Healthcare Matters Issue 847

www.healthcarematters.uk

ISSUE 847 – June 2026

TEL 0121 824 7700

Advancing

pressure ulcer

prevention

through

innovation

Awarded Nursing & Care

Company of the Month

®

Pages 20-21

Door Controls Direct: Expert

door control solutions

7 10-11

43

Inside t2 Group’s mission to

strengthen health & social care

Simply providing high quality audio

assistance bringing people together

2

HCM IS SPONSORED BY – SEE THEM ON PAGES 40-41

CONTENTS 847

EDITOR’S NOTES

Welcome to our June edition. Explore our hand-picked features on

innovative companies across the healthcare industry.

On page 7, we feature Door Controls Direct as our Security

Company of the Month. With over a century of heritage and

decades of specialist expertise, Door Controls Direct has become

a trusted name in compliant door control and fire door hardware

solutions. Discover how its commitment to technical excellence,

customer support, and innovation is helping organisations improve

safety, security, and compliance across the built environment.

We also feature t2 group as our Training & Coaching Company of the Month. As the group

celebrates 30 years in business, it continues to play a vital role in developing the UK’s

health and social care workforce. Discover how its learner-focused approach, nationwide

apprenticeship programmes, and commitment to workforce development are helping

thousands of professionals build rewarding careers while supporting better care outcomes

across the sector on pages 10-11.

Pinpoint Ltd was created in response to the growing problem of violence and aggression

faced by frontline healthcare workers. Chosen as our Safety Company of the Month,

Pinpoint has spent more than 30 years developing innovative staff safety solutions. Discover

how its advanced alarm systems, trusted across healthcare, education, and correctional

environments, are helping organisations improve response times, reduce risk, and create

safer workplaces. See them on page 12.

Show review: The Clinical Pharmacy Congress 2026.

Show previews: The Care & Occupational Therapy Show 2026, EBME Expo 2026.

COVER STORY

Advancing pressure

ulcer prevention

through innovation

Awarded Nursing & Care


See pages 20-21

CONTACTS

PUBLICATION MANAGEMENT

Kimberley Best Publication Manager

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kimberleybest@healthcarematters.uk

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Gina Burton Editor

07483 931474

gina@healthcarematters.uk

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Robert Sharp Production Manager

production@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk

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Paul Whitaker Accounts Manager

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®

Gina Burton

Editor

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kimberleybest@healthcarematters.uk

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Unless stated as news, the entire content

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To place an advertorial or an advert,

please call 0121 824 7700.

HEALTHCARE MATTERS

7

CLEENOL

CLEANING, HYGIENE

& INFECTION

CONTROL MATTERS

DOOR CONTROLS

DIRECT

COMPANY OF

THE MONTH

10-11

13

ANETIC AID

CLINICAL

SERVICES

MATTERS

T2 GROUP

COMPANY

OF THE

MONTH

PINPOINT LTD

COMPANY

OF THE

MONTH

CC COUSINS

COMPANY

OF THE

MONTH

CERTIFIED QUALITY

SYSTEMS

TECHNOLOGY &

27 SOFTWARE

36

YEOMAN SHIELD

HEALTHCARE ESTATES

& FACILITIES

MANAGEMENT

SOCIAL-ABILITY

THE CARE & OCCUPATIONAL

THERAPY SHOW

PREVIEW

DRIVE DEVILBISS

EBME

EXPO

PREVIEW

ANENTA WASTE

COMPANY

OF THE

YEAR 40-41

SPONSORED BY

4

8

12

24

29

CLEANING, HYGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL Matters

Mould: The year-round threat hiding in plain sight

Mould isn’t just unsightly. In

a healthcare environment,

it poses a clinical risk, and it

doesn’t take a season off.

A hidden hazard with serious

consequences

For healthcare facilities, mould

represents far more than an

aesthetic concern. Aspergillus and

other fungal species thrive in damp,

poorly ventilated spaces – precisely

the conditions common to older

ward bathrooms, sluice rooms,

and communal wet areas.

For immunocompromised

patients, exposure can

be life-threatening. For

CQC inspectors, visible

mould signals a failure of

environmental standards,

one that can trigger

regulatory action and lasting

reputational damage.

Mould is a 12-month

problem

There’s a common

misconception that mould is

primarily a winter problem.

It isn’t. Closed windows,

Digital headsets ‘transform’

cardiac care at The

Cromwell Hospital

EW digital headset technology is being

Ndeployed at The Cromwell Hospital,

which is helping to reduce cross-infection

risk and support improved patient

safety in cardiac procedures.

The private hospital in West London

has implemented a wireless headset

system from UK technology company

Quail Digital across its Cath and

electrophysiology (EP) labs, enabling

continuous, hands-free communication

between multidisciplinary teams.

The hospital says that in these

environments, clinicians and physiologists

are often positioned in different rooms

or without direct line of sight, making

clear communication entirely reliant on

what can be heard at critical moments.

The headset system, called ‘Pro11,’

allows instructions to be ‘delivered

and confirmed instantly, without staff

needing to raise their voices or move

between sterile and non-sterile areas.’

Sune de Toit, Cardiology Manager at The

Cromwell Hospital, said, “Consultants

can communicate clearly with the control

room and the rest of the team, and

there’s no need to raise your voice – you

can just speak normally, which creates a

much calmer environment in the lab.

“The headset system stops this cross

infection of people leaving the lab, coming

back in and opening things, because you

can constantly communicate. Even when

consultants talk very softly, the team

can still hear clearly.”

Tom Downes, CEO and founder of Quail

Digital, said, “Effective communication

is fundamental to safe, high-performing

clinical teams. What we’re seeing at

The Cromwell Hospital is how removing

barriers to communication can have

a direct impact on workflow, infection

control and ultimately patient safety.”

Please contact

+44 (0)207 349 2000

sales@quaildigital.com

https://www.quaildigital.com

high occupancy, and the warm

moisture generated by

showers and baths create

ideal breeding conditions

regardless of what month it

is. Infection control teams need a

consistent, year-round protocol

– not a seasonal one.

Speed matters

When budgets are stretched

and time is precious, the

efficiency of your products

matters. Cleenol’s Lift

Mould & Mildew Remover

has been formulated

specifically to eliminate

black mould, mildew,

bacteria, fungi, and yeasts

in as little as five minutes,

with no heavy scrubbing

required for most

applications. Spray,

leave, wipe. That’s it.

The ready-to-use spray

is ideal for tiles, grout,

and hard surfaces in

bathrooms, sluice rooms,

and any high-moisture

area. It works quickly

(without compromising on results!) so

staff can cover more ground in less time.

That reduces the risk of missed areas

and, crucially, breaks the cycle of repeat

treatments that drain staff hours and

slow teams down.

Protecting patients, protecting

your standards

Maintaining a hygienic environment isn’t

just good practice – it’s a fundamental

duty of care. The right products make

that task easier. If mould management

feels like a losing battle in your facility,

it may be time to review what’s in your

cleaning cupboard.

To find out more about Lift Mould

& Mildew Remover from Cleenol,

please visit:

https://bit.ly/4o2W2GH

If you’d like advice on particular

cleaning products and finding the

right product to treat the problem,

our expert Technical team are

available to support:

technical.enquiries@cleenol.co.uk

or visit: www.cleenol.com

4


CARE SOFTWARE Company of the Month

Digital medical administration

built for professionals

In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we have featured Electronic MAR as our

Care Software Company of the Month

F

ounded by Chris Gledhill, Electronic MAR

was born from the desire to improve the

day-to-day administration of essential

medications and their record-keeping. After

initially ideating the system back in 2014

after chatting with a client about the hold-ups

in their service, Chris produced some test

software and tested it with them through

2015, before offering the system to the

market at the tail end of 2016.

Based in the tech-hub city of Bristol, the

company works within the health and social

care sector as specialist software developers,

meaning it fits into a unique niche for care homes

and supported living organisations to digitise

their MARs with a system they are used to.

Electronic MAR is a hand held electronic

medication administration record system that

helps ensure medication is administered reliably.

Working as an app for tablets and Android

smartphones, it is perfect for residential and

supported living environments where compliance

and security are paramount.

Unique to Electronic MAR, the software delivers

real-time live alerts direct to staff 20 minutes

after a medication was due and can even send

managers an email two hours after a missed

medication. The software also has a built-in

Medication Balance Calculator to leave more

time for staff caring on the ward.

“It’s really about making care workers’ lives

easier and giving them a lot more peace of

mind.” says Founder, Chris Gledhill, “A lot of

our customers don’t particularly have many

medication errors, but they’re spending an awful

lot of time ensuring that doesn’t happen and, in

this day and age, there’s a really good case for

using technology smartly for security.”

What sets Electronic MAR apart is the simplicity

of its software. Designed alongside professionals

working in the health and care sector, the software

is the easiest to use on the market, taking as little

as five minutes for a care worker to learn, and

under an hour for management or admin.

The company provides training, alongside top-up

courses, for free as part of the overall package.

Its live, UK-based phone and email support are

also on hand to help no matter the query. For

clients this can mean significant savings in time

and expertise allocation.

“We guarantee that our software will reduce

errors and save customers at least one day a

month in admin work, so that eight hours can be

used to focus on caring for their patients.” says

Chris, “The evidence of how well this works is

when a customer is trained up, we don’t really

hear from them very much because the system

just works.”

Alongside its ease of use, Electronic Mar is also

renowned for its systematic updates incorporating

user feedback. Recently the company added in

POM protocols and the ability to attach multiple

reference documents to patients. As well as this

the system now includes improved automatic

stock counting, low stock control warnings and

mismedication warnings to senior team members.

With Electronic MAR hoping to consolidate its

consistent growth over the last few years, the

future looks bright. Its emphasis on streamlining

care-givers admin work through the best tech

that is simple to use and easy to manage, is

saving clients countless hours to focus on is

patient care. With its standout software, there’s

never been a better time to join the paperless

revolution with Electronic MAR.

For more on Electronic MAR,

please see below:

01179 113889

info@electronicmar.co.uk

www.electronicmar.co.uk

HCM IS SPONSORED BY – SEE THEM ON PAGES 40-41 5

PHARMACEUTICALS News

Momentum Pharma breaks ground again becoming the first

organisation to receive Business Process Quality Certification (BPQC)

aving proudly been the first

Horganisation in the world to

achieve the Clinical Research

Business Process Quality

Certification (BPQC) from the

International Accrediting Organisation

for Clinical Research (IAOCR) in

December 2024, Momentum Pharma

is delighted to have proven our

ongoing commitment to clinical

process excellence by being the

first company to achieve recertification

in January 2026.

A strong partner to the

healthcare industry:

SÜDPACK Medica at

PharmaPack 2026 in Paris

utstanding service,

Oconsistent customer

focus, and above all, a product

portfolio that com-bines

high quality and functionality

with improved environmental

performance – at Booth 4F12

at PharmaPack, SÜDPACK

Medica once again showcased

PharmaGuard ® , its pioneering

recy-clable blister concept. Also

taking center stage: MedGuard ®

– a comprehensive range of

low-particle packaging concepts and

pouch solutions for the medical and

pharmaceutical industries. As a further

highlight, SÜDPACK presented its

new MedHub ® service, which makes

ordering pre-made three-side seal

pouches fast and simple – in a wide

variety of sizes.

The PharmaGuard packaging concept

This is now available in two versions:

In addition to the transparent film,

which has already re-ceived multiple

awards, a white blister film is now also

on the market. It offers high opacity

and improved legibility when printed.

occla, Europe’s leading

DVirtual Care provider,

has partnered with last-mile

delivery specialist Gophr

to enhance its logistics

capabilities for rapid

deployment of medical

devices & tablets across

the UK.

Supporting thousands of

patients every day in the

UK and Ireland, Doccla

enables virtual wards and proactive home-based

care through bluetooth-enabled devices. These kits

typically include clinically approved devices such as

This mono-material solution – free

from phthalates, vinyl, PFAS, and

halogens – offers an excellent water

vapor barrier, outstanding pushthrough

performance, and reliable

processability on standard packaging

machines. Most importantly, this

PP-based blis-ter solution is

recyclable and, according to an ISO

14040/44-verified LCA by Sphera, has

a signifi-cantly lower climate impact

than conventional composite materials

made of aluminum and PET.

Please visit:

www.suedpack-medica.com

Co-Founder and CEO of Momentum

Pharma, Melissa Melton, said, “As

the first company to be certified,

and now the first company to

be re-certified, we are extremely

proud of this journey and the

purpose and impact it has had on

Momentum Pharma. Building upon

what we accomplished in 2024, the

re-certification has deepened our

commitment to quality. Across last

year, we made relentless efforts as

a team to think smarter, to look for

omino Printing

DSciences (Domino)

participated at

Pharmapack Europe

2026, where the

business contributed

to the technical

programme with a

focused lightning

talk on the evolving

role of 2D codes

in pharmaceutical

packaging. As the

industry advances from

1D to 2D barcodes,

Domino outlined how manufacturers

can move beyond regulatory

compliance to achieve stronger

traceability, improved patient safety,

and measurable sustainability benefits.

Speaker: Bart Vansteenkiste,

Global Key Account Manager –

Life Sciences, Domino

Session Title: The Importance of 2D

Codes in Pharma Packaging

Track: Packaging Dynamics & New

Technologies

In this concise 15 minute session,

Bart Vansteenkiste demonstrated

blood pressure monitors,

pulse oximeters,

thermometers, and multi

parameter wristwatches –

all requiring rapid, secure

delivery to support

timely intervention and

continuity of care.

The new partnership

will be a two-tier model,

consisting of on-demand

same-day delivery (within

three hours) from Doccla’s Wembley hub to patients

and hospital sites inside the M25, as well as a prescheduled

same-day offering for larger packages

ways to tighten our internal processes, to enhance

our communication with our global consultants

and other stake holders and to ensure in every way

we could, that the trials we are involved with are

conducted with care. Clinical trial excellence and

better patient outcomes are our driving force and we

see continued BPQC certification with the IAOCR

as an essential ongoing standard that provides

reassurance to clients, stakeholders and participants.”

To learn more, please visit:

https://momentum-pharma.com

Unlocking the full

potential of 2D codes in

pharmaceutical packaging

how 2D codes can

support clearer

supply chain visibility,

more accurate

data capture, and

more efficient

pharmaceutical

packaging

operations. With

the transition

to 2D codes

accelerating across

multiple sectors,

the presentation

highlighted why now

is the ideal moment for pharmaceutical

businesses to reassess their coding

strategies and unlock greater value

from existing infrastructure.

Since 1978, Domino Printing Sciences

(Domino) has established a global

reputation for the development and

manufacture of coding, marking, and

printing technologies, as well as its

worldwide aftermarket products and

customer services.

to NHS hospitals nationwide. Doccla now has live

services in every London NHS ICB.

By leveraging Gophr’s platform, which offers realtime

GPS tracking and notifications (for collection

and delivery), medical-grade doorstep protocols,

online proof of delivery pics, and an AI supported

live customer service team, Doccla can guarantee

speed, reliability, and visibility for every shipment.

These features are critical in maintaining clinical

oversight and ensuring vulnerable patients receive

equipment exactly when they need it.

Please visit:

https://uk.gophr.com

Please visit:

www.domino-printing.com

Doccla partners with Gophr, offering same-day

medical delivery to high-risk patients

6


SECURITY Company of the Month

Expert door control solutions

In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we have featured Door

Controls Direct as our Security Company of the Month

oor Controls Direct is a specialist supplier

of dependable fire door hardware and door

Dcontrol solutions. Its products and expertise

support both the maintenance and upgrading of

existing buildings, as well as new construction

projects across the UK.

Its history dates back more than 100 years, when

the original company was founded as a traditional

hardware supplier and ironmonger. During the 1970s,

the business evolved further and began supplying

security products, locksmithing services and

specialist hardware. Over the past 30 years, Door

Controls Direct has evolved into a predominantly

online e-commerce specialist distributor, establishing

itself as an expert within the door controls industry.

Today, Door Controls Direct is recognised as a market

leader in the supply of hardwired hold-open and

swing-free electromagnetic door closers, alongside

hundreds of variations of traditional overhead door

closers and specialist compliant hardware solutions.

Based in Poundbury, Dorset, Door Controls Direct

supports clients responsible for maintaining, upgrading

or securing buildings, including organisations

responsible for fire door compliance, access control,

electronic security and physical security. Its varied

customer base regularly includes hospitals, care homes,

schools, facilities management companies, contractors,

local authorities and commercial building managers.

As an industry leader, Door Controls Direct sets the

standard for delivering reliable, compliant door control

solutions, from providing clear technical advice and

guidance, to supporting decision-making and ensuring

prompt nationwide delivery of products held in stock.

Its mission is to help customers manage safety,

compliance and security with confidence, and the

company’s product range includes fire door hardware,

door closers, access control systems, door automation

and physical security products. Every product within

its extensive range is of the highest quality, backed by

solid warranties and decades-long partnerships with

many of the industry’s leading suppliers.

Door Controls Direct’s in-house team is renowned

for its readily available guidance, expertise and

extensive aftersales support.

“One of our greatest strengths is accessible knowledge,”

says Managing Director Gary Hewitt (pictured right).

“Our team receives continuous training from leading

industry bodies such as the Guild of Architectural

Ironmongers (GAI) and the Automatic Door Suppliers

Association (ADSA), alongside regular training from

leading manufacturers. That, combined with the

hundreds of years of collective industry experience

across our team, enables us to provide honest, practical

and compliant advice that customers can trust.”

As a company, Door Controls Direct believes that

everyone deserves to feel safe and secure in their

surroundings. It is this belief that fuels the company’s

desire to share its extensive knowledge and

expertise openly.

“We believe customers should have easy access

to both information and expertise, not barriers and

gatekeepers,” Gary told us. “Our market-leading

website represents that commitment. It delivers

products, technical data, compliance documentation

and expert guidance online, and we back this up with

real people providing genuine support offline too.”

Recently, the company has continued its dedication

to providing impactful solutions by investing

heavily in its access control and fire door hardware

departments, both of which have seen significant

development over the past five years, including the

appointment of specialist managers equipped with

up-to-date technical knowledge.

operating in highly

regulated environments,”

he told us.

Door Controls Direct

also recently moved

into new commercial

offices in Poundbury.

This move brought all of its commercial teams

together under one roof for the first time and allowed

the company to combine strong customer support

with fast nationwide distribution.

“It was really a pivotal moment for the business,”

says Gary. “It created a stronger, more collaborative

environment and positions us well for the next

decade of growth.”

Over the coming months, Door Controls Direct will

also launch a brand-new bespoke website platform.

The new site will offer an expanded product range,

a faster and smoother user experience, improved

search functionality, and greater access to technical

and compliance documentation, alongside more

helpful guides and educational resources.

Alongside this, the company plans to continue

expanding its ranges within access control, door

automation, fire door hardware, intelligent building and

security solutions, with the ultimate goal of remaining

at the forefront of compliant door control and security

product distribution within the UK market.

Door Controls Direct is raising the bar when it comes

to door control solutions. The company not only

provides customers with access to trusted branded

products and reliable information, but also supports

them with guidance from its technical team of

industry experts.

This dedication to sharing decades of expertise with

customers is what sets Door Controls Direct apart.

