Innovation Centre Of Excellence
A ground-breaking new Innovation Centre aimed at the catering, cleaning and facilities management industries opened its stainless-steel doors for business on May 1 in Peterborough. It is a collaboration between Oxford company, GreenTeck Global Ltd: innovators in alternative green technologies, providing sustainable, energy-conscious and cost-effective solutions that will make a real difference to the environment; and commercial kitchen experts CK Direct. The Centre is based at CK Direct’s factory and showroom just a mile or so off the A1(M) in Peterborough and is unusual in that the company has built a fully-fitted and fully-operational commercial kitchen as its centrepiece . . . all under one, bespoke, stainless-steel roof, or ceiling, also fabricated from scratch on the premises. So visitors can not only see the equipment in situ and in operation but can even cook themselves lunch: if they remember to bring some burgers and buns! In addition to the actual cookers and fryers, equipment on display includes: CK Direct has been in Peterborough for 19 years and MD Tony Ricciardi commented: “We manufacture kitchen equipment and system on-site, starting from stainless steel sheets. When we decided to have Odournet Ltd undertake trials on the AirTeck trioxygen units last year we need find a professional / commercial kitchen for them to work in. The obvious solution was for us to build exactly what we wanted on-site . . . and really the idea for Innovation Centre just grew for there.” While CEO and Founder of GreenTeck Global, David Thurston, added: “We are really excited about the concept of the Innovation Centre. For the first time we think we have gone beyond offering just extraction systems or deodorising solutions and are able to offer a genuine one-stop-shop all under one roof. And that it will be of interest to a wide range of industries and sectors: from catering to care homes, hotels to hospitality, and from universities to food manufacturing and processing.” To arrange a visit to the Innovation Centre or for further information about the product range please contact: Tony Ricciardi, CK Direct, 15 Tresham Road, Peterborough PE2 6SG, Tel: 01733 230378, Email: info@ckdirect.co.uk , Web: https://ckdirect.co.uk OR David Thurston, GreenTeck Global, 42 St Mary Street, Wallingford, Oxon OX10 0EU, Tel: 0208 150622, Email: david@greenteckglobal.com, Web: www.greenteckglobal.com.
Circadian Lighting for Dementia & Elderly Care
Introduction Understanding of the impact of light on human behaviour has advanced rapidly at the same time as lighting technology has undergone a major evolution with the advent of LED lighting. It is now possible to use the principles of human-centric lighting easily and cost-effectively in sensitive and care environments. At amBX we are working on cost-effective true circadian lighting for care environments. We call this bio-dynamic lighting as it combines LED lighting with sophisticated intelligent control that manages the lighting for the maximum comfort and well-being of patients, residents and staff. Bio-adaptive Lighting The principle of bio-adaptive lighting is to provide artificial light controlled in such a way as to match the needs of human biological cycles, or circadian rhythms, in the most effective and appropriate way. It provides for improved health and wellbeing and supports aspects of human behaviour that benefit from spectrum-controlled lighting. We are all governed to some degree by the circadian cycle (which is a little over 24 hours long) and light information from the environment resets the circadian clock every day to keep us in step. Light is the most powerful synchroniser of the human circadian clock, and the timing of light exposure during a day is responsible for how circadian rhythms are synchronised with the environment. For example: Late-evening light exposure delays circadian rhythms, resulting in later sleep and wake times, and early-morning light exposure advances these circadian rhythms, resulting in earlier sleep and wake times. It has long been recognised that there are significant benefits to healthcare from bio-adaptive lighting techniques. A study by The Center For Health Design in California found that by controlling the body’s circadian system, light impacts outcomes in healthcare settings by reducing depression among patients, decreasing length of stay in hospitals, improving sleep and circadian rhythm, lessening agitation among dementia patients, easing pain, and improving adjustment to night-shift work among staff. As Mariana Figueiro, Professor and Light and Health Program Director, Lighting Research Center, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, says “High circadian stimulation during the daytime hours and low circadian stimulation in the evening is simply common sense.” The use of as much natural daylight in care environments as possible is important but for people who spend a long time indoors under artificial light, bio-adaptive lighting should be a key consideration for any care environment. The