Healthcare Matters Issue 841

www.healthcarematters.uk
ISSUE 841 – DECEMBER 2025
TEL 0121 824 7700
END OF YEAR RECOMMENDATIONS
AAT steps up to help
deliver government’s
healthcare plan for
change
Leading mobility provider AAT
is stepping up to help deliver the
Government’s new value-based
model of care, shifting hospital
to community and sickness to
prevention.
Page 18
EDGE Services are the leading providers
of people handling training in the UK today
6-7 8
24-25
How The Medication Support
Company is transforming home care
Bruno Stairlifts, a leader in the mobility industry,
offers a practical solution that allows individuals
regain their freedom and safety at home

CONTENTS 841
EDITOR’S NOTES
Welcome to our End of Year edition. Explore our handpicked
features on innovative companies across the
healthcare industry.
In this issue, we celebrate our Medication Management
Company of the Month, The Medication Support
Company – a pioneering team dedicated to helping
people manage their medication safely, independently,
and confidently at home. This feature spotlights the company’s flagship
PAMAN service, which has proven invaluable to a wide range of individuals,
each benefiting from regular, expert guidance that enables them to remain
safe and independent in their own homes. See page 8.
On page 22, we feature an in-depth article exploring how interactive
technology is transforming wellbeing, staff retention, and care quality across
the UK. Amid these challenges, one innovation is making a significant
difference for both residents and care teams: the Mobii Interactive Projection
System from OM Interactive.
Other topics covered: Water Hygiene, Fall Prevention, Medication Management,
Healthcare Estates, Mental Health, Disability & Mobility, Occupational Therapy.
Got news to share: kimberleybest@healthcarematters.uk.
COVER STORY
AAT steps up to help
deliver government’s
healthcare plan for change
Leading mobility provider AAT is stepping up to help
deliver the Government’s new value-based model of care,
shifting hospital to community and sickness to prevention.
See page 18
CONTACTS
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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
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Editor
Contact Sales on 0121 824 7700
kimberleybest@healthcarematters.uk
www.healthcarematters.uk
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please call 0121 824 7700.
HEALTHCARE MATTERS
10
12
16
EDGE SERVICES
TRAINING &
DEVELOPMENT
MATTERS
BAQUS GROUP
HEALTHCARE
ESTATES
MATTERS
ABM
HEALTHCARE
ESTATES
MATTERS
DEMATIC
HEALTHCARE
ESTATES
NEWS
BEALIES ADAPTIVE
WEAR
DISABILITY &
MOBILITY MATTERS 15
MET MEDICAL
HEALTHCARE
NEWS
MOBILITY CARE
SOLUTIONS
MOBILITY CARE
20-21 MATTERS
24-25
THE STAIR CLIMBING
COMPANY
DISABILITY &
MOBILITY MATTERS 18
OM INTERACTIVE
SOFTWARE &
TECHNOLOGY
MATTERS
BRUNO LYFTS
OCCUPATIONAL
THERAPY
MATTERS
AVERY HEALTHCARE
NURSING & CARE
MATTERS
SPONSORED BY
6-7
11
22
26

INDUSTRY Excellence
Innovation at The Heart
of Care Education
In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we have selected Care Business Associate
Training as the recipient of our Industry Excellence Award
E
stablished in 2017, Care Business Associate
Training is a National Training Organisation
for Health and Social Care Providers across
the UK, acting as their partner in Education with
300 trainers and over 350 courses designed to
meet care training needs and ensure providers
remain both effective and compliant.
From its Headquarters in the North West of England,
Care Business Associate Training brings talented
Health and Social Care Trainers together to deliver
high quality and relevant Education to the sector.
Using his previous experience working for various
training establishments over the years, Founder and
CEO Paul Blane developed Care Business Associate
Training to disrupt training norms in the industry
which often didn’t work for every establishment.
Care Business Associate Training provides face-toface
training education; either in classrooms, at client
locations or on open courses. The company offers a
large range of virtual classrooms, electronic learning
systems and consultancy too, as well as competency
assessments and frameworks to ensure that clients
are not just educated but are observationally
assessed.
The Specialist Education Provider offers over 60
courses dedicated to Adult Health and Social Care,
including essential training in Triage, Catheterisation,
and Life Support. They also provide a wide range
of Clinical Courses covering Medicine Management
and Care Planning, Mental Health Awareness, First
Paul Blane, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Elaine Warner, Managing Director
at CBA Training next to the Industry Excellence Award
Aid, and best practice in key areas such as Diet and
Nutrition, Infection Prevention, and Dignity in Care.
In addition, they deliver Mandatory Training that
supports Professionals across Health and Social
Care, Children’s Services, and related Sectors.
Its standout course is the in-house developed Care
Home Assistant Practitioner (CHAPs) Programme,
along with mandatory courses that support Health
and Social Care, Children’s Services and beyond.
This six-week blend of virtual classrooms and
practical classroom sessions is designed to meet
the challenges caused by the UK’s chronic Nurse
shortages by up-skilling senior staff to develop minor
clinical and management skills to assist Nursing
Teams in Care Homes and Social Care Settings.
The CHAPs course includes seven sessions covering
essential skills, with coursework and assessments
designed to test real world application of these
skills. Built for experienced Care Assistants, the
course covers Clinical Observations, Wound Care,
Venepuncture, Medication Administration and more.
These must be attended in-person as there are
practical elements that delegates must pass.
As the creators of the pioneering CHAPs programme,
Care Business Associate Training has seen
this highly successful course become adopted
nationwide as a necessity within the field of Health
and Social Care Training. CHAPs represents a true
gold standard in the sector, and its national adoption
is a testament to the programme’s efficiency.
For Management Development, Care Business
Associate Training offers a flexible suite of courses.
Its varied portfolio includes a comprehensive
three-day course on Leadership and Management,
a two-day session on Coaching Fundamentals
and, additionally, Managers can take more specific
courses on building High Performance Teams,
Presentation and Communication Skills. What’s
more, they are also an ilm accredited Centre and
deliver Level 3 and Level 4 Award in Leadership &
Management qualifications.
Alongside its stellar course provision, the Company’s
accreditation record is impressive. This year alone,
it has become accredited through Bild Association
of Certified Training (BildACT) for meeting the
Restraint Reduction Network Training Standards The
Company is also an accredited Provider of Oliver
McGowan Mandatory Training of which they are on
the NHS England Approved Provider List for. They
are also an accredited Qualsafe centre for First
Aid courses and the UK’s premier awarding body
for Leadership and Management qualifications.
Additionally, the Company is Safe Supplier verified,
meeting the rigorous standards expected by leading
Organisations and giving clients confidence that risk
management and compliance are taken seriously.
This dedication to ensuring that its courses meet the
exacting standard of external accreditors is part of an
ongoing commitment from Care Business Associate
Training to provide the best for clients. Paul told
us, “We continuously invest in ourselves so we can
invest into clients and give them the reassurance that
we are providing them with the outstanding services
they need, as well as ensuring that we are lessening
the burden on them and giving them expert advice.”
This ongoing internal investment forms a major part
of what makes Care Business Associate Training
4
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standout in a busy sector. Rather than simply
providing courses, the Company aims to become
a true Education Partner for clients, encompassing
value beyond simple compliance and building lasting
mutually beneficial relationships.
“We like to see ourselves as a Key Partner to all the
businesses that we work with and a key part of that
is understanding where education fits within the
values, the goals and the ambitions of our clients.”
Paul explains, “We are looking long term to save
the client money on repetitive, ineffective training
and reframing that investment into areas of growth.
Not just to maintain standards, but to grow their
business model. We’re much more of a Workforce
Development Partner, than a normal Training
Provider.”
This dedication to continual improvement has
paid off for Care Business Associate Training. The
Company has shown growth year on year growth as
well as winning a slew of awards, including Training
Partner of the Year and the Workforce Development
Partnership of the Year, from the Great British Care
Awards in 2024.