Its passion for innovation, compliance and customer

support continues to help shape the future of the

door controls supply industry.

For Gary, this continued investment reflects the growing

importance of safety compliance and intelligent building

security within the modern built environment.

“It allows Door Controls Direct to provide increasingly

advanced solutions and guidance to customers

For more on Door Controls Direct,

please see below:

01305 263300

sales@doorcontrolsdirect.co.uk

https://doorcontrolsdirect.co.uk


CLINICAL SERVICES Matters

From box to bedside:

Unlocking patient-centric care

with connected packaging

P harmaceutical

packaging is

playing an increasing

role in patient–centric

care. The integration

of smart 2D codes

and connected

digital platforms

can provide a direct

link between pharma manufacturers,

healthcare providers, and patients. As

Bart Vansteenkiste, Global Life Sciences

Sector Manager, Domino Printing

Sciences, explains, pharmaceutical

packaging is not the end point of

production but the starting point for

more connected, patient-centric care.

Rethinking patient information leaflets

There is a growing recognition that

pharma packaging design could play

a key role in improving patient safety.

For many patients, especially those

managing multiple medications, the

traditional patient information leaflet

can be a source of frustration.

Supporting care through smarter

connections

Connected packaging – achieved

by embedding smart 2D codes that

link to live data sources into pharma

packaging design – can also improve

n a world that feels more

Ichaotic, disconnected

and demanding by the

day, author and life

coach Mark Reinisch

delivers a refreshingly

practical and accessible

framework for a welldesigned

life in his new

book, The Wellness

Ethic: How to Thrive in

an Unpredictable World

(Where Stupid Things

Can Happen).

Backed by science and inspiring,

real-world experiences (not just

credentials), Reinisch lays out seven

essential components – mind, body,

spirit, relationships, personal pursuits,

professional pursuits and lifestyle

maintenance – that form the backbone

of what he calls ‘wellness ethic

lifestyle design,’ a simple yet powerful

concept that empowers readers to

build their lives, on their own terms,

around what actually brings them joy

and fulfilment.

“Lifestyle design is the opposite

of running on autopilot, and it is

essential to your overall

wellbeing,” Reinisch

said. “With lifestyle

design, the objective

is to get to the heart of

what you really want in

life and then make it

your reality.”

The Wellness Ethic is NOT

a typical self-help book.

Reinisch isn’t a Harvardeducated

psychologist or

a multi-millionaire living a

charmed life. Reinisch is

relatable, vulnerable and hilarious as he

simplifies complex wellness topics like

mind, body, spirit and relationships to

make wellness accessible, actionable

and engaging.

The QA4 Mobile Surgery System: It’s transformative effect

growing number of clients, based within

A main operating departments, are beginning

to experience the transformative effect that

adopting the QA4 Mobile Surgery System into

practice can bring.

More traditionally found within a day surgery or

minor ops setting, the surgically versatile QA4

is now finding a new home within main theatres

and the benefits for those sites is becoming

self-evident.

Combining both patient transport and operating

platform all but removes the need to transfer the

patient – reducing the risk for both patient and

staff alike – whilst reducing time before, during

and after a procedure with the end result being

an increase in theatre throughput.

With its powered functions – platform

height, backrest, Trendelenburg & reverse

patient safety throughout the healthcare

system and overcomes traditional gaps

in communication, from prescribing

to dispensing. Providing healthcare

professionals with easy access to the

most current, batch-specific information

on demand, helps to prevent the use of

outdated instructions and promotes safer

prescribing and dispensing decisions.

Momentum for change

While the benefits of connected

packaging – from improved

comprehension to enhanced safety –

are increasingly clear, the shift toward

digital solutions is not just theoretical.

Across the pharmaceutical industry,

stakeholders are actively exploring

and implementing these innovations,

signalling a broader momentum

for change.

Please visit

www.domino-printing.com

Trendelenburg, traversing

platform and lateral tilt – it

offers a further reduction

in manual handling, whilst

offering superb surgical

versatility. This innovative,

intuitive and state-ofthe-art

system is suitable

for a huge range of

surgical specialisms: from

gynaecology to vascular,

from ENT to orthopaedic

surgery...and a whole lot

more.

The QA4 also offers

the additional benefit

of negating the need

for multiple device type

purchases – transport

stretcher – operating

table – bed – recliner

chair – bringing about a reduction in equipping

needs, logistics, training, procurement and

maintenance costs.

We know that manual handling poses an inherent

risk to patients and practitioners – which is why

the QA4 allows patients to get onto the platform

themselves, ready to be wheeled through the

anaesthetic room, to the operating theatre and

then onto recovery.

If you’re searching for the perfect solution for

mainstream theatre and for day surgery, then look

no further than the QA4 Mobile Surgery System.

Design a life that works:

New book offers a blueprint for

living with purpose in a world

that (often) makes no sense

Available from:

https://www.amazon.com/

Wellness-Ethic-Thrive-

Unpredictable-Stupid/dp/

B0F8PP2VKB

Please visit

www.wellnessethic.com

Transport, Treatment, Recovery – the onedevice

solution.

Thinking about complete peace of mind,

versatility and patient comfort? Then Think

Anetic.

Innovative medical technology – practically

applied.

Please visit

+44 (0)1943 878647

sales@aneticaid.com

https://aneticaid.com

8


TRAINING & COACHING Company of the Month

Inside t2 group’s

mission to

strengthen health

and social care

In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are

pleased to feature t2 group as our Training

& Coaching Company of the Month

O

rganisations like t2 group

play an increasingly vital

role in shaping the future

of the UK health and social

care workforce. As demand for

skilled professionals continues to

grow across the sector, training

providers have become central

to ensuring that services remain

sustainable, high-quality, and

responsive to evolving care needs.

Established in 1996 by Chris

Marr, Rob Marr and Dave Marr, t2

group has developed from a small,

family-founded business into one

of the largest Apprenticeship providers in England.

Now marking its 30th anniversary, the organisation

remains proudly independent and family-owned. That

status continues to influence its culture, shaping a

long-standing commitment to quality, and a learnerfocused

approach that has remained consistent

throughout its evolution.

From its head office in Cardiff, t2 group delivers

training nationally through a remote and

decentralised model. Rather than operating from a

single, centralised training structure, the organisation

employs coaches, trainers, and assessors based

across England. This enables it to provide localised,

flexible support that reflects regional needs while

maintaining consistency in delivery and standards.

The model also allows learners and employers

to receive support that is closer to their working

environments, strengthening engagement and

relevance throughout the learning journey.

At the heart of the organisation is a clear specialism

in Apprenticeships and Diplomas with a strong

Alongside Apprenticeships,

t2 group also delivers

Diplomas in Adult Care

(Levels 3-5), providing

flexible learning routes

for individuals who require

alternative progression

pathways. This blend of

provision ensures that

learners are not limited to

a single model of training,

but instead can access

routes that reflect their

personal circumstances,

job roles, and career

ambitions.

focus on Health and Social Care

and Leadership and Management.

Its Health and Social Care

provision spans Levels 2 to 5,

supporting individuals at every

stage of their careers, from those

entering the sector for the first

time to experienced professionals

progressing into more advanced

roles. This is complemented by

Leadership and Management

programmes at Levels 3 and 5,

designed to equip managers and

team leaders with the skills required

to lead effectively in complex, highpressure

care environments.

Within the wider education

and training landscape, t2 group holds a significant

position. It is currently one of the largest providers of

Health and Social Care Apprenticeships in England

and ranks among the top 15 training providers

nationally by learner numbers. This scale reflects

both the demand for its services and its established

credibility within the care sector. However, the

organisation’s identity is not defined by size alone.

Instead, it is shaped by a dual focus on workforce

capability and learner experience, recognising that

high-quality care depends on confident, wellsupported

professionals.

Its client base is broad and diverse, ranging from

small and medium-sized enterprises through to large

levy-paying organisations. This allows t2 group to

support a wide spectrum of care providers, each

with different operational challenges and workforce

requirements. By

working across

this range, the

organisation

has developed

a detailed

understanding of

funding structures,

compliance

requirements, and

workforce development

needs across the sector.

Crucially, t2 group maintains a

strong learner-first ethos throughout its delivery

model. While employer needs

are central to programme

design, the individual learner

remains at the heart of the

experience. Flexible delivery,

personalised support, and

structured progression

routes ensure that learners

are able to engage fully with

their training and progress

in a way that suits their

circumstances.

Over three decades,

t2 group has built longstanding

partnerships with

care providers across

England, consistently

delivering training

that develops skilled,

capable professionals who

make a tangible difference in their

workplaces. Its guiding mission is to

close the gap between performance and potential,

underpinned by a clear brand promise: to get

learners and employers where they want to be.

This philosophy is not simply aspirational; it is

embedded in how the organisation operates. Training

programmes are designed around the principle

that education must be practical, accessible, and

relevant to real-world care environments. Rather

than applying a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach,

t2 group actively personalises delivery to meet

the needs of both learners and employers, whilst

feedback is continuously gathered and used to refine

programmes, ensuring they remain aligned with both

local workforce needs and national sector priorities.

10


Recently, the organisation entered a new phase

of leadership with the appointment of CEO Carl

Cornish. His arrival marks a pivotal moment in

t2 group’s ongoing evolution, coming at a time of

sustained growth and increasing demand across

the health and social care sector. Since stepping

into the role, he has already begun

to shape the next stage

of the organisation’s

development, with a

focus on impact, quality,

and long-term sector

contribution.

Carl Cornish commented,

“I’m delighted to be

joining t2 group at such a

pivotal time for both the

organisation and the wider

training sector. Each year,

we support over 5,000

learners to build the skills,

confidence and careers

that are so vital to the

future of Health and

Social Care.”

“As we mark our 30th

anniversary, our focus is firmly on what comes

next - strengthening the impact of our programmes,

deepening our partnerships with employers,

and ensuring training doesn’t just meet standards,

but consistently improves the quality of care

people receive.”

“With demand across the sector continuing to grow,

the need for high-quality, responsive workforce

development has never been greater. That

means not only expanding access to training,

but continually raising the bar on quality,

relevance and outcomes.”

“There is a real opportunity – and responsibility –

for providers like t2 group to play a leading role in

shaping the future workforce, and I’m excited about

what we can achieve together.”

His comments reflect a broader industry reality: the

health and social care sector is under increasing

pressure to recruit, train, and retain skilled staff,

while simultaneously improving quality outcomes for

service users. In this context, training providers are

not simply education providers, they are workforce

enablers, playing a direct role in system

resilience.

What continues

to distinguish

t2 group is not

only its scale or

longevity, but the

distinctive way it

approaches training

and workforce

development. Its

deep understanding

of the health and

social care sector

allows it to design

programmes that

balance employer

needs with learner

outcomes, ensuring

that training is both accessible

and genuinely impactful in practice.

Its independent, family-owned structure also

contributes significantly to its agility. Without the

constraints often associated with larger corporate

organisations, t2 group is able to respond quickly

to sector changes, refine its delivery models, and

continuously improve outcomes. This adaptability

has been reflected in recent performance data.

According to FE Week, Marr Corporation, the parent

organisation of t2 group, recorded the largest

increase in achievement rates among the top 20

Apprenticeship providers in 2024/25. Achievement

rates rose by 17.6 percentage points, from 42.6% to

60.2%, highlighting the effectiveness of its ongoing

improvements.

A key factor underpinning this success is the

organisation’s commitment to learner support.

Recognising that individuals enter training with different

experiences, abilities, and challenges, t2 group

provides dedicated additional learning support to help

learners overcome barriers and achieve their goals.

This inclusive approach ensures that progression is not

limited by background or circumstance, and that all

learners have the opportunity to succeed.

Taken together, the elements of sector expertise,

flexibility, strong outcomes, and a learner-centred

philosophy, define the organisation’s position within

the training landscape. They also underpin its

continued influence within the health and social care

sector, where demand for high-quality training has

never been greater.

As t2 group marks its 30th anniversary in 2026,

the milestone represents far more than longevity. It

reflects an organisation that has continually evolved

alongside the sector it serves, while remaining

anchored to a clear and consistent mission: to

close the gap between performance and potential.

The anniversary year has also brought industry

recognition, with t2 group named a finalist at the

Apprenticeship Guide Awards for Best Training

Provider. This recognition reinforces its position as

a leading provider within the sector and reflects the

consistency of its outcomes over time.

Looking ahead, the organisation continues to invest

in growth and innovation, including the upcoming

launch of a new website designed to enhance

accessibility and better reflect its modern, learnerfocused

identity. While digital transformation forms

part of its future direction, the core values that

have defined t2 group for three decades remain

unchanged.

As it enters its fourth decade, the organisation

does so with a clear sense of purpose. Its focus

remains on supporting as many learners as possible,

strengthening the workforce across health and

social care, and continuing to improve outcomes

for both individuals and employers. At its heart, t2

group remains committed to one core belief: that

investment in training is essential to building capable,

confident workforces and delivering better care for

the future.

t2 group is always interested in speaking with

care professionals who may be looking to move

into assessor or PDM roles. No prior assessor

qualifications are required, as t2 group provide

full in-house training to support candidates in

achieving their qualifications.

Learn more about our careers with us:

https://www.t2group.co.uk/join-the-t2-group.html

For more information, please see below:

02920 799133

info@t2group.co.uk

https://www.t2group.co.uk


SAFETY Company of the Month

Experts in staff attack systems

In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are pleased to

feature Pinpoint as our Safety Company of the Month

ounded in 1992 by John Waring, Pinpoint

Ltd was created in response to the growing

Fproblem of violence and aggression faced

by frontline healthcare workers. The company’s

origins can be traced back to the late 1980s

at Pinderfields Hospital, where staff were

experiencing rising levels of workplace violence

and declining morale. Traditional security

measures were proving ineffective, leading to

a more collaborative and innovative approach.

By working directly with frontline nurses and

healthcare professionals, Pinpoint developed

a solution tailored specifically to busy clinical

environments. This partnership resulted in the

creation of Pinpoint’s wearable Staff Safety

Alarm Systems, including dedicated Assistance

and Emergency buttons designed to improve

response times and enhance employee safety

during critical incidents.

Today, Pinpoint is recognised as one of the UK’s

leading specialists in workplace violence prevention

and staff safety systems, with more than 30 years

of industry experience. Headquartered in Leven,

Scotland, the company supports organisations

across the UK, Ireland and internationally through

a network of installation, service and support

engineers operating in multiple regions. Pinpoint’s

systems are widely used across healthcare, mental

health, education, retail and correctional sectors,

helping employees quickly summon assistance in

threatening situations.

At the heart of the Pinpoint System is the PIT

(Personal Infrared Transmitter), a discreet wearable

device that allows staff to raise an alarm instantly.

Once activated, display units identify the exact

location and type of emergency, ensuring a rapid

and effective response. Pinpoint’s guiding philosophy

remains simple yet powerful: protecting people at

work and ensuring those who care for others feel

safe and supported in their roles.

“Our systems are designed specifically for

environments where staff safety is critical,” says

Eilidh McIntyre, Marketing Executive. “We focus

on reliability, rapid response, discreet design and

ease of use. Our products can be configured to suit

specific user requirements and are tailored to the

needs of healthcare and frontline settings, helping

staff feel safer and more supported while carrying

out their roles.”

“Intelligent infrared capabilities mean the Pinpoint

System takes less than 85 milliseconds from

activation to display. When a call is made from a staff

panic alarm, Display Units pinpoint the exact location

and type of call. This information can also be relayed

to a range of devices such as pagers, mobiles and

PCs, ensuring response teams can quickly identify

both the type and source of the call.”

Three major advantages of the Pinpoint Staff

Safety System are its versatility across multiple

environments, its suitability as a lone worker solution,

and its ability to integrate with new or existing

security networks. This flexibility makes it one of the

most adaptable systems on the market. What’s more,

CCTV, access control, door entry, intruder alarms

and movement detection can all be incorporated

into a Pinpoint System.

Eilidh went on to explain the company’s latest

evolution, the P2 System.

“Our systems are trusted by NHS organisations,

mental health facilities, educational institutions and

correctional environments throughout the UK and

beyond. The P2 System is the latest evolution of

our staff alarm technology.”

“The P2 PIT is a lightweight, durable personal

alarm designed to be worn at waist level for quick

and easy access in an emergency. Built to handle

everyday use, it offers two alert levels – Assistance

and Emergency – depending on the seriousness of

the situation. Pressing the button on the bottom of

the device sends an Assistance call, while pulling

the clear cap from the clip triggers an Emergency

alert. The P2 PIT features a strong polycarbonate

body with a rubberised grip for comfort and secure

handling. It also includes Biomaster Antimicrobial

Technology, which helps prevent the growth

of bacteria, fungi and mould throughout the

product’s lifespan.”

“The P2 Badge PIT is a discreet personal alarm built

into an ID badge holder, allowing staff to call for help

without drawing attention. It features two alert levels:

the large button on the back activates an Emergency

call, while the smaller button at the top left sends an

Assistance call. Its concealed design helps ensure

service users are unaware the device is being used.”

“P2 Call Buttons are wall-mounted units available for

emergency, assistance and patient calls. Clear colour

coding shows the type of alert being activated and

matches the icons displayed on response units. The

keyless design allows staff to quickly arm, disarm or

reset the system during high-pressure situations.”

“Our P2 Display Units provide response teams with

the exact location and alert level of an activated

alarm. Featuring a full-colour display and easy-toread

icons, the system gives a clear overview of

all active incidents, helping teams respond quickly

and effectively.”

With more than 30 years of experience, Pinpoint

continues to develop innovative systems that meet

the changing needs of healthcare and frontline

organisations. The company remains committed

to helping organisations across the UK and

internationally create safer workplaces where

employees feel protected, supported and

confident while delivering essential services.


01333 421706

info@pinpointlimited.com

https://www.pinpoint.ltd.uk

12


FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Company of the Month

Reliable facilities management

for modern healthcare

In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are pleased to feature CC Cousins

as our Facilities Management Company of the Month

ounded on a strong foundation of practical

Fexpertise and collaboration, CC Cousins has

evolved into a respected name within the facilities

maintenance sector. While the company has

operated under its current name for over 26 years,

its history stretches back more than four decades.

Originally established by two brothers, each ran

their own specialist businesses, one in electrical

maintenance and the other in groundworks.

Recognising the advantages of combining their

complementary skill sets, they merged their services,

creating a business built on shared values, hands-on

experience, and a commitment to quality.

Based at Medway City Estate, CC Cousins runs

everything from one central hub, which helps the

team stay connected, communicate easily, and

keep a close eye on day-to-day work. It also means

everyone is on the same page, allowing them to

respond quickly and deliver a smooth, reliable

service to clients across every project.

At its core, CC Cousins specialises in facilities

maintenance solutions for the commercial sector.

Its services cover both reactive and planned

maintenance, ensuring that buildings and

infrastructure remain safe, compliant, and fully

functional. From urgent repair callouts to long-term

preventative maintenance programmes, the company

plays a vital role in supporting the day-to-day

operations of its clients.

CC Cousins has built a reputation as a leading

solutions provider, recognised for its high standards

of workmanship and exceptional customer service.

Much of its growth has been organic, driven by

word-of-mouth recommendations and long-standing

client relationships, and this reflects not only the

quality of its services, but also the trust it has

developed over time.

