Healthcare Matters Issue 848

www.healthcarematters.uk

ISSUE 848 – July 2026

TEL 0121 824 7700

STOP BACTERIA

BEFORE IT SPREADS

SUITABLE FOR SINKS AND BASINS

Page 15

21

Calomax supports healthcare

with reliable hot water solutions

23

B-spoke Hygiene Boards

available at B Sure Installations

24-25

Supporting your Independence

with quality mobility solutions

ANTI-LIGATURE EXPERTS Company of the Month

The UK’s experts in

Anti-Ligature design

In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are pleased

to feature Kingsway Group as our Anti-Ligature

Experts Company of the Month

K

ingsway Group exists to push limits, challenge

thinking, and drive innovation to move design

in mental health environments to the next

level. Founded in 2009 by brothers Julian Hall

(Global CEO) and Ben Hall (Technical Director),

Kingsway Group was created to help mental health

providers develop safer environments for both staff

and service users. Those earlier years were spent

collaborating closely with NHS Mental Health Trusts

to understand their greatest challenges and then

innovate new solutions to help keep people safe.

Since 2009, the company has grown quickly.

“We’ve grown from a small team in the UK to a

global operation with over 170 members across 3

continents,” said Yoann Holbrook, Global Sales &

Marketing Director.

“Our global headquarters and primary production

facility, Helix, is located in Sidcup, Greater London.

From this central hub, we support more than 85%

of NHS Mental Health Trusts across the UK,

delivering trusted solutions to healthcare providers

nationwide. Internationally, our presence extends

through our North American headquarters in

Madison Heights, Michigan, and our Australia and

New Zealand operations based in Sydney, Australia,

enabling us to provide dedicated regional support

and expertise to customers around the world.”

As a global leader in anti-ligature solutions,

Kingsway Group is dedicated to helping create

safer, more therapeutic environments across mental

healthcare and other high-risk settings. Guided by its

core philosophy of keeping people safe, Kingsway

Group designs, manufactures and delivers specialist

anti-ligature solutions that improve outcomes for

both service users and staff. Recognising that secure

environments should also support recovery and

wellbeing, the company combines safety, dignity

and trauma-informed design principles to create

spaces that feel less institutional while maintaining

the highest levels of protection.

“A key differentiator is our end-to-end project

approach: Define, Design, Deliver and Maintain,”

said Yoann. “This collaborative process ensures that

every solution is tailored to the specific needs of

each environment. Product development is informed

by direct feedback from NHS Mental Health Trusts,

allowing us to respond to real frontline challenges

while remaining aligned with evolving clinical and

operational requirements.”

While mental healthcare remains its primary focus,

Kingsway Group’s expertise also extends to custodial

settings, acute healthcare facilities and specialist

education environments, where effective risk reduction

and patient safety are equally critical. Collaboration

remains at the heart of Kingsway Group’s philosophy,

with the company working alongside healthcare

professionals and people with lived experience to

develop practical, innovative solutions that support

safer environments and improve the quality of care.

A standout example of Kingsway Group’s

collaborative approach is the award-winning KALM

Co-Produced Washroom Range. Developed alongside

a lived experience panel of Experts by Experience,

the collection combines therapeutic design with the

highest standards of safety, strength and durability.

Its welcoming, less institutional aesthetic supports

trauma-informed care while promoting dignity,

wellbeing and positive therapeutic outcomes.

Co-production remains central to Kingsway Group’s

philosophy. This commitment is further demonstrated

through its award-winning collaboration with Gilling

Dodd Architects, Caudwell Children’s Charity and

several industry partners on a trauma-informed CAMHS

bedroom concept. Designed to challenge traditional

approaches to mental healthcare environments, the

project showcased how meaningful engagement with

clinicians, designers and people with lived experience

can lead to better design outcomes. The initiative was

recognised with the Design in Mental Health (DiMH)

Service User Engagement Award and continues to

evolve, with Kingsway Group actively encouraging

healthcare professionals and stakeholders to visit

the full-scale concept bedroom and contribute ideas

that will help shape the future of therapeutic mental

healthcare design.

As the company continues its innovation into the

future, Yoann explained what’s to come, “We will

continue to invest in new technologies that help

improve outcomes across the globe, including

expanding our KOSMOS Smart Monitoring System

and introducing new product families such as the

KALM Co-Produced Washroom Range.”

“Looking ahead, our focus remains on raising

safety standards across mental healthcare and

secure environments worldwide while strengthening

collaboration with industry partners and Experts by

Experience.”

“Whether it's through co-production or partnerships

with clinicians and architects, we believe the best

ideas come from collaboration. We're always looking

to learn, challenge assumptions and improve.”

“We encourage anyone with an interest in mental

healthcare design to visit our facilities, share their

insights and be part of the conversation. Together,

we can help shape environments that are safer and

more supportive for everyone who uses them.”

For more information, please see below:

+44 (0)2038 905887

customer.service@kingswaygroup.co.uk

https://kingswaygroupglobal.com

2

HCM IS SPONSORED BY – SEE THEM ON PAGE 7

CONTENTS 848

EDITOR’S NOTES

Welcome to our July edition. Explore our hand-picked

features on innovative companies across the healthcare

industry.

Caretopia World is redefining how families find care by

replacing overwhelming directories with AI-powered

matching. Through personalised guidance, smarter shortlists

and higher-quality enquiries, the platform helps care providers

stay visible throughout the decision-making journey, turning hesitant browsers into

informed prospects and improving conversion opportunities for care homes and

agencies. Read more on page 7.

We also feature Bryant Plastics as our Laundry & Cleaning Company of the Year.

For over 50 years, Bryant Plastics has delivered durable, British-made handling

solutions trusted by healthcare, laundry and industrial sectors. Combining bespoke

design, sustainable manufacturing and award-winning quality, the Yorkshire company

continues to improve efficiency, ergonomics and hygiene while proving that innovation

and long-term reliability go hand in hand. Read more on pages 8-9.

Being named a Healthcare Matters Commitment to Excellence organisation is about

more than Digital Care Hub. It reflects how quickly adult social care is changing, and

how important digital confidence has become for providers, staff and the people who

draw on care. Read the full article on pages 12-13.

Show review: Care Show London.

Gina Burton

Editor

HEALTHCARE MATTERS

BRYANT PLASTICS

LAUNDRY & CLEANING

COMPANY OF

THE YEAR

8-9

11

CARETOPIA WORLD

AI & TECHNOLOGY

MATTERS

TDP

EXTERNAL

WORKS

MATTERS

INTERTRONICS

CLEANING &

HYGIENE

MATTERS

7

11

COVER STORY

STOP

BACTERIA

BEFORE IT SPREADS

14

DIGITAL CARE HUB

HEALTHCARE MATTERS

COMMITMENT TO

EXCELLENCE 12-13

QUAIL DIGITAL

INFECTION

CONTROL

NEWS

SUITABLE FOR

SINKS AND BASINS

See page 15

CONTACTS

PUBLICATION MANAGEMENT

Kimberley Best Publication Manager

0121 824 7700

kimberleybest@healthcarematters.uk

EDITORIAL

Gina Burton Editor

07483 931474

gina@healthcarematters.uk

PRODUCTION

Robert Sharp Production Manager

production@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk

ACCOUNTS

Paul Whitaker Accounts Manager

0138 422 6443

accounts@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk

Contact Sales on 0121 824 7700

kimberleybest@healthcarematters.uk

www.healthcarematters.uk

For more information or format requirements,

please see our Media Pack

Find us on LinkedIn

follow us on Twitter

and

@hcm_uk

Unless stated as news, the entire content

of this publication is advertorial based.

To place an advertorial or an advert,

please call 0121 824 7700.

18

20

ANENTA WASTE

RECYCLING & WASTE

MANAGEMENT

MATTERS

LUCECO

HEALTHCARE

ESTATES

MATTERS

TROJAN LIGHTING

HEALTHCARE

ESTATES

MATTERS 19

YEOMAN SHIELD

HEALTHCARE

ESTATES

MATTERS

MOBILITY CARE

SOLUTIONS

DISABILITY &

MOBILITY MATTERS 24-25

SPONSORED BY

16

LEGAL SERVICES Company of the Year

Leading the

way in medicolegal

support

In this issue of Healthcare Matters,

we are pleased to feature MDDUS as our

Legal Services Company of the Year

That’s an award that cuts across the entire economy

– not just healthcare or financial services.”

ehind every consultation, diagnosis and

clinical decision lies the reality that modern

Bmedicine has become increasingly complex,

with legal, regulatory and professional challenges

now an unavoidable part of practice. That is

where MDDUS has built its reputation. For more

than a century, the organisation has stood

alongside doctors, dentists and other healthcare

professionals, providing expert medico-legal and

dento-legal advice, professional indemnity and

practical – and, increasingly, practical support

when it matters most.

Whether responding to a crisis or helping members

navigate the everyday challenges of healthcare,

MDDUS provides expert guidance to clinicians,

groups and corporates on a broad range of issues,

such as complaints, ethical dilemmas, consent, record

keeping, regulatory investigations, clinical negligence

claims and risk management. With the healthcare

landscape constantly changing, we sat down with

Michael Rudman, Commercial Director who explained

how the last 12 months have been for the company,

“The past 12 months have been one of significant

progress for MDDUS. While healthcare professionals

and businesses continue to work under immense

pressure, we’ve remained focused on delivering

exceptional support to our members while also

helping shape the future of healthcare more broadly.”

“We’ve continued to grow our membership, invested

in our people, technology and services, expanded our

training and wellbeing offering, and strengthened our

medico-legal and dento-legal expertise. At the same

time, we’ve become an increasingly influential voice

on the issues affecting healthcare professionals.”

“In recent membership surveys, we found that twothirds

of our members had experienced burnout, and

19% had experienced suicidal thoughts during their

career. This was the catalyst for our Wellbeing by

Design report, which brought together senior clinical

leaders to set out practical recommendations for

embedding doctors’ wellbeing into NHS workforce

planning. The report has generated significant national

attention and reflects our belief that supporting the

wellbeing of healthcare professionals is fundamental

to delivering safe, sustainable patient care.”

“It’s also been pleasing to see our work recognised

externally. MDDUS was named Professional Services

Company of the Year at the British Business Awards,

recognising the progress we’ve made in delivering

outstanding service and innovation for our members.

We were equally proud to welcome Dr Zoe Williams

as an Honorary Fellow of MDDUS, recognising her

outstanding contribution to public health education

and preventative medicine, and reflecting our shared

commitment to improving healthcare beyond the

consulting room.

“Perhaps most importantly, we’ve continued to listen

carefully to our members. Their feedback has shaped

everything from our customer service improvements to

the introduction of our four customer promises, which

define the standard of service members can expect

from MDDUS. Those promises reinforce something that

has been at the heart of our organisation for nearly 125

years, providing expert, responsive and compassionate

support throughout a healthcare professional’s career.”

“We’re pleased to see continued sustainable growth

in our membership. Our focus has always been on

delivering long-term value rather than short-term

targets, by supporting healthcare professionals

with expert medico/dento-legal advice, education

and protection. That support can also extend to

protecting the whole business entity as well as the

clinicians. Continued growth in our membership

reflects the trust that doctors, dentists, and

healthcare businesses place in MDDUS and our

ongoing commitment to delivering our purpose of

supporting members to practise with confidence.”

Following a further award with its recognition as

Legal Services Company of the Year, MDDUS is

entering a new chapter. With new leadership coming,

continued investment in member services and an

increasingly influential role in shaping healthcare

policy, the organisation is building on more than

a century of supporting healthcare professionals.

We asked Michael about the latest developments

shaping MDDUS and its plans for the future.

“One of the most significant developments for

MDDUS this year has been the appointment of our

new Chief Executive, Raman Sankaran, following

Chris Kenny’s decision to step down after eleven

years leading the organisation. Chris leaves MDDUS

having overseen a period of sustained membership

growth, significant investment in our services, and

the development of a much stronger public voice

on behalf of healthcare professionals. Raman joins

us from the Veterinary Defence Society, where he

led another member-focused mutual organisation.

He brings extensive experience of leading both

mutual organisations and commercial businesses

and shares our commitment to supporting healthcare

professionals while continuing to innovate and grow.”

“The leadership transition comes at an exciting

point in MDDUS’ development. We’ve continued to

Dr Naeem Nazem, Head of the Medical

Division, MDDUS

invest in our in-house medico-legal and dentolegal

expertise, our digital platforms and member

experience, and expanded our CPD, risk management

and wellbeing services.”

“We’ve also become increasingly active in shaping

the future of healthcare. Alongside our work

supporting members with emerging risks in their

field, we’ve engaged consistently with policymakers

on issues affecting the profession. We’ve responded

to consultations on regulatory reform; advocated for

appropriate protections for clinicians in the debate

around Assisted Dying, and hosted Parliamentary

receptions at Westminster and Holyrood to raise

awareness of clinician wellbeing among MPs.”

“With new leadership and a clear long-term

strategy, we’re well positioned to build on the strong

foundations established over the past decade while

continuing to deliver outstanding support for our

members and the wider healthcare community.”

One area MDDUS is particularly proud of is the

breadth of support it provides beyond professional

indemnity. Alongside access to expert, in-house,

medico and dento-legal advice from experienced

in-house medico-legal and dento-legal advisers,

members benefit from specialist legal representation,

comprehensive CPD and risk management training,

wellbeing support, and practical HR and employment

advice for practices and healthcare organisations.

For practice managers, business and healthcare

leaders, the organisation’s employment law service,

bespoke training programmes and organisational risk

support have become increasingly valuable as the

sector continues to navigate workforce pressures,

regulatory change and growing operational

4


complexity. Its in-house risk team delivers CPDaccredited

training that consistently receives

exceptional feedback, with 98% of delegates rating

the sessions as excellent or very good.

Rather than simply stepping in when problems

arise, MDDUS aims to help healthcare professionals

prevent issues before they occur, enabling them to

spend less time managing legal and professional

challenges and more time focusing on delivering

safe, high-quality patient care.