More than just another Training Provider, Care
Business Associate Training is focused on changing
the way training is facilitated to improve the industry
as a whole. For Paul, innovating the training
marketplace is top priority, “Ultimately, training is
an investment into people and in order to create a
growth mindset within people in the industry, you
need to equip them with the skills they need which
encompasses forward momentum. We’re always
thinking of innovative ways to deliver training and
developing innovative offerings to the marketplace.”
Care Business Associate Training’s commitment to
innovation went a step further earlier this year with
the release of Confident Competence, the world’s
first competency platform dedicated to measuring
competence in real life settings.
The app features a complete competency library
and assessment toolkit designed to easily improve
the consistency of care and reduce administration
time. Paul told us the new platform was specifically
developed to help businesses
reinvest in themselves as
efficiently as possible,
“We spent a long time
building the tool so that
Companies could see
not only where they were
wasting time and money
on repetitive training, but
also how well their staff
were using the training in
real scenarios. We spent a lot of time building the
assessments so clients can make that judgement on
whether training’s been effective or not.”
Looking to the future, 2026 sees many of the
accreditations that the company has worked
on coming to fruition, with next year seeing the
widespread rollout of both the Bildact certified
Positive Behaviour Support, Breakaway, Physical
Intervention & Restraint course and the now
Mandatory Oliver McGowan Training. Care Business
Associate Training also hopes to continue to
change how providers see training, viewing it as an
opportunity to not only up-skill, but enhance their
business offerings.
After over eight years in business, Care Business
Associate Training holistic approach to Health and
Social Care is quickly becoming a benchmark in the
industry. Its innovative training methods are changing
the way Health and Social Care Education works,
and its dedication to fostering long-term relationships
with clients is proving that Care Business Associate
Training is truly the perfect Training Partner.
For more on CBAT Training, please see below:
01772 816922
sales@cba-training.co.uk
https://cbassociatetraining.co.uk
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MEDICATION MANAGEMENT Company of the Month
How The Medication Support Company is
transforming home care
In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are pleased to feature The Medication Support Company
as our Medication Management Company of the Month
magine if personal carers could simply take
off for a weekend – hop on a SAGA cruise, visit
Ifriends in Cornwall, or even go snorkelling off
the coast of Scotland – without worrying for
a moment about the loved one they normally
support. That sense of freedom becomes
possible when families connect with The
Medication Support Company, a pioneering
team dedicated to helping people manage
their medication safely, independently, and
confidently at home.
support. They answer questions, provide advice,
note any side effects, and act as a reassuring point
of contact throughout the day. For many families,
this regular connection bridges the gap between
clinical care and daily living – delivering safety
without sacrificing independence.
Beyond this guided daily support, The Medication
Support Company also takes full responsibility for
managing repeat prescriptions. By co-ordinating
directly with GPs and pharmacies, they ensure
medications are accurate, dispensed correctly,
and delivered on time, removing the administrative
burden from families and reducing the risk of errors
or delays. This seamless co-ordination is one of the
reasons the service has become a trusted partner
for both patients and clinicians.
Innovation, however, is something The Medication
Support Company refuses to see as optional. As
founder Norman Niven explains, “We have also
developed a paper-based system, called Visual
Prescription, which locates the precise position
on the body where creams or ointments are to be
placed. And another development is Medicons,
which are a peelable set of labels that pictorially
show the number of ear or eye drops to apply and
how many tablets or capsules to take. We also
have a number of labels that indicate the type of
medicines being taken.”
These clever tools demonstrate the company’s
commitment to accessibility and clarity – especially
for individuals who may struggle with traditional
written instructions or complex packaging. But
The Medication Support Company’s innovation
doesn’t stop there. Building on the success of tools
like Visual Prescription and Medicons, the team is
now developing a range of new products designed
to further simplify medication management while
enhancing safety at every stage.
Using a simple video-call device, clients are
greeted throughout the day by friendly, qualified
pharmacy professionals who guide them through
each medication dose, offer reassurance, and carry
out wellness checks tailored to individual needs.
Whether supporting someone living with dementia,
Parkinson’s, diabetes, epilepsy, sight or hearing
impairments, or complex medication routines, the
service delivers consistency and confidence exactly
when people need it most.
This support forms the backbone of the company’s
flagship PAMAN service, originally developed by
Norman Niven for Liverpool’s adult social care
department. PAMAN is now trusted by multiple
councils and healthcare providers and has already
helped 865 patients across the Northwest over the
past four years. The service has proven invaluable
for a wide range of individuals – from those under
50 to clients in their 90s – each benefitting from
regular, expert guidance that helps them remain
safely in their own homes. Importantly, patients in
Knowsley may be eligible to receive the service
free of charge if they meet the criteria for councilfunded
support.
At the heart of PAMAN is the secure Medihub
device, which enables registered pharmacy
technicians to check in via encrypted video link to
ensure every medication dose is taken correctly,
at the right time and in the right way. These
professionals don’t just observe; they actively
For individuals who require an additional layer
of security – particularly when taking controlled
or high-risk medications – the company offers
REMLOK, a patented, remotely operated locking
medicine cabinet. REMLOK can only be unlocked
during a scheduled video call, ensuring medication is
stored safely and accessed only under professional
supervision. When a patient is due to take their dose,
the PAMAN monitor remotely activates the cabinet
using a secure app, maintaining absolute control
over who can open it and when.
Completely tamper-proof and uniquely designed,
REMLOK provides patients with a simple and safe
way to access their medicines while preventing
accidental or intentional misuse. When integrated
into the broader PAMAN service, REMLOK
significantly reduces the need for in-person
pharmacy visits, ensures every dose is taken
correctly, and keeps medication safely out of
reach from others in the household. Together,
these technologies offer families peace of
mind that is both powerful and practical.
Their forward-thinking approach combines digital
monitoring, secure medicine storage, and intuitive
visual aids into a holistic, patient-centred ecosystem.
By weaving technology with human connection and
smart design, they are not only improving adherence
and reducing medication waste but reimagining
what safe, supported home care can look like. In
doing so, they are addressing today’s challenges
while preparing for the needs of tomorrow’s ageing
population – positioning themselves not just as
a service provider, but as a true pioneer in the
evolving world of digital healthcare.
For more information, please see below:
07712 789118
www.medicationsupport.co.uk
8
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HEALTHCARE ESTATES Matters
BAQUS Construction & Property Consultancy
AQUS Construction and Property
BConsultancy is a well-established practice
operating at the cutting edge of our profession
with experience in most sectors of the
Construction Industry. As a forward-thinking
business which strives for continued success, we
offer an award-winning customer focused service
always looking for continuous improvement and
delivering added value and cost efficiency.
Our History: BAQUS was formed in 2007
amalgamating long-established traditional
surveying firms including Fletcher McNeill, Boxall
Sayer, Denley King and Nigel Rose. We operate
from six offices across the UK.
Our ‘One Stop’ Professional Services:
✚ Project Management, Employer’s Agent and
Contract Administration
✚ Quantity Surveying and Cost Management
✚ Building Surveying, Party Walls and
Dilapidations.
✚ Expertise in Historic Buildings.
✚ CDM Advice (Health and Safety)
✚ Access Audits and Consultancy
✚ Funding advice
✚ Sustainability and Renewables
✚ Assistance with Dispute
Resolution and Expert
Witness
✚ Project Monitoring and
Independent Certifier
Our Ethos: At the heart of
our business is exceptional
personal service undertaken
by exceptional staff. Every
commission, however large or
small is of equal importance to us. We provide
our Clients with personal contact and dedicate
a BAQUS director to all projects. Every project
is subject to regular review at director level to
ensure we are delivering our promises, creating
added value and continuous improvement.
We are advocates of partnering, collaborative
working and best-value procurement. We
have wide-ranging experience of alternative
procurement strategies aimed at delivering to our
clients brief. Environmental considerations are
important to us, as is the promotion of sustainable
solutions. We employ Chartered Environmentalists
who have represented our profession in the global
promotion of sustainability issues.