A key factor that differentiates CC Cousins from its

competitors is its ability to deliver the majority of its

services in-house. With around 90% of work carried

out by its own skilled teams, the company maintains

a high level of quality control and accountability.

Complementing this is a fully in-house, 24/7

helpdesk, ensuring that clients have immediate

access to support whenever needed.

With a client base that includes managing agents as

well as organisations across healthcare, education,

and retail, CC Cousins shows just how adaptable

it is. Working with such a mix of sectors means the

team is well used to handling different needs and

can tailor its services to suit each client.

“We are a trusted provider in modern facilities

maintenance,” says Lewis Crookes, Associate

Director. “We are fully committed to building reliable,

innovative, and long-lasting relationships with our

clients. That commitment was recognised in 2025

when we were ranked the number one contractor by

several key clients – a testament to our performance,

reliability, and quality of service delivery. We also

operate our own in-house fleet, ensuring work is never

outsourced and standards remain consistently under

our control. In addition, we provide seasonal services

such as winter gritting, further demonstrating our

ability to adapt and deliver essential, time-sensitive

support whenever our clients need it.”

Within healthcare environments, there are high

levels of compliance, hygiene, and operational

reliability to be met. CC Cousins provides everything

from electrical and plumbing work to specialist

services such as fire control, water testing, and

pest management, which are all critical elements in

maintaining safe clinical environments.

Furthermore, their experience working in healthcare

facilities means they understand the complexities

of these settings, including the need to minimise

disruption while maintaining essential systems.

A major strength is their planned preventative

maintenance (PPM) offering, which helps healthcare

providers stay ahead of potential issues. By

proactively managing assets and infrastructure,

CC Cousins ensures buildings remain compliant

and fully operational, reducing the risk of unexpected

failures that could impact patient care. This is

especially important in healthcare, where equipment

uptime and safe environments are directly linked to

patient outcomes. In addition, their 24/7 reactive

maintenance capability ensures that urgent issues

such as power failures or water system faults can

be addressed quickly and efficiently.

CC Cousins also simplifies facilities management

by acting as a single, trusted provider. Instead

of co-ordinating multiple contractors, healthcare

organisations can rely on one company to manage a

full range of services, improving communication and

consistency while reducing administrative burden.

Their strong focus on health and safety, compliance,

and sustainability further strengthens their value.

With trained, accredited staff and environmentally

responsible practices, they help healthcare providers

meet regulatory standards while supporting longterm

operational efficiency.

Looking ahead, we asked Lewis what the company

is currently focusing on, and what lies ahead, “A

recent focus has been the expansion of its drainage

division, with increased investment in equipment and

expertise to meet rising demand and further enhance

its in-house capabilities. CC Cousins continues to

grow year on year, strengthening both its team and

service offering.”

As the demands on healthcare facilities continue

to grow, CC Cousins stands out as a dependable,

forward-thinking partner. With its strong in-house

capabilities, responsive service, and commitment

to quality, the company is well equipped to support

safe, compliant, and efficient environments.


01634 715735

Out of hours: 01634 730383

www.cc-cousins.co.uk


TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT Matters

Leaders in health and social care training

DGE Services is a high-quality training provider

Efor the health and social care industry, on a

mission to elevate training practices. Its core

aim is to provide training that inspires, builds

confidence and develops expertise for key

practitioners while ensuring the most up-to-date

and professional service possible.

Established in 1998 on the basis that the best

trainers came from clinical environments, the

company was set up to provide training and

support for key trainers in health and social care

environments. In September 2021, EDGE Services

became part of the RAH Group founded by Craig

Haley and Paul Melling, and today, the company is at

the forefront of health and safety training across the

UK healthcare and special needs education sectors.

Whilst their office is based in York, EDGE Services

trains clients nationwide and has worked with a

vast array of partners from the health and social

care sector as well as special education settings,

including Barchester Healthcare, MacIntyre,

York St John University, and Renaissance Care

(Scotland).

As one of the leading providers of people handling

training in the UK, EDGE Services offers Key

Trainer certificates in moving and handling,

dementia care, and managing behaviour that

challenges, which enable delegates to onward

deliver these subjects to their colleagues.

The company specialises in ‘training trainers’ to

ensure that clients have the ability to develop

their own in-house courses at times that suit them

and their employees. It provides the resources,

techniques, and skills to make a real difference

Tool for better control of

stem cell development

ntil now, studying the genetic

Uprocesses in cells required

destroying them – making it

impossible to observe these

processes over extended periods

of time. A team from the Technical

University of Munich (TUM) and

Helmholtz Munich has developed

a new method to repeatedly obtain

up-to-date genetic information from

living cells. In the future, this will

enable better monitoring of stem cells

for therapies or the effects of drugs

within cells.

Normally, cells must be lysed for

a so-called transcriptome analysis

– which reveals which genes are

currently being expressed – making

repeated measurements on the same

cells impossible. The research team

led by Gil Westmeyer, Professor

of Neurobiological Engineering at

TUM, uses virus-like particles for

their new process, called NTVE

(Non-destructive Transcriptomics

via Vesicular Export). These particles

shuttle messenger RNA – the active

gene products – out of living cells.

The RNA is then extracted from

the bubbles outside the cell and

analyzed. This allows researchers to

determine which genes are currently

active. The results obtained through

the new process show excellent

concordance with comparative

measurements using the conventional

standard method – without the critical

drawback of permanently destroying

the cell being studied.

The new method therefore allows

for repeated sampling over several

days, for example to closely monitor

the differentiation of stem cells into

cardiomyocytes or germ layers. It

also works in neurons and mixed cell

populations, enabling analysis of cellto-cell

communication.

Please visit

www.tum.de/en

to the health and safety of Key Trainers, their

colleagues, and their clients.

Its flagship course, The People Handling and Risk

Assessment Key Trainer’s Certificate, established

EDGE Services as one of the leading providers of

training to the healthcare and social care sectors.

This four day course provides participants with the

knowledge, skills, and confidence to train others

in the moving and handling of people and in the

conducting of manual handling risk assessments.

Designed for those with a responsibility for health

and safety, and welfare of staff and clients with

regards to the moving and handling of people,

this course is certified by the CPD Certification

Service, aligned to the Skills for Health Core Skills

Training Framework (CSTF), and is quality assured

as an Advanced Level 4 Customised Award by

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents

(RoSPA) Qualifications. On completion, participants

receive a certificate from EDGE Services and an

Advanced Level 4 Customised Award from RoSPA

Qualifications, both valid for two years.

The company’s Children Handling and Risk

Assessment Key Trainer’s Certificate was designed

in response to many requests by those involved

UPPORTING the upskilling of

Syoung and adult learners, Pulse

Consult has successfully completed

the delivery of the £9.3 million state-ofthe-art

Cradley Heath Skills Campus

in Sandwell. Located on Lower High

Street, with support from Sandwell

Council and the Towns Fund, the new

campus is now open and will serve as

a dedicated skills and training centre.

The campus provides learning

opportunities for both young people and

adults, focusing on social care, digital

skills and hands-on construction, helping

learners progress into work, retrain or

develop new skills close to home.

Pulse Consult was appointed under the

Medium Works Framework managed

in the moving and handling of children or young

adults, be they in hospitals, special schools,

social care services, or supported living

settings. This course is also RoSPA accredited

with delegates receiving an Advanced Level 4

Customised Award on successful completion.

This year the company is attending both at the

Scottish Manual Handling Forum on the 20th-21st

May and The Occupational Therapy show on the

25th-26th November as exhibitors, giving attendees

an opportunity to see firsthand how EDGE’s

bespoke approach to training works in practice

and how it could benefit their organisations.

With over 25 years of experience in delivering training

to the healthcare and social care sectors, EDGE

Services provides the very highest level of quality when

it comes to professional training. Its expertise in moving

and handling, health and safety, risk assessment,

and managing challenging behaviour is extensive.

For more on Edge Services,

please see below:

01904 677853

enquiries@edgeservices.co.uk

www.edgeservices.co.uk

Opening ceremony marks

completion of new Cradley

Heath Skills Campus

by Pagabo on behalf of contracting

authority The Education Alliance to

deliver project management and

employer’s agent services. Working

closely with the college and Sandwell

Council, Pulse Consult ensured the

centre delivered meaningful benefits

for the communities of Cradley

Heath, Halesowen, Blackheath

and surrounding areas.

Spanning three floors, the facilities

have been carefully designed to

replicate real-world construction

workshop and healthcare suite

environments, giving learners

practical, hands-on experience that

directly supports their future careers.

The building’s exterior motifs also

celebrate the area’s chain-making

heritage, connecting the campus to

the local community and its history.

A dedicated café and seating area

on the ground floor will offer learners

a social and relaxation space,

encouraging informal collaboration

and fostering a sense of community

within the campus.

For more information, please visit:

www.pulseconsult.co.uk

14


HOMECARE FRANCHISE Company of the Month

Building a

franchise network

rooted in care

and connection

In this issue of Healthcare

Matters, we are pleased to

feature Right at Home as

our Homecare Franchise


16


Right at Home UK was founded in 2010 by Ken

Deary, who believed there was a better way to

deliver care at home. His vision was simple but

powerful: to create a care business built on trust,

compassion and meaningful relationships, where

people could receive the support they need while

continuing to live independently in the comfort of

their own homes. More than a decade later, that

commitment remains at the heart of everything

the company does.

The business is supported by its National Office

in Liverpool, which works closely with a growing

network of locally owned franchise offices across

England, Scotland and Wales. While Right at

Home benefits from the strength of a nationally

recognised brand, care is delivered by local teams

who understand their communities. This balance

of national support and local connection is central

to its success.

Right at Home provides a wide range of

homecare services, including companionship,

personal care, dementia care, complex care and

live-in care. However, the organisation believes

care is about much more than practical support.

Its focus is on helping people remain connected

to the people, places and routines that make

life meaningful, giving both clients and families

greater confidence and peace of mind.

Within the homecare sector, Right at Home has

earned a reputation for delivering exceptional

care and supporting Franchise Owners to build

successful businesses. The company is proud

of its outstanding client satisfaction ratings,

award-winning franchise network and strong

workplace culture.

What truly sets Right at Home apart is its

relationship-led approach. Visits are never

rushed, carers are carefully matched to clients,

and genuine connections are encouraged. For

Franchise Owners, this creates an opportunity

to build a business that is not only financially

rewarding but also makes a lasting difference

to people’s lives.

Heather Wehrle, Director of Operations

“For many people, franchising is about building a

successful business. At Right at Home, it’s also

about building something that genuinely matters,”

says Heather Wehrle, Director of Operations.

“Every day, our Franchise Owners have the

opportunity to improve someone’s quality of life,

support families through important moments and

make a lasting impact within their community. It’s a

business built on purpose, relationships and trust.”

Over the past year, the company has undertaken

one of its most significant evolutions. Following

consultation with Franchise Owners, it has

launched a refreshed brand centred on the belief

that everyone deserves to live ‘a life they love.’

This includes a new visual identity, website and

messaging designed to reflect the impact of

its care.

Alongside this, the company has invested in

workforce development, franchise guidance

and commercial expertise to support long-term

success in a more complex care market.

“Alongside our recent brand evolution, we have

strengthened the support available across the

Right at Home network,” added Heather.

“We have invested in marketing, workforce

development, commercial capability and

digital tools, ensuring Franchise Owners have

the resources needed to build sustainable

businesses.”

“As the network has grown, we have developed

the systems and knowledge needed to support

recruitment, compliance, client acquisition and

operational performance.”

“These developments are not simply about

expansion. They are about ensuring Franchise

Owners can deliver exceptional care while

building resilient businesses.”

Scan here

“Ultimately, our focus remains on helping local

offices strengthen their position in their communities,

deepen client relationships and maintain the high

standards of care for which Right at Home is known.”

Looking ahead, Right at Home UK is optimistic

about the future of homecare and its growing

role in the UK health and social care system.

As demand increases, the company aims to

strengthen its position as a trusted partner for

healthcare professionals, local authorities and

communities, helping more people live safely

and independently at home for longer.

A key focus is continued investment in clinical

leadership, partnerships and innovation. Right

at Home is exploring how data and AI-enabled

solutions can support care teams, improve

decision-making and enhance outcomes for

clients and families.

However, technology is seen as a tool to support,

not replace, the human side of care. By reducing

administrative tasks and improving insight, it

allows carers more time to focus on personalised

support and stronger relationships.

Alongside innovation, the company sees continued

opportunity for franchise growth. It remains

committed to supporting Franchise Owners as they

expand their impact while maintaining high standards

of care and compassion across the network.

“Ultimately, our goal is simple: to help more

people access outstanding care at home,

delivered by exceptional people, while continuing

to build one of the most trusted care networks in

the UK,” stated Heather.


0151 305 0770

franchising@rightathome.co.uk

www.rightathome.co.uk


Review - Top Exhibitors

The Clinical Pharmacy Congress

broke records in 2026

The Clinical Pharmacy Congress returned to Excel London on 8th-9th

May 2026, bringing together over 5,000 healthcare professionals for

a record-breaking show at the UK’s leading event in hospital pharmacy

A

cross two days, CPC London delivers a

comprehensive programme of clinical

education, national policy updates,

professional development and practical learning,

alongside an exhibition featuring organisations

that support pharmacy teams in delivering safe,

effective and efficient patient care.

The event attracts a highly engaged audience,

including Chief Pharmacists, Consultant and

Specialist Pharmacists, Medicines Optimisation

leads and Pharmacy Technicians, many of whom

are involved in service delivery, implementation

and decision-making within their organisations.

CPC is known for the quality of its content and the

intent of its audience. Delegates attend to learn,

share best practice, explore new solutions and

connect with peers and suppliers who understand

the realities of clinical pharmacy practice. Nowhere

was this intentional delivery more evident than in this

year’s diverse range of over 170 conference sessions

Held across 12 theatres 2026’s Clinical Pharmacy

Congress hosted a range of talks from all facets of

the industry. The Keynote Theatre shared insights

from national leaders and senior NHS England

figures, setting the strategic direction for the future

of clinical pharmacy. Meanwhile in the Clinical

Theatre, in-depth clinical updates were delivered on

a variety of pharmacy areas, plus sessions on clinical

leadership to influence teams and improve practices.

Over at the Leadership & Professional Development

Theatre, industry exports from prestigious bodies

such as the NHS and the Royal Academy of

Pharmacy offered insights on advancing delegates’

careers with leadership training, career pathways

and success stories from across the sector. At

the Technical Services Theatre key topics for

aseptics, medicines storage, and technical services

professionals, were explored within the lens of best

practice and innovation.

The Medicines Optimisation Workshop offered

interactive roundtable discussions covering

medicine safety, structured medication reviews and

deprescribing strategies, while the ever-popular

Strategy & Policy Forum shared actionable insights on

navigating policy and strategic challenges within the

evolving healthcare landscape from the likes of the

Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE).

There were also a variety of engaging sessions

on Neighbourhood Health which focused on

discussions of integrated care systems, community

pharmacy and multidisciplinary collaboration

designed to improve patient care. Delegates also got

the chance to discover cutting-edge digital solutions

transforming pharmacy practice in the Technology

& Innovation Theatre and explored themes like AI,

automation and digital prescribing.

Another unique addition to the Clinical Pharmacy

Congress this year, was the event’s Showcase

Theatre, which offers pharmacy professionals the

chance to present their work live on stage. Designed

for peer-led sessions, the theatre focuses on realworld

projects, research findings, service innovations

and practical insights that can be shared with fellow

pharmacists and pharmacy teams.

This one-of-kind space offered the ideal opportunity

to share learning, spark discussion and contribute

to the wider conversation shaping the future

of pharmacy practice. This year’s iteration

was especially well subscribed with pharmacy

professionals across the industry taking to the stage

to develop their presentational skills and cement their

positions as thought leaders within clinical pharmacy.

The stacked speakers and workshop list at this

year’s Clinical Pharmacy Congress was also

complimented by the largest list of exhibitors the

show has seen, with over 200 leading suppliers

showing sector-defining products and services.

Attracting thousands of Clinical Pharmacy Professionals

across two days, the Clinical Pharmacy Congress

2026 showcased some of the best and brightest

suppliers in the industry on its trade floor. There was

world-leading medical tech from B. Braun and Galen

showcased the latest innovations in its diverse range

of products. Meanwhile, professional bodies like the

Guild of Healthcare Pharmacists and The Aston School

of Pharmacy, were on hand to share their first-class

research and exciting updates for the coming year.

As well as a range of in-depth talks and a plethora

of exhibitors and the well-respected awards,

2026’s Clinical Pharmacy Congress offered more

opportunities than ever for delegates to peer-network

and get involved in sector related connections.

The Clinical Pharmacy Congress Poster Zone

provided pharmacy professionals with a dedicated

platform to present research, service developments,

audits and quality improvement projects. Posters

designed by attendees themselves were displayed

on the exhibition floor, giving high visibility and

encouraging discussion, feedback and peer

learning throughout the Congress.

This year’s Clinical Pharmacy Congress brought

together thousands of pharmacy professionals from

across the UK for its biggest and most impactful event

yet. From cutting-edge clinical content to invaluable

networking and an electric atmosphere on the show

floor, The Clinical Pharmacy Congress 2026 raised the

bar and the record-breaking show has set the stage

for an even more powerful congress in 2027

This is our pick of the best exhibitors from this year’s

show, listed here in alphabetical order: Biocon. Further

details can be found on this page & the next.

Clinical Pharmacy Congress Show 2027

returns to Excel London on the 7th-8th May.

For more information and to register for next

year, please see below:

https://www.pharmacycongress.co.uk

18


Review - Top Exhibitors

Biosimilars and generics:

The backbone of a sustainable NHS

nsuring the long-term

sustainability of the NHS

Ehas become one of the

most pressing challenges

of our time. While recent

improvements in waiting

times offer cause for cautious

optimism, there remains a significant

opportunity to strengthen the healthcare

system further, particularly amid a backdrop

of rising chronic disease rates.

In England alone, more than 15 million people –

a quarter of the population – live with a long-term

health condition, with care for these patients

accounting for approximately 70% of health

and social care spending.

The statistics for certain therapeutic areas are

particularly concerning. According to recent

projections, the 3 million people in the UK

currently living with cancer will rise to 5.3 million

by 2040. There are now 5.8 million people

living with diabetes, and autoimmune disorders

currently affect about one in ten individuals. As

the population ages, these numbers are expected

to continue to rise.

The biosimilar opportunity

Over recent years, biosimilar adoption across the

NHS has delivered over £1.2 billion in savings

through switching programmes, freeing up

resources that may be available for reinvestment

into patient care. With a further £1 billion in

potential savings anticipated through increased

biosimilar uptake in the UK over the next five

years, the opportunity ahead remains substantial.

And the potential extends beyond biosimilars. In

England, generic medicines already account for

81% of all drugs prescribed in primary care – yet,

if generic alternatives were used for all clinically

appropriate medicines, an estimated £17.9 million

could be released for reinvestment in the NHS.

Developed and manufactured in accordance with

stringent regulatory standards set by the UK’s

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory

Agency (MHRA), biosimilars can be offered to

patients once the reference biologic loses patent

protection, subject to regulatory approval and

clinical judgement.