We also spoke with MDDUS’ Head of Medical,

Dr Naeem Nazem, who explained how the

organisation's services differ from those of other

medical defence organisations, “Every medical

defence organisation is committed to supporting

healthcare professionals. What distinguishes

MDDUS is how we deliver that support. Members

have direct access to experienced, in-house

advisers with significant practical healthcare and

medico-legal expertise, who can directly address

the vast majority of queries. Our advisers are

supported by a structured medico-legal training

programme recognised through the Princess Royal

Training Award, enabling them to provide timely,

practical advice that reflects the realities of modern

healthcare. As a mutual organisation, every decision

we make is focused on delivering long-term value for

members. That means investing in better services,

better expertise, better education and better support,

rather than delivering returns for shareholders.”

Healthcare is facing a period of profound change.

Workforce pressures, rising demand, technological

innovation and increasing complexity mean

healthcare professionals and corporate leaders

need more than indemnity alone. They need

trusted partners who help

them navigate change with

confidence. That philosophy

underpins everything

MDDUS does. Their recent

Wellbeing by Design report

is a good example. Rather

than simply highlighting the

challenges facing clinicians,

MDDUS brought together

leading voices from across

healthcare to develop

practical recommendations

for embedding doctors’

wellbeing into NHS workforce

planning. It reflects their belief

that supporting healthcare

professionals isn’t just good for

individuals, it is fundamental

to delivering safe, sustainable

patient care.

Looking ahead, Michael explained some short and

longer-term plans, “In the short term, we’ll continue

investing in our member experience, expanding our

training programmes and supporting healthcare

professionals through emerging challenges such

as AI, digital healthcare, workforce pressures and

regulatory change.”

Longer term, we want MDDUS to support an even

broader range of healthcare professionals and

organisations across the UK. Healthcare delivery

is changing, with larger provider organisations,

multidisciplinary teams and increasing integration across

services. We’re continuing to develop products, services

and expertise that reflect those changing models of care.

Throughout that growth, our focus remains the same,

providing trusted medico and dento-legal expertise,

helping healthcare professionals practise safely,

and ultimately contributing to better patient care.”

As MDDUS enters this new chapter, the appointment

of its new Chief Executive marks an exciting milestone.

Building on the strong foundations established over

the past decade, the organisation is well placed

to continue growing its influence, investing in its

people and services, and helping shape the future of

healthcare. “Our purpose remains unchanged,” added

Michael. “To stand alongside healthcare professionals

throughout their careers, giving them the confidence,

protection and support they need to deliver the very

best care for their patients.”

Michael Rudman,

Commercial Director, MDDUS

Being recognised as

Professional Services Company

of the Year was another proud

moment for MDDUS. “We

see the award as recognition

of the expertise, service and

commitment our colleagues

deliver every day, and of our

determination to continually

improve the support we provide

to members and healthcare

organisations across the UK,”

said Michael.

When asked how he felt about

receiving our Legal Services

Company of the Year award, he

responded, “We’re genuinely

honoured to be recognised by

Healthcare Matters.”

“The award is particularly meaningful because it

reflects the work of everyone across MDDUS, not

just our advisory and legal teams, but our customer

service teams, trainers, HR advisers and all the

colleagues who support members every day.”

“Healthcare professionals place enormous trust in us

during some of the most challenging moments of their

careers. Recognition like this reinforces that we’re

delivering on our purpose of supporting and protecting

healthcare professionals, and it motivates us to

continue raising the standard of service we provide.”

“Personally, this makes me incredibly proud to work

for this organisation as I see, day-in, day-out, the

positive role we play in our members’ lives, often,

at their most anxious and stressful times.”

As healthcare continues to evolve, MDDUS remains

a trusted partner for healthcare professionals and

business leaders navigating an increasingly complex

landscape. With a strong heritage, forward-thinking

leadership and an unwavering commitment to its

members, the organisation is well positioned to

continue delivering high-quality medico and dentolegal

support, professional protection and healthcare

excellence across the UK.


+44 (0)333 043 0000

info@mddus.com

www.mddus.com

HCM IS SPONSORED BY – SEE THEM ON PAGE 7 5

AI & TECHNOLOGY Matters

Your next family is already searching.

Are you where they can find you?

H

ere is an uncomfortable

truth about how families

find care homes or a

home care provider online –

most of them give up.

Research consistently shows

that families visit multiple sites

before making a decision,

often returning to a search

three, four, or even five times

across days or weeks. Each

time they log off without

acting, they cool. And every

time they cool, the homes

they were considering lose

ground. The current model of

care search doesn’t just fail

families. It fails providers.

That is the problem Caretopia World was built to

solve. And for care home and home care owners,

what’s on offer here is something the sector has

never had before – a platform that actively works

to keep your enquiries alive.

A shortlist of eight, not eighty!

When a family searches on a traditional care

directory, they are handed a list. It might run to

dozens of homes, differentiated by little more than

a postcode and a star rating. Your home is in there

somewhere. So is everyone else’s. The family scrolls,

loses focus, and closes the tab.

Caretopia works differently. At the heart of the site

is Fliss, an AI agent who guides families through

a structured conversation before they see a single

provider. Fliss asks about care needs, location,

funding situation, and what matters most to the

family. Only then does it build a shortlist, and that

shortlist initially contains between 5-8 providers.

Eight. Not eighty.

If your home is on Caretopia, you are not buried in

a directory. You are presented to a family who has

already been qualified as a realistic match for what

you offer. The difference in enquiry quality is not

marginal. It is fundamental.

The shortlist doesn’t disappear when

they close the laptop

Here is where Caretopia solves a problem every

care home manager will recognise. A family starts

researching during a lunch break, or late at night

after the kids are in bed. They find homes they like.

Then life intervenes, the laptop closes, and those

homes are gone from their mind within 48 hours.

Nathan Davies-Pugh, Founder,

Caretopia World

Caretopia’s

comparison tool lets

families select up to

three providers from

their shortlist and

view them side by

side. They can then

share that comparison

directly with other

decision-makers,

whether that’s a sibling in a

different city, a partner who

couldn’t be involved that

evening, or a care advisor.

That shared shortlist keeps

your home in the conversation.

It does not rely on the family

remembering your name,

finding your website again,

or describing you accurately to someone else.

You are there, in their inbox, ready to be revisited

the moment a decision is being made.

This is not a minor feature. It is a direct response

to the pattern that costs providers enquiries every

single day.

Warm leads, not cold calls

The families who reach you through Caretopia have

already done the thinking. Fliss has helped them

understand their funding options, get to grips with their

loved one’s needs, and arrive at a realistic view of what

they are looking for. By the time they make contact

with your home, they are not starting from scratch.

For managers and admissions staff, this matters

enormously. Time spent fielding calls from families

who are nowhere near a decision, or whose needs

don’t match what your home provides, is time you

do not have. Caretopia’s model means the enquiries

you receive are better informed, more motivated,

and more likely to convert.

“Most families are doing this for the first time,”

says founder Nathan Davies-Pugh. “Fliss helps

them arrive at a realistic set of considerations, and

then matches them with homes and agencies that

genuinely fit. That means providers get enquiries

that are a real match, not a lucky guess.”

A trusted source families come back to

One of the less visible benefits for registered

providers is what happens between a family’s first

visit and their final decision. Because Caretopia is

designed as an ongoing resource, with condition

guides, funding information, and a supportive AI

they can return to, families come back to the site.

And when they do, they see the same shortlist.

They see your home again.

Platforms that are used once and forgotten offer

providers a single moment of visibility. Caretopia is

built to be the place families return to as their situation

develops, which means your profile keeps working

even when the family isn’t actively searching.

Getting on is simple. The commitment is minimal.

Providers can build a profile using Caretopia’s page

builder in under ten minutes. Fees, specialisms, photos,

features, the character of your home and carers,

everything a family actually wants to know, presented in

a format that feeds directly into Fliss’s matching process.

The first month is free. A discount code PRIME25

for year one means unlimited job ad placements are

included at no extra cost. There is no contract and no

minimum term, and providers can leave at any time.

The pricing has been kept deliberately accessible

because, as Davies-Pugh puts it, “We are acutely

aware of the pressure the care sector is under. We

want to make this as easy as possible to say yes to.”

The harder question is why you would say no.

The families are already searching.

The question is whether they find you.

Care search is moving in one direction. Families

increasingly expect the kind of guided, intelligent

experience that AI can provide. The directories that

offer a postcode search and little else are not going

to improve. They are a legacy model in an industry

that cannot afford legacy thinking.

Caretopia is where that shift is happening first. A

platform that qualifies families before they reach you,

keeps your home visible through the decision-making

process, and converts browsing into genuine enquiries.

Your potential residents are already on-sites like this,

looking for homes like yours. The only question is

whether you are on there with them.

Register at:

www.caretopiaworld.co.uk


LAUNDRY & CLEANING Company of the Year

How Bryant Plastics keeps

healthcare moving

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

as our Laundry & Cleaning Company of the Year

responsibility can go hand in hand with

manufacturing excellence. In recognition of its

ongoing efforts, the Yorkshire-based company was

recently awarded a Silver Medal by EcoVadis, one

of the world’s most respected providers of business

sustainability ratings.

F

or more than five decades, Bryant Plastics

has been quietly helping some of the UK’s

busiest industries keep moving. Based in

Keighley, West Yorkshire, the family-founded

manufacturer has built a reputation for producing

robust, practical materials-handling equipment

that is designed to withstand the demands of

everyday use. What began with a focus on the

textile sector has evolved into a business serving

a wide range of industries, including healthcare,

laundry services, warehousing, manufacturing,

distribution and recycling.

While Bryant Plastics may not be a household name,

many people will have encountered its products

without realising it. The company manufactures

everything from roll cages and laundry trolleys to

self-levelling containers, plastic trucks, bins and

specialist handling equipment. In healthcare settings

in particular, its products play an important behindthe-scenes

role, helping staff move linen, supplies

and materials safely and efficiently throughout

hospitals and healthcare facilities.

One of the reasons Bryant Plastics has remained

successful for so long is its commitment to solving

real-world problems. Rather than producing

one-size-fits-all solutions, the company works

closely with customers to understand the practical

challenges they face. Its in-house design and

manufacturing capabilities allow it to create bespoke

products tailored to specific environments, whether

that means a busy NHS laundry department,

a manufacturing plant or a distribution centre.

Durability is another hallmark of the Bryant Plastics

approach. The company’s products are designed

to last, reducing the need for frequent replacement

and helping organisations achieve better long-term

value. This focus on longevity goes hand in hand

with a growing commitment to sustainability. Bryant

Plastics recycles its own waste materials and has

been recognised with a Silver EcoVadis sustainability

rating, placing it among the stronger performers

assessed for environmental and social responsibility.

At its heart, Bryant Plastics remains a proudly

Yorkshire manufacturer with deep roots in British

industry. Combining decades of experience with a

practical, customer-focused mindset, the company

continues to develop products that make every day

handling tasks safer, easier and more efficient.

However, like every successful business, Bryant

Plastics has faced its challenges. We caught up

with Jackie Smith, Performance Manager, who

explained how the last 12 months have been for the

company, “The last 12 months have been trying for

everyone due to the war in the Middle East. We have

weathered that storm really well and I think it has

made us stronger as a company. Our sales

have been good, we can’t complain.”

Sustainability has become a key consideration

for organisations across every sector, and Bryant

Plastics has demonstrated that environmental

The EcoVadis assessment measures businesses

against a wide range of Environmental, Social and

Governance (ESG) criteria, examining everything

from environmental impact and ethical business

practices to labour standards and sustainable

procurement. Achieving a Silver Medal places

Bryant Plastics among the top 15% of all companies

assessed worldwide, a significant achievement that

reflects the company’s commitment to responsible

and sustainable operations.

For Bryant Plastics, sustainability is not a recent

initiative but an integral part of how the business

operates. As a manufacturer of materials-handling

equipment used in healthcare, laundry, warehousing

and industrial environments, the company has long

recognised the importance of reducing waste and

making the most of valuable resources. Alongside

producing durable products designed for long

service lives, Bryant Plastics actively recycles its

own surplus and scrap plastic, ensuring materials

are reprocessed and returned to use rather than

sent to landfill.

The EcoVadis award also highlights the

company’s broader approach to responsible

business. The assessment recognised Bryant

Plastics’ performance across key areas including

environmental management, labour and human

rights, ethics and sustainable procurement.

These are increasingly important factors for

organisations looking to build resilient and

transparent supply chains.

8


Bryant Plastics is committed not only to delivering

reliable products, but also to operating in a way

that supports a more sustainable future. The Silver

Medal represents both a milestone and a motivation,

reinforcing the company’s determination to continue

improving its environmental and social performance

in the years ahead.

“Two of its most popular products are their laundry

cages and trucks.” Jackie shared, “Our products

reflect a personal touch – they’ve been developed

over the years with our customers and for them.

The plastic cages we produce today are a world

away from those we made 20 years ago – though

some of the originals are still in service, which

speaks to their durability.”

“We’re proud to be the UK’s leading manufacturer

of plastic laundry cages and trucks. Every product

is manufactured right here in Yorkshire, giving us

complete control over quality and delivery times. Just

recently, a customer asked how long it would take

to receive their trucks. We told them: usually around

three days after production. They were surprised –

they’d assumed the products came from China, and

were thrilled to learn they’re made locally in the UK.”

“Our customers are always delighted when they hear

that there is no change to orders as we manufacture

our products right here in the UK, and not bought in

from abroad.”

When it comes to the movement of clean and soiled

linen, the right equipment can make a significant

difference to both efficiency and hygiene. Bryant

Plastics has become one of the UK’s leading

manufacturers of laundry and linen cages, supplying

healthcare providers, commercial laundries and

hospitality organisations with durable solutions

designed for the demands of everyday use.

