The Healthcare Estates Conference

Attending the Conference gives an

unparalleled opportunity for senior

professionals from the estates and facilities

and supporting sectors to engage with key

strategic and operational challenges. In

addition to the open tracks in the Exhibition

Hall, Conference Delegates have exclusive

access to an additional programme of

presentations, case studies, panels and

interactive workshops on five key themes.

Among many highlights, this year’s

Conference Delegates will benefit from

insights and updates from IHEEM

Technical Platforms, professional leaders

from across Industry, academia and

healthcare bodies.

New networking feature added to Day 2

programme

A new all-inclusive plenary has been

introduced for Day 2 which is open to

everyone attending Healthcare Estates.

Key healthcare professionals will be on

hand to reflect on key takeaways and

address how to tackle the road ahead.

Join us for this session offering thoughtprovoking

outcomes, key sector leader

interaction and peer networking as well as

also taking refreshment in readiness for the

journey back to the workplace.

IHEEM will also present its People Awards,

celebrating leadership, innovation, and

community across its UK branches.

The Healthcare Estates Awards Dinner

The Dinner highlights outstanding

achievement across key areas of estates

management and engineering, including

entries like New Build, Product Innovation,

Staff Wellbeing, and Sustainability.

The event is a key recognition event

spotlighting teams, individuals, and

suppliers leading innovation in healthcare

engineering and estates management.

This year’s guest speaker is Michael Portillo,

distinguished journalist, broadcaster, and

former MP, who will mingle with guests

before dinner, before delivering the afterdinner

address and presenting the Awards.

www.healthcare-estates.com


Safeguarding health: The

case for advanced tap

water filtration in UK

s research intensifies across the

AUK, mounting evidence reveals a

growing list of emerging contaminants

in our tap water. From Total Dissolved

Solids (TDS) and heavy metals to

PFAS, microplastics, hormones, and

pathogenic microbes, public concern

is rising – and rightly so.

Despite the alarming findings,

regulation around permissible

contaminant levels remains limited.

Yet universities, private research

bodies, and healthcare organisations

are urging regulatory bodies to take

action, citing growing health risks.

High TDS can signal dangerous

concentrations of heavy metals such

as lead or arsenic. Elevated sodium

and chloride levels may

affect individuals with

hypertension or kidney

disease. Meanwhile,

PFAS, persistent

‘forever chemicals’, and

endocrine-disrupting

Preview

hormones are now routinely detected

in municipal water supplies.

One of the most concerning findings

is the prevalence of microplastics,

now ubiquitous in tap water.

Studies increasingly recommend

reducing consumption, particularly for

vulnerable populations.

At Global Water Solutions, we believe

access to clean, safe drinking water

is non-negotiable. That’s why we’re

investing heavily in research and

innovation to combat waterborne

threats. Our next-generation

filtration solutions are engineered to

tackle these contaminants headon

providing healthcare facilities,

households, and businesses with

peace of mind and proven protection.

Clean water is critical to good health.

We’re making it our mission.

Contact: Paul Colebrook, National Sales

Manager

07955 271749

p.colebrook@globalwatersolutions.com

www.globalwatersolutions.com/uk_english

The Water

Management Society

Kingsway Group: Your

partner in patient safety

From collaborating with

architects on award-winning

projects across the globe, to

supporting clinical teams with

innovative human-centred

solutions designed to protect

people during their most

vulnerable times, at Kingsway

Group we partner with you to

create therapeutic spaces that

prioritise safety and recovery.

From understanding your design

challenges to providing bestin-class

solutions and ongoing

proactive support, we constantly

listen, adapt, and innovate to

improve outcomes for people

living and working in challenging

environments.

As a result, we’re proud to be a

trusted partner in patient safety

to over 85% of NHS Mental

Health Trusts throughout the UK.

As Your Partner in Patient

Safety, we’re excited

to connect with you at

the Healthcare Estates

Exhibition in Manchester

where we’ll be showcasing our

latest innovations designed

to improve safety and create

better outcomes in challenging

environments, including our new

award-winning Co-Produced

Washroom Range ahead of its

Q4 launch!

We invite you to stop by Stand

C14 to learn more about our

latest offerings and find out how

we can support you on your

next project. We look forward to

seeing you!