Our Clients & Work Sectors: We have a broad
Client base covering Private and Public Sector
organisations, many of whom have given us
repeat commissions over many years using
Framework Agreements and Term Contracts.
We have a strong track record of working in the
Leisure, Sports, Education, Arts, Commercial,
Healthcare, Heritage, Hospitality, Hotels,
Residential, Retail, and Transportation sectors.
Our People: Our greatest strength is our people
and we work hard to find, develop, train, motivate
and retain the finest calibre of personnel at all
levels who offer a professional and enthusiastic
service. The loyalty shown by our people is
exceptional and many have spent their entire
careers with us.
Accreditations: BAQUS Construction and
Property Consultancy is regulated by The Royal
Institution of Chartered Surveyors and holds
Quality Assurance, Environmental and Health
and Safety certifications to ISO: 9001, 14001 and
45001. We also hold numerous industry specific
accreditations for health and safety (e.g. CHAS)
and technical competence.
Contact
020 7831 1283
www.baqus.co.uk
10
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Healthcare and Fire
Safety: Why prevention
is better than the cure
ealth and wellbeing is naturally
Hhigh on the agenda in healthcare
facilities, but what more can be done to
ensure fire door safety is being met with
competency and not complacency?
Alex Airnes of Allegion UK discusses.
Healthcare environments are
synonymous with caution, wellness
and safety. Though, where National
Health Service professionals work
determinedly to meet the needs of
their patients, equally as vital are the
fire door safety procedures practiced
throughout NHS premises.
Fire safety management plays
a crucial role in all healthcare
settings, where protecting staff,
visitors and potentially vulnerable
patients is a continuous effort. Even
with a host of unique operational
challenges, hospitals, for example,
are often considered to be one of
the safest public buildings. In fact,
a survey conducted by The British
Woodworking Federation discovered
that 52% of respondents believed
hospitals to provide the highest
level of fire safety in a building.
Despite these perceptions, NHS data
has previously reported a concerning
rise in fire incidents across sites
around the country. The inherently
busy nature of healthcare settings
and around-the-clock use of facilities
containing vulnerable patients, medical
equipment and even flammable
materials, presents a complex set
of fire safety issues that must be
addressed. With that in mind, is there
perhaps more work to be done to
ensure fire door safety is approached
professionally to further mitigate risk?
For more information,
please visit:
www.allegion.com
BM, a leading international
Aprovider of facility, engineering,
and infrastructure solutions, has
been awarded a new healthcare
contract worth €10 million with the
Heath Service Executive (HSE).
Under the contract, up to 350 staff
are transitioning to ABM to provide
cleaning services across eight
Galway facilities, including critical
environments such as operating
theatres and intensive care units.
The contract is across all facilities
at University Hospital Galway,
Merlin Park University Hospital
(MPUH), the Adult Acute Mental
Health Unit (AAMHU) and five HSE
administration buildings in Galway
City. The contract includes the newly
opened outpatients' department and
cystic fibrosis unit at MPUH. With
the delivery of this contract, ABM is
supporting the Department of Health’s
Waiting List Initiative to deliver
reductions in waiting lists by having
cleaning operatives available for out
of hours clinics.
Under the contract, ABM is investing
approximately €1 million in new
equipment, uniforms, training, and
HEALTHCARE ESTATES Matters
ABM secures €10
million contract with HSE
for Galway hospitals
administration systems. Among
the innovations being introduced is
the deployment of smart scanning
technology on all equipment to support
infection control and streamline
operational workflow. The company
is also rolling out extensive training
programmes and protocols for
cleaning operatives, including the
Step-Up Programme designed to
support structured career progression.
For more information,
please visit:
www.abmireland.com
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HEALTHCARE ESTATES News
New data reveals escalating
cost of inaction on NHS trust
and GP estates
new report has shed light on the
A growing financial and operational
crisis facing NHS estates, with new
data revealing that delaying vital
healthcare infrastructure projects
can increase costs by over 140% in
a decade. This reinforces the urgent
need for decisive action.
Escalating costs and
increased risks
Five years ago, it was noted that a
three-year delay in NHS estates
projects could spike costs by
more than 40%. However, recent
challenges – including a global
pandemic, economic turmoil
and geopolitical tensions – have
exacerbated these risks. The
maintenance backlog for NHS
facilities has doubled in the past
decade, with high-risk backlog
items skyrocketing by 500%.
Staggering investment needs
According to an in-depth study by
the Institute for Fiscal Studies, the
required investment to eliminate the
NHS England maintenance backlog
has soared from £5.5 billion in
2013-14 to a staggering £12.5 billion
in 2022-23. This underscores the
immense financial burden that delays
impose on the healthcare system.
Soaring infrastructure costs
The period from March 2020 to March
2024 saw dramatic increases in building
material costs, with pre-cast concrete
up by 85%, insulating materials by
58% and metal doors and windows
by 53%. These rising costs further stress
the importance of timely investments.
For more information, please see:
www.primeplc.com
Dematic to supply and
integrate First AutoStore
System for Belgian Hospitals
ematic, a leading
Dglobal supplier of
automated warehouse
solutions, has been
recently selected by
Maria Middelares
vzw, a non-profit
medical organisation,
to implement the first
AutoStore system for
the Belgian healthcare
industry. The system will
supply two hospitals in
Ghent and Deinze and
two medical centres
in Aalter and Gentbrugge. Maria
Middelares counts more than 400
physicians and 2,500 employees at
its facilities.
The solution provides scalability, a plan
to mitigate risk with back-up technology,
a low total cost of ownership, and a
reliable customer service package.
According to Maria Middelares
management, these were decisive
factors in selecting the solution.
The centralisation of warehouse
and pharmacy operations, with the
AutoStore system integration
playing a critical role, is intended
to make the institutions run more
efficiently by purchasing larger
volumes, which reduces the number
of deliveries to the hospitals and cuts
down on traffic congestion around the
hospitals.
The new logistics centre – located at
a brownfield site on the De Prijkels
industrial premises in Nazareth, a
municipality in East Flanders – combines
the storage facilities and pharmacies
of hospitals located in the cities of
Ghent and Deinze as well as medical
centres in Gentbrugge and Aalter.
For more information about
Dematic, please visit:
https://dematic.com
Amgen joins forces with
Welsh partners to accelerate
healthcare innovation and
improve patient outcomes
mgen has joined forces with
Athe Welsh Government,
Swansea University, and
Life Sciences Hub Wales
to transform the future of
healthcare, pledging support to
a charter focused on advancing
value-based healthcare and
innovation across Wales.
By signing this charter, Amgen
becomes part of a growing
alliance dedicated to ensuring
every pound spent on health and
care delivers maximum value –
driving better outcomes for patients,
communities, and the Welsh economy.
Together, the partners are committed to
shifting healthcare from activity-based
delivery to person-centred, value-driven
models that put patient outcomes at
the heart of every decision.
Amgen’s commitment builds on
its track record of successful
partnerships across Wales, including
initiatives such as QuicDNA, which is
supporting the rollout of liquid biopsy
genomic testing for cancer, and Next
Gen CVD Population Health, a
pioneering programme exploring how
data and technology can enhance the
early detection and management of
cardiovascular disease.
Together, the partners will work to
strengthen the relationship between
health and the economy in Wales by
fostering innovation, supporting digital
transformation, and accelerating the
adoption of new technologies that
deliver tangible benefits for patients
and communities.
Please visit:
www.lshubwales.com
www.amgen.co.uk
Health needs to be prioritised
by top UK asset managers,
says new study
new study from
A the University
of Nottingham
has assessed
the actions
investors are
taking on health,
highlighting a
number of gaps
and shortcomings
across important
areas of public
health.
Led by Dr Niamh
O’Sullivan and Dr
Simon Bishop, both of Nottingham
University Business School, and
supported by the Health Foundation,
the work reveals important insights
into the impact of investors on health.
The study involved a detailed, critical
analysis of the top 10 UK asset
managers’ (collectively representing
approximately £584 billion assets
under management as per May
2024) reporting on a range of public
health priority themes to gain a
deeper understanding of
the nature and impact of
investor action on health
and health equity.