Unlike traditional metal alternatives, Bryant’s plastic

laundry cages are designed with hygiene, longevity

and ease of use in mind. Manufactured using robust

rotational moulding techniques, the cages are rustfree,

snag-free and easy to clean, helping to protect

valuable linen while reducing the risk of damage

during transport. Their enclosed design also offers

greater protection from the elements when goods

are moved outdoors.

A particular advantage for healthcare environments

is the flexibility of the range. Bryant offers a

variety of sizes, colours and

configurations, including

ventilated cages, covered

units, garment transport

trolleys and specialist linen

distribution trolleys widely

used throughout NHS facilities.

Many models can also be

fitted with towing systems for

moving larger volumes of linen

efficiently across hospital sites.

Bryant Plastics’ range of

plastic trucks has become equally important

across healthcare, manufacturing and warehouse

environments. Designed to simplify the movement

of goods and materials, these robust units provide

a practical solution for organisations looking to

improve efficiency while reducing the physical

demands placed on staff. Bryant manufactures

more than 100 different types of trucks, trolleys,

bins and carts, offering a wide variety of sizes,

shapes and configurations to suit different

operational requirements.

Manufactured using rotational moulding techniques,

the trucks are built for strength and durability while

remaining easy to manoeuvre. Options include

straight-sided, tapered and dip-fronted designs, with

tapered models offering the added benefit of nesting

together when empty to save valuable storage space.

The units are available in a range of colours, helping

organisations implement colour-coded systems for

sorting, storage and workflow management.

A standout feature of the range is the availability of

Bryant’s self-levelling technology. By incorporating

a spring-loaded platform into selected trucks

and trolleys, the company helps keep contents

at a comfortable working height during loading

and unloading. This reduces bending, lifting and

reaching, helping to minimise the risk of workplace

injuries while improving ergonomics. By keeping

contents at a comfortable working height, the

system can also improve productivity and reduce

physical strain on staff.

The combination of durability, hygiene, flexibility

and ergonomic design makes Bryant Plastics' trucks

and trolleys a valuable part of day-to-day operations,

enabling the safe and efficient movement of

everything from linen and supplies to equipment

and waste materials.

“Our cages offer protection to

the laundry that metal cages

cannot, weather protection, no

snagging, etc,” added Jackie.

As the business looks to the

future, Bryant Plastics remains

focused on the values that

have underpinned its success

for more than 50 years:

quality, innovation and strong

customer relationships. While

manufacturing continues to

evolve, the company's priorities remain refreshingly

straightforward.

“We want to continue to have great relationships

with our customers and to produce the best plastic

moving and handling solutions on the market,”

explained Jackie.

That customer-first approach has been a recurring

theme throughout Bryant Plastics' journey. From

developing products alongside users to manufacturing

everything in-house in Yorkshire, the company has

built its reputation on listening to customers and

responding to their needs. It is a philosophy that has

enabled Bryant Plastics to remain competitive while

maintaining the personal service often associated

with family-run British manufacturers.

Looking further ahead, the business is expected

to continue investing in product development,

sustainability initiatives and manufacturing

excellence, ensuring its solutions remain fit for the

changing demands of healthcare, logistics and

industry. With organisations increasingly seeking

durable, environmentally responsible products

that offer long-term value, Bryant Plastics is well

positioned to support those ambitions.

The company’s recent recognition has provided

further encouragement. When asked how it felt

to be selected for this award, Jackie was clear

about what the achievement means to the team.

“We are delighted to receive the award. It’s great

when someone else sees that your products are

fabulous and that we are a great British company.”

For Bryant Plastics, the award is not simply

recognition of past achievements, but a reflection

of the dedication, expertise and customer focus that

continue to drive the business forward. As it enters

its next chapter, the company remains committed

to delivering innovative handling solutions while

proudly championing British manufacturing. With

sustainability, quality and customer service at the

heart of its operations, Bryant Plastics looks well

placed to continue supporting the healthcare

sector and beyond for many years to come.


01535 357480

sales@bryantplastics.co.uk

https://bryantplastics.co.uk


Intertronics launches

biodegradable 70/30

IPA cleaning wipes

ntertronics has

introduced Endurawipe

IBiodegradable 70/30

IPA Wipes, a plant based

alternative to synthetic

cleaning wipes made from

100% eucalyptus-derived

viscose that breaks down

within 12 weeks.

Endurawipes are plastic-free,

biodegradable IPA wipes designed

for healthcare environments where

consistency and cleanliness matter.

They can be used for wiping down noninvasive

medical equipment and cleaning

countertops and preparation surfaces in

clinical areas, labs, or cleanrooms.

The pioneering standing pouch

which includes 200 Endurawipes is

resealable, portable, lightweight and

fully recyclable. It uses 60-80% less

plastic than traditional tubs or buckets,

and dispenses through a resealable

cap to prevent wipes from drying out.

“Renewability was a key focus for

this product,” said Ben Swanson,

Joint Managing Director

at Intertronics. “So our

Endurawipes are made

from viscose derived from

fast-growing eucalyptus

wood.”

Get ahead of regulations

The UK government has

confirmed a ban on the supply and

sale of plastic-containing wet wipes

for consumers in an effort to reduce

plastic pollution.

For now, professional supply routes

for pre-saturated wipes remain exempt,

but the legislation reflects a broader

shift in how single-use disposable

products are being viewed.

Endurawipes are made in the UK

and available from stock for nextday

delivery.

For more information, contact

Matt Basely, Head of Sales:

+44 (0)1865 419447

www.intertronics.co.uk

reen Edge 360, the UK-based

Gmaker of plant-powered, ultrathin

laundry detergent sheets, today

announces its expansion to Tesco

Marketplace, making its eco-friendly

laundry solutions available to millions

of Tesco shoppers across the UK

for the first time.

The partnership arrives as 72%

of European consumers actively

consider sustainability when

making purchasing decisions in the

detergent market, and the plasticfree

detergent market is projected to

reach £21.32 billion by 2033, growing

at 7.0% annually from 2026. Green

Edge 360’s biodegradable, plasticfree

laundry sheets are positioned to

meet this surging demand through

one of Britain’s most trusted online

retail platforms.

Tesco Marketplace customers can

now purchase Green Edge 360’s

mess-free detergent sheets, which

dissolve instantly in any wash

cycle and use advanced enzyme

technology to lift dirt and odours

CLEANING & HYGIENE Matters

Green Edge laundry sheets

now available online on

Tesco Marketplace

without harsh chemicals. The

ultra-thin sheets eliminate the need

for measuring, pouring, or dealing

with bulky plastic bottles, offering a

convenient solution for busy families

and eco-conscious households alike.

The expansion to Tesco Marketplace

significantly increases accessibility

for existing Green Edge 360

customers and introduces the brand

to new shoppers who prioritise plantbased

formulas and environmental

responsibility.

Please visit:

https://greenedge360.com

EXTERNAL WORKS Matters

DISCOVER BEAUTIFULLY

MADE RECYCLED PLASTIC

FURNITURE

TDP’s recycled plastic furniture is trusted by care

homes that want reliability without the upkeep. Made

in the UK and guaranteed for 20 years, it won’t rot,

split or splinter and needs no annual treatments.

Smooth surfaces, rounded edges and sturdy

weight provide everyday safety for residents,

while the maintenance-free finish saves staff

valuable time.

Designed for durability.

Made for care environments

For more information, please call:

01629 820011, email: info@tdp.co.uk

or visit: www.tdp.co.uk

WE DESIGN, MANUFACTURE AND SELL

Care home furniture

made to last


HEALTHCARE MATTERS Commitment to Excellence

Driving excellence

in digital care

Digital Care Hub’s recognition by Healthcare Matters

reflects a wider shift in how digital transformation is

understood across health and social care. The article

explores why adult social care must be central to NHS

digital plans, and how providers can use technology,

data and AI safely, confidently and with humanity

eing named a Healthcare Matters

Commitment to Excellence organisation

Bis about more than Digital Care Hub.

It reflects how quickly adult social care is

changing, and how important digital confidence

has become for providers, staff and the people

who draw on care.

For a social care organisation to be recognised in a

healthcare trade publication is significant. It shows

growing recognition that NHS and wider healthcare

transformation cannot happen in isolation. If care is

to feel joined up for people, adult social care must

be part of the same digital conversation.

In many care homes, staff now update digital care

records on handheld devices rather than paper

folders. Home care workers use secure apps

for rotas, medication information and reporting

concerns between visits. Some people who draw

on care use smart devices, reminders and sensors

to stay independent for longer.

At the same time, expectations around cyber

security, interoperability and safe information

sharing are growing as health and social care

move towards more integrated models of care.

For Digital Care Hub, excellence is not about

adopting every new technology that appears. It

is about helping providers use technology safely,

confidently and in ways that genuinely improve

people’s lives.

Trust is the foundation

As health and social care become more connected,

trust matters more than ever.

The ambitions behind neighbourhood health

services and the proposed Single Patient Record

are clear: more joined-up care, better co-ordination

and earlier support. But those ambitions will only

work if social care is fully included.

Social care providers often hold the information

that gives the clearest picture of someone’s

day-to-day wellbeing. They may notice changes

in mobility, mood, routines or risks at home long

before someone reaches hospital.

That insight can support earlier action, safer

discharge and fewer avoidable admissions.

However, safe information sharing depends on

more than technology. Organisations also need

confidence in data protection, cyber security

and information governance.

Michelle Corrigan, Chief Executive of Digital

Care Hub, says, “Digital transformation is not

about replacing people with systems. It is about

giving care providers the confidence, evidence

and support they need to use technology safely,

protect people’s information and keep human

relationships at the centre of care.”

Cyber security is now a core part of care quality

and operational resilience. A serious cyber

incident can stop providers accessing records,

communicating with families, paying staff or

co-ordinating care safely.

The threats facing the sector are becoming

more targeted. Recent phishing attacks, for

example, targeted care providers using the UK

Visas and Immigration Sponsor Management

System, attempting to trick them into handing

over login details.

Incidents like this show why cyber resilience is

not just an IT issue. It affects how services run,

how information is protected and how safely

people are cared for.

Providers need practical incident plans,

staff awareness and clear processes that help

services keep operating safely when something

goes wrong.

The Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT)

plays an important role. As the official selfassessment

tool for health and social care, it helps

providers check their arrangements, identify gaps

and demonstrate good practice.

Its importance is growing. If social care is to

participate fully in shared records, neighbourhood

health planning and integrated care, providers

need confidence in secure information sharing.

Digital Care Hub’s Better Security, Better Care

programme has supported this work since 2021.

During that time, DSPT completion rates across

adult social care have risen from around 15%

of providers to more than three quarters across

England.

However, perhaps the biggest change has been

cultural. Data protection and cyber security are

increasingly being recognised as part of everyday

care quality rather than simply compliance

exercises.

Responsible AI must support human care

Alongside conversations about interoperability

and cyber security, AI is quickly becoming part of

everyday discussion across health and care.

Some providers are exploring AI-supported tools

for documentation, notes and care planning. Used

well, these tools could reduce administrative

12


pressure and give staff more time for direct

support.

However, AI also raises important questions about

accountability, transparency and professional

judgement.

At Digital Care Hub, our view is simple: AI should

support human care, not replace it.

Social care depends on empathy, observation and

trust. Technology can support professionals, but

it cannot replace the judgement and responsibility

that good care requires.

A care provider should never be able to say, ‘the

AI decided.’

That principle underpins our work with partners

including the Institute for Ethics in AI at the University

of Oxford, Reuben College and Casson Consulting,

exploring responsible AI in adult social care.

Co-production is essential too. People who draw

on care, families and frontline staff need to help

shape how technology is designed, introduced and

evaluated. Too often, systems fail because they are

built around processes rather than people’s real

experiences.

Supporting staff confidence is just as important.

Leaders cannot expect staff to manage digital

risks without clear guidance, practical policies

and training.

Recognising a lack of sector-specific training, Digital

Care Hub developed eLearning on data protection

and cyber security for care staff. More than 60,000

users accessed the eLearning over the past year.

The aim is simple: to help staff turn complex

technical or legal requirements into practical,

everyday decisions they can apply confidently in

care settings.

Innovation that improves lives

The best digital innovation is not abstract. It solves

real problems and improves people’s lives in

practical, visible ways.

At Borough Care, teams have used data

dashboards to spot patterns linked to falls and

intervene earlier in more personalised ways.

Dormy Care Communities saw falls reduce by

50% during an early trial of Sensio RoomMate

technology. The infrared sensors help staff identify

when residents may need support without using

cameras.

One family member described the impact simply,

“It gives me peace of mind knowing Dad is being

monitored safely without compromising his dignity.”

Technology is also helping support independence

in more personal ways.

Digital Care Hub recently highlighted the story of

Rosalie and Lilli, where sensor-based technology

supports a lady in her 90’s to continue to live at

home. Using the Lilli app on his iPad, her son

checks in daily. He can see whether motion has

been detected in key areas such as the bathroom,

kitchen, kettle, or fridge. This pattern of movement

offers him reassurance that his mother is following

her usual routine - getting up, making breakfast, and

moving around the house safely. More importantly,

if something seems off, Ian can act quickly. Whether

that means calling his mum, popping over, or asking

another family member to check in, the system

enables a swift and informed response.

Used thoughtfully, these technologies can support

dignity and quality of life, as well as safety.

However, innovation only works when people

understand and trust it.

People need to know what information is being

collected, how it is used and what choices they

have. Consent cannot be a one-off conversation.

The same principle applies to AI-supported care

documentation.

At LDC Care, technology is being used in a very

human way. Rather than replacing relationships, it

is helping to deepen them by making sure people’s

voices are heard more clearly in their care.

LDC Care introduced a feature within Care Vision

that allows people to add their own notes securely.

Access is controlled to protect privacy, but the

result is a shared record that includes both staff

observations and the person’s own words.

Adam – a young man involved in the pilot – began

writing his own daily notes. He said, “I find it hard to

say things – but I can write it down and share it.”

AI then reads daily notes, including those written

by the person, and generates a draft support plan.

Importantly, it does not create full care plans. Sensitive

or complex areas remain the responsibility of staff

and are explored through direct conversations.