Biologics currently represent the largest cost and

cost growth area in the NHS medicines budget.

With 85 patents for essential biologics due to

expire between now and 2028 in the UK, there

is a significant opportunity for the NHS to further

realise biosimilar cost savings.

Reallocating resources

The value of biosimilars may extend beyond cost

reduction. In some cases, generated savings may

be available for reinvestment to support overall

patient care, subject to local NHS decisionmaking.

In oncology, for instance, savings

from biosimilars may support the reallocation

of resources to areas such as diagnostics

and supportive treatments. For

autoimmune diseases, savings may

contribute to improved access to

diagnostic tools that support early

and accurate diagnosis. For people

living with diabetes, cost savings

may support education, prevention

programmes, and access to

treatment.

Optimal use of resources is

critical if the NHS is to remain

economically sustainable in the

long term, particularly as demand

continues to rise across the

healthcare system.

The power of collaboration

Strong co-operation across the

biosimilar ecosystem is important

to support the UK in realising

its potential in this area. The Government,

patient advocacy groups, and pharmaceutical

manufacturers all have a role to play in raising

awareness about biosimilars through balanced

and evidence-based information and education.

“Addressing the sustainability

challenge facing the NHS requires

strong and genuine collaboration

between government, clinicians,

patient groups, and industry to

ensure biosimilars and generics

can fully realise their potential.

As chronic disease rates rise

and pressure on NHS resources

continues to grow, biosimilars

and generics play a critical role

in keeping healthcare sustainable

and accessible. With more than

four decades of expertise across

Paul Harmon,

Commercial Lead

for the UK, Ireland

and the Nordics at

Biocon

At the Clinical Pharmacy Congress, the Biocon

Team engaged with healthcare and pharmacy

professionals on shared priorities relating to

healthcare sustainability.

biosimilars, generics, and active

pharmaceutical ingredients, Biocon

is well positioned to support

therapeutic areas where demand is

increasing most rapidly – such as

diabetes, immunology, oncology,

and ophthalmology. We are ready

to play our part in this partnership,

helping to strengthen the resilience

of the healthcare system,” says

Paul Harmon, Commercial Lead for

the UK, Ireland and the Nordics at

Biocon.

Biocon: Transforming healthcare

through access

At Biocon, we believe biosimilars

can support more sustainable

and inclusive healthcare

systems. Through our integrated

development and manufacturing capabilities

and a presence in over 120 countries, we aim to

make medicines more widely available across

the world. Following the recent integration of

Biocon Biologics and Biocon Limited, we now

deliver 12 biosimilars and 40 generic formulations

across key therapeutic areas, including oncology,

immunology, diabetes, and ophthalmology.

In the UK, we recognise our responsibility to

contribute to a sustainable NHS and support

access to biological medicines.

Currently, we provide biosimilars and generics

across immunology, diabetes, obesity, oncology

and ophthalmology in the UK. Through providing

affordable biologics to the NHS, we contribute to

the overall potential for system savings that may be

available for reinvestment in other areas of care. We

aim to support improved access to treatment and

contribute to healthcare system sustainability.

For more information on Biocon,

please visit our website:

https://www.bioconbiologicseu.com


NURSING & CARE Company of the Month

Advancing

pressure ulcer

prevention through

innovation

In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are pleased to feature

Levabo as our Nursing & Care Company of the Month

Levabo was founded in 2014 by Peter

Egelund with a clear and ambitious

vision: to help eliminate pressure

ulcers through prevention rather than

treatment. This founding philosophy

still underpins everything the company

does today. Recognising both the human

and economic cost of pressure injuries,

Levabo was built on the belief that better

positioning, smarter support surfaces,

and closer collaboration with care

providers could significantly reduce

their occurrence.

Headquartered in Skanderborg, Denmark,

Levabo has grown into an international

organisation. In addition to its Danish

base, the company operates a subsidiary

in Hong Kong and is represented across

key European markets, including the UK

and Germany, through dedicated country

managers. Continuing its global expansion,

®

Levabo is also preparing

to open an office in the

United States, marking

an important milestone in

its international growth

strategy.

At its core, Levabo

focuses on the

prevention of pressure

injuries and ulcers. The

company develops and

supplies individualised

positioning solutions

designed in close

collaboration with healthcare

professionals. This approach ensures that

products are not only clinically effective

but also practical and intuitive for everyday

use in care environments. By incorporating

feedback from frontline caregivers, Levabo

ensures its solutions

address real-world

challenges faced in

hospitals, care homes,

and home care settings.

Within the industry,

Levabo positions

itself at the forefront

of preventive and

supportive positioning

solutions. The

company has been

recognised globally

for its innovation and

quality, being awarded ‘Best

Positioning Cushions Manufacturer’ for

four consecutive years from 2023 to 2026.

This consistent recognition reflects both

the strength of its product portfolio and its

commitment to improving patient outcomes.

20


A key differentiator for Levabo is its

unique ‘Fluffy Air’ technology.

This design principle

ensures that products

remain soft, adaptable, and

responsive to the patient's body

shape. Unlike more rigid alternatives,

Levabo’s solutions distribute pressure

more effectively while maintaining comfort,

making them particularly suited for long-term

use in vulnerable patient groups.

Levabo’s products are widely used across

hospitals, clinics, and care homes, as well as

in private home care settings

where individuals require

specialist positioning

support. This broad reach

reflects the universal

need for effective

pressure ulcer prevention

across all levels of care.

Guided by the tagline ‘Simple

products – big impact,’ Levabo

emphasises ease of use

alongside clinical effectiveness.

The company believes that

solutions should not add complexity

to care but instead simplify processes

while delivering meaningful

improvements in patient

safety and comfort.

Recent developments

include the company’s

planned expansion into

the US market in 2026, further

extending its global footprint.

Alongside this, Levabo

continues to invest

in innovation,

with many of

its products

protected by

international patents

and recognised as bestin-class

within the sector.

Looking ahead, Levabo’s goal is clear:

to elevate the importance of pressure

ulcer prevention across the healthcare

agenda. By increasing awareness and

promoting proactive strategies, the company

aims to shift the focus from treatment to

prevention.

For care providers, the message is simple but

powerful; pressure ulcers can be prevented,

and the cost of prevention is significantly

lower than the cost of treatment, both

financially and in terms of patient wellbeing.

For more information,

please see below:

+45 31 70 40 25

bm@levabo.com

www.levabo.com


HEALTHCARE ESTATES & FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Matters

eEnergy launches new NHSready

funding solution; secures

first multi-site award with

Symphony Healthcare Services

Energy (AIM:

eEAAS), an

Energy-as-a-

Service provider

funding and

delivering energy

infrastructure

upgrades

across multi-site

portfolios with zero upfront cost,

today announces the award of its

first Energy Performance Contract

(‘EPC’). The contract with Symphony

Healthcare Services Limited (a

subsidiary of Somerset NHS

Foundation Trust) covers LED lighting

upgrades across 18 GP surgeries,

with a total contract value of c£0.7

million, and will be delivered across

Somerset (South West England).

Backed by Redaptive, this new,

unique, funding solution enables

eEnergy to install the energy-savings

systems at the customers sites, whilst

the customer pays for the equipment

from energy savings or total use rather

than as an upfront payment. eEnergy

retains operational responsibility for

the installed equipment, supporting

service-style treatment.

The EPC funding structure is a first of its

kind in the UK, a much needed solution

for the NHS that is expected to be

transformational for NHS organisations.

Developed in response to recent IFRS

accounting rule changes, this solution

has been specifically designed to help

NHS bodies overcome IFRS 16 related

on balance sheet considerations.

This EPC is available to all organisations

and businesses and is specifically

designed for the UK public sector. The

solution has been specifically structured

to address key barriers that can slow

adoption of energy transition and on-site

generation in the public sector.

For further information,

please visit:

www.eenergy.com

Heart of Worcestershire

College and Scala forge

strategic partnership to

enhance education

eart of

HWorcestershire

College (HoW) and

Scala, Worcester’s

new arts centre, have

announced a significant

partnership aimed

at promoting career

opportunities and

curriculum development

in the Arts, Construction, Business

and Catering & Hospitality.

Currently under construction in

Worcester’s city centre, Scala will be a

place where people can come together

to enjoy, imagine, and cultivate a more

creative future for the city.

Opening in 2026, Scala will offer live

performance, independent film, music,

talks, digital experiences, dance,

workshops, exhibitions, festivals and

special events.

The collaboration between HoW

College and Scala will focus on

educating young people about

essential roles and the current skills

agenda across

a wide range of

sectors, helping to

raise awareness

of the new arts

centre, and

giving support

with Scala’s

staff training and

development.

Working together, this three-year

commitment will assist in raising

awareness of career pathways

within the relevant sectors. Both

organisations recognise the

importance of equipping students with

the knowledge and skills necessary to

thrive in these vital industries.

To find out more about HoW

College, please visit:

www.howcollege.ac.uk

Find out more about Scala

Worcester at:

www.scalaworcester.co.uk

22


HEALTHCARE ESTATES & FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Matters

Yeoman Shield improves patient welfare

n today’s healthcare environments, maintaining

safe, hygienic and welcoming spaces is essential

Ito delivering high-quality patient care. Hospitals,

clinics and care facilities face constant footfall,

high-impact traffic and the daily movement of

beds, trolleys and equipment. Without the right

protection, interiors can quickly become damaged,

unsightly and costly to maintain. Yeoman Shield,

a leading specialist in wall and door protection,

supports healthcare providers in protecting their

environments while enhancing patient welfare.

At the core of Yeoman Shield’s offering is a

comprehensive range of protection solutions

designed for demanding healthcare settings.

Wall and door protection systems are engineered

to absorb and deflect impact, preventing damage

before it occurs. This preserves interior finishes

and reduces the need for ongoing repairs – helping

facilities remain operational and visually reassuring

for patients and visitors.

Corner protection is another essential element,

as vulnerable edges are often exposed to frequent

collisions. Durable corner guards provide long-lasting

protection, maintaining clean lines and reducing

deterioration in high-traffic areas. Handrails and

crash rails also play a dual role: shielding walls from

damage while offering safe guidance and support

for patients, staff and visitors. These systems are

particularly important in corridors, where safety

and accessibility are critical.

Yeoman Shield also provides dementia-friendly and

wayfinding handrail solutions, designed to support

individuals with cognitive impairments. Through

colour contrast, integrated signage and optional

text, these systems help improve navigation and

independence, contributing to a more supportive

and user-friendly environment.

Bedhead protection systems further demonstrate

a patient-focused approach. Installed behind beds,

they protect walls from repeated impact while

supporting hygiene standards. By reducing surface

damage, healthcare providers can maintain cleaner

environments and improve infection control.

For projects requiring a more bespoke aesthetic,

Yeoman Shield offers imagery wall protection

systems. These allow graphics, patterns or branding

to be incorporated into protective panels, combining

durability with design flexibility. This ensures

healthcare spaces can remain both practical and

visually engaging, with no compromise on creativity.

Beyond products, Yeoman Shield delivers a

complete nationwide service. From initial enquiry

through to installation and aftercare, clients benefit

from a fully integrated, turnkey solution. Expert

teams work closely with healthcare providers to

advise on product selection, design and compliance.

Whether a full installation service or supply-only

option is required, flexibility is maintained without

compromising quality. Installation is carried out

to a high standard, with minimal disruption to live

environments, while ongoing aftercare ensures longterm

performance and reliability.

In addition, Yeoman Shield offers specialist fire door

services, an essential component of healthcare safety

and compliance. Their nationwide service includes

fire door inspections, installations, maintenance

and remedial works, ensuring doors meet required

standards and function effectively to protect patients,

staff and buildings.

Ultimately, Yeoman Shield’s solutions help create

safer, more durable and cost-effective healthcare

environments. By reducing damage, lowering

maintenance demands and supporting fire safety

compliance, the company enables healthcare providers

to focus on delivering exceptional patient care.

With decades of experience and a commitment to

quality, Yeoman Shield continues to provide reliable,

practical and aesthetically pleasing solutions –

demonstrating that well-protected environments

are fundamental to improved patient welfare.

Please contact:

0113 279 5854

info@yeomanshield.com

www.yeomanshield.com

24


TECHNOLOGY & SOFTWARE Matters

In an Ocean of Data: How can

Sensio turn insights into action for you?

When you’re thinking about

safety monitoring solutions

for your care home, you need

more than a technology provider

– you need a long-term trusted

partner. As global leading specialists

we help care teams move from the

‘professional best guess’ to real-time

data to guide better care decisions,

so we’re asking:

: Are your teams having to manually

undertake hourly night-time checks

for residents?

: Are you finding that a resident’s care

needs can change over time?

: Do you now need more time, more

resources and more support than

before to support your residents in

the best way possible?

We invest £15 million into research and

development annually to make sure

that our advanced sensor technology

supports and resolves these challenges.

We’re driven by innovation but care

comes first, and we’re committed to

providing the sector with the tools and

time they need to continue delivering

outstanding person-centred care.

Beyond falls prevention

Falls are among the most common

risks for individuals in elderly care

and therefore falls prevention and

detection should be a part of everyday

life in a care home. However, your

digital partner should be able to

provide a complete understanding of a

resident’s daily routine. At Sensio, our

revolutionary solutions prevent falls,

improve sleep and help teams prioritise.

Our silent nurse call system, combined

with anonymised sensor technology,

RoomMate, detects movement and

alerts teams to potential fall risks before

they happen. With fewer physical

checks needed, residents remain

undisturbed while your team has more

time to focus on delivering care where

it’s needed most.

Unique residents, unique care

When you choose Sensio you’ll

be able to further understand your

residents’ unique needs and tailor

their care accordingly. As we know,

routine observations or conversations

with family members may not reveal

everything. Sensio 365 and Insight

gather data on nighttime activity,

movement and bathroom visits to build

a true picture – guiding teams, residents

and relatives in making better care

decisions together.

Like many others, we exist to make

care better. But what else sets us

apart?

: Change management and

customer

service: We know

technology is only

helpful when it is

actually adopted

appropriately. Care

teams are stretched

and don’t need

the added overwhelm of complex

solutions. Our hands-on onboarding

means we spend time with partners

on-site adapting the service and

tailoring the system collaboratively.

: UK care knowledge: Our UK team

brings together people who’ve spent

years working in care. That real-life

experience shapes everything we do.

We’re constantly learning from those

who live and breathe care every day.

: Co-creation and collaboration:

We co-create technology by

working closely with care teams

to adapt systems on the ground.

As care needs evolve, so does our

technology – refined by experts

behind the scenes and shaped by

real-world feedback.

And ultimately, we envision a

world where older people live more

independently, families worry less,

and care teams thrive.

For further information and

support, please visit:

www.sensio.com

26


ith over 25 years of experience, CQS specialises

Win internationally recognised standards including

ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 27001.

The company supports a wide range of sectors,

including healthcare, in helping organisations

achieve ISO certification efficiently, effectively,

and without unnecessary complexity.

TECHNOLOGY & SOFTWARE Matters

CQS (Certified Quality Systems) Ltd simplifies the

path to ISO certification

In healthcare, consistency, quality, and safety are

essential rather than optional. These priorities are

also reinforced through regulation by the Care

Quality Commission (CQC), which oversees health

and social care services to ensure they meet

fundamental standards of safety, effectiveness,

compassion, and responsiveness.

Alongside this regulatory framework, standards

developed by the International Organisation for

Standardisation play a vital role. These globally

recognised management system frameworks help

healthcare providers strengthen internal systems,

reduce risk, achieve continual improvement and

deliver more reliable services through structured

and consistent processes.

While ISO certification is not a

legal requirement, it often aligns

closely with CQC expectations.

Standards such as ISO 9001

(Quality Management Systems),

ISO 45001 (Occupational

Health and Safety), ISO 14001

(Environmental Management), and

ISO 27001 (Information Security)

support organisations in building robust,

s care providers continue to face increasing

Apressure around compliance, responsiveness,

and workforce challenges, the role of integrated

technology within care environments has never been

more important. Syndora Alto is helping care homes

modernise through connected digital infrastructure

designed specifically for the realities of care delivery.

At the centre of this approach is CHARIS, Syndora

Alto’s advanced digital nurse call platform.

Designed to improve communication, visibility,

and response co-ordination, CHARIS goes beyond

traditional nurse call functionality by creating a

connected operational environment that supports

both residents and frontline teams.

Built with scalability and interoperability in mind,

CHARIS enables care providers to manage alerts,

escalation pathways, and staff response workflows

more effectively, while also integrating with wider

care technologies. Through intelligent reporting

and real-time visibility, care managers gain valuable

operational insight into response times, activity

auditable management systems that underpin

safety and drive effective care delivery. In turn,

certification demonstrates a clear commitment to

quality, helping to build trust and confidence among

patients, regulators, and stakeholders.

Beyond compliance, ISO standards also drive

operational improvement. By standardising

processes, healthcare organisations can reduce

inefficiencies, minimise waste, and make better use

of available resources. Healthcare is a rapidly evolving

sector, shaped by emerging technologies, treatments,

care planning and regulatory expectations. ISO

standards encourage organisations to regularly review

and refine these requirements when establishing

and maintaining their systems, ensuring they

remain effective, relevant, resilient and

compliant over time.

A key strength of ISO frameworks

is their focus on continuous

improvement. Continual improvement

is a mandated requirement of ISO

management system standards and

so naturally, your organisation will

benefit from effective implementation

of their requirements.

A connected care environment

trends, and service performance, helping support

compliance, workforce planning, and continuous

improvement initiatives.

A key advancement within both CHARIS and

altoEnhance is the ability to capture and record

unplanned or ad hoc care activity directly into

residents’ digital care plans. This provides greater

visibility of reactive care interventions that may

previously have gone undocumented or relied on

manual updates. By automatically logging these

interactions and notifications, care providers can

strengthen care oversight, improve reporting

accuracy, and develop

a more complete

picture of resident

wellbeing and support

requirements.

Recognising that many

care homes are not

yet ready to replace

their existing nurse

call systems entirely,

Syndora Alto also

developed altoEnhance

a practical digital

CQS’s team of expert consultants and auditors take

a practical, straightforward approach by removing

unnecessary jargon and focusing on real-world

results. The company supports organisations of all

sizes and within many industries throughout the

UK and globally in meeting ISO requirements and

strengthening their management systems.

Committed to delivering professional, cost-effective

solutions within realistic timescales, CQS helps

clients achieve certification without placing undue

strain on internal resources.

CQS is accredited to provide certification for the

management systems listed on its website by the

International Accreditation Board.

If ISO Certification is on your ‘to do list’ or you

simply would like a new approach to certification

contact the team at CQS and they will discuss

how they can help you.

Please contact:

01684 571350

info@cqsltd.com

https://www.cqsltd.com

transformation platform that modernises current

infrastructure without requiring a complete rip-andreplace

approach.

altoEnhance integrates with existing nurse call

systems and securely delivers alerts directly to

smartphones and mobile devices, allowing providers

to transition away from traditional pagers and

introduce more agile mobile workflows. The platform

also advances digital care planning by ensuring

unplanned care notifications and response activity

can feed directly into reporting and care records,

helping reduce administrative duplication while

supporting compliance and operational transparency.