The study builds upon recent
work examining the commercial
determinants of health (CDoH) – the
various ways in which private sector
activities can negatively or positively
impact people's physical and mental
health (World Health Organisation).
To date, much of the focus has been
on the manufacture and sale of a
small range of harmful commodities,
such as tobacco, alcohol and ultraprocessed
foods, and the commercial
interests that surround these.
Please visit:
https://universitiesfornottingham.ac.uk
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MENTAL HEALTH News
NHS Mental Health services a ‘generation’ behind treatment of other
illness and conditions
man who experienced
A bone crushing anxiety
and deep dark depression
has said that when it
comes to the NHS, mental
health care is a ‘generation’
behind that of other
treatments and conditions.
Ashley Riley, 53, has
said on World Mental Health Day 2025 that too
many men, their relationships, their families,
their careers and their communities are being
destroyed through lack of suitable care.
Two years ago, as an outgoing, comfortable,
Forest of Avon’s woodland
wellbeing project receives
£15,000
he Bristol-based Forest of Avon
Tcharity has been awarded a
£15,000 grant to support its 2025
woodland wellbeing project. One of
England’s 15 community forests, the
charity is dedicated to bringing people
and nature together.
Thanks to players of The Health
Lottery over £134 million has been
raised for health and wellbeing
projects across Great Britain. This
grant, awarded by The Health Lottery
Foundation, will specifically support
people receiving cardiac rehabilitation
from North Bristol NHS Trust and
University Hospitals Bristol and
Weston Trust.
Working in Bristol, Bath, North East
Somerset, North Somerset and South
Gloucestershire, The Forest of Avon
supports people who face barriers to
gain access to natural spaces. Their
Health & Wellbeing Programme works
with partner organisations to facilitate
projects for people with particular
health needs.
Leading global travel risk management
organisation World Travel Protection has
released new research revealing how business
travel impacts the mental health of global
business travellers.
The Opinium survey finds that while more than
three-quarters (77%) of respondents believe
business travel has a positive effect on their
mental health and wellbeing and say business
travel makes them more likely to stay with
their organisation (75%), more than half (55%)
say that frequent travel adds to their stress
and burnout. They reported suffering with
exhaustion (30%), stress (30%), homesickness
(27%), and anxiety (27%).
One in five (23%) also experienced loneliness,
while a similar proportion (20%) enjoy the
The Health & Wellbeing Programme
has successfully delivered projects
that benefit over 1,500 people
with health conditions since 2011.
This includes people impacted by
dementia, mental health challenges
and most recently those who have
experienced a cardiac event. Evidence
from research commissioned by the
British Heart Foundation found that
58% of people living with heart and
circulatory diseases felt sad, down
or depressed and 59% experienced
feelings of anxiety, fear or uncertainty
about the future.
loud, business owning confident man
Ashley started suffering from a low mood
and had a brief panic attack.
Within a month it turned in to life stopping
anxiety and deep, dark depression.
“After being given three different antidepressants
by my GP, each one making
me more and more ill, I was basically left
to it.” said the married man who now shares his
story online and with business and organisations.
The business owning father of two ended up
experiencing psychosis before borrowing money
to go into private psychiatric care for 10 days. After
For more information about The
Health Lottery and the causes it
supports, please visit:
www.healthlottery.co.uk
sense of freedom that comes with being
temporarily free of family responsibilities.
n response to growing employee
Iabsenteeism fuelled by poor mental
health, healthcare services provider,
HealthCare In Mind, has launched
its new mental health support
offering. The private health services
are provided by trained clinicians
and enable businesses to support
their employees through a range of
neurodevelopmental assessments,
assistance services, training courses
and return-to-work programmes.
Research suggests that around 1 in
7 people in the UK have a form of
neurodivergence, such as autism or
ADHD. However, despite increased
awareness and acceptance of
neurodivergent conditions, the
Autism Employment Gap report
highlights that the majority (60%)
of employers are worried about
getting support for an autistic
employee wrong.
Expert calls for greater employer support
Dr Neil Slabbert, Regional Chief Medical
Officer (Asia-Pacific) at World Travel Protection
comments, “While business travel is generally
an enjoyable and rewarding part of work
life, this survey shows that employees also
face emotional and mental health challenges
when away from home. Disruptions to daily
routines, separation from family and friends
and the effects of jet lag and time zones can
all heighten stress and anxiety, especially
leaving care he had a stroke while mowing the front
lawn and was found by his 11-year-old daughter.
Ashley, who has previously appeared on local
and national media to share his journey of a male
middle-aged mental health crisis, says it’s not the
fault of frontline healthcare.
Please visit:
https://www.
ashleyrileycommunications.co.uk/bluesoul-shoes
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/
our-work/public-engagement/worldmental-health-day
‘18 million workdays lost per year
to mental health conditions’ –
range of mental health support
services launched in response
Healthcare In Mind enables
employers and employees to access
recognised diagnostic services and
supplementary support tools that are
carried out and provided by a team
of expert psychiatrists, psychologists,
therapists and counsellors. It exists to
support businesses and individuals
to reach their maximum potentials
through providing instant access to
the highest quality care, assistance,
diagnoses and training programmes.
To book a free, no obligation
consultation, please visit:
https://healthcareinmind.
com/b2b-service
New research reveals impact of business travel on mental health
when travelling frequently. Organisations need
to consider both physical safety and mental
wellbeing when supporting their travelling
workforce.”
Practical steps for employers
Dr Slabbert recommends employers support
travelling teams by encouraging daily video
check-ins with family or friends, and by
promoting the use of wellness or meditation
apps to help manage stress. It's also reassuring
to put clear emergency action plans in place
before departure and to ensure travellers have
easy access to travel assistance contacts
should urgent care be needed.
For more information, please visit:
www.worldtravelprotection.com
14
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ome adaptations teams
Hhave a unique tool to help
expediate fast, efficient aids to
help people be safe at home.
The number of, and wait time
for, adaptations continues to
grow, with stairs being the
second most common hazard
in the home 1 . In conjunction
with Occupational Therapists,
AAT has developed its Universal
Seat System for its brandleading
S-Max Sella stairclimber.
The combination amplifies
adaptations teams’ ability to
optimise use of budgets – usually without even requiring
DFG funding – to deliver a safe stairway transfer solution
within days, by recycling (re-issuing) the equipment.
The S-Max Sella provides a safe stair transfer
solution in 99+% of cases which AAT assesses. The
portable Class 1 Medical device certified kit requires
no installation nor structural alteration to the home.
The addition of the Universal Seat System means
the Sella can be easily set up to ensure almost
every potential user is safe and supported when
using the Sella, irrespective of their physical and/or
mental impairment. It is achieved without the need
to purchase extra accessories. No other stairway
transfer system offers such flexibility.
DISABILITY & MOBILITY Matters
Adaptations budgets optimised with extended
recycling capability
ensure the relevance of the
solution for the person, the
occupation and the environment,
and personally train the carer in
the Sella’s safe operation.
“We have numerous examples
of community equipment
services (e.g. Nottinghamshire &
Nottingham City) now buying not
just additional Sella stairclimbers,
but Universal Seat Systems, to
have in equipment stores ready
to go, so they can quickly deliver
a solution for a client,” says Peter
Wingrave, AAT Director.
“Even if it is a short-term solution whilst a larger
and/or more permanent adaptation is undertaken,
our Sella/Universal Seat System and re-issue
capability gives a highly cost-effective and fast way
to manage the potential risk of someone falling on
the stairs: a genuine adaptation without delay.”
Full details of the Sella and Universal Seat
System can be found on AAT’s website at:
https://www.aatgb.com/s-max-sella, where
adaptations teams can also book a free,
no obligation client assessment or team
demonstration session.