These examples show that digital innovation is not only

about efficiency. At its best, it can support prevention,

relationships and better experiences of care.

Looking ahead

Health and social care are entering a period of

significant digital change.

Shared records, neighbourhood health models,

AI and interoperability are likely to become more

important. But successful transformation will

depend on more than new technology alone.

It will depend on trust, staff confidence, good

governance, cyber resilience and meaningful

inclusion of social care in wider digital planning.

Digital Care Hub’s role is to bridge that gap: translating

policy into practical support, helping providers build

confidence and keeping the realities of social care

visible within wider health and care transformation.

Excellence in digital care is not a badge or a single

achievement. It is an ongoing responsibility.

It means using technology to strengthen care,

protect information, support the workforce and

improve outcomes, while keeping humanity at the

centre of every decision.


0808 196 4848

hello@digitalcarehub.co.uk

www.digitalcarehub.co.uk


INFECTION CONTROL News

The hidden dangers in hospital water systems

Written by Roy Sullivan, Senior Consultant, Water Hygiene Centre

ue to their complex design and often

Dconsiderable size, hospital water

systems can harbour a multitude of

pathogens and micro-organisms. Amongst

the most common in healthcare water

systems are gram-negative bacteria such

as Legionella, with other lesser known

organisms such as Mycobacteria, Fungi

and mould also potentially being present,

if less abundant.

Water Safety Groups [WSG] need to

be aware of the multiple water hygiene

threats that could potentially colonise

wireless headset

A system already

in widespread use

across NHS operating

theatres is now being

deployed within

high-risk infectious

and isolation units

as hospitals seek

to ‘improve team

co-ordination’

in environments where full PPE

‘significantly restricts communication.’

Originally adopted in operating

theatres, catheter laboratories,

electrophysiology (EP) labs, technology

from UK-based manufacturer Quail

Digital assists with hands-free,

real-time communication between

multidisciplinary teams working across

physically separated clinical areas.

The Pro11 headset system is

already in use at multiple NHS Trusts

including Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS

Foundation Trust, University Hospitals

of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation

Trust and University Hospitals Sussex

NHS Foundation Trust and is now

being introduced into specialist

infectious disease environments,

eople are becoming increasingly aware of

Pthe importance of health and wellness, with

66% of consumers actively trying to improve

their health, even if they are already satisfied

with it (FMCG Guru). This has led to a growing

number of people – around 48% of global

consumers – actively making health and wellness

choices, driving the growth in the over-thecounter

home diagnostics market. This growth,

fuelled by consumers’ focus on their health, has

made bespoke pharmaceutical packaging more

important than ever.

Packaging plays a pivotal role in the medical

and pharmaceutical sector – a role that extends

far beyond simply holding goods as they move

through the supply chain. Transit protective

packaging creates a barrier to ensure the safety,

security, and sterility of products, therefore always

their water systems and result in

dangerous bacterial outbreaks amongst

vulnerable patient or user populations.

Where there is a foreseeable risk from any

waterborne pathogens, then a suitable

action plan including appropriate control

measures must be put into place via the

Water Safety Plan [WSP] and the WSG.

HTM04-01 provides a limited overview

of possible potential waterborne

pathogens, though whether this is

adequate could be debated as the focus

NHS Hospitals expand use

of clinical headset system

into infectious disease units

where isolation

protocols and

protective

clothing make

traditional verbal

communication

difficult.

Healthcare teams

working in these

settings often rely

on raised voices, repetition or physical

runners between rooms – approaches

that can slow workflows and increase

stress during already demanding

procedures.

Dr David Sweetnam, senior

orthopaedic surgeon from Fortius

Clinic in Marylebone, London, a

private specialist orthopaedic and

spine hospital in London, says that

the increased but necessary use of

PPE to reduce infection had created

communication ‘very difficult’ with

operating teams and the headset

technology had improved the

situation ‘dramatically.’

Please visit:

www.quaildigital.com

keeping them compliant

with regulations and safe

from external factors.

In this blog, we explore

four key ways that

Hexacomb packaging

minimises risk and keeps

these vital medical products

safe throughout the

supply chain.

remains primarily on Legionella and

Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Legionella in hospitals

Legionella remains the most well-known

bacteria present in healthcare water

systems due to media attention and

ongoing management practices over

many years. There are now 70 species

identified.

Please visit:

www.waterhygienecentre.com

ÜDPACK Medica has introduced

Sa new service called MedHub.

Effective immediately, customers

can conveniently order high-quality,

pre-made pouches in standard sizes

and defined batch quantities – by

phone, email, or online. Manufactured

in ISO-certified cleanrooms, the

MedHub packaging solutions are

always in stock and, of course, fulfill

the stringent quality requirements of

the healthcare industry.

With a strong customer focus and

reliable delivery – whether on the

requested date or just in time –

MedHub is the go-to solution for

medical facilities and suppliers

needing standard pouches quickly

and with minimal effort for efficient

secure product packaging. At its

What is Hexacomb

packaging?

Hexacomb packaging (also

known as Honeycomb packaging) has a unique

paper honeycomb structure, which provides

strength and durability while being lightweight

and eco-friendly. This reduced weight can

SÜDPACK Medica

launches new service for

the healthcare industry

newly extended facility operated in

ISO 7 in Coulmer, France, SÜDPACK

Medica has streamlined its operations

to enable prompt order handling and

fast shipment of stocked products.

The pre-made pouches can be used at

various stages of the pharmaceutical

value chain – for example, to package

products such as stoppers, filters, or

connectors. They are also frequently

used as simple transfer packaging for

items such as glass vials, ampoules,

or syringes, which are essential for

administering liquid parenterals like

infusions – and must therefore remain

completely sterile prior to filling.

The pouches, manufactured under

cleanroom conditions, are permanently

in stock and can be ordered online at

any time. To ensure maximum quality,

safety, and regulatory compliance,

SÜDPACK Medica provides all relevant

certifications. More information about

MedHub is available at SÜDPACK:

MedHub.

Please visit:

www.suedpack-medica.com

4 ways Hexacomb minimises risk in medical packaging

contribute to a business’ cost

efficiency by reducing the cost

of shipping and transportation.

Honeycomb packaging, which

is 100% recyclable and made

from renewable resources,

can be customised, making

it the perfect size for specific

product sizes, dimensions, and

shapes. This and its cushioning

and shock absorption qualities

provides excellent product

protection, ensuring even the

most delicate medical products

remain safe during transit.

Please visit:

www.smurfitwestrock.com

14


RECYCLING & WASTE MANAGEMENT Matters

Waste management specialist

appointed to help care homes

save thousands of pounds a year

Anenta, the leading

independent healthcare

waste management

specialist, has appointed waste

expert Jonathan Sandford as

Business Development Manager

dedicated to the care home sector.

Brought on board to boost Anenta’s

growing care home client base,

Jonathan brings more than 35 years

of waste industry experience – from

running his own document shredding

business to leading nationwide sales

teams at a plc level. His appointment

comes as Anenta accelerates its

mission to help care homes eliminate

unnecessary costs that can run into

thousands of pounds a year.

In his new role, Jonathan will

oversee the management of Anenta’s

existing waste contracts, ensuring

that care home waste logistics,

service delivery, and waste disposal

performance levels are industry

leading. He will also be responsible

for delivering bespoke, affordable

and professional end-to-end waste

management solutions to the care

and nursing home sector.

Commenting on his new role, Jonathan

said, “Our research shows that

individual care homes are wasting up

to £8,000 a year through poor waste

management process and procurement.

Across multiple sites, that adds up

fast – and it’s largely avoidable.”

“My role is to help care homes put a

stop to that by changing poor waste

disposal habits and practices, so that

we can deliver a better service that

saves them time and money.”

“I’ll be working with care homes to

identify overbilling, reform waste

disposal habits, deliver better staff

training, and provide guidance on

conducting complex pre-acceptance

audits – all designed to take the

administrative burden off care home

teams so they can focus on what

matters: resident care.”

Using Anenta’s real-time smart

technology, care homes, their waste

collection providers, and other

stakeholders are brought together

onto a single, unified management

platform that provides full

transparency. This allows efficiencies

to be identified, implemented and

measured, delivering significant

and meaningful cost savings

year after year.

Commenting

on Jonathan’s

appointment,

Graham Flynn,

Managing Director

of Anenta, said,

“Jonathan has the

perfect combination

of sector knowledge,

commercial

expertise, and

an unwavering

commitment to

delivering added

value to our

customers.”

“Alongside his

expertise in waste

management,

Jonathan is perfectly

placed to help care

homes streamline

their processes

saving time, hassle

and money.”

As part of its service,

Anenta offers

care homes a free

healthcare waste audit designed to

identify areas for improvement that

could save care home groups many

thousands of pounds a year. These can

be booked by calling 0330 122 2143.

Anenta supports customers

across more than 20,000 locations

nationwide, including individual

care homes and large care home

groups. Over the past five years, the

company has saved its clients more

than £13 million through smarter,

more efficient waste management.

For more information

about Anenta, please visit:

www.anentawaste.com or

call: 0330 122 2143.

16


ELECTRIC VEHICLES Matters

Bradshaw EV

announces

exclusive

partnership

with Glutton

Bradshaw Electric Vehicles, one of

the country’s leading providers of

waste management vehicles, has

announced that it has been named as

the sole distributor in the UK for street

cleaning equipment specialist, Glutton.

Glutton, headquartered in Belgium, has

over 25 years of experience developing

innovative, eco-friendly street-cleaning

solutions, with machines operating in

more than 8,000 towns and cities across

85 countries.

The partnership comes at a time where

the company is looking to establish

its presence further in the UK, with

Glutton looking to leverage Bradshaw’s

established reputation as a trusted

distributor of specialist electric vehicles

across the country.

Bradshaw, which manufactures electric

tow tractors and industrial equipment, are

also distributors of Taylor Dunn, Goupil,

and Club Car products.

Glutton specialises in creating efficient,

eco-friendly street cleaning solutions

designed to maintain cleanliness in

public spaces. Their product range

includes the Glutton Collect street

vacuum cleaner, which is engineered

for efficient litter collection in urban

environments, and the Glutton H 2

O

Perfect, which utilises a 60-litre

pressure washer as an effective

cleaning and disinfectant working

alongside the powerful vacuum.

The Glutton vacuums are expertly

designed for local authorities and

industries focused on cleanliness in public

spaces. Their eco-friendly design enables

efficient litter collection in urban areas,

including streets, parks, and transport

hubs, keeping locations safe and inviting.

With a focus on effectiveness and ease of

use, they can navigate tight spaces and

operate quietly, making them ideal for

busy environments. By swiftly managing

litter, they enhance the visual appeal of

public areas and promote public health

by reducing debris-related hazards.

Known for their powerful suction, long

battery life and ability to clean various

types of surfaces and collect a wide

range of debris, the Glutton models

are set to complement Bradshaw’s

increasingly popular waste-collection

vehicle range.

With growing demand from councils and

contractors for sustainable, zero-emission

solutions, the partnership is expected to

provide a significant boost to ensuring

cleaner and greener urban environments

across the UK.

Speaking on the newly formed

partnership, Ramsy Labassi, Marketing

Manager at Bradshaw Electric Vehicles,

said, “Bradshaw’s ethos has always

been to offer cost-effective and efficient

solutions that make everyday tasks

simpler and easier, and the Glutton fits

the bill perfectly. Waste management

operations are evolving as councils and

organisations from the private sector face

increasing pressure to deliver cleaner

environments while reducing emissions

and operational costs.”

“Glutton complements our waste and

street cleansing range of vehicles. It

caters to a direct need for customers,

both existing and new, who are seeking

a practical solution to keep either towns,

cities or industrial sites clean.”

“Adding Glutton to our line-up enables us

to deliver a complete end-to-end solution

for waste management and urban

maintenance, and as such, we’re proud

to have been appointed as their exclusive

UK distribution partner.”

Contact

+44 (0)1780 782621

https://www.bradshawev.com


HEALTHCARE ESTATES Matters

DALI-enabled emergency lighting from Luceco

Intelligent DALI emergency lighting solutions

by Luceco

s part of our commitment to smarter, safer

Abuildings, Luceco is proud to launch DALIcompatible

versions of our entire emergency

lighting range. Whether you’re specifying lighting for

a new build or upgrading an existing system, DALI

(Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) brings intelligent

control, streamlined compliance, and peace of mind.

Our Tempus DALI Emergency Lighting range

Our DALI emergency luminaires combine intelligent

functionality with high-performance design,

ensuring reliability where it matters most. Whether

you’re installing a new lighting scheme or futureproofing

an existing one, Luceco’s DALI emergency

solutions deliver both compliance and convenience.

: Black option as standard

: Can be used as self-test products when not

connected to a DALI network

: Wide range of mounting and optic options to

suit various applications

: LiFePO4 battery technology

: Legend kits are supplied as standard to suit

all installations

: 6-year warranty

What is DALI lighting?

DALI stands for Digital Addressable Lighting

Interface – an open, international standard for

two-way communication between lighting control

devices. With DALI, emergency lighting systems can

be individually addressed, automatically tested, and

centrally monitored via a simple two-wire network.

Think of it as giving every emergency fitting its

own voice and address, so it can ‘talk’ to a central

control system. This communication allows facility

managers and engineers to stay informed and in

control of every emergency light in the building,

at all times.

Why does it matter?

Emergency lighting plays a critical role in occupant

safety during power outages or emergencies.

Ensuring those lights function correctly – especially

in large or complex buildings – is both a legal

obligation and a life-saving requirement.

DALI emergency drivers make this process easier,

smarter, and far more efficient. Instead of relying on

manual testing, DALI systems automatically carry

out and log regular function and duration tests. The

results are then reported to a central monitoring system,

enabling fast detection and response to faults.

Advantages of DALI lighting

: Automated testing and monitoring:

Scheduled tests without disruption.

: Instant fault detection: Immediate alerts if

fittings fail or underperform.

: Reduced maintenance time and cost:

Streamlined reporting and fewer site visits.