Alongside CHARIS and altoEnhance, Syndora Alto

supports care providers through care-grade Wi-Fi,

telephony, infrastructure design, and ongoing technical

support, ensuring every deployment is tailored to the

unique operational needs of each environment.

As digital adoption continues to accelerate across

the sector, providers are increasingly seeking

long-term technology partners capable of delivering

resilient, integrated solutions rather than standalone

products. Syndora Alto’s continued growth reflects

its focus on reliability, innovation, and sustainable

digital modernisation.

Ultimately, the goal remains simple: technology

should enhance human response, not replace it,

because in care, every second matters.

Please contact:

03333 601006

hello@syndoraalto.com

https://syndoraalto.com


Preview

Care’s biggest ideas under one roof

The Care & Occupational Therapy

Show takes place at Westpoint

Exeter on June 23rd 2026

he Care & Occupational Therapy Show

returns reaffirming its position as the South

TWest’s largest and most influential care

sector exhibition. Bringing together thousands

of professionals from across health and social

care, the event is designed to showcase

innovation, share expertise, and strengthen

collaboration across the care and occupational

therapy community. Now in its eighth year, the

show continues to grow in scale and ambition,

offering a dynamic one-day experience

for anyone working within care services,

therapy, or support roles.

The Care & Occupational Therapy Show is

expected to welcome around 3,000 attendees,

alongside approximately 150 exhibitors and dozens

of expert speakers. This makes it one of the most

significant regional events for professionals working

in residential care, domiciliary care, occupational

therapy, and wider health and social care services.

What sets this event apart is its ability to bring

together decision-makers, practitioners, suppliers,

and innovators under one roof. Whether attendees

are managers seeking service improvements,

occupational therapists looking for new tools,

or care providers exploring workforce solutions,

the exhibition floor offers direct access to

organisations shaping the future of care delivery.

The event is designed to function as a ‘one-day

R&D experience,’ allowing visitors to explore the

latest developments in care technology, clinical

practice, and service innovation all in one place.

One of the main highlights of the Care & Occupational

Therapy Show is its interactive exhibition space,

where leading suppliers and organisations showcase

products, services, and practical solutions for

everyday care challenges. Visitors can expect

hands-on demonstrations, live product showcases,

and opportunities to speak directly with experts.

Across the floor, exhibitors typically cover a wide

range of themes including assistive technology,

mobility aids, digital care systems, safeguarding

tools, workforce solutions, and occupational

therapy equipment. The emphasis is firmly on

practical innovation and solutions that can be

implemented immediately within care settings to

improve outcomes and efficiency.

A key feature of the 2026 show is the inclusion

of live product demonstrations, giving attendees

the chance to see new technologies in action and

understand how they can be applied in real-world

care environments.

Alongside the exhibition, the event features a full

programme of seminars, panel discussions, and

workshops led by industry experts. These sessions

explore some of the most pressing topics in care

and occupational therapy today.

Expect discussions around clinical intervention

techniques, assessment strategies, regulatory

updates, assistive technology, and evolving models

of care delivery. The programme is designed not

only to inform but also to challenge thinking and

encourage new approaches to everyday practice.

A major highlight is the keynote speaker

programme, which brings together nationally

recognised figures from across health and social

care. These speakers are known for shaping policy,

driving innovation, and influencing best practice

across the sector. Their insights provide attendees

with both strategic perspective and practical

inspiration to take back into their organisations.

Beyond the structured sessions, the Care &

Occupational Therapy Show places a strong

emphasis on networking and collaboration. With

thousands of professionals attending, the event

offers a rare opportunity to connect with peers,

suppliers, and thought leaders in an informal but

focused environment.

For many attendees, this is one of the most

valuable aspects of the day with conversations

on the exhibition floor often leading to new

partnerships, service improvements, and long-term

professional relationships. The show is designed to

encourage dialogue between different parts of the

sector, helping to bridge gaps between providers,

clinicians, and technology developers.

The 2026 edition of the show is expected to

highlight several key trends shaping the future of

care. These include the increasing use of digital

technology in care planning and delivery, advances

in assistive and mobility equipment, and a growing

focus on person-centred, outcomes-driven care

models.

There is also a strong emphasis on workforce

development and sustainability, reflecting ongoing

challenges in recruitment, training, and retention

across the care sector. Many exhibitors and

speakers will focus on practical strategies to

support staff wellbeing and improve operational

resilience.

At its core, the Care & Occupational Therapy Show

exists to support improvement in care quality

across the UK. By bringing together the people who

design, deliver, and support care services, it creates

a space where ideas can be shared freely and

innovation can flourish.

For attendees, it represents a chance to step away

from day-to-day pressures and engage with the

wider direction of the sector. Whether discovering

new technologies, attending expert-led sessions,

or networking with peers, visitors leave with

practical insights and renewed inspiration.

For professionals looking to stay ahead of industry

change, develop new ideas, and connect with

the wider care community, the event at Westpoint

Exeter promises to deliver a full day of insight,

opportunity, and collaboration.


https://www.careexhibition.co.uk

28


Social-Ability: The

happiness programme

orking closely

Wwith occupational

therapists,

physiotherapists,

rehabilitation teams,

care providers, and

clinicians, Social-Ability

creates accessible digital

solutions that help people

living with dementia,

learning disabilities,

autism, acquired brain

injuries, stroke, and other cognitive

or sensory needs remain active,

connected, and engaged.

The Happiness Programme is an

award-winning interactive light therapy

technology, combining a portable smart

projector with a library of over 200

interactive games and experiences.

The programme is supported by

comprehensive ongoing training and

implementation support, ensuring

care and therapy teams are confident

in delivering meaningful, outcomefocused

sessions across a wide

range of clinical and care settings.

ome care is being

Hsqueezed. Council

budgets are tightening,

national chains are flooding

the self-funded market,

and hourly rates that once

supported quality care are

under constant pressure.

For independent providers,

the question is no longer

how to win on price – it’s

how to stop playing that

game entirely.

The answer is prevention. Not as a vague

aspiration, but as a structured, evidence-based

service that improves outcomes, attracts paying

clients, and transforms the commercial model of a

care business.

Abney & Baker, a CQC-registered provider in Bath,

made this shift three years ago. They built their

model around EverFit, a licensed programme that

turns carers into certified strength, balance, and

mobility coaches for older adults.

The results are real. Brian, 93, arrived on two walking

sticks. After one-to-one coaching at home, he has

been stick-free for over a year, takes the bus three

times a week, and walks a mile unaided. Jean, 89,

was wheelchair-bound after a stroke. Five months

later, she was standing and taking independent

steps. Sessions are priced at £55.50 for 45

minutes with approximately 60% gross margin.

The system is used across hospitals,

rehabilitation services, care homes,

schools, and community environments

to support therapeutic activity, cognitive

stimulation, sensory regulation,

social interaction, and movementbased

engagement.

Independent research and

clinical evaluation have

evidenced Social Ability’s

effectiveness in supporting

rehabilitation and wellbeing

outcomes, including

reducing deconditioning,

increasing physical

activity and functional

movement, and improving

engagement through

motivating, inclusive interventions that

encourage participation, confidence,

and independence.

At the Care & Occupational Therapy

Show, Social Ability is showcasing

how light therapy technology can

enhance therapy delivery, support

rehabilitation pathways, and enrich

everyday care practice. Visitors

are invited to visit Stand 38 to

experience the technology first-hand,

and discover how these interactive

solutions can support meaningful

occupation, recovery, wellbeing, and

connection across a wide range of

clinical and care settings.

Please contact:

+44 (0)1732 373035

rachel@social-ability.com

www.social-ability.com

illman’s Commercial will be

Gexhibiting on Stand 7 at this

year’s COTS Show, providing

healthcare operators with an

opportunity to explore proven,

compliant solutions for both laundry

and catering environments.

As a family-run business established

in 1969, Gillman’s has built a strong

reputation for delivering reliable

equipment and exceptional customer

support to care homes, hospitals and

healthcare facilities across the UK.

Specialising in commercial laundry

and kitchen appliances, Gillman’s

offers a complete service-from

expert consultation and equipment

specification through to installation,

preventative maintenance,

responsive repairs and ongoing

compliance servicing. This

comprehensive approach

helps healthcare providers

maintain operational efficiency

The regulatory direction supports

it too. CQC’s evolving framework

increasingly rewards providers

who can show that people are

living better lives because of the

care they receive. It is no longer

about ticking compliance boxes.

Providers delivering prevention-led

care are ahead of this change

and well positioned for what

comes next.

So, what does prevention look like

in practice? That is where Care

Momentum and EverFit come in. Sarah Caulfield-

Ware, founder of Care Momentum, helps providers

rethink their growth strategy beyond competing

on price. Lydia Shibley shows how prevention

embeds across an entire care organisation

from leadership decisions to everyday client

interactions. And Georgie Britt, EverFit’s clinical

lead, brings evidence through strength, mobility,

and falls prevention interventions that keep people

out of hospital and living well at home.

Together, Care Momentum (caremomentum.

net) and EverFit (everfit.health) give providers the

strategy, training, and tools to make preventionled

care a reality.

They will be on Stand 59 at the COTS Care Show

and presenting in the seminar programme:

‘The Future of Home Care Growth is Prevention:

Are You Ready?’

Preview

Commercial laundry &

catering equipment

while meeting

essential

standards

around hygiene,

safety and

infection

control.

Working

in partnership with leading

manufacturers such as Miele

Professional, Electrolux Professional,

Maidaid, Atosa and ASKO, Gillman’s

delivers high-performance solutions

designed for demanding healthcare

environments. Their experienced

team understands the pressures

faced by care operators and can

recommend tailored systems

that improve efficiency, minimise

downtime and reduce running costs.

Visitors to Stand 7 will have the

opportunity to speak directly with

specialists, gain practical advice and

discover how Gillman’s Commercial

can support long-term performance,

compliance and reliability across

their operations.

Please contact:

0800 014 1474

commercial@gillmans.co.uk

www.gillmans-commercial.co.uk

The care companies growing fastest aren’t

competing on price. Here’s what they’re doing instead

If you’re a home care director looking for a better

way to grow, find them on Stand 59. It might

change the way you think about your business.

Contact Care Momentum:

Sarah Caulfield-Ware:

07846 944721

https://caremomentum.net

Contact Everfit: Lydia Shibley:

07538 593808

https://www.everfit.health


Preview

Care recruitment support

across the South West

and beyond

upporting recruitment

Sacross home care,

residential care, nursing

care, supported living,

children’s services and

healthcare settings.

Recruitment remains one

of the biggest challenges facing care

and healthcare providers. Whether

you are filling urgent vacancies,

strengthening your team, planning

ahead for growth or exploring

overseas recruitment, having the right

recruitment partner can make a real

difference.

RJS Resourcing supports providers with

practical, people-focused recruitment

across the UK. South West based,

with national reach, our team works

with organisations that need reliable

candidates, clear communication and

recruitment support that understands

the realities of care.

Jemma and the RJS team can

support with candidate sourcing,

screening and vetting, compliance

documentation, permanent, temporary

and contract recruitment, overseas

recruitment, and the planning and

marketing of local recruitment fairs.

People with learning disabilities face

significant health inequalities across the

UK and are almost twice as likely to die from

avoidable medical causes compared with

the general population. Research from the

Learning Disabilities Mortality Review (LeDeR)

programme highlights the urgent need for

better healthcare access, earlier intervention,

and stronger partnership working.

Respiratory illnesses, including pneumonia

and aspiration pneumonia, remain among the

leading causes of death. Despite being at greater

risk, flu vaccination uptake among people

with learning disabilities remains low. Many

individuals also live with multiple long-term

health conditions, increasing the importance of

proactive healthcare and regular monitoring.

Hazel Ashmore, Senior Clinical Lead at

Home From Home Care, said, “One of the

statistics that stands out most is that 39% of

deaths are avoidable for adults with learning

disabilities, compared to 22% for the general

population. We know many of the reasons

why this happens – individuals may struggle

to communicate how they are feeling,

changes in health can be missed, and

support workers are not always fully involved

in decisions around care and treatment.

We are also listed on the NHS Ethical

Recruiters List, giving providers

confidence in our transparent and

responsible approach to international

recruitment.

Every organisation works differently,

which is why we offer flexible rebate

structures and payment plans to suit

different recruitment needs.

If you are attending The Care &

Occupational Therapy Show at

Westpoint Exeter, come and speak

to us about your recruitment

challenges, current vacancies

or future workforce plans.

Visit RJS Resourcing at Stand 34.

Please contact

01637 808888

info@rjsresourcing.co.uk

www.rjsresourcing.co.uk

Reducing health inequalities for

people with learning disabilities

D igital

technology

has the potential

to transform

adult social

care, helping

organisations

save time, reduce

duplication,

support staff, and

improve outcomes

for people who

draw on care. But

successful digitisation is rarely just

about buying new technology. It is

about understanding what problem

you are trying to solve and making

sure digital tools genuinely support

the way people work and live.

Whether the goal is improving

communication, reducing paperwork,

supporting independence, or helping

staff spend more time with people,

focusing on outcomes rather than

technology itself is key.

Strong digital partnerships also

matter. Providers need suppliers who

understand social care and can work

alongside organisations as their needs

evolve. Introducing new technology

successfully also depends on

bringing staff with you through clear

communication, training, and support

to build digital confidence and skills.

“At Home From Home Care, we use a unique

IT platform to record and analyse information

about an individual’s health, wellbeing and

quality of life. People communicate through

their mood, behaviour, sleep, engagement

and physical health every day. By accurately

recording and interpreting this information, we

enable their data voice to be heard and empower

support workers to advocate effectively,

helping clinicians make more informed

decisions and improve health outcomes.”

Barriers to good healthcare can include

poor identification on GP learning disability

registers, limited understanding of learning

disabilities among healthcare professionals,

and difficulties accessing services due to

anxiety or communication needs. Families

and support workers are often best placed

to recognise changes in a person’s wellbeing

and play a vital role in supporting effective

healthcare decisions.

Hazel continues, “Clear communication and

effective collaborative working are central

to our care model, supported by Health

Partners working directly in homes and

data teams enabling timely sharing of

information to support monitoring and

decision-making.”

From strategy to reality:

Making digital work

Leadership and vision are equally

important. Digital change works best

when leaders create a culture where

technology supports care rather than

adding pressure.

These themes will be explored in

Digital Care Hub’s panel session at

the Occupational Therapy Show on

16th July at 11.45am. From Strategy

to Reality: Making Digital Work will

bring together sector leaders and

technology partners to share practical

experiences of successful digital

change in adult social care.

Visit Digital Care Hub at Stand 70.

Please contact

0808 196 4848

help@digitalcarehub.co.uk

www.digitalcarehub.co.uk

Reducing health inequalities requires

partnership working between healthcare

professionals, families, carers and support

providers. By improving communication,

increasing access to annual health checks,

and making healthcare services more

accessible, we can help people with learning

disabilities live healthier, longer lives.

We are looking forward to attending the Care

and Occupational Therapy Show in Exeter on

23rd June. Visit us at Stand 89 to network,

collaborate and learn more about our

specialist services and bespoke care delivery.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Please visit

0800 587 0372

getintouch@homefromhomecare.com

www.homefromhomecare.com

30


Private care at home in Devon

Whether you are looking for live-in care,

or would benefit from having someone

to help you out for an hour or two, we can

help you find the right support for you.

Hub Care Support provides a free introductory

service to those seeking an independent

Personal Assistant (carer). We believe that

great care and support are best built on

continuity – consistent, trusted relationships.

Our approach to care creates lasting

relationships for quality care and support in

your own home that respond to your needs as

an individual. All of our Personal Assistants are

fully trained in care skills, DBS-checked and

approved to QCAS (Quality Care Approval

Scheme) standards. Hub PAs can provide

regular help with:

: Domestic tasks around the house

: Meal preparation and batch cooking,

including specialist diets

: Personal care and daily routine

: Social support and companionship

: Shopping and trips out

Future-proofing care: Care & Support

West champions digital tools

t Care and Support West we are always looking

Afor innovative ways to support the adult social

care sector to not just survive, but thrive. We are

the leading representative body for organisations

& individuals involved in the social care, support &

health sectors in the West of England.

With a depleting workforce and funding constantly

being squeezed we recognise that digital

technologies have a key role to play in helping care

providers continue to deliver quality services with

less. One of the ways we support and encourage

innovation amongst care providers and our

ZeroSole insole: Pressure

relief for foot pain

eveloped by UK podiatrists,

DZeroSole is a brand-new modular

insole that provides customisable,

targeted pressure relief (offloading),

for common plantar foot lesions

and pressure-induced foot pain.

At the heart of ZeroSole is a

unique, patented design using

medical-grade silicone and

shock-absorbing memory foam.

ZeroSole enables practitioners

to create low-pressure zones for

every patient’s foot needs. The

removable plug system allows

for easy, tool-free adjustments,

making it the ideal choice for busy

clinics or mobile practitioners.

Simply remove the hexagon plugs

to relieve foot pain in seconds.

ZeroSole’s unique benefits:

: Targeted Offloading: Create

bespoke low-pressure zones

which is clinically proven to

relieve pressure-induced foot

pain and common

plantar lesions (eg.

corns/calluses).

: Long-Lasting

Durability: The

first modular insole

comprised of

medical grade silicone, for longlasting,

effective offloading.

: Quick & Convenient: Perfect

for busy clinics & home visits!

ZeroSole can be quickly &

easily modified without the need

for any specialist equipment,

& fit within standard footwear.

: Shock Absorbing: ZeroSole’s

memory foam mid-layer &

deformable silicone plugs

provide superior comfort for

patients with pressure points

& fat pad atrophy.

For introductory offers,

contact: info@zero-sole.com or

visit: www.zero-sole.com

David Barton: david@kaydiar.co.uk

Heather Smart: heather@kaydiar.co.uk

members is through our Corporate Partnership

Programme which connects members with trusted,

sector-specific service providers.

Among them is Bemlo, a Swedish organisation

specialising in smart, easy to use digital workforce

management solutions. Bemlo enables care

providers to fill shifts more efficiently and easily all

through the one platform. Care providers across the

region who have piloted Bemlo have all reported a

significant reduction in agency and administration

costs, improvement in the well-being of their

colleagues and in staff retention.

: Respite

: 24 hour live-in care

: Assistance to appointments

We don’t just provide care at home; we

provide assistance to live as independently as

possible.

Support that fits around you.

See us at Stand 26.

Preview

Please contact

01392 982832

exeter@hubcaresupport.co.uk

https://devon.hubcaresupport.co.uk

Healing with heart:

Therapy 4 Stress brings

compassionate support

sing her experience of

Uover 15 years working

as a psychotherapist,

Renie established

Therapy 4 Stress in

2010 after completing

a diploma course

in hypnotherapy.

Since, Renie has

professionally developed

her skillset, and is now

also qualified to offer neurolinguistic

programming (NLP),

timeline therapy (TLT), thought field

therapy (TFT) and brain working

recursive therapies (BWRT ® ) levels

1-2, all of which can be used

alongside hypnotherapy, tailored to a

person’s needs.

Whilst she is constantly studying

new techniques, Renie’s passionate,

personable, and people-centred

approach is a reflection of her

lifelong passion to help others. Her

latest professional development

course is BWRT ® level 3 for

examples is possibly one of the

most exciting developments in

therapy so far, focusing on the

physiological aspects of the mind/

Please contact

07860 439809

enquiries@careandsupportwest.com

body connection, and how

they can work together to

improve physical issues.