As part of the offering, AAT will also support the
adaptation team in the assessment process, to
1) https://bregroup.com/press-releases/bre-report-finds-poorhousing-is-costing-nhs-1-4bn-a-year
HCM IS SPONSORED BY – SEE THEM ON PAGES 20-21 15

HEALTHCARE News
St Albans residents offered lifesaving alternative as 999
callers face DIY Hospital trips for heart attacks and strokes
arlier this week, it was reported that 999 services
Ewere under extreme pressure and callers for even
heart attacks and strokes were being asked to make
their own way to hospital. Local entrepreneur and
healthcare professional Dave Hawkins, founder of
MET Medical, states the company’s Urgent Care at
Your Door service is the solution for many.
The service launched earlier this year is designed to
address the growing crisis in emergency response
times; the service offers rapid, expert care directly
to patients’ homes. From advanced diagnostics to
immediate treatment, the initiative ensures that those
seeking urgent medical assistance can access it.
LIfT BioSciences presents
latest data on its first-in-class
Immunomodulatory Alpha Neutrophils
BioSciences,
L(‘LIfT’ or ‘the
Company’), a rapidly
emerging biotech
and the global leader
in neutrophil immunotherapies, today
announces that preclinical data showing
the potential of its first-in-class
Immunomodulatory Alpha Neutrophils
(IMANs) as a disruptive new class of
immunotherapy for solid tumours was
presented at the International Society
for Cell and Gene Therapy (ISCT) 2025
New Orleans Annual Meeting held
from 7th-10th May.
The poster highlights significant
advancements in the therapeutic
performance of IMANs, with
data showcasing IMANs’ dual
mechanism of action, combining
direct tumour cytotoxicity with potent
immunomodulatory effects in solid
tumours.
he Local Government
TAssociation (LGA) is
urging Government to
address subsidy rules and
invest in supported housing
to reduce pressures on health
services and ensure effective
implementation of the
Supported Housing Act.
A shortage of supported
housing in 2023-24 cost the NHS £71 million
through delayed mental health hospital discharges.
Expanding provision has the potential to save up
to £50 million a year for the NHS and a total annual
saving of £6 billion for the wider public purse.
MET Medical’s Urgent Care at Your Door service is
available to families across St Albans, Hatfield, and
the surrounding areas. The team, which includes
paramedics and Advanced Clinical Practitioners, is
equipped to provide immediate on-site diagnostics,
including ECGs and point-of-care blood analysis,
emergency medication, fast access to scans such
as X-rays or MRI and even transport to a private
hospital if needed.
In addition to its urgent care services, MET Medical
also offers private ambulance transfers for journeys,
supports the NHS 999 service with additional capacity
and provides medical teams to cover events.
Key highlights include:
: IMAN immunotherapy
demonstrates superior tumour
penetration and direct cancer
cell killing: IMANs, whether
haematopoietic stem cell- or induced
pluripotent stem cell-derived,
demonstrated exceptional anticancer
properties across multiple
solid tumour types. Data shows
IMANs rapidly infiltrate tumours,
with superior killing capabilities
against patient-derived tumour
organoids from non-small cell
lung cancer, bladder, pancreatic,
and colorectal cancers. Unlike
conventional immunotherapies
that focus solely on adaptive
immunity and fixed targets, IMANs
offer a comprehensive approach
that addresses the fundamental
challenge of immunosuppressive
tumour microenvironments.
: Dual-action mechanism
transforms immunologically
‘cold’ tumours ‘hot’ and activates
systemic anti-cancer immunity:
In vitro and in vivo studies
demonstrated that IMANs effectively
infiltrate tumours and reprogramme
the tumour microenvironment (TME),
converting ‘cold’ tumours into
immune-responsive ‘hot’ tumours.
For more information, please visit:
www.liftbiosciences.com
equana Medical
SNV (Euronext
Brussels: SEQUA
(the ‘Company’ or
‘Sequana Medical’), a
pioneer in the treatment of drugresistant
fluid overload in liver disease,
heart failure and cancer, announced
today that SFPIM (previously known
as SFPI-FPIM) and other existing
shareholders have invested a further
EUR 6.3 million in the 2025 Convertible
Loan announced on 18th March
2025. Together with the previously
announced investment from EQT and
Partners in Equity, this brings the total
of new capital invested in the 2025
Convertible Loan to EUR 10.3 million.
This new investment, together with
the Company’s existing financial
arrangements are expected to extend
the Company’s cash runway into Q1
2026 based on expected drawdowns
of the initial EUR 20 million Capital
Commitment of the GEM committed
share subscription facility.
The Company confirmed that it
remains on track for first US sales of
the alfapump in Q3 this year through
its own specialty salesforce that
Supported housing provides a
vital safety net for individuals
with complex needs, including
people experiencing or
at risk of homelessness,
care leavers, people with
disabilities, and those with
mental health needs. It is a
lifeline service offering safety
and stability in a secure home
environment, enabling people
to live independently, preventing homelessness and
reducing pressure on hospital admissions.
It is just one vital element of a broader preventative
care and support system that keeps people healthy
For more information, please visit:
https://www.met-medical.co.uk
Sequana Medical secures
additional convertible financing
of EUR 6.3 Million from SFPIM
will target liver transplant centers,
and that it remains confident of
strong demand based upon very
positive feedback from US clinicians.
Production of the alfapump systems
for the launch remains on track and
the necessary clinical, logistical and
QA/RA arrangements for supporting
the launch are underway.
The alfapump system is approved
by the US FDA for the treatment of
recurrent or refractory ascites due
to liver cirrhosis. PMA approval
was received in December 2024,
building upon the FDA breakthrough
designation received in 2019. It is
the first active implantable medical
device in the US that automatically and
continuously removes ascites from the
abdomen into the bladder, where it is
naturally eliminated through urination.
To date, over 1,000 alfapump
systems have been implanted.
For more information, please visit:
www.sequanamedical.com
LGA calls for supported housing investment to
reduce strain on health and care services
and enables independent living. Adapting homes,
investing in community support, and reducing
isolation and loneliness are all part of a care
system that enables people to live more equal
and healthier lives.
The call to government coincides with new
guidance for councils published by the LGA today,
highlighting the growing demand for supported
housing provision. Analysis by the National Housing
Federation found that by 2040, additional demand
for supported housing will exceed 200,000 units.
For more information, please visit:
https://www.local.gov.uk
16
HCM IS SPONSORED BY – SEE THEM ON PAGES 20-21

DISABILITY & MOBILITY Matters
AAT steps up to help deliver
government’s healthcare plan
for change
eading mobility provider
LAAT is stepping up to help
deliver the Government’s
new value-based model of
care 1 , shifting hospital to
community and sickness to
prevention.
And it is uniquely
positioned, as its
equipment – the top-selling
stairclimbing wheelchair
S-Max Sella – is already in
almost every local authority
social care department and
NHS Trust across the UK.
In addressing hospital to community,
one of the primary causes for delay in
hospital discharge is the social care
support needed for patients, be it
short or long-term. NHS data reports
changes to stairs is the first change
required to a home.
In addressing prevention, mobility
is the biggest limitation affecting
people in their homes 2 . There are
1m+ accidents on stairs every year 3 ,
resulting in 43,000+ hospitalisations 4 .
AAT’s S-Max Sella makes stairs safe
for almost anyone with impaired
Meadow View Nursing Home in
Chesterfield has found a grand(e)
way to deliver scoliosis support for a new
resident – an innovative vacuum posture
cushion.
The middle-aged client joined the home
after a spell in hospital: underweight and
fragile, she needed additional skeletal
support and 1:1 care. Meadow View
– part of Emh Care & Support – could
provide the high quality round-the-clock
attention she required.
The home’s nurses responsible for the
lady were struggling to find a way to
keep her comfortable and safe in bed.
They raised the issue with the home’s
Occupational Therapist, who suggested
AAT’s Grande mattress with Treat-Eezi
cover.
The staff utilise the cushion’s vacuum
technology to contoured the mattresssized
bean bag exactly as needed. The
process gives the lady with a secure yet
comfortable position without pressure
points.