: Full compliance with safety regulations:

Including BS 5266 and EN 50172.

: Scalable and flexible: Ideal for buildings of all

sizes, including offices and hospitals.

: Energy-efficient control: Integrates with lighting

control systems to optimise usage.

Why choose Luceco for DALI Emergency Lighting?

With decades of experience in lighting and emergency

systems, Luceco is a trusted name with a proven

track record. Our commitment to innovation, quality,

and compliance makes us ideal for both specifiers

and installers. All our DALI products are backed by

comprehensive warranties and technical support.

Whether you’re rolling out emergency lighting

across one building or managing a multi-site estate,

our DALI emergency lighting range is engineered to

meet your safety, maintenance, and cost-efficiency

objectives.

To view our Tempus DALI Emergency Lighting

range, please click here.

To view our full emergency lighting ranges,

please click here.

Please contact:

+44 (0)1952 238100

uk_sales@luceco.com

www.luceco.com/uk

18



Trojan Lighting Solutions:

A support system for healthcare

emphasis on maintaining critical services during

power failures, especially within high-risk clinical

areas where lighting continuity is essential.

F

or hospital estates and facilities teams,

lighting is no longer simply a building service.

It has become an important part of the

wider care environment, influencing everything

from patient comfort and staff wellbeing to

compliance, maintenance and operational

efficiency.

Hospitals operate around the clock, placing

unique demands on building infrastructure. In this

environment, lighting must do more than provide

visibility. It must support clinical activities, create

appropriate environments for recovery, and remain

resilient during power interruptions and emergency

situations.

Guidance, including CIBSE LG2: Lighting for

Healthcare Premises, HTM 06-01 and the updated

BS 5266-1:2025, reflects this broader role. Together,

these documents recognise that lighting has a direct

impact on both the people receiving care and those

delivering it.

Supporting staff and patients

Healthcare environments are used continuously,

often by staff working long shifts under artificial

lighting. Research increasingly highlights the

importance of considering the non-visual effects of

light, including its influence on circadian rhythms,

alertness and fatigue.

For facilities managers, this means lighting strategies

should be designed around the needs of occupants,

not simply lux levels. Tunable white lighting and

intelligent control systems are becoming increasingly

common within healthcare settings, allowing colour

temperature and light levels to change throughout

the day to better reflect natural daylight patterns.

Patients also experience lighting differently.

Older patients may require significantly higher light

levels to achieve the same visual clarity as younger

occupants, while poorly controlled glare can

cause discomfort and stress, particularly for

those spending extended periods in bed.

Thoughtful luminaire selection, positioning and

control strategies can therefore play a meaningful

role in improving the patient experience.

Balancing performance and comfort

Hospital environments demand high-quality

illumination as healthcare professionals rely on

accurate colour rendering and consistent lighting to

support examinations, observations and treatment

procedures.

At the same time, hospitals must cater for a wide range

of activities throughout a 24-hour period. A ward may

require bright illumination for clinical assessments

during the day but much lower levels overnight to

support rest and recovery. Modern lighting controls

allow facilities teams to manage these competing

requirements through zoning, scene setting and

dimming strategies. Different lighting scenes can be

used for routine care, cleaning, examinations and

night-time observation, helping staff carry out tasks

effectively while reducing disruption for patients.

Resilience, compliance and efficiency

Alongside comfort and usability, healthcare lighting

must remain resilient. HTM 06-01 places particular

The introduction of BS 5266-1:2025 also places

greater focus on the ongoing verification of

emergency lighting performance. For estates

teams already managing extensive compliance

responsibilities, traditional manual testing methods

can be time-consuming and resource intensive. As a

result, many healthcare organisations are turning to

intelligent emergency lighting systems that automate

testing, fault reporting and record keeping. Wireless

monitoring platforms provide real-time visibility of

system performance while creating a clear audit trail

for compliance purposes. This reduces administrative

burden and allows maintenance teams to focus

resources where they are most needed.

Lighting as infrastructure

Healthcare estates are increasingly adopting smart

building technologies to improve efficiency and

operational insight. Lighting systems are now playing

an important role within this wider digital infrastructure.

Modern intelligent lighting networks can provide

occupancy data, automate emergency testing,

support energy reduction programmes and integrate

with wider building management strategies. Rather

than operating as a stand-alone service, lighting

becomes a connected asset that contributes to the

overall performance of the estate.

These principles are already being applied across

hospital lighting projects, including upgrades we

have delivered at Guy’s & St Thomas,’ Lewisham

Hospital and Peterborough City Hospital. In each

case, lighting improvements have combined efficient

LED technology, integrated emergency systems and

intelligent controls within live clinical environments,

helping improve performance while maintaining

continuity of care.

Please contact:

+44 (0)1744 368289

sales@trojan-lighting.co.uk

www.trojan-lighting.co.uk



Designing healthcare spaces

that protect, guide and support

finishes that complement interior design schemes

while maintaining essential contrast requirements.

In addition to providing physical support, handrails

can assist with wayfinding by helping users follow

clear routes through corridors and circulation

areas, creating environments that are inclusive

and easier to navigate.

H

ealthcare environments are among the

most demanding buildings to design,

maintain and operate. From busy

hospital corridors and outpatient departments

to GP surgeries, care homes and specialist

treatment centres, every aspect of the internal

environment must balance safety, accessibility,

durability and aesthetics.

As patient expectations evolve and healthcare

providers focus on creating more welcoming,

inclusive spaces, the role of wall and door

protection systems has become increasingly

important. No longer viewed simply as a means

of preventing damage, modern protection

solutions can support wayfinding, improve

accessibility, enhance infection control and

contribute to a positive patient experience.

For over 60 years, Yeoman Shield has been

helping healthcare organisations across the UK

create safer, more resilient environments.

Supporting navigation through effective wayfinding

Navigating a healthcare facility can be stressful

for patients, visitors and staff. Large, complex

buildings often present challenges for individuals

who may already be feeling anxious or vulnerable.

Effective wayfinding strategies help reduce

confusion, improve accessibility and create

a more positive experience.

Wall protection systems now offer far more

than simple impact resistance. Through the

use of contrasting colours, integrated graphics,

department-specific themes and clear visual cues,

healthcare providers can create intuitive routes

throughout a facility.

Colour-coded corridors, feature wall protection

panels and graphic installations can help identify

departments, wards and key destinations,

supporting navigation while creating a calmer

and more welcoming environment.

Enhancing accessibility with handrail systems

Handrails remain one of the most important

elements within healthcare buildings, providing

vital support and guidance.

For individuals with reduced mobility, visual

impairments or age-related challenges, a welldesigned

handrail system can significantly

improve confidence and independence

when moving throughout a building.

Modern handrail systems combine functionality

with aesthetics, offering a range of colours and

Protecting healthcare interiors while

maintaining aesthetics

Healthcare facilities experience exceptionally high

levels of daily traffic. Beds, trolleys, wheelchairs,

medical equipment and service carts all contribute

to wear and tear on walls, corners and doors.

Without appropriate protection measures, these

impacts can quickly result in costly repairs and

disruption to services.

Today’s wall protection systems provide a

practical solution while also enhancing the visual

appearance, with imagery options also available,

products can be tailored to support interior

design schemes and create more welcoming

environments.

Whether incorporating calming nature-inspired

imagery, children’s themes, local landmarks or

corporate branding, decorative wall protection

systems allow healthcare providers to combine

durability with visual appeal.

A complete range of protection solutions

: Handrails

: Wall protection

: Corner protection

: Bed head protectors

: Full door protection systems

: Kick plates and push plates

: Graphics and image protection systems

Together, these products help reduce maintenance

costs, minimise damage and extend the life of

interior finishes, ensuring healthcare facilities remain

operational and visually appealing for longer.

Protecting one of the most important assets –

Fire doors

Fire doors play a critical role in protecting building

occupants and helping prevent the spread of fire

and smoke. However, they are also among the

most heavily used and vulnerable assets within

healthcare facilities.

Damage to fire doors can compromise performance

and create significant compliance concerns.

Alongside its fire rated protection product

range, Yeoman Shield provides specialist fire

door services, helping maintain the integrity

and compliance of their fire door assets.

Services include fire door inspections, maintenance,

repairs and upgrades/installations, ensuring doors

continue to perform as intended while meeting

regulatory requirements. By combining fire door

expertise with practical protection solutions,

healthcare providers can take a proactive

approach to building safety and compliance.

A complete turnkey solution

One of the key advantages of partnering with

Yeoman Shield is access to a complete turnkey

service.

From initial enquiry through to project completion

and aftercare, customers benefit from expert

advice, technical guidance and dedicated project

support. The experienced team works closely

with healthcare estates managers, architects,

contractors and facilities professionals to

identify the most appropriate solutions

for each environment.

Installation can be undertaken by Yeoman Shield’s

own team of trained installers, ensuring consistent

quality and professional project delivery. For

organisations preferring to manage installation

themselves, supply-only options are also

available nationwide.

This flexible approach enables projects of all

sizes to be delivered efficiently, whether as part

of a new-build healthcare facility, refurbishment

programme or ongoing maintenance strategy.

Building healthcare environments for the future

As healthcare environments continue to evolve,

the demand for solutions that improve safety,

accessibility, durability and user experience will

only increase.

By combining robust protection products with

effective wayfinding, accessibility support, fire

door expertise and nationwide project delivery,

Yeoman Shield helps healthcare providers create

spaces that are safer, more welcoming and built

to withstand the challenges of everyday use.

Please contact:

+44 (0)113 279 5854

info@yeomanshield.com

www.yeomanshield.com

20



Supporting healthcare with reliable

hot water solutions since 1939

F

or more than eight decades, Calomax has

been a trusted name in the manufacture

of catering water boilers, supplying

organisations across the UK with reliable,

durable and cost-effective hot water solutions.

Founded in Leeds in 1939 by the Pearson family,

the company was inspired by the growing

provision of welfare facilities in workplaces

following the introduction of staff canteens and

tea breaks. At the time, electric kettles were not

widely available, and Calomax’s original steamoperated

boilers provided an efficient way to

meet increasing demand for hot beverages.

Today, Calomax continues to operate from its

purpose-built manufacturing facility in Leeds, which

has been its home since 1962. While the business

has evolved considerably since its early years, its

commitment to quality, longevity and value for money

remains unchanged. The current company, Calomax

Limited, was established in 1991 following the

retirement of the Pearson family and the appointment

of a new board of directors. Throughout this transition,

the company retained its strong manufacturing

heritage and customer-focused approach.

The healthcare sector has long been central to

Calomax’s success and today its products can

be found in hospitals and healthcare facilities

across the UK. Designed to provide a dependable

source of hot water for beverages in demanding

environments, Calomax boilers are trusted by

estates teams, catering departments and facilities

managers who require equipment that performs

consistently day after day.

One of the things that has helped Calomax build

such a loyal customer base is its commitment to

British manufacturing. Every boiler is designed,

built, assembled and tested at the company’s Leeds

factory, giving the team complete control over

quality at every stage of production. It also means

customers have access to readily available spare

parts, often delivered the very next day, helping to

minimise downtime when it matters most.

Equally important is the level of support that

comes with every product. Calomax offers free

lifetime technical support, with knowledgeable

members of the team on hand to provide practical

advice and assistance whenever it’s needed.

What’s more, innovation has remained a driving

force throughout the company’s history. While

Calomax is proud of its heritage, it is always

looking ahead, investing in modern manufacturing

technologies and continually refining its products.

The result is a range of durable, dependable

boilers that combine long service life, energysaving

functionality, enhanced safety measures,

and maintenance friendly construction making

them ideally suited to the demands of busy

healthcare settings.

Guided by a philosophy of being ‘careful’ –

careful about product quality, the environment,

its employees and customer value – Calomax

continues to build on a legacy that spans

generations. That commitment extends beyond

its products and into the way the company

invests in its manufacturing capabilities. Over

the past four years, the company has made

significant investments in advanced production

technology, including the installation of two laser

cutting machines and a state-of-the-art panel

bender. These additions have not only increased

manufacturing capacity but, more importantly, have

enhanced the quality, precision and consistency of

every product that leaves the factory.

This commitment to continuous improvement

reflects Calomax’s wider approach to business.

Rather than standing still, the company is

constantly reviewing its processes and embracing

new technologies that can deliver greater value to

customers.

Looking ahead, Calomax’s focus remains firmly

on innovation and customer needs. The company

plans to continue developing its product range in

line with changing technologies and evolving market

requirements. Its long-term ambition is clear: to

become the go-to brand for catering water boilers

across the UK, recognised for quality, reliability

and outstanding customer support.

While Calomax continues to invest in the future,

one of its greatest achievements remains its

remarkable longevity. Few British manufacturers

can claim a heritage stretching back to 1939, and

even fewer have maintained the same commitment

to quality, reliability and customer service

throughout that time.

The fact that Calomax boilers have been trusted

by the NHS since 1948 speaks volumes about

the company’s reputation for dependability.

Generations of healthcare professionals, facilities

managers and catering teams have relied

on Calomax products to deliver a consistent

supply of hot water in some of the UK’s busiest

environments.

For Calomax, success has never been about

chasing trends. Instead, it has been built on doing

the fundamentals exceptionally well: manufacturing

quality products in the UK, supporting customers

long after installation, and creating equipment

designed to stand the test of time.


+44 (0)113 249 6681

sales@calomax.co.uk

www.calomax.co.uk


DISABILITY & MOBILITY Matters

Selco assists trip down

memory lane

A recently-founded

Southampton charity

which supports people

living with dementia, poor

mental health or in social

isolation across Hampshire

and Dorset has claimed

success in a national

community competition.

The Memory Box

Foundation, which was

established in 2021 and

supports more than

6,000 people a year, has been

named as a monthly prize winner

in the Community Heroes scheme

organised by leading builders

merchant Selco Builders Warehouse.

The charity is one of just 12 monthly

winners from almost 2,000 entries

and has scooped £500 worth of

building materials from Selco. It will

also be involved in a public vote later

in the year for the chance to provide

a £5,000 cash boost to the charity.