As a cancer survivor,

Renie brings a

deeply personal

understanding of what

it means to navigate life

with a serious illness. Her

lived experience fuels the

empathy and insight she brings

to her work, and she passionately

advocates for hypnotherapy and

BWRT ® as some of the most effective

forms of therapeutic support.

Through her practice, Therapy 4

Stress, Renie offers tailored support

for individuals struggling with

anxiety, stress management, fears,

phobias, low self-confidence, or selfworth.

Based in Watford, sessions

are available both in-person and

online via video call.

Please visit

07956 002424

renie@therapy4stress.com

https://therapy4stress.com


DISABILITY & MOBILITY Matters

Hundreds of thousands of new homes

still inaccessible, campaigners warn

espite strong government promises, hundreds

Dof thousands of new homes are still being built

without basic features needed for safe, independent

living, leaving older people, disabled people, and

families without the homes they need.

In 2022, the government announced plans to make

the M4(2) standard, which ensures step-free access,

wider doorways, and adaptable layouts, the new

national minimum for all new homes. However,

delays in implementation have resulted in over

300,000 homes built to lower M4(1) standards since

then, with an estimated 13,000 more each month.

Under current rules, M4(1) (Category 1) homes are

only required to be ‘visitable,’ meaning a person

Portakabin delivers purpose-built

drug and alcohol treatment centre

in Hartlepool

new Drug and Alcohol Treatment

A Centre officially opened in

Hartlepool in January, providing

a modern, purpose-built space

designed to support recovery, and

long-term community wellbeing.

Located on Whitby Street, the

£3.7 million facility has been funded

by Hartlepool Borough Council

and will serve as the new home

for Hartlepool’s drug and alcohol

support service, ‘Start.’

The centre has been designed and

built by leading modular building

specialists Portakabin, enabling the

project to be completed efficiently,

while meeting the complex needs of

a specialist treatment environment.

Officially opened by Councillor Gary

Allen, Chair of the Adult Services and

Public Health Committee at Hartlepool

Borough Council, the new centre

represents a significant investment in

the town’s health infrastructure and

a major step forward in improving

access to specialist treatment

services.

can enter the home and use a ground-floor toilet,

but they are not designed to be lived in by someone

with mobility needs. In contrast, M4(2) (Category 2)

homes must provide step-free access to all entrancelevel

rooms, wider doorways and corridors, and

layouts that can be adapted over time as residents’

needs change.

Inside Housing recently highlighted the severe

consequences of these delays, quoting Lord

Richard Best, co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary

Group on Housing and Care for Older People.

He described the situation as ‘a story of delay

and procrastination,’ warning that every month

of inaction locks in more inaccessible homes for

decades to come.

Portakabin worked in collaboration

with Hartlepool Borough Council,

the Start team and architect firm

Oberlanders, to design a space around

the needs of those using the service,

with a clear understanding of how the

space will be used day-to-day.

The new building includes 18

consultation and clinical rooms,

multiple meeting spaces and modern

offices accompanied by a dedicated

waiting area for those in need.

The layout has been carefully

designed to balance privacy,

accessibility, and ease of movement,

creating a space that is safe and

welcoming for staff, patients,

and families alike.

Please visit

www.portakabin.com/gb-en

Harpenden family is speaking

A out to challenge the perception

that spinal cord injuries only affect

younger people, after a 92-year-old

former BBC producer – who once

travelled the world covering royal

tours – was left tetraplegic following

a sudden accident at home.

Marking Spinal Cord Injury

Awareness Day (SCIAD) on 15th

May, Susan Kerr has shared her

family’s experience of navigating

life after her husband Michael

sustained a severe spinal cord

injury in March 2019.

Last week was Mental Health

Awareness Week 2026.

During that week, I shared

many things and one the

most important was this direct

message for anyone who is

fighting their demons of anxiety

or depression.

As we start another week, the

message remains the same.

Challenging mental health

stands alone in how we recover

and so even though Mental

Health Awareness Week 2026

is over, if you know anyone

who is battling their

emotions please do

like and share this

short video.

We have got their back

and they can come

through this.

Michael, who was 85 at the

accident, sustained a severe spinal

cord injury, leaving him tetraplegic.

After initial treatment, he was

transferred to Stoke Mandeville

Hospital – a move Susan now

describes as critical.

After four months of rehabilitation,

Michael returned home, but

arranging care proved overwhelming.

The couple initially explored

agency live-in carers dubbed

personal assistants (PAs) but

struggled with consistency.

Supporters can sign here

https://www.change.org/p/mandateaccessible-housing-now-make-m4-2-theminimum-standard-for-all-new-homes

Please visit

https://agecare-bathrooms.co.uk

So that was Mental Health

Awareness Week 2026

See the video here

https://www.youtube.com/

watch?v=GSNBh3vKMt4&t=6s

Please visit

www.bluesoulshoes.co.uk

‘Spinal injuries can happen at any age:’ Ex-BBC producer shares

story as UK marked Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day on 15th May

After a series of mixed experiences,

Susan turned to Hertfordshirebased

homecare provider Abbots

Care – a decision she says

transformed their situation.

As Michael’s needs became more

complex, Abbots Care delivered

a flexible package of live-in and

overnight care, supporting everything

from mobility and personal care to

complex clinical routines.

Please visit

https://abbotscare.com

32


Preview

From smart hospitals to medical

connectivity: EBME Expo 2026

EBME Expo will take place on 24th-25th June 2026 at Coventry Building Society Arena

R

ecognised as the UK’s leading independent

exhibition and conference dedicated

to healthcare technology and medical

equipment management, the event promises

two packed days of innovation, networking,

education and industry collaboration.

Now entering its 17th year, the expo has become

a cornerstone event for biomedical engineers,

procurement specialists, clinical technologists,

NHS professionals and medical device suppliers

from across the UK and beyond. With healthcare

infrastructure investment continuing at pace and

NHS modernisation programmes driving demand for

smarter and more connected technologies, the 2026

edition is expected to attract a record level of interest.

One of the major attractions of EBME Expo is

the breadth of innovation on display. Leading

global manufacturers and suppliers are expected

to showcase the latest developments in patient

monitoring, diagnostics, imaging systems, operating

theatre technology, connectivity solutions and

digital healthcare infrastructure. Visitors will have

the opportunity to explore cutting-edge products,

experience live demonstrations and speak directly

with the people behind the technologies shaping

modern healthcare delivery.

The exhibition floor itself is expected to be one

of the busiest yet, with organisers highlighting

increased participation from NHS trusts, private

healthcare providers and international exhibitors.

Industry leaders including Philips, GE HealthCare,

Mindray, BD and Karl Storz are among the major

names associated with the event, underlining

the scale and influence of the expo within the

healthcare technology sector.

Alongside the exhibition, the conference

programme remains a defining feature of the event.

EBME Expo 2026 will once again deliver five CPDaccredited

conference streams designed to address

the biggest issues facing healthcare technology

professionals today. These include the EBME

Conference, Procurement Conference, Operating

Theatre Conference, Medical Device Connectivity

Conference and Training Conference. Each stream

is chaired by respected industry experts and

aligned with current NHS priorities and healthcare

technology developments.

Delegates can look forward to discussions

around digital transformation, device integration,

cybersecurity, procurement strategy, sustainability,

connectivity and the future of smart hospitals. With

healthcare systems increasingly dependent on

connected technologies and data-driven solutions,

the conference sessions are expected to provide

valuable insight into both current challenges and

future opportunities within the sector.

One of the standout attractions at the EBME Expo

will be its extensive programme of industry-led

workshops, designed to give delegates practical

insight into the latest developments in healthcare

technology and medical engineering. Hosted across

dedicated spaces including the CBS Room, Midea

Lounge, Godiva Room and Chairman’s Lounge,

the sessions will focus on real-world applications,

emerging technologies and best practice within

clinical engineering and healthcare infrastructure.

Attendees can expect hands-on demonstrations

and expert-led discussions covering areas such

as medical device connectivity, equipment

maintenance, digital integration, operating

theatre technology and healthcare procurement

strategies. The workshops are designed to move

beyond theory, offering biomedical engineers,

NHS professionals and technical specialists the

opportunity to engage directly with innovative

systems and workflows shaping the future of

patient care.

With more than 10 workshops planned across the

two-day event, the programme promises valuable

learning opportunities alongside networking

with leading healthcare technology experts and

manufacturers.

Networking also remains central to the EBME Expo

experience. The event brings together thousands

of decision-makers and professionals involved in

every stage of the medical equipment lifecycle,

from procurement and installation through to

maintenance and replacement. For suppliers and

manufacturers, the expo offers direct access to key

NHS contacts and purchasing teams, while visitors

benefit from the opportunity to build relationships,

exchange ideas and discover new partnerships.

What makes EBME Expo particularly significant in

2026 is the wider context surrounding healthcare

investment and transformation in the UK. As the

NHS continues to invest in new hospitals, digital

infrastructure and connected care environments,

the technologies and conversations showcased

at the expo are likely to play an important role in

shaping future healthcare delivery. The event therefore

provides not only a snapshot of current innovation, but

also a glimpse into the future direction of healthcare

engineering and medical technology.

What’s more, visitors to the EBME Expo can

look forward to more than just conferences

and networking, with a range of exciting prizes

and giveaways available throughout the event.

Organisers will be running daily competitions

featuring rewards including Samsung tablets,

Amazon Echo Dots and Amazon vouchers, while

many exhibitors will also offer exclusive stand

competitions, incentives and promotional giveaways

for delegates attending the show. The prizes add an

extra level of engagement to the event experience,

encouraging visitors to explore the exhibition floor,

connect with exhibitors and discover the latest

healthcare technologies on display.

For anyone involved in healthcare technology,

clinical engineering, procurement or medical device

management, EBME Expo 2026 is shaping up to be

an unmissable event. From major product launches

and expert-led conferences to practical workshops

and valuable networking opportunities, the twoday

exhibition promises insight, inspiration and

meaningful industry connections at every turn.


https://www.ebme-expo.com

34


GCE Medical to launch

Care-e-vac suction and

gas delivery solutions at

EBME Expo 2026

Preview

G

CE Medical, which offers the industry’s only

fully global-certified, expansive product

line of medical gas control equipment, will

highlight its latest innovations in medical suction

and gas delivery technology at the EBME Expo

2026, taking place 24th-25th June 2026. Visitors

to the GCE Medical Stand E14 will see the official

launch of the new Care-e-vac portable suction units

and a reinforced range of customisable medical

hoses manufactured in the United Kingdom. In

addition to exhibiting, GCE Medical will host a

dedicated MDR Workshop on 25th June to provide

clarity and support to engineers and clinical teams

through the navigation of regulatory changes.

“EBME Expo is an excellent opportunity to connect

with biomedical engineers and healthcare technology

professionals who rely on safe, dependable gas

control equipment every day,” says Martin Grogan,

Country Manager – Medical UK&I. “This year, we are

proud to launch products that combine durability

and customisation, as well as showcase our Therapy

Equipment Diamond range and hoses that convey

the best of UK manufacturing excellence and are

backed by a unique 7-year warranty, including

accidental damage (UK only). Currently unmatched

in the market, this guarantee provides hospitals

with confidence, cost protection, and peace of

mind throughout the product lifecycle.”

NEW Care-e-vac Portable Suction Units

The GCE Care-e-vac series is designed to provide

reliable portable suction for emergency, transport,

and clinical applications. There are three models:

: The Care-e-vac Plus for patient transportation

(crash carts), general ward, and hospital backup

emergency suction.

: The Care-e-vac EMS for ambulances and crash

carts; a powered mounting bracket automatically

recharges the unit while mounted, eliminating

the need for separate charging cables.

: The Care-e-vac C/I continuous/intermittent

version that provides precise low-vacuum

control for applications that include gastric

suctioning through nasogastric tubes,

intubation, wound drainage systems, delicate

tissue applications where constant suction could

damage tissue, and long-term suction therapy.

Key features include simple operation and easy

understanding of vacuum status, quiet operation,

an integrated quick-release slide mount and bracket

tested to 10g of acceleration in all directions, a

rechargeable lead-acid battery with extended runtime,

disposable or reusable canisters in 1L or 2L sizes, a

waterproof On/Off switch, and a bacteria filter.

Reinforced medical hoses

GCE Medical will also introduce its reinforced medical

hoses, manufactured out of GCE’s Gasarc Facility

in Diss, Norfolk (along with other lines like Therapy

Equipment’s Diamond Range Suction Units and

Diamond Tube Flowmeters). Built to withstand

demanding healthcare environments, these hoses offer:

: Guaranteed 10-year service life

: Two-year warranty

: Full customisation options for hose length,

connectors, colours, and labelling

: Oxygen-safe construction

Educational workshop

Thursday’s GCE hosted Workshop in the

Chairman’s Lounge will be delivered by Rod

Beuzeval, Principal Trainer with Leap Compliance,

Medical Device Regulatory and Quality Systems

Expert, and will include two sessions:

: Theory Session I: The EU MDR is a critical

regulation for all medical devices that are CE

marked. This is an introduction to the European

Regulation for Medical Devices and is valuable for

anyone that would like to know the basic concepts.

: Theory Session II.: The role of the EBME is an

important one. Working with regulated devices

can have pitfalls that you need to be aware of.

This session explores some key aspects of the

EU MDR that are particularly relevant to EBME

departments.

A global leader in Medical Gas Control

During the EBME Expo, GCE Medical will showcase

additional product lines from its expansive portfolio

of Medical Gas Control Equipment including:

: Therapy Equipment’s Diamond Tube

Flowmeter: Colour-coded in accordance with

the gas being used and has been designed with

maximum safety in mind; flow ranges cover from

high flows to low (neonatal).

: Therapy Equipment’s Diamond Range Suction

Unit: Cutting-edge solution for safe suction

supply; comes with an integral pipeline protector

that provides 100% guaranteed protection against

pipeline contamination; its built-in hydrophobic

filter turns PINK when contaminated, indicating the

need for a filter change and immediately stopping

the flow to ensure safety.

: GCE’s MediSelect ® II high pressure medical

gas regulator: Features a self-centering flow

selector that ensures a continuous gas flow

between settings while enabling seamless and

precise control; extra flow setting of 25LPM on

the traditional 15LPM variant and an additional

LPM setting, this medical gas regulator is suitable

for resuscitation and nebulisation applications.

: GCE’s Flexi Unit Suction Unit: Delivers a dual

therapy solution with powerful suction and oxygen

therapy capabilities, making it suitable for a variety

of medical applications; perfect for patient transfer,

resuscitation trolleys, or any medical setting where

piped oxygen or vacuum is unavailable.

About GCE Medical

GCE Medical is the healthcare division of Gas

Control Equipment (GCE), part of the ESAB

Corporation. With over a century of experience

in gas control manufacturing, GCE products are

used in medical facilities worldwide. Its wide

portfolio supports care across all settings, such

as homecare, emergency response, hospitals,

and central gas systems, positioning GCE Medical

as a complete, end-to-end solution provider.

For more information, please visit:

https://www.gce-medical.com

GCE will introduce its news series of Care-evac

portable suction flow machines for reliable,

application-specific suction performance at this

year’s EBME Expo in Stand E14


Preview

Drive medical advances paediatric

care with the Teddy Bed

Drive Medical is a global supplier of durable

medical and home-healthcare products,

built on the combined heritage of the Drive

Medical and DeVilbiss brands, delivering

trusted solutions worldwide that enhance

comfort, independence and quality of life.

We design, manufacture, distribute and

support a comprehensive range of healthcare

products and services, built around innovation,

functionality and trusted quality. Our portfolio

includes essential mobility solutions, specialist

hospital beds and cots manufactured at our

own sites, alongside wheelchairs, pressure

care, bathroom safety, respiratory equipment

and daily living aids. Everything we do is

driven by product excellence and world-class

support, enabling us to make a genuine,

positive difference to the lives of users,

patients and healthcare professionals.

how clinical functionality and emotional

comfort can work hand in hand. For years,

children who had outgrown a cot were placed

in adult beds, leaving staff to rely on risk

assessments rather than equipment designed

for their needs. The Teddy Bed changes this

by providing a safer and more comfortable

solution, reducing the risk of entrapment and

improving patient wellbeing.

of care to paediatric wards. It features a

mattress platform suitable for patients with a

body length of up to 155cm, with an optional

bed extension available for taller individuals,

ensuring both safety and comfort across a

wide age and size range. With a cheerful,

friendly design with colourful accents and

smiling teddy bear motifs, the bed helps foster

an environment of trust and reassurance for

young patients.

We pride ourselves on our service levels,

which ensure that you have access to

guidance, training and an array of after-care

services such as product servicing and repair,

decontamination and much more, across

home and clinical settings.

Enhancing paediatric care

We are continually striving to develop our

product offering to improve patient care. Our

latest innovation, the Teddy Bed, demonstrates

It also makes life easier for staff. Being lighter,

narrower and shorter than standard beds, it

is easier to manoeuvre in tight spaces and

is more accessible for clinical care. Staff can

reach patients without strain and transport

them with less physical effort, reducing the

risk of injury.

Developed in collaboration with children’s

hospitals and informed by real-world clinical

needs, the Teddy Bed brings a new level

Visit Intersurgical at EBME Expo

Respiratory

equipment in

the hospital today

has never been so

advanced, however the focus

has often been on complex and

expensive solutions. Intersurgical

have a range of Equipment

solutions for use in acute care

environments including:

✚ InterFlow respiratory

gas blender: Compact and

versatile, the InterFlow

respiratory gas blender proves

that good things do come in

small packages. Intended for

use with adult, paediatric and

neonatal patients, the InterFlow

blender is extremely adaptable

and packed full of features

designed to make CPAP and

High Flow Oxygen Therapy

safer for the patient and easier

for the clinician.

✚ InterActive respiratory

humidifier: The standardised

and versatile design enables

connectivity with a multitude

of equipment and devices,

offering superior supply-chain

confidence and simplified

product integration.

We are looking forward to returning to the

EBME Expo later this month to highlight the

Teddy Bed, alongside other innovations helping

to enhance lives together. Find our team of

experts at Stand D14.

Contact

+44 (0)1274 475000

info@drivemedical.co.uk

www.drivemedical.co.uk

✚ InterCooler respiratory

dehumifier: Designed to remove

100% of excess moisture

from the expiratory limb of

heated wire breathing systems.

InterCooler’s unique patented

technology keeps the expiratory

pathway clear of fluid, helps

maintain a closed system and

protects the ventilator from high

levels of humidity.

Intersurgical will be showing

the full range at EBME

Expo on Stand H06. You

can view the full range on

their website: https://www.

intersurgical.co.uk/products/

critical-care/equipment

Please contact

01189 656300

info@intersurgical.co.uk

www.intersurgical.co.uk

https://www.instagram.

com/intersurgicaluk

https://www.linkedin.com/

company/intersurgical-uk

36


Hilditch Group: Driving

innovation in healthcare

equipment lifecycle management

ilditch Group is a leading

HUK-based medical equipment

management company, specialising

in the resale, valuation, and lifecycle

management of surplus and

decommissioned healthcare assets.