The vacuum principle removes any air in
the cushion, thereby fixing the moulded
mobility, with the help of a
carer. The battery-powered
stairclimbing wheelchair is
‘plug and play,’ requiring
no structural alteration nor
installation. It can cope
with almost every common
staircase design, even
turns and spirals.
It reduces risk and manual
handling as it can traverse
onwards from the flight of
stairs into whichever room
is the final destination. It
can even navigate external steps.
Full details of AAT’s S-Max Sella
and its re-issue can be found at:
https://www.aatgb.com/ots
1) https://www.gov.uk/government/
publications/10-year-health-plan-forengland-fit-for-the-future/fit-for-thefuture-10-year-health-plan-for-englandexecutive-summary
2) https://www.statista.com/
statistics/449279/disability-prevalenceimpairment-united-kingdom-uk
3) https://bregroup.com/press-releases/bre-
report-finds-poor-housing-is-costing-nhs-
1-4bn-a-year
4) https://www.rospa.com/campaigns-andfundraising/current-campaigns/safer-stairs
shape. Staff do not need to regularly
replumping or adjust the lady nor the
cushion. If she needs a slight adjustment
to the shape or firmness, staff can
quickly and easily alter the cushion
contour and rigidity to suit.
If needed, the cushion can even be
moulded to create abduction and
The Stair Climbing Company
supports National Trust to
improve access for everyone
he Stair Climbing
TCompany is proud to
announce its collaboration
with the National Trust to
improve accessibility across
ten of its historic properties,
including, Wimpole Estate
in Cambridgeshire. This
initiative represents a
significant step in ensuring
that visitors of all mobility
levels can fully experience
these treasured sites
without compromising their
architectural integrity.
The Stair Climbing Company is
dedicated to making heritage sites
more accessible while preserving
their historical authenticity. Traditional
lifts and ramps often pose challenges
for historic buildings, where structural
modifications could cause irreversible
damage. The company’s innovative
Stair Climber provides a practical,
cost-effective, and immediate
solution, allowing wheelchair
users and those with limited
mobility to navigate staircases
safely and comfortably.
Chris Persey, Operations
Director at The Stair
Climbing Company, expressed his
enthusiasm for the initiative, “At The
Stair Climbing Company, we are
committed to creating accessible
places, and this collaboration with
the National Trust is a major milestone
in that mission. By introducing Stair
Climbers to these properties, we
are providing a viable, non-invasive
accessibility solution that ensures
inclusivity without altering the fabric
of historic buildings. We are excited
to work with the National Trust
to make more of their properties
accessible to all.”
Please visit:
www.thestairclimbingcompany.com
Case study: Grand(e) solution for scoliosis support
adduction wedges, or an
asymmetrical body position
– all by the care-givers,
within minutes.
The additional Teat-Eezi
overlay helps maintain
blood flow and gives an
extra layer of protection
against the risk of ulcers.
Meadow View Manager
Gillian Kent comments,
“The Grande gives support
to her overall body
structure, yet is soft and
comfortable.”
“Our team find it’s easy
to reform when she is
supine. They can ensure her
continued relief and security
when she’s lying in her bed.”
“It has really helped her overall daily and
nightly relaxation.”
Find out more about AAT’s Grande
vacuum posture cushions here:
https://www.aatgb.com/grande
18
HCM IS SPONSORED BY – SEE THEM ON PAGES 20-21

Mobility Care Solutions is a f
in Sunderland. We sell a wide
incontinence items, mobility
wheelchairs, rollators and rise
repair products, supp
We have an
adorable mascot,
Murphy. He is a
4 year old border
collie. He is the
sweetest boy. He
loves nothing more
that to get attention
and treats off our
customers. After all
that hard work he
loves to have naps
on the riser recliners
in the showroom.
He has the delivery
men and postmen
wrapped around his
paw, they bring him
treats in all the time.

amily-run business based
range of daily living aids,
scooters, powerchairs,
r recliners. We service and
ly and fit batteries.
In addition to this we specialise in vehicle adaptations.
We fit products including: steering balls, twin flip folding left foot
accelerators, turny seats, boot hoists, hand controls and much more.
enquiries@mobilitycaresolutions.com
0191 548 7747 https://mobilitysunderland.co.uk

SOFTWARE & TECHNOLOGY Matters
Can you afford not
to have a Mobii?
How interactive technology is transforming
wellbeing, staff retention, and care quality
across the UK
I
n today’s social care landscape, providers are
navigating some of the toughest pressures
the sector has ever faced. Rising costs,
regulatory demands, staff shortages, burnout,
and increasing expectations from families are
reshaping daily practice. Homes are expected
to do more with less, while still delivering
exceptional, person-centred care.
Amid these challenges, one innovation is making
a significant difference for both residents and care
teams: the Mobii Interactive Projection System
from OM Interactive.
set up and use, which frees up the team’s time to
spend more time engaging in a group activity.”
In essence, it isn’t about having a new tool – it’s
about having something that makes each day easier,
calmer, and more purposeful.
Enhancing resident wellbeing through meaningful
engagement
The impact on residents is equally powerful. Across
90% of homes surveyed, the Mobii has boosted
mood and meaningful interaction. A further 81%
reported enhanced engagement and wellbeing.
More than a piece of equipment, the Mobii is helping
care providers lift morale, enhance engagement,
support CQC excellence, and create calmer, happier
environments. With 90% of care homes reporting
noticeable improvements since adopting the Mobii,
the question becomes clear:
Can you afford not to have a Mobii?
Lifting morale and supporting staff retention
Care work is deeply rewarding yet emotionally
demanding. Many activity teams and carers say
the Mobii has restored pride, joy, and connection
to their roles.
“Staff feel able to offer a more meaningful
experience for service users,” says Marion Hunt,
Advanced OT/Sensory Lead at The Hatherton
Centre, MPFT.
Seeing residents light up with engagement reminds
staff why they entered the profession. This emotional
boost is vital at a time when teams are stretched,
and turnover remains high.
Most managers surveyed in OMi’s 2025 Mobii in
Care: Executive Insights Report said the Mobii has
made a ‘positive difference’ to workload, reducing
stress and freeing time for meaningful interaction.
Its simple setup means less preparation and more
focus on residents.
Celia Milton, Activities Champion at Anchor’s
Limegrove Care Home, explains, “It’s very easy to
Using light, sound, colour, and movement, the Mobii
transforms any surface – floor, table, or bedside into
an interactive activity. These stimulating experiences
trigger laughter, conversation, and connection.
Even residents living with more advanced dementia
often show renewed engagement.
“Residents who seem lethargic and unalert would
be revived when the therapeutic games are played,”
says Carolyn Weisey, Activities Co-ordinator at
St Annes Care Home.
This inclusive technology ensures activities are
accessible for individuals with limited mobility,
cognitive impairment, or communication challenges.
Residents can tap butterflies, uncover photos, paint
with their hands, or step into an immersive projected
scene – responding in ways that are intuitive and
meaningful.
As Celia Milton adds, “We’ve noticed increased
participation, especially from our residents living
with more advanced dementia.”
These shared moments create a more harmonious
environment that benefits everyone – residents,
carers, and families.
Supporting CQC excellence
Person-centred practice is a key focus for regulators,
and the Mobii provides measurable support for
achieving and evidencing CQC excellence.
Homes using the Mobii consistently report
improvements in the ‘Caring’ and ‘Responsive’
categories, where meaningful engagement is
especially important.
Colette Yuksel, Activities Co-ordinator at Stocks
Hall Nursing Home, Burscough, shares, “It can
be used for person-centred activities as there is
something to suit all needs – and CQC love that.”
By providing inclusive activities adaptable to every
individual, the Mobii demonstrates a provider’s
commitment to high-quality, responsive care
recognised by inspectors and families alike.
Why this matters now
With ongoing workforce pressures and rising
expectations, care homes need solutions that reduce
workload, support wellbeing, and strengthen inspection
outcomes without adding complexity or cost.