+44 (0)2038 905887

www.kingswaygroupglobal.com

he Water Management

TSociety offers membership,

technical advice and best in class

Water Hygiene, Legionella and

Waterborne Pathogens training.

With over 50 years’ experience in

the water management industry,

WMSoc provides hands-on training

in a safe environment created

and delivered by industry leading

experts involved in authoring

technical guidance.

Our courses include:

: NEW Water Hygiene Awareness

HTM 04-01 and NETB 24/03

on NTMs – focused on the

requirements for water hygiene

training as detailed in HTM 04-

01 Safe Water in Healthcare and

the NETB 24/03 “Designing safe

spaces for patients at high risk

of infection from nontuberculous

mycobacteria and other

waterborne pathogens”. This

new course gives a broad

overview to students.

: Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Risk Assessment in Healthcare

Environments course

supplements the above with

the more details focussing on

Pseudomonas aeruginosa risk

assessments.

: Legionella Control &

Management for Dutyholders

& Responsible Persons – Hot

& Cold Water Systems –

explains the main aspects of

legionnaires’ disease and the

legal requirements for its control.

Our students love our

knowledgeable instructors, informal

atmosphere and practical aspects

of our courses.

Courses are delivered in Tamworth

or at your site.

Come and see us on Stand G28,

Healthcare Estates, Manchester.

01827 289558

training@wmsoc.org.uk

www.wmsoc.org.uk/learning

26


P McVey Building Systems to spotlight awardwinning

modular healthcare projects

s a leading provider

Aof offsite and

modular construction

solutions across the UK

and Ireland, P McVey

Building Systems

brings over 40 years of

industry expertise to

the healthcare sector.

We deliver fast-track

modular buildings

that are bespoke,

sustainable, and installed

with speed – minimising

disruption to live clinical

environments.

With decades of experience in the healthcare

sector, we are a trusted partner to NHS, Health

Service Executive, local authorities, and private

healthcare providers. From design and planning

to construction and handover, we offer full-service

delivery – ensuring compliance, performance, and

patient-centric outcomes at every stage.

One of our standout projects, the Hybrid Theatre 13

at Beaumont Hospital, is a state-of-the-art facility

developed to support complex surgical procedures

within a modern, adaptable, and energy-efficient

space. Delivered using offsite modular construction,

it comprises 12 factory-built units installed in

a single day, minimising disruption to hospital

operations and reducing environmental impact.

The theatre features advanced medical

technologies, fire-rated

timber frame walls,

sustainable materials,

and energy-efficient

systems – all meeting

the highest healthcare

compliance standards.

This project highlights

our expertise in

delivering large-scale,

high-spec healthcare

environments even in

complex, live hospital

settings.

P McVey Building Systems also delivered a 15-bed

modular ward extension at Our Lady of Lourdes

Hospital within a tight 28 week programme.

The 500m² single-storey facility, composed

of 18 modular units, was installed in just two

days – minimising disruption to ongoing hospital

operations and ensuring patient safety.

The extension includes 15 patient beds, three

patient toilets, a staff base, clean and dirty utility

rooms, and a communications/switch room. The

project required meticulous planning, stringent

health and safety protocols, and close co-ordination

with hospital staff to maintain uninterrupted medical

services throughout construction.

Despite challenging time and budget constraints,

the project was delivered on schedule, underscoring

a strong commitment to energy efficiency and

sustainability. The use of modular construction

significantly reduced onsite waste and enabled a

much faster completion compared to traditional

building methods.

P McVey Building Systems continues to set the

standard for innovation, quality, and sustainability

in modular healthcare construction. Our proven

track record demonstrates how we deliver tailored

solutions that meet the unique demands of

healthcare environments while prioritising patient

safety and environmental responsibility. We look

forward to partnering with you to build the future of

healthcare facilities.

Come see us on Stand C38.

028 7941 8670

info@pmcveybuildingsystems.com

https://bit.ly/44KrWQ4

https://bit.ly/40vEQyY

Preview

Come see us on Stand F46


Preview

28


Come see us on Stand F32.

MGPS Services Ltd

MGPS Services Ltd offers

comprehensive support

for the interpretation and

implementation of HTM 02-01

in Healthcare Environments. We

provide training courses for all

functional responsibilities defined

by the HTM, such as Estates,

Nursing, and Portering. These

courses are

complemented

by a range of

Consultancy

Services,

including

Medical Gas

System Design,

Compliance

Assessments,

Medical Gas

Authorising Engineering Services,

and provision of Medical Gas

Authorised Person Services.