The Memory Box Foundation’s

main project is a reminiscence loan

box service where themed items,

documents and photographs from

years gone by are taken into care

homes across the region with the

aim of engaging residents suffering

with dementia and isolation in multisensory

activity.

The charity will use its building

materials prize from Selco to extend

its Inside Out Sensory Garden project,

which sees young people aged from

11 to 25 working with care homes to

build items such as hedgehog homes,

bird boxes and flowerbeds.

At the end of the campaign, the

dozen winners will go before a

public vote, with the most supported

winning £5,000 in cash and the

runner-up securing £1,000.

For more information on Selco,

please visit:

www.selcobw.com

Construction firm sponsors

world number one disabled

golfer

he world’s number one disabled

Tgolfer has thanked a construction

company for providing ‘vital’

sponsorship funding – as the sport

rarely provides prize money.

Kipp Popert, who has a form of

cerebral palsy, says he is ‘extremely

grateful’ for support from London

Diamond Drilling (LDD), which has

pledged significant funding this year

as his new bag sponsor.

Although Kipp is the top disabled

player in the world, he has to rely on

sponsorship to maintain his career as

adaptive golf does not regularly offer

prize money to competitors.

Kipp said, “My major funding

expense is travelling to competitions

but on top of that, I was born with

cerebral palsy so have a lot of physio

and expenses keeping myself fit and

competition ready.”

“In disabled golf there’s no prize money

so corporate sponsorship is vital.”

“I am extremely grateful to my

sponsors, they are propping up

the sport at the moment and allow

myself and others to ensure the next

Kipp Popert and LDD

owner Ziggy Seagroatt

at the recent Kipp Popert

Invitational

generation of disabled golfers can live

and fulfil their dreams.”

Kipp met LDD owner Ziggy Seagroatt

at a charity golf day at Loch Lomond

last year and immediately struck up a

friendship.

Kipp has a busy year ahead of him,

with the Alpine Open, DP Tour and US

Amateurs competitions coming up.

This month saw him host the first

Kipp Popert Invitational, sponsored

by LDD, with disabled golfers from 11

nations joining to compete.

For more information on LDD

and its services, please see:

www.lddconstruction.co.uk

22


DISABILITY & MOBILITY Matters

B-spoke Hygiene Boards

B-spoke Hygiene Boards has

been created to offer customer

a solution to all those unsightly

marks on your walls and to protect your

walls from new dispenser installations.

We work with customer to offer a

complete B-spoke Hygiene Board solution

with b-spoke design and logos.

With our in-house design Team, we

can design any type of hygiene board

required.

We have created many different boards

for many different work environments

from schools to offices, Hospitals,

Nursing homes, manufacturing plants

and many more.

We offer four main finishes to our

B-spoke Hygiene Boards:

1) None vinyl: Suitable for indoor

and outdoor.

2) Matt finish: Laminated vinyl with a

matte finish provides extra protection

suitable for indoor and outdoor.

3) Gloss finish: Laminated vinyl with

dry white gloss finish provides extra

protection suitable for in door and

outdoor.

4) Antimicrobial finish: Provides 99.99%

protection against bacteria. Parasites

and fungi. Safeguard the people

around you with this new laminate film

which delivers over 99.99% protection

against bacteria parasites and fungi it

incorporates the high affective and antimicrobio

agent zinc paraffine, it’s ideal

for environments requiring high levels of

cleaning such as retail public transport

healthcare education hospitality kills

99.9% of bacteria fungi and parasites

over 99.9% proven effectiveness

guarantee protection for over three

years, fully resistant to heavy duty

and abrasive cleaning.

3D Boards & Accessories

We offer a wide range of accessories for

our boards, including wheels, magnets,

and suction cups. We also supply all

the dispensers and bins required for

our hygiene boards.

In addition, we offer a multilingual

talking board that can be integrated

into many types of boards. It delivers

handwashing and hand sanitising

reminders in multiple languages,

helping communicate important hygiene

messages to a diverse range of users.

Mobility-Impaired Easy Access Board

We are proud to introduce our newly

developed Mobility-Impaired Easy Access

Board, engineered and crafted entirely inhouse

to the highest standards of safety,

comfort, and functionality.

This thoughtfully designed board features

a durable, extendable arm that allows for

smooth and effortless positioning, helping

to enhance independence and ease of

use in accessible bathrooms.

Built for reliability and everyday

practicality, our board is designed to

provide both convenience and dignity

for users.

Ideal for both residential and commercial

settings, this product reflects our

commitment to inclusive design, ensuring

accessibility without compromising on

quality. After all, everyone should have

easy access to toilet roll.

We also design and create 3D B-spoke

Hygiene Boards

Contact our team to talk about

our boards:

+44 (0)1455 888766

+44 (0)7976 184642

bsureinstallations@icloud.com

https://bsureinstallations.com


Mobility Scooters,

Wheelchairs &

Mobility Aids in

Sunderland

Supporting Your Independence

with Quality Mobility Solutions

High-quality living aids to

keep you independent

We know that sometimes it’s the small things in life that really make a

difference, and our range of high-quality living aids has been carefully

chosen to ensure that you can enjoy the best quality of life possible.

Selected with your convenience and safety in mind, we stock an

extensive range of items to make life easier including bathroom

accessories and specially adapted kitchen equipment that will

revolutionise your home life. We stock and supply and we’ll make

sure that you know how to use them safely and help you determine

whether they’re the right choice for your needs.

Furnishing solutions for style,

comfort, and convenience

When you have limited mobility, switching to specially designed furniture can

make resting, sleeping, and sitting so much more comfortable and convenient.

Our range of rise and recline chairs, for example, make it so much simpler to get up

from a seated position, while our selection of bariatric chairs, fireside chairs, suites,

and dining chairs have all been specially chosen to improve your quality of life.

We also supply an extensive range of beds, mattresses and accessories from

leading manufacturers that not only boost your comfort but that also look stylish.

Our Product Range

We stock an extensive range of products from

wheelchairs and mobility scooters to lifting aids

and adaptations, all from the biggest and best-known

brands in the sector. We are agents for some of the

most trusted mobility brands in the industry,

so you can be assured of their reliability, quality,

and durability.

We’re FSB members and are Motability-approved

installers. Our team has undertaken rigorous training

on all the products that we stock and supply, and we’ll

make sure that you know how to use them safely and

help you determine whether they’re the right choice

for your needs.

Call 0191 548 7747 or email enquiries@mobilitycaresolutions.com

Please see more at mobilitysunderland.co.uk

Review - Top Exhibitors

Leading the Care Sector at Care

Show London 2026

C

are Show London returned to Excel London

on 29th-30th April, delivering its most

impactful edition to date, bringing together

over almost 4,000 care professionals and sector

leaders, for an event defined by its scale, energy

and a shared commitment to driving the future of

social care forward.

Care Show London is the UK’s leading social care

conference and exhibition for care professionals

across the industry. It unites leading voices

and suppliers in the care sector for two days of

free, CPD-accredited content and is famed for

combining practical real-world experiences with the

latest cutting-edge methods, regulatory tips and

technology.

This year’s show marks a landmark year for Care

Show London, with a brand-new look and a renewed

commitment to the sector’s needs, helping to cut

through the noise to bring clarity, support and

inspiration to thousands of care professionals.

Care Show London is well known for its diverse

and expert conference program and this year

didn’t disappoint. Designed to deliver high-quality

experiences, 2026’s line-up focused on real-world

challenges and solutions, with expert speakers

drawn from across care leadership, regulation,

workforce development and innovation.

Across seven packed theatres and panel sessions,

several key sessions emerged. One of these was

‘Dementia Care: How to Ensure You’re Getting

it Right,’ where the panel included experts like

Suzanne Mumford, Director of Clinical and Dementia

Care at KYN and the Dementia Lead at Bupa Care

UK, Fran Vandelli.

There were also talks on improving standards.

In ‘Registering with the CQC: Requirements of

Registration and Our Expectations’ delegates heard

directly from CQC’s registration team and gained

an inside look at the common pitfalls of prospective

providers.

2026’s conference list also delved into more

specialised areas. ‘The Power of Personalised

Mealtimes and Movement’ shared how personalised

mealtimes and tailored movement can transform

resident wellbeing, while the impact of offering a

practical framework for implementing PBS in adult

social care was discussed in ‘Positive Behaviour

Support: Getting it Right.’

2026’s Care Show London conference sessions

were built to balance strategic thinking with practical

application, ensuring attendees leave with tangible

takeaways they can put into practice straight away.

From leadership skills and workforce development

to quality improvement and digital innovation, each

session was shaped by the realities of delivering care

in today’s complex and fast-changing environment.

As well as a packed conference line-up, the Care

Show London 2026 also boasted a bumper year

for exhibitors with over 230 attending to mark an

expanded exhibitor presence and a new rebrand

unveiled on-site for the first time.

From discovering new partnerships to sharing

practical insights, the exhibition floor was buzzing

with conversation. Attendees had the chance to

explore the latest products and services from top

suppliers and gain valuable insights and tangible

takeaways.

Some standout exhibitors included Nourish Care with

a next-generation mobile app that combined the best

of Nourish Empower’s rostering with the powerful

care management capabilities of Nourish Better Care

at Home in one seamless, intuitive experience.

Also in attendance was Sensio, who showcased

revolutionary technology designed to prevent falls,

improve sleep and create safer environments through

its innovative sensor technology and silent nurse

call solutions. Camascope also impressed with its

integrated and simplified eMAR solutions that unites

care teams, pharmacies and GPs, improving safety

and operational efficiency.

Beyond the speaker list and exhibitor programme,

the strength of Care Show London lies in its ability to

unite the care community. The 2026 edition created a

welcoming, inclusive space where professionals from

across the sector could exchange ideas and learn

from each other.

There were a number of networking opportunities

spearheaded by a new event led in conjunction with

Championing Social Care. Held on the evening of the

opening day and offering attendees and exhibitors the

opportunity to connect in a more informal setting, this

opportunity was new for 2026 and offered delegates

the chance to build on relationships made during the

event and grow their networks.

There was also the Care Providers’ Voice

Masterclass. These hour-long workshops provided

educational content and resources to social care

professionals. From bid-writing, business viability,

and workforce recruitment, to employment rights,

digital safety, and preparing for CQC, the Care

Providers’ Voice Masterclasses were praised for

their breadth of topics and depth of information.

Care Show London 2026 signified a landmark year

for the storied event. Whether you’re a care provider,

manager, or director, Care Show London 2026

cemented its place as the must-attend event to stay

ahead of policy, discover new solutions and connect

with peers who are shaping the future of care.

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

show, listed here in alphabetical order: HCI Care,

T2 Group & Tea from the Manor. Further details

can be found on this page & the next.

Care Show London is set to return to Excel

London on 14th–15th April 2027, for more

information, please see below:

https://www.careshowlondon.co.uk

26


he beginnings of Tea From The

TManor is a delightfully simple

story. The proprietor, James Green

was in the 3rd Royal Horse Artillery

in the Army where he spent many

years in active service. Spending

time in Northern Ireland, Cyprus and

Hong Kong. It was while in Hong

Kong, stationed with the Ghurkhas,

he learnt all about tea. A passion that

has stayed with him for many years.

James began Tea From The Manor

in 2011 when he took a few different

flavoured teas to a farmer’s market.

Over a decade later, we have grown

as a company, bringing you the

finest full leaf teas from the best

tea gardens around the world. We

provide loose leaf, tea bags and tea

envelopes along with accessories

such as tea presentation boxes

and teapots.

We supply the finest restaurants,

cafes, garden centres and care

homes all across the UK. Recently

Tea From The Manor was awarded

the Best Initiative in

Care Award at the 2025

Caring UK Awards for

its development of tea

specially created for

people with dysphagia.


SquarePeg Training: Learning disability and dementia

Did you know that 2 in

3 people with Down’s

syndrome may have dementia

by their mid-sixties?

With an ageing population

of people with a learning

disability this creates

complexities in care that

SquarePeg seeks to address

through co-developed online

and in-person training.

About SquarePeg

SquarePeg Training is a social

enterprise led by Professor

Karen Watchman, working

alongside expert advisors with a learning

disability. Together, we co-develop training

and resources on learning disabilities and

dementia.

Our one-day course, for up to 20 of your staff,

is designed for professionals in health, social

care, social work, allied health, care home

and third sector roles. We aim to

support you to move away from

‘reinventing the wheel’ with every

diagnosis. We equip managers

and staff with the practical

knowledge and confidence

required to bring about

immediate change in practice,

which enhances the quality of life

and support for individuals with a

learning disability. Talk to us

also about redesigning your

service and how we can help

you prepare to support an

older population of people

with a learning disability.

Our resources

We don’t only deliver training!

Our CEO and Trainer, Karen

Watchman, has previously

developed resources such as

the Supporting Derek video,

the first resource of its kind

addressing issues of people

with a learning disability who

are affected by dementia.

Our expert advisors have updated Jenny’s Diary,

a resource to support conversations about

dementia with people who have a learning

disability. We have co-developed Andrew’s

Cards, a new card game to support change

or transition.

About the Trainer

Karen Watchman began working alongside

people with Down’s syndrome

as CEO of Down’s Syndrome

Scotland, where she developed the

first course on learning disabilities

and dementia in the 1990s. Since

then, she has delivered awardwinning,

internationally recognised

training for health and social care

professionals.

Karen is an expert advisor to Alzheimer Europe

and serves on the international committee of

the National Task Group (NTG) on Intellectual

Disabilities and Dementia Practices in the

USA. While working part-time at Alzheimer’s

Disease International, Karen edited the 2021

World Alzheimer’s Report and co-authored

Plan to Impact IV, tracking progress on the

WHO Global Dementia Action Plan.


squarepegtraining@outlook.com

https://squarepegtraining.co.uk

www.facebook.com/profile.

php?id=61574243481260

www.linkedin.com/company/

squarepeg-training-ltd

A Tale From The Manor:

Passionate about tea

We are a proud family run business

that cares for our customers and

our environment, all of our silky

tea bags are biodegradable.