Power of colour It’s not just about lighting cycles though, as colour plays an important part too. It’s known that certain blue light suppresses natural melatonin secretion in the human body and therefore acts as a type of fatigue-beater. One study from the Light Research Program at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia found that blue light also strengthens and stimulates connections between areas of your brain that process emotion and language. This means that blue light may, in turn, help people to better handle emotional challenges and regulate mood over time. Blue light is prevalent in sunlight, so your body absorbs the most during the summer and much less in the winter. Because of this, the researchers suggested that adding blue light to indoor atmospheres, as opposed to the standard yellow lights typically used, may help boost mood and productivity year-round, and especially during the winter. The wavelength of visible light determines its colour and recent research has identified the impact from certain wavelengths. For example, a study by theSchool of Psychology in Adelaide showed that the shorter wavelengths of 470, 497, and 525 nm showed the greatest melatonin suppression from 65% to 81%. It is important to manage certain wavelengths of the visible light spectrum at the right times in order to deliver effective bio-adaptive lighting. Over the past decade, neuro-scientific research has uncovered the existence of a previously unknown non-visual optic pathway modulated by the substance melanopsin (which has a unique sensitivity to distinct parts of the visible light spectrum). Unlike other projections of the visual system, these pathways seem to play a minimal role in perception and processing of vision and image-formation; instead they have been found to be fundamentally responsible for entrainment and maintenance of circadian rhythms and other physiological functions. In another study Figueiro found that, compared to remaining in darkness, exposure to red light in the middle of the afternoon significantly reduces power in the frequency ranges that have been associated with sleepiness. These results suggest that red light positively affects measures of alertness not only at night, but also during the day. Red light also seemed to be a more potent stimulus for modulating brain activities associated with daytime alertness than blue light, although they did not find any significant differences in measures of alertness after exposure to red and blue lights. This suggests that blue light, especially higher levels of blue light, could still increase alertness in the afternoon. It appears that melatonin suppression is not needed for light to have an impact on objective measures of alertness. This doesn’t necessarily mean that we should all now have lots of different coloured lighting since blue is often in white light and having the ability to vary the actual colour spectrum of light is a critical factor in effective bio-adaptive lighting. Introducing colour changes and even tints at certain times of the day can be a highly effective way to deliver good bio-adaptive lighting. Impact on People with Dementia In a study entitled Spectral Sensitivity of the Circadian System, Mariana Figueiro showed that exposure to blue LED was shown to affect sleep quality and median body temperature peak in Alzheimer’s disease patients. Median body temperature peak was delayed by approximately two hours after exposure to blue LEDs compared with exposure to red LEDs and sleep quality was improved. This pilot study demonstrated that light, especially LED lights can be an important contribution to helping such patients regulate their circadian functions. A further study in at a Sacramento Municipal Utility care home in the US, Innovative Lighting reported that a pilot installation showed very positive results from the use of bio-adaptive lighting. There was a reduction in falls by residents
School invites elderly to see Egg-cellent Easter display
AN EGGSTRA special invitation was sent to care home residents for a Runcorn school’s Easter assembly. Residents from Simonsfield Care Home, on Boston Avenue, were invited to view the school’s display of hand decorated Easter eggs. They had been created by pupils aged five to ten years old at The Grange Academy, on Latham Avenue, for a school competition. The school invited the elderly residents to visit following the care home’s appeal for Easter eggs. More than a dozen of the chocolate treats were presented to residents at the assembly. Debbie Smith, home manager at Simonsfield Care Home, said: “The school teachers and children were very keen to show our residents all the eggs entered into their egg decoration competition. “All the residents who went thoroughly enjoyed the assembly and talking to the children. Resident Emma Adams, in particular, got very emotional and had a little cry. “We would like to say a huge thank you to the school for inviting our residents to attend their Easter assembly and also for the generous donation of Easter eggs. “The residents will be enjoying those with their afternoon tea.” Simonsfield Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