Working closely with NHS Trusts

and private healthcare providers,

they deliver compliant, transparent

auction and direct sales services

that maximise financial return while

ensuring equipment is responsibly

reused or recycled. With over 35 years

of experience, Hilditch Group supports

healthcare organisations in reducing

waste, freeing up storage space,

and improving asset visibility.

In recent years, Hilditch Group has

been innovating to better support

EBME departments, which are under

increasing pressure to manage

complex device inventories

and demonstrate value. They

have invested in enhanced

digital platforms, providing

EBME teams with clearer

asset tracking, valuation

insights, and streamlined

booking processes for

collections and disposals.

This reduces administrative

burden and enables more

strategic equipment

lifecycle planning.

Additionally, Hilditch Group is

focusing on sustainability and data

transparency, offering detailed

reporting on resale outcomes and

environmental impact. By aligning

its services with NHS net zero and

circular economy goals, the company

helps EBME departments not only

recover value but also meet broader

organisational objectives. Through

these innovations, Hilditch Group

continues to strengthen its role as

a trusted partner to the NHS.

Please see them at Stand G09

Contact

+44 (0)1666 822577

sales@hilditchgroup.com

www.hilditchgroup.com

Win Health Medical Ltd

Innovation – Quality – Choice

– Value

Win Health Medical Ltd

is a supplier of medical

equipment to the NHS and

private healthcare since 2001.

We offer innovative medical

equipment, chosen for its proven

quality and performance that

guarantee value for the NHS. We

collaborate with leading medical

equipment manufacturers to

present choices that meet

diverse needs and expectations

of clinicians & deliver therapeutic

advantages to the patients.

Our portfolio showcased at the

EBME includes next generation

uroflowmetry system, proven

novel chronic constipation

therapy system and a selection

of ultrasound diagnostic bladder

scanners for use in hospitals

and in community settings.

Minze Uroflow System facilitates

patient-friendly assessments,

diagnoses and monitoring of

men, women and children with

LUTS in hospitals and at home.

Preview

MOWOOT II Chronic

Constipation Therapy

System sets a new standard

in managing slow transit

constipation, empowering

individuals to regain control of

their digestive health naturally.

Our innovative bladder

scanners are easy to use and

require minimal maintenance,

thus reducing inconvenience,

scanner downtime and costs.

AvantSonic Z5 and Z3 cater

for various levels of scanning

expertise. Wireless BVS-Pro W

with single-button operation

is designed for multi-location

healthcare environment.

Please contact

+44 (0)1835 864866

info@win-health.com

www.win-health.com

Tailored technical service

solutions to meet your needs

• Delivering service expertise & advice

• 24/7 service support

• Fully comprehensive service plans

• Planned preventative maintenance

• Using only genuine OEM parts

• Pay as you go service & maintenance

Visit Stand D02

For more information:

01256 306506

csuk@hc21.group

www.healthcare21.eu


Preview

Eastwood Park Training

astwood Park Training is one of the UK’s

Eleading providers of healthcare engineering,

estates, and facilities management training. With

over 55 years of experience, we deliver specialist

training solutions to healthcare and commercial

organisations across the UK and internationally,

helping professionals develop the skills,

knowledge, and confidence required to

maintain safe, compliant, and efficient facilities.

Established in 1969 as the Hospital Engineering

Centre, Eastwood Park has a long-standing

history of supporting the development of

technical professionals working within critical

environments. Over the decades, the organisation

has evolved alongside the healthcare

sector, continually investing in new facilities,

technologies, and training methods to meet the

changing needs of the industry.

Today, Eastwood Park offers an extensive

portfolio of accredited courses across a wide

range of specialist disciplines. These include

medical gas systems, electrical and mechanical

engineering, water hygiene, decontamination,

heating and ventilation, fire safety, lift

maintenance, medical equipment, health and

safety, and estates and facilities management.

Courses are designed to support professionals at

every stage of their career, from those developing

core technical skills to experienced practitioners

At MGC Medical, we pride ourselves

on being a trusted supplier of highquality

medical equipment and essential

components. We offer a comprehensive

product range, featuring leading brands

such as Keeler and Heine, ensuring you

have access to reliable and innovative

solutions for your healthcare needs.

Discover our extensive product portfolio:

: Diagnostic Equipment: Explore the

latest in diagnostic tools from renowned

manufacturers like Keeler and Heine.

undertaking advanced and authorised person

training.

A key strength of Eastwood Park is its commitment

to practical, hands-on learning. Our purposebuilt

training centre in Gloucestershire provides

delegates with access to specialist facilities that

are rarely available outside operational healthcare

environments. These include medical gas pipeline

systems, electrical installations, water systems,

lift maintenance towers, ventilation systems,

and hospital-like training environments. This

allows learners to apply theoretical knowledge in

realistic and controlled settings, gaining valuable

experience without the pressures and risks

associated with live operational sites.

Training is delivered by highly experienced industry

professionals who combine technical expertise

with real-world operational knowledge. Their

practical approach ensures that learners not only

understand the relevant standards, regulations, and

best practices, but also develop the competence

to apply them effectively in the workplace.

Meet MGC Medical at the EBME Expo!

To meet the needs of organisations worldwide,

Eastwood Park offers flexible delivery options,

including training at our Gloucestershire centre,

on-site at customer locations, and at regional

training venues across the UK.

Through a commitment to quality, innovation,

and practical learning, Eastwood Park Training

continues to support the development of skilled

engineering and estates professionals, helping

organisations achieve the highest standards of

safety, compliance, and operational performance.

You can find Eastwood Park Training at

Stand D22.

Please contact

+44 (0)1454 262777

training@eastwoodpark.co.uk

www.eastwoodpark.co.uk

looking forward to showcasing our product

offerings and discussing how we can

support your specific requirements.

: Learn more about our extensive range of

medical equipment and components.

: Discuss your specific needs with our

knowledgeable and friendly team.

: Explore potential partnerships & discover

how MGC Medical can be your trusted

supplier.

We are passionate about providing

exceptional products and service to the

healthcare sector.

From ophthalmic instruments to ENT

devices, we provide the precision and

quality you expect.

: Surgical Lighting Solutions: Discover

our range of surgical lighting options

designed to provide optimal illumination

and clarity for demanding procedures.

: High-Performance Lamps and Light

Sources: Ensure your critical equipment

operates at peak performance with our

selection of xenon lamps and other

specialised light sources.

: Comprehensive Battery Solutions:

Powering a diverse array of medical and

industrial equipment, we offer a wide

variety of medical batteries and industrial

batteries from leading manufacturers.

Whatever your fixture or device, we have

the reliable power source you need.

The EBME Expo provides a fantastic

opportunity to stay up-to-date with the

latest advancements in medical device

technology and connect with industry

experts. Our team at MGC Medical is

Please contact

01473 466300

sales@mgc-medical.co.uk

www.mgc-medical.co.uk

38


HEALTHCARE WASTE MANAGEMENT Company of the Year

Anenta leads the way in sustainable

healthcare waste solutions

In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we have featured Anenta Waste as our

Healthcare Waste Management Company of the Year

F

ounded in 2014, Anenta was established to

strengthen the National Health Service’s

(NHS) approach to healthcare waste

management across the UK. Combining deep

technical expertise with extensive public

sector experience, Anenta’s leadership team is

dedicated to identifying and bridging operational

gaps in healthcare facilities of all sizes.

At the forefront of the company is Managing Director

Graham Flynn, an accomplished environmental

services professional and entrepreneur with handson

experience across every level of the waste

management industry. During his four years in the

private sector and over six years within the NHS,

Graham witnessed first-hand the inefficiencies created

by outdated communication systems, inaccurate

billing, and a lack of data-driven

decision-making.

These challenges inspired

the creation of Anenta – a

company built on the principles

of transparency, efficiency, and

customer focus. Anenta has

transformed the management

of clinical and healthcare waste

by cutting through internal

bureaucracy and delivering

smarter, technology-led solutions

that put clients first.

Today, Anenta stands as the UK’s

leading independent healthcare

waste management specialist.

Acting as an external contract

management partner, the company

delivers bespoke, affordable,

and professional services across

recycling, general waste, sanitary

waste, confidential, and clinical

waste streams. Managing over 450,000 collections

annually from more than 20,000 locations, Anenta has

saved clients over £13 million directly, while introducing

workplace efficiencies that have generated a further

£35 million in savings.

Headquartered in Staines-upon-Thames, Anenta works

with GPs, pharmacies, ICBs, hospitals, laboratories,

dental surgeries, care homes and nursing homes. In

addition to driving positive change and setting new

standards in sustainable healthcare waste management,

the business has also been diversifying. This includes

the provision of laboratory decontamination services

Graham Flynn, Managing

Director, Anenta Waste

to universities, while other areas

and markets are being scoped

out for future growth.

Award-winning

Anenta has received a

substantial number of awards

and recognitions over the years,

including the 2025 and 2026

Winner of the Healthcare Waste

Management Company of the

Year at the Healthcare Business

Review UK awards, and the

Healthcare Matters Company of

the Year for Healthcare Waste

Management 2026.

Much of this is possible thanks

to Vector, Anenta’s proprietary,

multi-stakeholder system,

which equips all parties in

the healthcare waste supply

chain with real-time updates

on documentation, billing,

compliance and outcomes.

Anenta’s capabilities are further enhanced by

Vector’s seamless integration with existing

procurement systems, enabling smooth adoption

without disrupting established workflows. The

platform also empowers suppliers by highlighting

inefficiencies and providing data-driven insights

to improve service delivery and operational

performance.

Through Vector, Anenta’s transformative capabilities

are now being extended to an increasing number of

40


care and nursing homes, applying

proven efficiencies from the public

sector to private settings. By

addressing sector-wide challenges

such as reduced social care funding

and rising operational costs, Vector

helps organisations achieve best

value while improving sustainability

and service quality.

Streamlined solutions for clients

Anenta also plays a pivotal role in

helping facilities evaluate waste

contracts, streamlining processes

and ensuring that they meet

legal compliance requirements.

By applying the same rigorous

standards and collaborative

approach it uses with public-sector

clients and its work for the NHS,

Anenta is transforming waste

management for the primary care sector. This

creates efficiencies for unique operational

challenges, enabling organisations to achieve

greater efficiency and cost savings while maintaining

the highest service standards: all through the one

platform in one place.

This proactive approach to addressing issues, coupled

with its powerful monitoring and compliance tools, sets

Anenta apart in the sector, helping its clients navigate the

complexities of waste management with confidence.

Training advice and guidance

Anenta has also played a vital role in working with

Health Education England and NHS England to

develop a standardised e-learning program accessible

through the Vector system. This equips users with

the knowledge and skills needed to adhere to preacceptance

waste audits, waste duty of care audits,

and clinical waste management compliance. Anenta

also provides access to remote training and auditing,

which streamlines the process down to hours, not

days, ensuring that clients maintain the highest

legislative compliance standards.

Regulatory guidance

Providing proactive guidance on regulatory

requirements, Anenta stands out in the sector by alerting

customers to changes in new legislation and its impact,

such as the introduction of the new Simpler Recycling

legislation, which became effective in March 2025.

Sustainability driven

Anenta is also tireless in minimising environmental

impact by selecting local disposal routes to reduce

carbon emissions and road miles. It also prioritises

disposal methods that provide energy recovery and

resource efficiency solutions instead of incineration

or landfill. Partnering with environmentally

responsible suppliers to reduce the carbon footprint

of the healthcare waste management supply chain,

Anenta is leading sustainability in the sector.

Matthew Boycott,

Director of Strategy

& Procurement

Senior leadership growth

In the last year, the business has made several senior

appointments including the addition of Matthew

Boycott, former

Senior programme

lead, Primary Care

NHS England, as

Director of Strategy

and Procurement.

Matthew’s focus is to

identify areas where

Anenta’s ability to

understand complex

marketplaces

through the intelligent

use of data can be

used to save clients

significant amounts

of time and money.

Under Matthew’s

direction, Anenta aims

to build a collective

understanding

of problems facing the public and private sector,

where it can check, challenge and act as a disruptor,

challenging perceived practice to deliver intervention

with market-changing impact. Here, Anenta aims

to target sectors where complex processes and

compliance requirements create challenges that are

ripe for transformation and streamlining.

Where efficiencies or areas for improvement are

identified, Anenta will use its proprietary Vector

technology to analyse data points at scale so that

more agile and customer-centric solutions can be

developed using its pathway design approach.

Most recently, Anenta has appointed William

Cunningham-Davis as Director of Development and

Partnerships. A former NHS Director of Primary Care

for over 29 years – working for a variety of NHS

organisations, latterly at Northeast London Integrated

Care Board – William has been brought on board to

drive the business into new markets.

As part of his role, he has been tasked with ensuring

that the number of services and products provided

by Anenta are increased, enhancing the quantum

of solutions delivered to the many thousands of

healthcare businesses that it supports. He and the

Anenta team will also be looking at delivering a wider

range of meaningful solutions against the backdrop

of a continually shifting NHS, and ICBs that are being

slimed down: supporting those organisations and

staff responsible for managing their portfolios.

Diversification of

services

William will also

play a key part in

developing and

diversifying the

scope of Anenta’s

future services.

Here, he will focus

on areas not

covered by the

NHS under their

reimbursements,

and on new solutions and

services for the private

sector marketplace.

This diversification

strategy includes the

recent decommissioning

of six vacant Cavendish

Laboratory buildings

(Cavendish II) on the

University’s West

Cambridge site. Here,

a comprehensive

programme of

decontamination has

been undertaken by

Anenta to safely remove

hazardous chemicals

such as thallium, uranium,

and gallium arsenide

from nearly 1,000 rooms,

making the site safe for demolition.

William Cunningham-Davis,

Director of Development &

Partnerships

Other areas of scope include rationalising waste

streams of current contract holders to cut costs and

environmental impact through reduced transport,

fewer journeys, and better treatment of waste: all so

that waste producers can make headway towards

net zero while ensuring full legislative compliance.

Collaboration and partnerships

Anenta continues to set the bar for efficiency and

collaboration in the healthcare waste management

space. Its intention is to replicate this across a

host of other areas, supporting existing clients

with other complex problems and services, and

prospective clients faced by unwieldly processes and

marketplaces that are failing to meet their needs.

This is where Anenta’s novel yet innovative approach

to managing processes through its advanced Vector

platform will enable the business to break new

ground in far-reaching ways, addressing sectors that

will benefit from significant change and re-design.

This will cover everything from translation services

in the NHS, to property services for leaseholders,

which are in urgent need of intervention.

Doing things in new and innovative ways – looking

at problems as puzzles to solve rather than being

constrained by the system – Anenta aims to overhaul

current approaches so that it can bring broader

benefit to clients through its managing agent

services.

From enabling client collaboration to broker better

prices, through to complete service re-design

addressing markets that are not fit for purpose,

Anenta believes its experience and growing expertise

places it perfectly to delivery meaningful, innovative,

game changing affordable solutions for its clients.

For more information, please call:

03301 222143, email: contact@anenta.com

or visit: www.anenta.com


LAUNDRY & CLEANING Matters

New NHS Garment Trolleys for

hygienic transport of uniforms

Within the NHS garment

trolleys must provide

safe, hygienic transport

of uniforms, scrubs etc.

Both storing and delivering the laundered

garments in the hospital environment

must meet these requirements in a

simple and convenient way. Tasked with

solving the problem in one of our client

hospitals, we manufactured a moulded

plastic garment trolley with an internal

garment rail that is perfect for the job.

Our plastic units offer a better environment

than standard metal roll cages from

a hygiene point of view, with a higher

level of protection for the garments

in transit. Additionally, they are much

more user friendly, with handles for

safe positioning of hands and being

lighter and more easily manoeuvrable

than their metal counterparts.

Read more about our wide range

of Laundry Cages and Distribution

Trolleys

Providing the perfect mobile hanging

goods picking unit, our NHS garment

trolleys’ enclosed design provides

an enhanced level of hygiene whilst

remaining easy to clean. For bulk

loads, we can fit towing brackets to

enable swift and easy transport from

the hospital laundry to all departments

– click HERE to see them in action.

Interested? – CLICK HERE TO

ENQUIRE about our Garment Trolleys

Please contact

01535 357480

sales@bryantplastics.co.uk

https://bryantplastics.co.uk

42



TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT Matters

Growth STEMs from passion

for code as RoboThink gains

praise in Parliament

north London

A business, which

helps children

to learn coding

through handson

engineering

projects, is set for

expansion, following

praise in Parliament

for its work in

helping to develop

STEM skills.

RoboThink is a

leading STEM, coding for children,

robotics, and engineering program

nurturing budding geniuses across

27 countries reaching thousands

of students each day. In the UK, it

already has 7 franchise locations,

including its headquarters in

Stanmore and two in Harrow

(Pinner and Ruislip).

Other locations include; Hornsey,

Buckhurst Hill (Essex), Borehamwood

(Herts), Medway (Rochester) with

more locations set to open this year

across the UK as franchisees find the

perfect way to blend their passion

for STEM subjects with a chance to

create a new business opportunity.

Last month, the business earned high

Why myAko believes blended learning works in

health and social care

In health and social care, training

only matters if it changes

practice. That’s why blended

learning is increasingly recognised

as the most effective and credible

approach, and why it aligns so

closely with the expectations of

the Care Quality Commission

and Skills for Care.

praise in Parliament during a debate

on Digital Skills when Lisa Cameron

MP (East Kilbride, Strathaven and

Lesmahagow) spoke positively about

RoboThink, emphasising its significant

contribution to STEM education.

Unlike other STEM centers, RoboThink’s

designs and manufactures a proprietary

line of STEM products with kids and

ease of use in mind. Every minute

detail is considered and products are

manufactured to exacting specifications.

They use only the best quality

plastics, metals and tooling machines

during the manufacturing process.

Please visit:

https://www.robothink.co.uk

Work-based learning empowers

Patricia Mathias-Lloyd’s return to

education

he University of

TWales Trinity Saint

David (UWTSD) is

proud to celebrate

the achievement of

Patricia Mathias-

Lloyd, a Work-

Based Education

Development

Manager at Health

Education and

Improvement Wales

(HEIW), who recently

graduated with an

MA in Professional Practice. Patricia

returned to academic study after

more than a decade, using the

Professional Practice Framework

(PPF) programme to reflect on her

extensive professional experience,

strengthen her leadership skills, and

take the next step in her career in

healthcare education.

Patricia opted for the MA in

Professional Practice because of

its flexible, work-based learning

structure. With aspirations to

step into a senior

management role,

she identified the

programme as being

perfectly aligned

for her professional

development and

succession planning.

Patricia also remarked

on, “Wanting to be a

role model to my team

and learners to support

with their development.”

A key turning point in

Patricia’s journey was her

decision to claim credit

for experiential learning,

a process that enabled

her to reflect on a decade

of professional development and

achievements that had previously not

been recognised. She adds, “Claiming

credit for experiential learning was key

to achieving this award. Being able to

see how far I had come after critically

investigating what and how I had

learnt was enlightening. I had worked

on significant pieces of work both

locally and nationally and they have

all contributed to my development. It

is only since undertaking this module

that I have realised how significant

they have been.”