We are Green by name and

Green by nature.

Please contact:

+44 (0)1477 771811

shopenquiries@teafromthemanor.co.uk

https://teafromthemanor.co.uk



The future of care starts

with your workforce

hank you to everyone who visited us at

the Care Show. It was fantastic to speak

Twith care leaders from across the sector

and hear first-hand about the challenges

facing employers today.

While every organisation is different, the

conversations shared common themes:

recruitment, retention, developing future leaders

and making the most of apprenticeship funding.

These aren’t new challenges, but they are

becoming increasingly significant.

According to Skills England’s Health & Adult

Social Care Skills Needs Assessment, adult

social care is expected to need around 685,000

additional workers by 2035.

For employers, this reinforces something many

already know: developing existing staff and

creating clear progression pathways will all play

a vital role in building resilient care services.

Three changes employers should prepare for

The Apprenticeship landscape is evolving,

making now a good time for employers to

review their development plans.

The new Level 2 Adult Care Worker Standard

has introduced a more streamlined learning

journey, with on-programme assessment

replacing the traditional End-Point Assessment,

greater flexibility around Functional Skills for

learners aged 19+, a reduced programme

duration, and an increased funding cap.

Alongside this, several funding changes are

coming into effect from August 2026, which

could affect how organisations plan and invest

in apprenticeships.

For levy-paying employers

The new Growth and Skills Levy introduces

greater flexibility, allowing employers to invest in

Apprenticeships as well as new Apprenticeship

Units.

However, there are also important changes to be

aware of:

: New levy funds will expire after 12 months

instead of 24, meaning employers will have

less time to use their funding.

: The 10% government top-up will no longer be

added to new levy funds from August 2026.

: If levy funds are exhausted, the employer coinvestment

rate will increase from 5% to 25%,

making forward planning even more important.

For SMEs (non-levy employers)

There is also positive news for smaller care

providers.

: From the 2026/27 academic year, the

government will fully fund Apprenticeships for

learners under the age of 25, meaning eligible

SMEs will pay no training costs for these

Apprenticeships.

: In addition, from October 2026, SMEs

recruiting a new apprentice aged 16-24 may

also be eligible for a £2,000 hiring incentive,

helping to support recruitment and workforce

growth.

How t2 group can support you

For more than 30 years, we’ve worked alongside

care providers across England, delivering

flexible Apprenticeships that fit around busy

care environments.

Our specialist programmes include:

Adult Care Apprenticeships

: Level 2 Adult Care Worker

: Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker

: Level 5 Leader in Adult Care

Adult Care Diplomas

: City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care

: City & Guilds Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care

: City & Guilds Level 5 Diploma in Leadership

and Management for Adult Care

Leadership & Management Apprenticeships

: Level 3 Team Leader

: Level 5 Operations Manager

Alongside programme delivery, we also

support employers with:

: Apprenticeship funding guidance

: Apprenticeship Levy transfer opportunities

: Workforce planning

: Progression pathways

This follows a year in which t2 group was

recognised as Training & Coaching Company of

the Month by Healthcare Matters and achieved

one of the largest improvements in national

apprenticeship achievement rates among the

UK’s largest providers.

Let’s talk

Our funding and delivery specialists offer a free, noobligation

discovery call to help you understand:

: The latest Apprenticeship funding changes

: Apprenticeship Levy and levy transfers

: Available funding for your organisation

: Which programmes best support your

workforce plans

If you’re looking to future-proof your workforce

and make the most of available funding, now is

a great time to start the conversation.

Get in touch with us to book your free

discovery call today:

+44 (0)2920 799133

marketing@t2group.co.uk

www.t2group.co.uk

28


MEDICAL DEVICES & TECHNOLOGY Matters

GCE Medical introduces MediVitop ®

Move, a next-generation valve integrated

with pressure regulator (VIPR) designed

for real-world medical gas use

GCE Medical, a global leader in

medical gas control equipment,

has announced the launch of the

MediVitop ® Move, a Valve Integrated

with Pressure Regulator that delivers a

safer, more intuitive, all-in-one solution

for emergency medical services,

hospitals, and homecare providers.

Its compact footprint measures

20mm (W) × 116mm

(D) × 153mm (H), 30%

smaller than the standard

MediVitop, to reduce

storage space and better fit into

racks, pallets, and transport

spaces. The integrated design

also minimises handling

complexity, enabling faster

setup and reducing the

potential for user error.

The MediVitop Move addresses

long-standing challenges in the

small cylinder segment, where

traditional solutions are often

bulky, difficult to handle, and

not optimised for everyday

use. By combining the

regulator and valve into

a single compact unit,

the device simplifies

operation while improving

ergonomics, safety, and

logistics efficiency when

using medical oxygen, O 2

/

N 2

O, and air at flow rates of

0-6lpm, 0-15 or 0-25lpm.

At the core of the product

is its ‘single-touch’

functionality, featuring a

streamlined single-knob

design that integrates

shut-off and flow control

for faster, more intuitive

operation. Additional

features include a highly

shock-resistant pressure

gauge, a fully enclosed and

protected pressure outlet,

and a tilt-capable design

that improves handling

in confined or fast-paced

environments. The unit is

compatible with medical

oxygen, O 2

/N 2

O, and air

up to 300 bar and is MRIcompatible

up to 3 Tesla. This

solution is optimised for smaller

cylinders – including

the 2-litre size used by

around 90% of customers

– while keeping the same

cylinder diameter for full

compatibility.

“MediVitop Move was

developed with a clear

focus on how medical

gases are actually used in

the field,” said GCE’s Andy

Tassell, Director GCE Valves.

“By prioritising usability,

compactness, and safety,

we’ve created a solution that

helps caregivers work more

efficiently while improving

patient care.”

With a 15-year product lifetime

supported by extended

endurance and cycle testing,

the MediVitop Move

is built for long-term

reliability in critical

care environments.

The unit has

been tested in

accordance with

EN ISO 10524-3,

EN ISO 10297,

ASTM G175 pill

test, (EU) 2017/745

Medical Device

Regulation, TPED

2010/35/EU and

CDG TPE.

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:

www.gce-medical.com

30


HEALTH & WELLBEING Matters

Why enjoyable nutrition could play a bigger

role in tackling malnutrition in care homes

By Dr Jonathan Krell, Consultant

Oncologist and Co-Founder of

My Doctor’s Recipe

alnutrition remains one of the most

significant yet often overlooked

Mchallenges facing health and social care

services across the UK.

While much attention is rightly given to medical

treatments, medications and care plans, the

simple act of eating enough food can become

increasingly difficult for many older adults. Loss of

appetite, changes in taste, swallowing difficulties,

dementia, frailty, chronic illness and medication side

effects can all contribute to reduced food intake.

Unfortunately, the consequences can be profound.

Poor nutritional intake is associated with weight

loss, muscle wasting, reduced mobility, increased

falls risk, delayed recovery from illness, higher rates

of hospital admission and reduced quality of life.

For care providers already managing increasing

demands on services, supporting residents to

maintain adequate nutrition is becoming an

increasingly important priority.

Yet despite best intentions, many care homes face

a common challenge: what happens when residents

simply do not want to eat?

The problem isn’t always availability

In most care settings, food is readily available.

Menus are carefully planned, dietary requirements

are considered and staff work hard to encourage

residents to eat.

However, appetite is not something that can be

prescribed.

Many residents may only manage small portions.

Others become fatigued during meals or lose

interest after a few mouthfuls. Some develop a

preference for sweet foods whilst rejecting savoury

meals. For those living with dementia, food

preferences can also change significantly over time.

In these situations, traditional approaches to nutritional

support can sometimes fall short. Oral nutritional

supplements can be effective for some individuals,

but not everyone enjoys them. If a product is left

unfinished, its nutritional value is never fully realised.

This highlights a challenge that extends across all

areas of nutritional care: nutritional interventions can

only be effective if they are consumed.

Why adherence matters

The healthcare sector has traditionally focused on the

nutritional composition of foods and supplements,

which is entirely appropriate. Calories, protein,

vitamins and minerals are all important.

However, adherence is often the determining factor

in whether nutritional support succeeds in practice.

The most carefully designed nutritional intervention

cannot improve outcomes if it remains unfinished

on a bedside table or is repeatedly declined by the

person it is intended to help.

This is where enjoyment becomes important.

When appetite is reduced, people often gravitate

towards foods that are familiar, comforting and

pleasurable to eat. Ice cream has long been popular

among many older adults because it is easy to

eat, refreshing and often well accepted even when

appetite is poor.

This is particularly relevant in care homes, where

residents may struggle to consume large meal

portions but may still willingly enjoy a small dessert

or snack throughout the day.

The question therefore becomes not only how much

nutrition a product contains, but whether people

actually want to consume it.

A more patient-centred approach to nutrition

Increasingly, healthcare is moving towards more

personalised and patient-centred models of care.

Nutrition should be no exception.

A patient-centred approach recognises that

nutritional value and enjoyment are not competing

priorities. In fact, they may be closely linked.

By considering taste, texture, familiarity,

convenience and individual preference alongside

nutritional composition, there is an opportunity to

improve both adherence and nutritional intake.

This does not mean replacing existing nutritional

strategies. Rather, it means recognising that different

people respond to different approaches and that

a wider range of nutritional options may help more

individuals achieve their nutritional goals.

Combining nutritional science with enjoyment

At My Doctor’s Recipe, we have been exploring

how nutritional science can be delivered through

formats that people genuinely enjoy consuming.

Our work has focused on developing fortified foods

that provide meaningful amounts of energy, protein and

micronutrients within small, easy-to-consume portions.

The principle is straightforward: if nutritional support

is enjoyable, there is a greater likelihood that it will

be consumed consistently.

Importantly, the aim is not to replace meals

or established nutritional interventions, but to

complement existing strategies and provide additional

options for individuals who may struggle with appetite

or find conventional supplements difficult to tolerate.

Supporting residents, families and care teams

One of the most encouraging aspects of working in

this area has been hearing feedback from carers,

families and care teams.

For many residents, nutrition is not simply a clinical

issue. It is closely connected to enjoyment, routine,

comfort and quality of life.

Small nutritional interventions, delivered consistently and

in formats that residents enjoy, can help support weight

maintenance, energy levels and overall wellbeing.

For care teams, this can help transform nutrition

from a task that requires constant encouragement

into a more positive and engaging experience for

everyone involved.

Looking ahead

As the care sector continues to seek innovative

ways to improve resident outcomes, nutritional

support deserves greater attention.

We believe there is an opportunity to rethink

how malnutrition is addressed by combining

nutritional science with enjoyment, dignity and

patient-centred care.

After all, the most effective nutritional intervention is

often not the one with the highest calorie content or

the most sophisticated formulation.

It is the one that people actually consume.

If we can make nutrition something residents look

forward to rather than something they feel obliged to

take, we may be able to improve not only nutritional

intake but also the overall care experience and

quality of life for those we support

About the author

Dr Jonathan Krell is a Consultant Medical Oncologist

and Associate Professor at Imperial College London

with a specialist interest in cancer nutrition and

supportive care.

He is also Co-Founder and Medical Director of

My Doctor’s Recipe, a UK company focused on

developing patient-centred nutritional products

designed to support individuals at risk of malnutrition.

My Doctor’s Recipe work with care homes, healthcare

providers and clinical teams across the UK.

To learn more, request samples, or discuss

how fortified ice cream could fit into your

nutritional support strategy, please contact:

hello@mydoctorsrecipe.co.uk

www.mydoctorsrecipe.com

We would be delighted to discuss opportunities

with care home groups, healthcare

organisations and nutrition leads looking for

new ways to support the people in their care.

32


Positioning Barbados as the

Caribbean’s Life Sciences Hub

xport Barbados (BIDC) and EarlyHealth Group

E(EHG), headquartered in Dubai, United Arab

Emirates, have signed a Letter of Intent to jointly

establish EarlyHealth City Barbados, a US$200

Million world-class pharmaceutical and life sciences

cluster earmarked for Newton, Christ Church.

The initiative is expected to attract international

pharmaceutical partners, drive industrialisation

through sustainable contract manufacturing, and

expand laboratory and clinical research capacity

in Barbados and for the wider Caribbean.

Located across 45 acres, EarlyHealth City will

feature three domes totalling more than 250,000

square feet of contract manufacturing space

dedicated to the production of oral solids, semisolids,

liquids, and advanced biologics. This includes

integrated capabilities for cell cultivation, upstream

and downstream bioprocessing, and full scale-up

to commercial release under United States and

European Union Good Manufacturing Practice

(GMP) standards.

veryone plays a crucial role in a small business,

Eand you can’t afford for anyone to be off work –

including yourself – for long. This can have a knockon

effect on other members of the team and impact

your business performance. That’s why supporting

your team’s health is so important.

You may have wondered what private healthcare

actually covers and whether it’s worth considering

for your business. We’re here to clarify how it

works.

Our business healthcare cover helps to give your

employees more control over healthcare needs with:

: Quick diagnosis and treatment when health

issues arise

EHG, a global pharmaceutical services and life

sciences company supporting manufacturing, clinical

studies, and market access across 60 countries, has

already secured Memorandum of Understandings

(MOUs) with a number of clients including Acarpia

Farmaceutici Srl, Bioeq AG, Formycon AG, Swedish

Orphan Biovitrum (SOBI), and several Asian, European

and South American-based manufacturers.

Please visit:

https://www.early-health.com

https://exportbarbados.org

Epetõme, the fast growing gut health

company from Emily English secures

multi-million pound investment

ut health has moved from a niche wellness

Gtrend to a mainstream health priority. Yet in

an increasingly saturated and often unregulated

market, consumer trust remains fragile and demand

for evidence-led solutions prioritising integrity has

never been higher.

Epetõme, the fast-growing gut health company

founded by nutritionist and bestselling author Emily

English, has secured a multi-million-pound investment

to accelerate its international expansion and deepen

its clinical research programme.