BT staff volunteer at Teesside care home
CALL centre workers swapped telephones and keyboards for shovels and dominoes for a day volunteering at a Teesside care home. Staff from a BT Middlesbrough office carried out gardening work and engaged in activities with elderly residents living at The Gables Care Home, on Highfield Road. As part of the telecoms business’s volunteering programme, almost a dozen call centre advisors and a team manager spent the day at the home. They tidied the garden, removing weeds and sweeping leaves, planted flowers, repainted a fence, benches and plant pots, cleaned the green house and planted seeds for tomatoes, lettuce, onions and other vegetables. After the gardening work, they shared a hot drink with residents, while reminiscing about the town and their own careers, as well as playing a few rounds of dominoes. Ben Donaldson, a BT call centre advisor, said: “I wanted to help change people’s lives for the better and, as team, we wanted to give back to the older generation. “It was a fulfilling experience that really brought the team together in a way that we hope benefited the residents too.” Jacqui McKeown, also a BT call centre advisor, said: “It was rewarding to be able to give something back and the best day we have had as a team.” The Gables Care Home resident, James Haslam said: “It was great to see the guys in the garden getting it ready for the summer and then spending some time with me.” Fellow resident Kevin McKenna said: “They really made a good job of our garden to enjoy in the sun.” Home manager Pam Rodgers said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to the BT team for volunteering at our home. “They have made a huge difference to the garden and the residents loved chatting to them and sharing their memories of the town and what they did for a living. “It was a fantastic day, enjoyed by call, and we hope we’ll see them again in future.” The Gables Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net. BT’s volunteering programme aims to support charities and local communities. For further information visit https://www.btplc.com/Purposefulbusiness/Supportinggoodcauses/Volunteering/index.htm
Prestige Doors – part of Sunray Group
Sunray Engineering Ltd are the UK’s leading timber, security and fire door experts. The dedicated staff deliver excellence in surveying and design consultancy, providing timber and security fire doors as well as installation and maintenance services for buildings including care homes. Design and Manufacture Our extensive experience and detailed knowledge in the combination of Fire Retardant Timber and Doors enables us to create high performance Fire door assemblies that have delivered stylish solutions in some of the most demanding operational environments and diverse sectors. Our commitment to the highest quality and standards of manufacturing leads to a superior finished product that will deliver exceptional operational performance and aesthetics. With highly proficient craftsmanship and flexible production control we are able to achieve reduced lead times to meet project demand. Our strength in quality manufacturing enables us to meet your solution so we can produce Fire Doors to your exacting criteria, which is a truly bespoke service. THE UK’S LEADING TIMBER, SECURITY AND FIRE DOOR EXPERTS, DELIVERING EXCELLENCE IN: Prestige Fire Door Survey Service The Prestige Fire Door Survey Service represents one of only 16 businesses across the UK to actually hold the qualification under FDIS (Fire Door Inspection Service). For your absolute peace of mind and before you commit to any Fire Door Survey, you should request to see exactly what certification or accreditation any company holds. We offer a truly consultative approach gained from years of experience in this very niche and specialised field, endorsed by qualification and accreditation. Our UK leading surveys are a comprehensive third party accredited Fire Door Survey for your internal Fire Doors and Fire Exit Doors. There are a variety of options for the scope of our surveys, with the overall aim of providing a schedule of remediation works required to establish the fire door assemblies at least at the minimum standard of compliancy. Our certified surveyors will analyse how the building is used, managed and how we can implement passive fire protection with minimal disruption. Installation An essential part to achieving Fire Door compliancy and great performance is the quality of the installation and the competency of the labour skillset. Therefore installation of the Fire Door range is a vital factor on the pathway to successful ownership and issue of certification. As in all fire safety systems, well-tested products can easily be compromised by poor installation. Precise and audited installations to a third party accredited standard are essential elements of modern passive fire protection. Works programmes should be carried out by specifically trained technicians. Our