For more information about the Professional

Practice Framework, please visit:

https://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/professionalpractice-framework

Blended learning combines

eLearning, tutor-led learning,

face-to-face and virtual sessions,

and competency assessments,

all aligned to your organisation’s

own policies, procedures, and

safe working practices. It reflects how people

actually learn and how safe care is delivered.

Why one learning method is not enough

Research consistently shows that people retain

around 10% of what they read, but up to 75%

of what they practise and apply. eLearning

alone builds knowledge, but it cannot confirm

competence. Classroom or virtual training

supports discussion but learning fades without

reinforcement. Competency assessments

alone test outcomes, not understanding.

Blended learning links these together, turning

knowledge into confident, safe action.

Why this aligns with CQC and Skills for Care

CQC does not ask whether staff completed a

course. It asks whether staff are competent,

supported, and delivering safe care. Skills

for Care is equally clear that learning must

be ongoing, role-relevant, and embedded in

practice.

Blended learning provides clear evidence of:

: Learning journeys, not one-off events

: Training aligned to organisational practice

: Real-world competence, not just

attendance

Why this benefits everyone

For learners, blended learning builds

confidence, clarity, and consistency.

For organisations, it reduces risk and

strengthens regulatory assurance.

For service users, it leads to safer, more

reliable, person-centred care.

Blended learning is not more training.

It is better training, designed for

real-world care

Please visit for more information:

01202 283283

hello@myako.com

https://www.myako.online

44


DENTISTRY Matters

Oral healthcare now available to your care home

Lura Care, a company specialising

in dental care services for care

homes and day centres, has opened

its first operational centre in the United

Kingdom in Hampton Hill, from where it

will provide dental services in London,

the South East and parts of the East of

England.

Their objective is to break the mobility

barrier to care for dependent people or

people with mobility problems who due

to their condition cannot access the oral

health services they need. Its mobile

services model enables the company

to carry out treatments on-site to avoid

transfers to clinics whenever possible.

Lura Care, who are registered with

the Care Quality Commission, also

carry out free, no-obligation initial

assessments on-site to evaluate the

oral health condition of residents

and their dental care needs, as well

as training activities in care homes

to promote preventative health and

healthy habits.

The company also offers flexible and

interest-free financing options for

treatments, and reinvests a portion

of the revenue back into the centres

through bonuses to help improve their

services.

Also present in Spain and Italy, Lura

Care has provided their services to

more than 1,000 care homes and day

centres, and has attended to more than

100,000 patients.

Contact

078 6799 5280

hello@luracare.co.uk

www.luracare.co.uk


DENTISTRY Matters

Gen Z and millennials

admit they know more

about their mental health

than their dental health

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

Tadmit they know more about their

mental health than their dental health,

according to new research from

Bupa – with 19% of this age group

acknowledging they did not know

there was any connection between

oral health and mental wellbeing. In

fact, just 13% of all Brits felt they are

better informed about their dental

health than their mental health, a

knowledge gap that is costing UK

businesses thousands of pounds

a year.

The results come as part of a wider

look from Bupa into how much Brits

really know about the ways dental

health connects with their overall

physical and mental wellbeing. And

the answer is very little, especially

when it comes to mental health. 85%

of respondents did not think mental

health problems have anything to do

with the health of their teeth, tongue

or gums and drilling deeper, only 12%

knew it is connected to panic attacks

while just 7% understood the links to

bipolar disorder.

There’s low public awareness of the

links to serious physical conditions

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

population recognising the link to

mouth cancer. Even fewer are aware

of connections to other conditions like

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

Alongside the research, Bupa took

to the streets of London to ask

passersby how much or little they

know about dental health. You can

watch on LinkedIn, Facebook or

Instagram.

Contact

www.bupaglobal.com/en

The UK’s #1 Dental

distribution warehouse

he team from Dental Warehouse

TLtd were muchly anticipated by

Dental Engineers alike at this year’s

BIDA Dental Showcase. Dental

Warehouse is a market leading

distribution and fulfilment warehouse

for dental trade dealers and

engineers and is known for being a

reliable, long-term business partner

that guarantees excellence achieving

ISO 9001:2015 themselves.

Dental Warehouse has been supplying

component parts and finished goods

since it was first established in 2008.

As well as distributing to over 150

UK Dental Engineers, the company is

also the UK ambassador for Faro – an

established Italian brand that has been

designing and producing equipment

for dental manufacturers, dealers,

dentist and laboratories for over

70 years.

Using a direct and dynamic

approach that cuts out any

unnecessary costs associated with

normal distribution channels, Dental

Warehouse will always work in your

best interest to offer the fastest and

most efficient solutions for your

dental needs.

Over the years, Dental Warehouse

has contributed large amounts

of research, time and effort into

creating a distribution line that

includes only the highest-quality

products and brands. Dental

Warehouse is the sole distributor

for Ajax Dental Equipment in the

UK, and is also proud to be UK

distributors for Lumoral, Jinme.

Only recently in May this year did

they also confirm and finalise a

partnership with Denco that

confirms them as distributors

for the entire Denco product

range to the UK market.

See below for more information:

0800 112 3502

www.dentalwarehouse.co.uk

BIOCLAD ® Antimicrobial PVC Solutions with BIOCOTE ®

organic compounds (VOCs), such as hydrochloric

acid (HCl), which are naturally released from freshly

manufactured PVC. Without ageing, test results can be

skewed, as bacteria may be reduced by these shortlived

chemicals rather than the antimicrobial additive

itself. Ageing ensures the test reflects how a product

will perform in real-life environments over time.

The challenge of microbial growth

ndustries operating in public and healthcare

Ienvironments require high-performance, hygienic

surfaces that can withstand rigorous use. Polyvinyl

Chloride (PVC) is widely used in healthcare,

construction, and transport industries for its

durability, corrosion resistance, chemical stability,

and cost-effectiveness. However, PVC is vulnerable

to microbial colonisation, leading to odours,

staining, and material degradation over time. It

can also emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs),

especially under thermal or UV stress.

BioClad ®

and BioCote ®

Antimicrobial

Solutions

BioClad ® offers

a range of

antimicrobial

solutions, including

wall cladding and

BioPods, that

integrate BioCote ®

antimicrobial

technology for longlasting

protection.

Working with

BioCote ® ensures

thorough and

optimal integration

of antimicrobial technologies in manufacturing,

offering permanent protection against microbes

that compromise PVC quality and durability.

This built-in protection provides:

: Continuous defence against bacteria, mould,

and yeast growth

: Reduced risk of staining, odours, and material

degradation.

: Lower maintenance requirements and long-term

cost savings.

: Extended product lifespan, making BioClad ®

a smart investment.

BioCote ® Antimicrobial Technology:

Tested, effective, trusted

To assess the long-term performance of BioClad ®

antimicrobial cladding, independent third-party

testing was commissioned by BioClad ® . Samples

from BioClad ® and several market-leading cladding

brands were submitted and tested to the ISO 22196

standard for antibacterial efficacy.

Before testing, all samples underwent an

accelerated ageing process: 1,128 hours at 65°C in

dry heat. This process is essential to remove volatile

Each sample was then tested against MRSA and

E. coli, two bacteria commonly found in healthcare

and hygiene-critical settings. Table 1 displays

the test results, only the BioClad ® sample treated

with BioCote ® technology demonstrated strong

antibacterial performance after ageing. In this

test, a result listed as ‘GROWTH’ means bacteria

continued to multiply on the sample after 24 hours

of contact.

Key findings:

: BioClad ® Treated: 98.80% reduction against

MRSA, 99.88% against E. coli.

: Competitor 2: 40.93% reduction against MRSA,

but bacterial growth observed for E. coli.

: Competitor 4: 83.71% reduction against MRSA,

but bacterial growth observed for E. coli.

: All other competitors: Bacterial growth

observed for both MRSA and E. coli.

These results suggest that many competitor

products may rely on the short-term antibacterial

effect of unaged PVC, while BioClad ® with BioCote ®

technology continues to perform even after VOCs

have dissipated – demonstrating long-lasting

antibacterial protection.

Contact

0330 100 0313

https://bioclad.com

46


DENTISTRY Matters

On-site private dentistry: For care homes and

secure mental health facilities

Since 2011, our

friendly dental

teams have been

using portable

equipment, including

digital X-ray to

bring dental care to

patients who find

it hard to get to a

surgery. We look

after patients with

mobility issues,

frailty, dementia,

learning difficulties

and disabilities

and mental health conditions in residential

care and NHS and private secure hospitals

throughout England.

The service is designed to provide a

programme of examination and treatment,

giving patients access to dental care,

providing families and staff with reassurance

and enabling the home or hospital to

evidence that oral health is a priority.

Clinics include: clinical dental examination,

with oral cancer screening, periodontal health

assessment, hygiene treatments (scaling/

polishing or denture cleaning), temporary

fillings, simple permanent fillings, smoothing

of sharp tooth

surfaces, non-complex

and mobile teeth

extraction (if medical

history permits),

denture adjustment

and instant denture

relines.

We charge on a

sessional basis –

there are no additional

charges for treatment

from the list above. A

Dental Clinic Report,

left with staff as a record for each patient

seen, sets out any treatment given together

with any future treatment need, referral or

prescription required.

We offer regular clinics under a contract

arrangement or Dentist for the Day/Threequarter

Day clinics bookable as and when

required.

Extract from a review given by the CEO of

Rustington Hall Care Home, “We are a 62 bed

nursing and care home in Rustington, West

Sussex and we were looking for a dentist to

be able to visit our home and provide a dental

service to all our residents. We have been

using The Mobile Dentist Company for nearly

18 months and they have been truly fantastic.

All their staff are very professional and

provide an outstanding service. They interact

with the residents to help them to feel at

ease. The relatives are able to feel confident

that the general oral health care provided

is good with many positive comments and

remarks received. Rustington Hall had an

unannounced CQC inspection on the day

The Mobile Dentist Company were in the

home and the inspectors commented on

their service. The Mobile Dentist Company

are the people to use. I would thoroughly

recommend them.”

We aim to be part of your healthcare team –

please contact us for more information and

a bespoke quotation.

01304 842995

enquiries@

advancehealthcarelogistics.com

Introducing our new Recessed Combination Units

Sleek and space-saving solutions for

modern washrooms

Dudley Industries is proud to unveil our

latest innovation in washroom equipment:

two new Recessed Combination Units. These

dispensers combine a paper towel dispenser

and a waste bin into a single, streamlined

solution designed to meet the demands of

modern washroom

spaces.

Introducing our

new Recessed

Combination Units:

Sleek and spacesaving

solutions for

modern washrooms

Dudley Industries is

proud to unveil our

latest innovation in

washroom equipment:

two new Recessed

Combination Units.

These cutting-edge

products combine a

paper towel dispenser

and a waste bin into a

single, streamlined solution designed to meet

the demands of modern washroom spaces.

Why choose our Recessed Combination

Units?

Our new units offer exceptional functionality

and style, making them a must-have for any

washroom environment. Available in 5 litre

and 10 litre capacities, they are the latest

addition to our established range of recessed

dispensers. Their unique design fits neatly into

wall cavities, minimising obtrusion into the

room and optimising space. This is particularly

beneficial for smaller washrooms, where every

square inch counts, and creates a sleek,

seamless aesthetic.

Innovative one-door

access for easy

maintenance

Our new Recessed

Combination Units

feature a single door

that provides access to

both the paper towel

dispenser and the

waste bin. This onedoor

design simplifies

maintenance, allowing

staff to refill and empty

the unit quickly and

efficiently.

Flexible design to suit

your space

Understanding the varied needs of washroom

spaces, we designed the door to be

reversible. Delivered with a right-hand opening

configuration, the door can easily be removed,

rotated 180 degrees, and reinstalled to open

from the left if required. The lock is also

reversible, and a blanking cap is provided to

ensure a clean finish on the unused side.

Two sizes to meet your needs

The two sizes of our new units cater to

different capacity requirements:

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

accommodates approximately one and a

half packs of most paper towel sizes.

: 10 litre model: Featuring a 530mm depth,

it holds around three packs of paper

towels.

Built to last with a 10 year warranty

Designed and manufactured in the UK, these

units are constructed from durable stainless

steel, ensuring longevity and resistance to

wear and tear. Both models come with a 10

year warranty for added peace of mind.

Explore detailed specifications

For more information on the technical

specifications of our new Recessed

Combination Units, visit our listings on

NBS Source.

To upgrade your washroom with our innovative

Recessed Combination Units? Contact our

team today for more details or to place your

order. Let Dudley Industries help you create a

modern, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing

washroom environment.

Contact

+44 (0)1253 738311

sales@dudleyindustries.com

www.dudleyindustries.com


DENTISTRY Matters

Protect. Support. Enhance.

hen it comes to high-traffic environments,

Wwalls and corridors take a beating. The

Yeoman Shield Contour Hand/Crash Rail is

the perfect solution – offering a combination

of protection, support and style to keep your

interiors looking their best while reducing

maintenance costs.

Why choose the Contour Hand/Crash Rail?

: Dual Functionality – Designed to act as

both a handrail for support and a crash rail to

absorb impact from trolleys, wheelchairs and

carts, preventing costly wall damage.

: Durable & Hard-Wearing – Manufactured

from high-quality materials, our rails are

resistant to scuffs, scratches and impact,

making them ideal for hospitals, care homes,

schools and commercial buildings.

: Hygienic & Low Maintenance – The smooth,

easy-clean surface helps maintain hygiene

standards in healthcare and public spaces

while reducing time spent on cleaning and

repairs.

: Stylish & Customisable – Available in a range

of colours and finishes to complement your

interior design. Whether you want a subtle,

seamless look or a bold statement, our rails

can be tailored to your needs.

Supply-only or expert installation: You choose!

At Yeoman Shield, we understand that every

project is different. That’s why we offer two

flexible solutions:

: Supply-Only – If you have your own

installation team, we can provide all the

materials you need, complete with fitting

guides for an easy, hassle-free installation.

: Expert Installation Service – Let our

experienced team handle the installation for

you, ensuring a precise, professional finish

that meets your requirements and guarantees

long-term protection.

Protect your interiors today!

Invest in a solution that saves you time and

money while enhancing safety and aesthetics.

The Yeoman Shield Contour Hand/Crash Rail

is an essential addition to any environment that

demands durability and style.

Contact us today to discuss your project

needs or request a quote!

www.yeomanshield.com

48


Proven

Antimicrobial,

Bespoke Modular

IPS units

Unrivalled protection

against bacterial

growth

BioClad® Limited

Unit 7 Bardner Bank,

Burley Road, Killinghall,

Harrogate, HG3 2FN

01423 647055

www.bioclad.com

DENTISTRY Matters

Video interpreting bridges

the mobility gap

Disabled patients and those with mobility issues sometimes struggle to attend in-person

appointments. While video consultations can be a good alternative, it’s important any

interpreting needed is carried out via the same medium

U

nexpected travel delays are part and parcel

of living in the UK, especially in the winter

months when weather conditions shut

roads, trainlines and airports. For many people,

however, transport to appointments is a yearround

challenge.

A wide-ranging study of 30,000 people carried

out in 2019 by independent healthcare advocacy

organisation Healthwatch found that travel was

a key issue for those using the NHS, with 90%

of respondents putting high importance on

having convenient ways of getting to and

from appointments.

A November 2024 update from Healthwatch

suggested many people still struggle with transport

to appointments. It highlighted that disabled people

were especially disadvantaged by non-emergency

patient transport being available only for hospital

appointments and not GP or dentist visits.

To compound the problem, news reports suggest

that in some regions of the UK, patient transport

systems are overwhelmed and difficult to access

even for hospital appointments.

This all increases the risk of missed appointments,

which in turn prevents those with mobility issues

from receiving proper care.

Middle ground

While clearly the optimum situation is one where

everyone can attend scheduled health appointments in

person, if this isn’t possible, a much better option than

missing the appointment is for it to take place virtually.

One of the few silver linings to come out of the

pandemic was the realisation that many meetings

could be conducted by video call, and this concept

also filtered through to health settings.

Because many health services are now set up for

video consultations, if it becomes clear transport

issues will prevent a patient attending, often the

consultation can still go ahead virtually.

An added complication arises, however, if the

patient has communication or language needs that

require an interpreter. Historically, language services

providers, including Dals, offered face-to-face and

telephone interpreting, but video was used rarely.

Prior to COVID, video interpreting made up just

1% of our company’s 15,000 transactions per day,

but this has now risen to 10%.

However, we expect this to rise much further as the

NHS looks to shift some hospital care to a digital

first approach and now that we’ve added a video

on-demand option. Previously, our video interpreting

service was for pre-booked appointments only, but

we recognised the huge potential of on-demand

video interpreting for those needing urgent and

emergency care.

In healthcare settings, there are clearly

circumstances where a face-to-face interpreter is

vital – for example, a terminal diagnosis.

There are also circumstances where a telephone

interpreter is the best option for both the patient

and clinician – think delivering blood test results.

But in a scenario where a patient is unexpectedly

unable to attend a physical appointment, being able

to access an on-demand video interpreter is vital.

A disabled patient will receive better treatment from

a clinician who can see the issues the patient is

facing and video aids interpreters by providing

visual as well as spoken cues.

Indeed, a study released in November by

researchers at the University of Surrey found

that interpreters viewed telephone interpreting

as challenging in medical settings where visual

cues were important. Respondents found video

interpreting more effective and appropriate in

situations where non-verbal cues were essential.

For those with disabilities or mobility issues, video

interpreters help ensure they receive the same

quality of care as those who don’t. With these now

available on-demand, unexpected travel delays will

hopefully present fewer barriers for such patients

than in the past.

Contact

0161 928 2533

healthcare@dals.co.uk

www.dals.co.uk

50


RECOMMENDED SUPPLIER Directory

We’re a family-run business with more than

40 years of experience in the mobility aids

industry, so you can count on us to have the

knowledge and understanding of exactly what

our customers want and need. That’s why we

offer such a comprehensive range of products

that are designed to improve your quality of

life and to help you stay mobile, active,

and independent for as long as possible.

Whether retrofitting existing gas-systems

to be more efficient for cost-conscious

operations or seeking to optimise

investment in reducing carbon emissions

from your buildings, talk to Adveco for

award-winning specialist design, supply,

and service of efficient, sustainable water

heating for the care sector.

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.

Bealies Adaptive Wear (now rebranded as

B.Adaptive) is a UK-based clothing company

that designs adaptive fashion for people

with disabilities, particularly wheelchair

users. The brand’s mission is to make

inclusive, accessible clothing that doesn’t

compromise on appearance, supporting both

independence and confidence for people with

mobility or health challenges.

At MDDUS, we don’t just support you when

things go wrong. We help you prevent them

in the first place by giving you the knowledge,

confidence and practical tools to make safer

decisions every day. As a leading medicolegal

defence organisation, we support

healthcare professionals with expert advice,

protection and risk education throughout

their careers.

A Right at Home care franchise places you at

the heart of your community, helping people

to live safely and with dignity at home.

Join an award-winning proven franchise

model, operating in a rewarding and

resilient sector with growing demand. Scan

to learn more about franchise opportunities.

BBL Batteries has a huge range of

batteries for your every need – from VRLA

deep cycle batteries to long lasting lithium.

We also supply batteries for stairlifts, bath

hoists & all variety of mobility aid.

With over 50 years serving our mobility

customers, let us look after you!

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 847

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