The Mobii delivers exactly that
It simplifies activity planning, empowers staff, and
encourages a culture of teamwork and connection.
As Katherine Huntley, Activities Lead at Dewdown
House, says,“Staff love playing with this alongside
the residents – it really helps with bonding.”
Survey findings highlight the scale of the impact:
: 94% said the Mobii enables more quality time
with residents
: 89% saw improved mood and interaction
: 81% reported enhanced wellbeing and
engagement
: 90% saw improved memory recall
: 93% would recommend the Mobii to other
providers
These outcomes help create what so many care
professionals strive for: a calmer, happier, more
connected home.
Technology with heart
Technology will never replace the human touch, but
it can strengthen it. The Mobii helps staff deliver
compassionate, personalised care by bringing joy,
movement, and meaningful interaction into everyday life.
At a time when challenges continue to grow,
the Mobii offers something rare – a solution
that improves outcomes, uplifts staff, and truly
transforms daily care.
The question is no longer whether you can afford
to invest in interactive technology.
It’s whether you can afford not to.
Book a FREE On-Site Demonstration
To book a demo or learn more, please
visit: omi.uk/care, call: 01442 215555,
or email: care@omi.uk.
22
HCM IS SPONSORED BY – SEE THEM ON PAGES 20-21

iSTAR Medical’s MINIject ®
demonstrates significant sustained
5-year efficacy in treating
glaucoma in STAR-GLOBAL trial
STAR Medical, a medtech
icompany delivering
breakthrough eye care
solutions to patients,
today announces positive
five-year data from the
STAR-GLOBAL trial for
the supraciliary MIGS
device, MINIject ® . The
data was presented by
Andrew Tatham, Consultant
Ophthalmologist at
Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion
and University of Edinburgh, UK,
and President of the UK and Ireland
Glaucoma Society.
STAR-GLOBAL is an extension trial of
the initial EU clinical trials investigating
the long-term safety and efficacy of
MINIject ® in patients with up to fiveyears
of follow-up. Patients implanted
with the MINIject ® are invited to enroll
into STAR-GLOBAL upon completion
at two years of an iSTAR Medical
clinical trial, to continue follow-up from
two to five years.
MINIject ® is currently the only
commercially available supraciliary
MIGS implant. Since its launch
more than 5,000 patients have
been implanted across a number of
commercial settings and continue
to demonstrate meaningful and
sustained clinical performance in
lowering intraocular pressure (IOP)
combined with a favorable safety
profile.
Five-year data from STAR-GLOBAL
Data was obtained from 47 patients
in STAR-GLOBAL who completed
five-year follow-up from the STAR
I, II and III trials (83.9% of the 56
patients enrolled). The efficacy results
indicated a sustained and significant
38% reduction of IOP through to
five years.
Please visit:
www.istar-medical.com
MEDICAL DEVICES & TECHNOLOGY Matters
New wearable device that
mimics CT scans delivers
continuous monitoring for
heart and lung patients
esearchers have developed a
Rfirst-of-its-kind wearable device
capable of continuously scanning the
lungs and heart of hospital patients
while they rest in bed – offering a
revolutionary alternative to CT scans.
The belt-like device, attached around
a patient’s chest, uses ultrasound and
works like a CT scanner. Rather than
taking an isolated snapshot, it can
produce a series of dynamic, highresolution
images of the heart, lungs
and internal organs over time, giving
doctors deeper insight into a patient’s
condition. The device can be worn
in bed and also reduces the need for
repeated trips to radiology or exposure
to doses of ionising radiation.
The breakthrough device has been
developed at the University of Bath in
collaboration with Polish technology
company Netrix and is detailed in a
recent publication in IEEE Transactions
on Instrumentation and Measurement.
The soft, skin-conforming sensor array
is placed directly on a patient’s chest
and uses sophisticated ultrasound
computed tomography (USCT) to
generate images of the heart and lungs
in real time, tracking changes in organ
function and structure continuously
over hours or even days.
The paper, Ultrasound Computed
Tomography for In Vivo Lung Imaging,
is published in IEEE Transactions on
Instrumentation and Measurement
(DOI: 10.1109/TIM.2025.3545872).
Find out all about our Research
with Impact:
https://www.bath.ac.uk/
campaigns/research-withimpact
HCM IS SPONSORED BY – SEE THEM ON PAGES 20-21 23

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY Matters
Bruno Stairlifts: Empowering mobility in the UK
or many individuals,
stairs can be a significant
Fobstacle in their homes.
Whether due to age, injury,
or disability, the ability to
move freely between floors
is essential for maintaining
independence and quality of
life. Bruno Stairlifts, a leader
in the mobility industry, offers
a practical solution that allows
individuals across the UK
to regain their freedom and
safety at home.
Bruno stairlifts give people
with mobility challenges an
effortless alternative to stairs,
allowing them to maintain their
independence. With a reputation
for providing reliable, highquality,
user-friendly stairlifts, Bruno offers multiple
stairlift models, for indoor and outdoor staircases,
with varying lift capacities and options to meet
individual needs.
Tailored solutions for every home
Indoor straight stairlifts: Bruno’s dependable Elan
is its most popular indoor stairlift and features a 21
st (135kg) lift capacity, and the Bruno Elite offers
next-level adjustable comfort and a 30 st (190kg).
weight capacity.
Both the Elan and Elite use a unique, vertical rail that
allows the stairlift to be installed close to the wall and
maximise open space on the stairs. In addition, the
covered gear rack gives a clean, sleek appearance
and eliminates exposure to
grease.
Indoor curved stairlifts: As
the only stairlift manufacturer
who handcrafts their bespoke
rails, Bruno Elite curved
stairlifts are unmatched in
their precise fit and graceful
appearance. The handmade
vertical rail provides a solid
foundation and space-saving
design. The 30 st (190kg) lift
is highly customisable – with
adjustable seat height and
space between the armrests –
to ensure individual comfort.
Multiple power options are
available for Bruno indoor
straight stairlifts, including
power swivel seat, power footrest, and manual and
folding rails.
Bruno straight indoor stairlifts come with a Limited
Lifetime Warranty.
Outdoor stairlifts: Bruno’s Elite outdoor stairlifts are
available in straight and curved models and offer 30
st (190kg). lifting capacities and weather resistant
materials, including marine-grade vinyl seat, and
a lightweight cover. All Bruno outdoor stairlifts are
performance tested from -18 o C to 52 o C to ensure
all-weather dependability.
Bruno outdoor stairlifts offer a standard 5-year
Limited Warranty.
Easy, safe operation
Operating a Bruno stairlift is easy. The rider simply
takes a seat, clips the seat belt and pushing the
armrest control to move the lift. At the top landing,
standard Bruno stairlifts swivel up to 90 degrees and
lock in place for safe exit away from the stairs. In
addition, all Bruno stairlifts feature obstruction safety
technology and seat positioning belts for added
safety. Because Bruno stairlifts are battery
operated, they are also to make multiple trips
even in a power outage.
Exceptional customer support
Bruno’s commitment to customer satisfaction
extends beyond the sale. Bruno’s factory-trained
dealers, available across the UK offer professional,
caring sales, installation and after-sale service.
Peace of mind
With their commitment to stairlift quality, safety, and
user satisfaction, Bruno empowers individuals to live
independently and with dignity. Whether navigating
a straight or curved staircase, indoors or outdoors,
Bruno has a solution!
Contact us today or visit our website to find
out more:
0151 559 0732
ian.oneill@bruno.com
www.bruno.com/uk/stair-lifts
APPOINTMENTS News
Reinforcements for
medac: Julia Rauch, Manfred
Köhler and Gerhard Wurzer
join the Management Board
he medac group
Thas filled three
vacant Management
Board positions with
seasoned executives.
Julia Rauch, formerly
Managing Director
at Helios Ambulant,
has become the new
Chief Financial Officer
(CFO). Manfred Köhler,
previously Head of Global Sales at
medac, assumed the role of Chief
Commercial Officer (CCO), and
Gerhard Wurzer, until now Chair of
the Management Board at the Brno
production facility, stepped in as interim
Chief Operations Officer (COO).