installation service is carried out by directly employed staff who are leading specialists in this discipline. Maintenance Our maintenance programmes are designed to place an organisation in a position of excellent adherence to the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order:2005 Article 17, which is UK Government legislation covering maintenance of fire safety systems. The programme set-up and execution is via our third party accredited scheme audited by the Building Research Establishment Loss Prevention Certification Board under their standard LPS1197; subsequently Certificates of Conformance for the process and works are issued. The planned scheme is delivered in two parts – A and B with the option for a Part C (Response maintenance). PART A Data acquisition and logging – Creation of a Scheme Fire Door Log. PART B Three Year Cycle of planned general maintenance works to all Categories of Fire Door assemblies. PART C Response Maintenance option. Prestige Product Range PrestigeSecure LPS 1175 SR1 & SR2 Security rated doorsets. Available inwards/outwards Opening High Quality Veneer and Paint Finishes Prestige provide some of the most exceptional veneer and colour finishes within the industry. FD30 The thirty minute category of fire door is the most common amongst the ratings. Fully Glazed, Vision Panel or Bespoke Design Options for All Fire Doors Our ISO9001 accredited production management standards support well controlled production programmes. FD60 Sixty minute fire doors represent the higher performing side of main stream fire safety doors. Heavy and Severe Duty Fire Door Options Fire doors are intolerant to damage so supplying doors that can withstand human interaction is important for your on-going protection and reduced maintenance costs. FD120 Two hour timber fire doors are impressive fire safety systems manufactured with precision and exacting processes. Historic, Heritage and Period Replicated Doors and Finishes We have produced multiple certificated fire door assemblies for listed buildings where heritage and detailed building compassion is a major consideration. Specialist Locking Options – Anti Ligature/Anti Barricade Our very successful Mental Healthcare range are installed in numerous NHS premises ensure we consider sensitive areas with patient care and wellbeing. Acoustic Fire Doors We manufacture fire door assemblies with impressive noise reduction features and levels. Panelling and Insulating Screens – Solid and Glazed Building Regulations and Health Technical Memorandums sometimes stipulate fire insulating screens are required to protect circulation corridors. Glazed Fire Doors We offer an extensive range of fire safety glazing with our doors to suit your visual requirements. Automated and Powered Opening Doors We are able to provide automation to doors which are available with powered actuators for high traffic doors. Third Party Accreditation & Warranty We are focussed on delivering exceptional quality of both product and service leading to great value for money and client experience. Find out more All rights reserved
The Fire Safety Scheme
The fire safety scheme address the challenge for knowing how safe a building is by providing the public with a fire safety star rating for a building, viewed both on line www.firesafetyscheme.uk and the window sticker which is placed at the entrance of a building, just look for the trade marked logo on the annually renewable window sticker! The fire safety scheme provides an application tool designed to enable a consistent approach to fire risk assessments. Historically, assessors have used different tools, different methodologies, and when assessors have been benchmarked were found to possess a vast range of experiences, knowledge and skills. The result often leads to inconsistent findings, which are not commensurate to the degree of fire risk. The fire safety scheme changes this and provides For further information please visit www.firesafetyscheme.uk or telephone +44 (0) 7803 518 035 or email jason@firesafetyscheme.uk
Flexible, Versatile, New and Fully Refurbished Accessible Minibuses
Red Kite manufacture, supply and service, safe, reliable 9 –17 Accessible Minibuses for customers across Great Britain. For over 37 years your safety and the safety of your passengers has been at the forefront of our supply process. Working from your instruction or with our Specialist Vehicle Option Team, customers can choose their brand new or pre-owned accessible vehicle from any of the leading manufacturers. We offer 1 – 4 wheelchair passenger positions complemented by flexible seating plans to suit your organisation’s particular requirements and maximise your minibus use. To assist with your purchase we offer a wide choice of finance options including Lease and Purchase Plans as well as traditional outright purchase. Contract Hire is now a popular choice for many organisations, allowing a fixed monthly rental to be set aside and with the exception of fuel and insurance, no additional costs are required. To optimise the use from your Accessible Minibus