Why choose MGPS Services?

Our Medical Gas Courses for

Competent and Authorised

Persons are accredited

by Pearson (BTEC

Level 4). These courses

are available at our

dedicated training centre

in Yate, Bristol, on-site at your

chosen location, or through a

tailored approach where you

select the location (including

overseas) and course content.

These courses are complemented

by our Medical Gas Safety

courses for all personnel working

with Medical

Gases. We

have developed

specialised

courses for

Nurses, Porters,

and staff with

management

responsibility,

but with limited

knowledge of

the Medical Gas Systems.

Visit us at the Health Estate

Conference 2025, Stand F22,

to learn more about how MGPS

Services Ltd can support your

medical gas needs.

Contact: Ann Goddard

07775 751336

ann.goddard@mgps-services.com

Interiors Expert says

THESE colours can

‘boost productivity’

home office doesn’t

A need to replicate a

corporate space, it’s simply

about making your home

work office a space that

you will work best in. Here,

paint and interiors expert,

Lucy Steele, from Valspar

Paint, reveals which

colours will help to boost

your productivity when

working from home, making them the

perfect choice for a home office.

Peach

Choosing the right home office colours

can have a big impact on the way

you work. Colours with long visual

wavelengths, like reds and oranges,

can boost your attention span and

energy levels, making them perfect for

study spaces or home offices.

Light sage

A soothing sage can help to reduce

distractions, which can be beneficial

for focus. It’s elevated and relaxed,

making it a great fit for a home office

space. Mix with wooden accents and

indoor plants for a stylish

touch. Green can also

reduce anxiety and eye

strain, making it a good

choice for a desktop.

Pale yellow

A pale yellow shade is

linked to positivity and

mental stimulation. That’s

what makes a pale yellow,

such as buttermilk, the perfect choice

for a home office as it will improve

productivity, and can be especially

helpful for problem solving tasks!

Indigo blue

With the pressures of life in 2025

greater than ever, it’s important to

reduce stress by eliminating visual

noise and surrounding yourself

with calming colours. Blue is the

best colour for mental clarity. It can

also promote feelings of calm and

tranquility, which can be beneficial in

fast-paced or demanding jobs.

www.valsparpaint.co.uk

Preview

HEALTHCARE ESTATES Matters


HEALTHCARE ESTATES Matters

How often do fire doors

need to be inspected?

Understanding compliance and the importance

of routine checks in healthcare settings

n busy healthcare

environments, fire safety

Ioften operates quietly in

the background – until it’s

needed most. Fire doors are

one of the most critical safety

components in any healthcare

building, designed to prevent

the spread of fire and smoke,

and to protect escape routes.

But like any safety system,

they must be regularly checked

and maintained to ensure they

perform when it matters most.

So how often should fire doors

be inspected? And what does

compliance look like in a setting

where safety, efficiency, and

operational continuity all need to

align?

Before

After

Legal obligations and best

practice

The Regulatory Reform (Fire

Safety) Order 2005 places a legal responsibility

on building owners and managers to ensure

that fire safety equipment – including fire

doors – is subject to a suitable system of

maintenance and kept in efficient working

order. In essence, this means inspections

must be routine, documented, and any defects

addressed without delay.

For healthcare facilities such as hospitals, care

homes, and mental health units, best practice

in line with BS 9999 recommends that fire

doors be inspected at least every six months.

In high-traffic areas, more frequent inspections

may be necessary based on the level of use

and associated risk.

Why regular fire door inspections matter

Fire doors are constantly in use, especially in

healthcare environments

where corridors are busy

with staff, patients, trolleys

and equipment. Over time,

wear and tear can lead

to damage, misaligned

hinges, damaged seals,

or non-functioning door

closers – all of which can

compromise a door’s

ability to resist fire and

smoke.

Regular inspections help

identify these issues early,

ensuring that:

: Doors close fully and

latch correctly

: Intumescent & smoke

seals are in place and

undamaged

: Gaps around the door

are within permissible

limits

: Hinges, closers, and

locks are secure and functional

In a fire situation, the performance of a single

door could determine whether an evacuation

route remains usable. Regular inspections are

therefore not just about compliance – they’re a

vital part of a wider life safety strategy.