The funding, led by Active Partners and Redrice

Ventures, marks a significant vote of confidence

in Epetõme’s science-led model and long-term

ambition to build the UK’s leading gut health

company. The capital will enable the brand to expand

globally while significantly increasing investment into

clinical testing across both probiotics and prebiotics,

further advancing understanding of their relationship

with the microbiome.

Founded in 2023,

Epetõme has experienced

rapid growth, building

a highly loyal consumer

base alongside celebrity

backing. In a crowded and

often unregulated supplements

market, the brand has positioned itself around

integrity, evidence and measurable outcomes.

With a myriad of positive reviews online, customers

report a wide spectrum of benefits, from core digestive

improvements including reduced bloating, cramping and

day-to-day discomfort, to broader gut-linked outcomes

such as calmer skin, with some noting improvements

in eczema and rosacea. Many also describe fewer food

sensitivity flare-ups, increased digestive freedom

and improved management of IBS-type symptoms.

Please visit:

https://epetome.com

: Convenient appointment times that fit around

work schedules through services like our 24/7

online GP service

: Choice of specialists and facilities for treatment

(depending on the options in your plan)

HEALTH & WELLBEING Matters

Flex Health Hub

celebrates official

launch at Signal

Yard, Milton Park

lex Health Hub

Fhas celebrated

its official launch at

Signal Yard, Milton

Park, Oxfordshire,

following its opening

earlier this year.

The new health

and wellbeing club

marked the milestone

earlier this month

with a launch celebration attended by occupiers,

guests and members of the local community,

further strengthening Signal Yard’s growing

role as the social and retail heart of Milton Park.

Flex Health Hub, which employs eight

physiotherapists and three massage therapists

also collaborates with a number of specialists

including a nutritionist, acupuncturist, orthoptist

and steroid injection specialist, provides health,

fitness and wellbeing facilities designed to support

the thousands of people based across Milton Park

and the wider Oxfordshire community.

The new facility has brought together clinicallyled

health, fitness and lifestyle support under one

roof, which includes physiotherapy, rehabilitation,

acupuncture, nutrition advice, counselling and

mindfulness services, alongside programmes

focused on mobility, arthritis, sports performance,

long-term health and sustainable lifestyle change.

Expert-led classes include the increasingly popular

reformer Pilates, yoga, circuits and kickboxing,

while the space also features purpose-built

treatment rooms, gym and studio facilities focused

on recovery, wellbeing and performance.

Benedicts is acting on behalf of Milton Park.

For more information, please visit

Milton Park’s website:

www.miltonpark.com

Find out more:

www.flexhealthhub.com

Go Live Data are pleased to introduce AXA Health

for their business healthcare cover

: Additional support services like our 24/7 health

support line and access to muscles, bones and

joint support via the phone or online.

For your business, this means less time lost to

employee sick days, quicker recovery and return to

work, and a valuable benefit that helps attract and

retain talented people. In fact, 57% of employees

see health insurance as a key part of an employee

benefits package.

Alternatively, please call us on:

0808 258 1492 or visit: axahealth.co.uk/

business-health to explore our options

and request a quote online.


NURSING & CARE News

Visiting Angels franchise partners take flight with GBFA win

usband-and-wife franchise partners Andrew

Hand Helen Lofts are proving that compassion

and business can go hand in hand. Their

commitment to raising standards in home care at

Visiting Angels Burton & Derby has earned them

a coveted 2025 Great British Franchisee Award

(GBFA) – national recognition of their dedication

to clients, carers and the wider community.

Since launching the franchise in 2020, Andrew and

Helen have worked tirelessly to build a care service

that truly puts people first. Their philosophy is

simple: when clients feel supported and carers

feel valued, everyone benefits. This approach has

fuelled impressive growth in just a few short years.

A key part of their success has been Visiting

Angels’ carer-centric ethos. Andrew and Helen

Herts home-care provider

launches appeal for volunteers

to join award-winning campaign

to beat loneliness this winter

ne of Hertfordshire’s leading

Ohomecare providers, Abbots

Care, is calling for local volunteers to

join its ‘Tea, Time, and Togetherness’

campaign, which aims to deliver 100

hours of companionship to people

who may be alone or isolated over

the Christmas period.

The campaign provides additional free

hours of support to vulnerable people in

the community, delivered by Abbots Care

office staff, care workers, and volunteers.

These visits offer simple but meaningful

moments of company for people who

may only have limited contact with

others during the festive season.

Abbots Care runs the Tea, Time, and

Togetherness campaign through

he UK is facing two crises that, on the surface,

Tappear unrelated: rising youth unemployment

and a chronic shortage of care workers. In reality,

they are two sides of the same coin and solving one

could go a long way toward addressing the other.

have invested heavily

in training, wellbeing

and professional

development. From

creating specialist

‘champion’ roles that allow carers to share expertise

across the team, to partnering with Staffordshire

Police’s Economic Crime Unit on cyber-security

training, their initiatives have strengthened staff

confidence and ensured client safety.

This supportive culture has nurtured a motivated,

loyal workforce and delivered consistently high

standards of care. Judges praised the Lofts’

‘exceptional franchise leadership,’ highlighting

their profitable growth, strong employee

engagement and impressive staff retention

in a sector often challenged by staff turnover.

their not-for-profit sister organisation,

Abbots Friends. Earlier this year,

Abbots Care received the Reducing

Social Isolation Award at the Stars of

Social Care Awards in recognition of

its work uniting staff and volunteers to

bring companionship to people who

need it most.

The impact of the campaign is already

clear. Abbots Friends hosts regular

community tea parties where people

meet to chat, paint, play games, and

connect with others. Volunteers also

carry out individual companionship

visits across the county, providing

practical support and comfort to

those who might otherwise be

facing the winter months alone.

For more information on how

to volunteer for the companion

service, please visit our webpage:

https://abbotscare.com,

email Abbots Care at:

enquiries@abbotsfriends.com

or call: +44 (0)330 094 5511.

roles unfilled across the sector, and turnover sitting at

roughly 31% – more than double the UK average.

This is not a pipeline problem, it is a connection

problem.

For more information about franchise

opportunities with Visiting Angels, please visit:

www.visitingangelsfranchise.co.uk

Altro delivers ‘home from

home’ feel for leading

dementia care provider

package of specialist products

A from Altro has helped deliver a

high-performance ‘home from home’

refurb at a leading dementia-care

home in Middlesex.

The Woodlands Residential Care

Home in Ickenham is a family

owned and run business providing

dementia, respite and day care in a

comfortable and secure environment.

When the team wanted to expand

and upgrade its facilities, they knew

careful planning and design would

be crucial, as would working with a

range of products designed for the

specific challenges dementia care

environments can bring.

The refurbishment project involved

extending the existing facilities

to create more space, adding a

dedicated beauty salon, and family

reading room, as well as redecorating

all the bedrooms, living areas and

ensuites. The home is divided up into

distinct areas to make it as relaxed

an environment as possible, with

areas that are communal where the

residents are able to mix and develop

friendships.

Vickie selected a package of products

from Altro to use in the project,

including Altro Wood Comfort acoustic

slip resistant flooring in hallways and

bedrooms, Altro Wood adhesive-free

in the lounge and dining areas and

Altro Pisces specialist safety flooring in

ensuites, coupled with Altro Tegulis tile

effect wall panels for a seamless finish.

Find out more about Altro’s

solutions for care home

environments here:

www.altro.com/uk/sectors/

health-and-care/care-homes

A route into care: Unlocking opportunity for young

people while solving the UK’s workforce crisis

By Karan Elvin, Founder, No More Recruiters

Today, hundreds of thousands of young people are

out of work, with youth unemployment sitting at over

14% and close to one million young people not in

education, employment or training. At the same time,

the social care sector is struggling to recruit and

retain staff at scale. Vacancy rates remain significantly

higher than the national average, with around 150,000

Care is one of the most accessible and impactful

entry points into the workforce. It does not always

require formal qualifications to get started, offers

immediate employment opportunities, and provides

meaningful, purpose-driven work. For young

people seeking direction, stability, and a sense of

contribution, the care sector can be transformative.

More information is available at:

https://nomorerecruiters.com

34



HEALTHCARE News

New drug candidate

extremely effective against

H. pylori Bacterium

significant step toward the

A potential prevention of stomach

cancer: Researchers at the Technical

University of Munich (TUM) have

increased the effectiveness of a

standard antibiotic by a factor

of 60 through targeted chemical

modifications. In laboratory and

animal studies, the new drug

candidate successfully combats

the bacterium Helicobacter pylori,

which is closely associated with the

development of stomach cancer. The

study findings were published in the

journal Nature Microbiology.

Approximately 43% of the world’s

population is infected with this

bacterium. It can cause chronic

global

Thealthcare

industry stands at

an extraordinary

inflection point. As

patient populations

grow older,

chronic diseases multiply, and digital

transformation reshapes care delivery,

the worldwide Healthcare Services

Market is on course to nearly double

in value over the next decade –

creating unprecedented opportunities

for providers, investors, policymakers,

and technology partners alike.

According to a comprehensive new

market intelligence report published

by Polaris Market Research, the

global healthcare services market

size was valued at USD 9.14

Trillion in 2025 and is projected

to reach USD 19.62 Trillion by

2034, expanding at a robust

CAGR of 8.86% from 2026

to 2034. These figures are not

merely a reflection of population

growth – they represent a

fundamental structural shift in

how healthcare is organised,

inflammation of the stomach

lining, lead to gastric ulcers, and

is considered a key risk factor for

stomach cancer. Standard therapies

are primarily based on the antibiotic

metronidazole. However, H. pylori

is becoming increasingly resistant

to it. As a result, ever higher doses

and combinations with additional

antibiotics are required.

The team led by Prof. Stephan A.

Sieber, Chair of Organic Chemistry

II at the TUM School of Natural

Sciences, examined the antibiotic’s

mechanisms of action in detail. It was

already known that metronidazole

induces so-called ‘oxidative stress’

in the bacterium, meaning chemical

reactions that damage cellular

components. The researchers have

now discovered that metronidazole

additionally targets two central

protective proteins of H. pylori: an

enzyme responsible for detoxifying

harmful reactive oxygen species and a

protein that repairs damaged proteins.

Please visit:

www.tum.de

Healthcare services market

size to reach USD 19.62

Trillion by 2034 at 8.86%

CAGR from 2026 to 2034

financed, and

delivered across

the world.

A market defined

by urgency and

innovation

Healthcare services encompass

the full spectrum of patient care:

hospital treatment, outpatient

services, diagnostics and imaging,

rehabilitation, preventive care,

emergency medicine, and the rapidly

expanding universe of home-based

and virtual care. What unifies these

diverse segments today is a shared

pressure: rising demand, constrained

workforces, and the accelerating

promise of digital health technology.

For more information,

please visit:

www.polarismarketresearch.com/

industry-analysis/healthcareservices-market

Read more:

www.polarismarketresearch.com

Parkinson’s Pioneers

announces TXP as its

first principal kit sponsor

XP, the systems

Tintegrator specialising

in tech consulting,

development and

resourcing, today

announced it is sponsoring

Parkinson’s Pioneers, a

Solihull-based Walking

Football Community for

women with Parkinson’s

Disease. As part of the

multi-year deal, TXP will

become the principal kit

sponsor and will donate

funds to provide all

players, staff and close-knit fans of

Parkinson’s Pioneers with full playing

kit and tracksuits.

Parkinson’s Pioneers is the first and

only all-women Parkinson’s football

team in the world. Its mission is to lead

the way for greater inclusion in sport by

breaking down barriers to participation

and challenge stereotypes around

Parkinson’s. Its work helps to improve

the physical health, confidence and

wellbeing of Parkinson’s sufferers, while

also raising awareness of the condition

in women, which is underrepresented

in diagnosis, treatment options and

clinical studies.

mergency medical service SAMU

Ede Paris has achieved an outof-hospital

cardiac arrest survival

rate four times the global average,

through a rescue therapy called

ECPR. Previously largely confined

to hospitals, deployment on Paris

streets has been supported in part

with the help of handheld ultrasound

technology and AR glasses from

international health tech company

Mindray.

Known in full as extracorporeal

cardiopulmonary resuscitation,

ECPR temporarily replaces the

function of the patient’s heart and

lungs – keeping them alive so

clinical teams have time to act.

As part of the sponsorship,

TXP employees will also have the

opportunity to provide volunteering

support to Parkinson’s Pioneers

throughout the year. This will include

providing match day support and

helping to organise showcase events

that will raise the profile of women’s

Parkinson’s football nationally.

To find out more about the team,

please visit our Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/

parkinsonspioneers

Please visit:

www.txp.co.uk

Paris street medics keep

cardiac arrest patients alive

with rescue therapy, helped by

handheld ultrasound and AR

Doctors, nurses, and paramedics

within SAMU de Paris mobile ECMO

teams (extracorporeal membrane

oxygenation) have been amongst the

first in the world to deploy it beyond

the hospital, and have taken the

rescue therapy to Paris streets to

buy precious time for patients

who would otherwise die.

This has given teams at the

scene an opportunity to evaluate

the brain, establish circulation, treat,

and stabilise the patient for transport,

leading to a 38% survival rate for

patients treated by the mobile units

in homes and in public spaces in the

French capital – approximately four

times higher than the global average

survival for out of hospital cardiac

arrests.

For further information,

please visit:

https://www.mindray.com/

en/innovation/customerstories/pioneering-newfrontiers-in-mobile-ecprwith-samu-de-paris

36


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.

At Levabo, we believe pressure ulcers should

be prevented. Our innovative product portfolio

is designed to support proactive care through

effective pressure management and patient

comfort. From pressure offloading cushions and

lateral turning systems to specialist incontinence

underwear, our solutions help reduce pressurerelated

risks, improve outcomes, and empower

healthcare providers to deliver high-quality

preventative care.

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 848

Transform your PDFs into Flipbooks and boost your revenue!

Delete template?

Save as template ?