we provide a complete range of specialist mobility options including wheelchair tail lifts, ramps, lowering suspension, individual wheelchair/seat track and securing systems, high visibility trim, quick release seat systems plus secure storage for medication and respiratory equipment. To help your minibus stand out from the crowd, we also provide a full graphic design, fitting or wrap service if required. Comprehensive customer choice: Single or multiple wheelchair passenger positionsNormal Licence (B) and D1 Licence drivability All vehicles meet or exceed current safety regulations9-17 versatile seat configurationsPowered tail lifts or ramp systemsInternal seats can be easily adjusted or even removedHideaway, rear under floor wheelchair lifts Manual and electrically powered side step options Additional grab handles and stanchions High visibility internal finishes availableExterior and interior finish to your specificationFull graphic design, fitting or wrap service Dedicated storage for walking frames and non-occupied wheelchairsTracker system, High visibility, easy maintenance, Innotrax flooring system If you would like to talk through your accessible minibus requirements in greater detail then just call the team on 01202 827678 or email sales@redkite-minibuses.com Find out more
Care home staff pack shopping for children’s cancer charity
GENEROUS shoppers have donated hundreds of pounds to children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent after care home workers helped pack their bags. Staff from several Huddersfield care homes spent their day off helping at the checkouts at Morrisons, on Penistone Road. In just four hours packing customers’ shopping, they raised a total of £324.27 for CLIC Sargent, which provides financial and specialist support for young people and their families affected by cancer. The team from Aden Court, Aden House, Aden Lodge, Aden Mount and Aden View care homes, all operated by the Hill Care Group, are now aiming to repeat the fundraising activity. They plan on spending a full day at the supermarket to raise £1,000 for the charity. Liz Daykin, customer relations manager for the Hill Care Group, said: “CLIC Sargent provides a vital service to young people affected by cancer and we wanted to do our bit to support their work. “A massive thank you to Morrisons for hosting us and the generous customers who donated to such a worthy cause. “We are now planning on repeating the charity bag pack but with a much bigger goal of raising £1,000. Any and all support is greatly appreciated.” The Hill Care Group operates care homes across the north of England. For further information visit www.hillcare.net. CLIC Sargent is the UK’s leading cancer charity for children, young people and their families. For further information visit www.clicsargent.org.uk.
Blood Clot Survivor Launches Product To Help Save Lives – And NHS Cash
A man who almost died from a blood clot is to launch a product which could save the NHS millions of pounds a year. Paul Westerman suffered a massive pulmonary embolism – the result of a deep vein thrombosis – in 2011 and has spent the last eight years researching the condition and working with experts within respiratory and thrombotic medicine. Now the 51-year-old, in conjunction with leading clinicians and a world- renowned product designer, has created the RBR legflow – which helps improve the venous blood flow in the lower limbs of individuals when seated. Paul said: “DVT and PE costs the NHS over £200 million every single year. But clinical research reveals that many blood clots are entirely preventable. “With this in mind, we would like to see the RBR leg flow available in every hospital, care home, work place, air plane, gaming environment, and environment where an individual is likely to be sedentary for over an hour.” are approved by the FDA and EPA. The RBR leg flow was created with Mr Westerman added: “Using an the input of Professor Richard Beasley, active antimicrobial ingredient in director of the Medical Research the RBR legflow has enabled us to Institute of New Zealand and a world differentiate our product from those authority on respiratory medicine who has undertaken ground-breaking research of ‘e-thrombosis’. He said: “Research from the MRINZ has shown that this device markedlyincreases lower limb venous blood flow,thereby potentially reducing the risk of blood clots, in people who sit for long periods at work or with long-distance air travel.” As part of its design, the RBR legflow is manufactured with an antimicrobial ingredient which offers excellent protection against bacteria, biofilm, fungi and mould, and has no adverse effect on the RBR legflo properties. This antimicrobial element remains effective for the lifetime of the product and all the active components used of our competitors and dramatically reduce the risk of cross-infection. “This means the RBR legflow is theperfect solution for the prevention, care and treatment of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism within the NHS and other health care providers globally.”