Who should carry out inspections?

Fire door inspections must be conducted

by someone with appropriate knowledge,

training and experience. This ‘competent

person’ should understand the regulatory

requirements and be able to identify issues

and recommend remediation options. While

routine visual checks may be done in-house,

many healthcare providers choose to engage

external specialists for scheduled inspections &

remedial works to ensure nothing is overlooked.

How Yeoman Shield Fire Door Services can

help

Understanding the complexity of fire door

compliance, Yeoman Shield Fire Door

Services offers dedicated support across the

UK. Their fully qualified inspectors carry out

thorough surveys to assess the condition and

performance of each fire door, identifying both

visible and structural issues.

Yeoman Shield’s service doesn’t stop at

inspection – they can also carry out remedial

works and fire door installations under FIRAS

third-party certification. This includes replacing

damaged seals, adjusting door closers, or

making minor repairs to ensure doors meet

safety standards without delay or disruption.

Their practical, efficient approach is especially

well-suited to healthcare environments where

operational continuity is essential.

Upon completion of an inspection, a

detailed report will be provided to the client.

Following any necessary remedial work or

new installation, a FIRAS certificate will be

issued. These documents can support fire risk

assessments and demonstrate compliance

during audits or CQC inspections. This gives

estates teams and facilities managers the tools

they need to stay on top of fire door safety all

year round.

Staying safe and compliant

Fire door safety is not a one-off task – it’s

an ongoing process that requires planning,

consistency and professional input. In

healthcare buildings, where vulnerable

individuals rely on safe infrastructure, ensuring

your fire doors are fully functional is not

only a regulatory requirement – it’s a moral

imperative.

Need help staying compliant?

Yeoman Shield Fire Door Services is here

to support your facility with professional

inspections, expert guidance, on-site repairs

and fire door installations. Whether you need a

one-off assessment or a regular maintenance

programme, our experienced team is ready to

help.

Visit: www.yeomanshield.com/fire-doorservices

or call 0113 279 5854 to arrange

a consultation.

32


RECOMMENDED SUPPLIER Directory

Quality hinges for over 200 years

Gold & Wassall are the UK’s No.1

manufacturer of hinges. We provide a fully

comprehensive manufacturing service,

which enables us to offer any hinge, for any

application.

All our hinges are manufactured at our

premises in Tamworth, UK.

The eFOLDi Lite is one of the world’s

lightest, most compact folding scooters

Its revolutionary design makes the eFOLDi

Lite one of the lightest, most compact folding

travel-scooters available – weighing just 15kg.

It folds and unfolds in just a few seconds and

is easy to store and transport. No complex

assembly is required – just unfold and go.

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.

When it comes to your prosthesis, you need

someone you can trust. Chris Parsons is

the founder of Design Prosthetics Ltd, an

independent, private prosthetic clinic based

in Lewes, East Sussex. With over 40 years

of experience in prosthetics and orthotics,

Chris has dedicated his career to improving

the lives of individuals with limb differences.

EDGE Services is one of the leading providers

of people handling training in the UK today.

EDGE will train you to deliver moving and

handling, dementia care and challenging

behaviour courses to your colleagues, providing

you with the resources, techniques and skills to

make a real difference to the health and safety

of both your colleagues and your clients.

With over 30 years’ experience in researching

and manufacturing probiotics, ProVen is a

world leader in developing specific products

for individual lifestages and needs, supported

by research showing the widest range of

clinically proven benefits in the world.

info@provenprobiotics.co

provenprobiotics.co

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’

to provide rehabilitation that compliments

Physiotherapy and improves results by increasing

repetitions and exercise dose.

UK based, providing products from around

the world, the team provide assessment,

demonstration, installation, training and ongoing

support to our partner clinics

Apex Wiring Solutions is transforming electrical

systems in healthcare projects.

Our leading-edge pre-wired technology ensures faster

installations, reduced waste, and enhanced safety.

Trusted by healthcare leaders across the globe, we’re

setting a new standard in efficiency and innovation.

Scan the QR code to discover how we’re

powering the future of healthcare.

Healthcare Matters Issue 837

Transform your PDFs into Flipbooks and boost your revenue!

Delete template?

Save as template ?