Julia Rauch recently took up the
vacant CFO post at medac. An
internationally experienced executive,
she had served as CFO for Fresenius
Kabi in Asia and later as Managing
Director of Helios Versorgungszentren
GmbH. At medac GmbH she is
responsible for Finance & Controlling,
Compliance, CSRD and IT. “This
company has a clear goal and vision
for its future – and I am excited to be
part of it. With a sound
financial strategy,
maximum transparency
and a co-operative
leadership style, I want
to help shape our path
of sustainable growth,”
said Julia Rauch.
Completing the
Management Board
is Gerhard Wurzer, who will head
the Operations division as interim
COO. Until now he was Chair of the
Management Board at the production
site oncomed manufacturing a.s. in
Brno. He took up his new post with
the clear goal of optimising existing
operational processes and introducing
new ones to further boost efficiency.
“I stand for a hands-on leadership
approach. My aim is to build strong,
resilient teams that take pride in their
operational achievements,” explained
Gerhard Wurzer.
Further information on the
company can be found online at:
www.medac-group.com
Nexergy strengthens
leadership team with Fiona
Tordoff as COO and Maryam
Uz as Company Secretary
exergy Holdings PLC is proud to
Nannounce the addition of Fiona
Tordoff as Chief Operating Officer
(COO) and Maryam Uz as Company
Secretary to its esteemed leadership
team. Maryam assumes her post on
1st November 2024. These significant
appointments mark a pivotal
moment for Nexergy as it fortifies its
operational efficiency and governance.
Fiona Tordoff brings over two
decades of leadership experience
in governance, strategy, and culture
transformation to her role as COO at
Nexergy. With a proven track record as
the former CEO of CIRO, Fiona is adept
at driving strategic decision-making
and operational growth. Her expertise
in governance, innovation, and clientcentred
strategies align perfectly with
Nexergy's mission of sustainable
innovation, promising to enhance
operational agility within the company.
Maryam Uz, the newly appointed
Company Secretary, comes to
Nexergy with a wealth of experience in
sustainability and process orientation,
gained from her senior administrative
and supervision roles at the European
Central Bank. Her passion for green
technologies and sustainability is
evident in her commitment to supporting
Nexergy’s ongoing green initiatives and
ensuring strict regulatory adherence.
Maryam's process-driven approach will
play a vital role in advancing Nexergy’s
mission and operations.
With Fiona Tordoff and Maryam Uz joining
the leadership team, Nexergy Holdings
is poised to strengthen its foundation
and continue driving sustainable
innovation in the energy sector.
To learn more about Nexergy
Holdings, please visit Nexergy
Holdings website:
https://nexergyholding.com
24
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NURSING & CARE News
Angel on Earth:
Derby Care Manager
receives national
award
A shleigh
Smith’s
commitment to
care has taken
her from the
heart of Burton
and Derby to
the top of the
national stage.
As the Registered Care Manager at local in-home
care provider Visiting Angels, Ashleigh has been
crowned Care Manager of the Year. Her leadership,
dedication and passion have not only transformed
her team but also made a lasting impact on the
local community.
Ashleigh’s leadership has been nothing short
of transformative for Visiting Angels. Under her
guidance, the business has thrived – achieving a
98% caregiver retention rate and an impressive
40% business growth over the past year. Client
satisfaction shines through in glowing five-star
reviews, and the business recently earned an
‘Outstanding’ rating in its mock inspection
designed to prepare care organisations for official
evaluation by the independent health and social
care regulator for England, the Care Quality
Commission. This achievement underscores the
exceptional standards Ashleigh consistently upholds.
Visiting Angels’ ‘carer-centric’ approach sets it
apart from other companies in the in-home care
sector. Carers working for Visiting Angels feel
valued and respected for their commitment to the
industry. By offering financial rewards and avenues
for career development, Visiting Angels are
committed to addressing industry challenges
that frequently leave caregivers feeling
undervalued and underappreciated.
For more information, or to see how Visiting
Angels could help care for your loved ones,
please visit: www.visiting-angels.co.uk/
eaststaffs or call the team on: 01283 319400.
Camille Leavold, CEO of Abbots Care,
awarded MBE in King's Honours list
for services to homecare
amille Leavold, CEO of Abbots Care
C(pictured), has been awarded the
Member of the Order of the British
Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday
Honours List, in recognition of her
outstanding contribution to homecare
over the past three decades.
The honour comes as Abbots
Care, Hertfordshire County
Council’s lead provider of homecare
services, celebrates its 30th year of
operation. Under Camille’s leadership,
the organisation has grown from a family-run
business founded by Camille, her mother and her sister,
into a multi-regional care provider delivering essential
support across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire,
Bedfordshire and Dorset. Today, Abbots Care employs
600 care workers, delivering over 7,500 home visits
each week to more than 1,300 clients.
n Monday 21st October,
Ocelebrities Laurence
Llewelyn-Bowen and Dr Dawn
Harper hosted a special lunch
for invited VIP guests, to launch
The Orangery restaurant in
Rangeford Villages’ Siddington
Park development. Over lunch,
the TV personalities led a
debate to address stigmas
associated with ageing.
Rangeford is an award-winning leader in luxury
retirement living for the 60+ community and is
pioneering the way in its sector to revolutionise and
revamp how people thrive beyond sixty.
Dr Dawn was introduced by Rangeford’s CEO
Howard Nankivell. She delivered an engaging and
thought-provoking talk about healthy longevity and
what that means. She discussed her research she
Camille’s recognition arrives at a pivotal time
for the care sector. In the past year alone,
Abbots Care has seen a 66% increase
in calls to its Hertfordshire HQ and a
54% rise in private client enquiries
– a stark reflection of the escalating
demand for home-based care.
Speaking about her MBE, Camille
said, “This has been a complete
surprise, and I am utterly thrilled
first of all that a leader in the caring
profession has been recognised in this
way, because social care is a crucial part of a
caring society and is becoming ever more critical to
us all every day, as the population ages.”
For more information, please visit:
https://abbotscare.com
Laurence Llewelyn Bowen & Dr Dawn host
influencer lunch in stylish new foodie destination
Loxley Park Assisted Living and local
community unite to restore Mill Dam
esidents and staff at Loxley Park
RAssisted Living have joined forces with
the local community to restore Mill Dam.
The once
overgrown and
derelict lake,
located just
beyond Loxley
Park’s grounds, is
being transformed
into a fishing lake
and a natural
retreat for all to
enjoy.
The project
aims to create a
welcoming space where community members can
take part in fishing, relax in newly installed seating
areas, and appreciate the scenic views and local
wildlife.
By revitalising the lake, the initiative hopes to attract
more visitors to the area while also encouraging
biodiversity in the area.
carried out in the Blue Zones
when writing her book ‘Live
Well to 101,’ and some of the
fascinating centenarians she
met, embellished with hilarious
anecdotal stories from their
lives.
The recent announcement of
Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen’s
appointment as Rangeford
Villages’ new Design Curator marks a first-of-its-kind
partnership that really raises the bar for design in the
retirement sector.
For more information, please visit:
https://rangefordvillages.co.uk
https://rangefordvillages.co.uk/villages/
siddington-park
Two years ago, the lake was in a state of neglect,
unusable for both people and wildlife.
That was when James Hoyle, a member of the local
community who is leading the restoration project,
approached Loxley Park Assisted Living, which is
based in Sheffield and owned by Avery Healthcare,
with a vision to bring it back to life.
Loxley Park immediately embraced the idea,
recognising the value of creating a space that both
residents and the wider community could enjoy.
Over the past year, significant efforts have gone into
restoring Mill Dam. Volunteers, including residents,
staff, and local supporters, gather most weekends to
help with the work.
To learn more about Loxley Park Assisted
Living, please visit: www.averyhealthcare.co.uk
or call: 01142 321583.
26
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Thor Assistive Technologies Ltd are Distributors of
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