Free Interactive Post Falls Assessment Tool Launched
A free interactive post falls assessment tool devised by the West Midlands Ambulance Service has officially launched and is now available to download on both iOS and Android devices. The new App has been launched to support carers and care assistants to be able to assess fallen residents and to make the informed decisions whether they can lift the faller themselves safely and with the appropriate lifting equipment. It is part of a continuing initiative to decrease the amount of unnecessary ambulance callouts to un-injured fallers which is currently costing the NHS over £50 million a year and to safeguard the lives of residents living in care homes; as clinical research has shown that delayed initial recovery (a lie greater than 10 minutes but less than 1 hour) and long-lie (a lie greater than 1-hour post fall) can result in serious health implications for the faller, such as, skin damage resulting in pressure sores, kidney failure and pneumonia. (ROSPA 2017) In the Mills, S & Whitehead, R (2018) Amber Review it highlighted that; “the longest waits for patients in the community must reduce.” Mangar Health, a manufacturer and supplier of moving and handling equipment, the ELK and Camel Lifting Cushions worked closely with the Welsh Ambulance Service and the West Midlands Ambulance Service to launch the new ISTUMBLE app. Simon Claridge, CEO at Mangar Health explained, “We are very proud to be involved in another project where we are having a direct impact on safeguarding the lives of care home residents and helping to reduce unnecessary ambulance callouts. This is another great example of how the public and private sector can work hard together and strive to reach our joint goal of creating better healthcare outcomes for all involved.” The free ISTUMBLE App takes carers through a series of questions, such as, ‘Does the person who has fallen have new neck or back pain?’ to help distinguish whether the carer can safely lift the resident themselves with lifting equipment or if they need to call an ambulance immediately. If you would like to download the free post falls assessment tool, please visit the Apple Store or Google Play Store and search for ‘ISTUMBLE’.
Happy Days Dementia Workshop
At Happy Days Dementia Workshop, we are passionate about helping care teams enrich social care. We’ve spent many years visiting residential and dementia care homes, hospitals, care services and families. We observed and have since designed reminiscence materials to help people engage and prompt memories to bring about meaningful conversations and stories to share and enjoy. When people see and experience our range of traditional games like Jacks, Beetle Drive or bespoke Snakes & Ladders with chat prompts, to vintage sweet shops, bus stops, seaside displays and 1950s rooms, I’m often asked where it all started. Well, it all started in Lancaster, studying for a masters degree where I became interested in the effect that prompting the long term memory can have. Unbeknown to me at the time, this was the beginning of my journey into helping care teams engage and enrich social care for elderly and people living with dementia. Much has happened since then and here’s a peep into how Happy Days nostalgic materials and environment ideas can help: Care Homes: Hospitals: Home Care Providers: As we are now more aware of how loneliness is affecting people, companionship sessions are more established. Create a collection nostalgic games, large piece jigsaw puzzles, tactile items, reminiscence boxes and chat prompts to share with the people you are caring for. Dementia Cafes & Volunteers: For more information about Happy Days Dementia Workshop & Design’s range of engagement materials see: www.dementiaworkshop.co.uk
Low Surface Temperature Radiator Covers
PolyCoversDirect is a UK based manufacturer of High Impact PVC radiator covers. Established in 2006 and now part of the Oadby Plastics Group of companies, PolyCoversDirect provide a range of cost effective, easy to install, low surface temperature radiator covers. Designed to be used in a variety of environments such as Care Homes, Hospital, Schools, Nurseries and Doctors Surgeries the PolyCovers product offers a commercially viable solution to the protection of both the service user and service provider. Manufactured here in the UK, each cover is bespoke to each customer’s requirements and can be easily retrofitted over existing radiators. Made from High Impact PVC our covers are easy to clean, impact absorbing, low maintenance, Class 1 fire rated and resistant to rusting, bending, denting and scratching. All our cover designs ensure no individual can be exposed to a surface temperature greater than 43°c in line with NHS and HSE guidelines and also protect against impact injuries from falls. By completing a simple survey sheet, which can be downloaded from our website, we can provide customers with quick and easy quotations. Alternatively, PolyCoversDirect staff are very happy to attend site and survey to establish the required size of your covers. If you have any further questions regarding our product and services or would like any further information please do not hesitate in contacting us on the details below. PolyCoversDirect Gallan Park Watling Street Cannock Staffordshire WS11 0XG Tel: 0800 246 5704 E-mail: sales@polycoversdirect.co.uk Website: www.polycoversdirect.co.uk
Moffat: Adding another dimension to hospital and care home catering
With over 50 years specialising in hospital catering equipment, British manufacturer Moffat has established and developed its innovative approach to the industry. As a result, it now provides a range of market leading hospital catering equipment, from Grab & Go merchandisers and regeneration trolleys, to bespoke ward kitchen and restaurant counters, to mobile servery solutions. With adaptability key in hospital and care catering, Moffat’s new Vgen foodservice trolley is manufactured with maximum multi-functionality in mind. It is compatible with cook-serve, cook-chill and cook-freeze systems. Stand-out features include a multi-zone oven that can hold different foods at different temperatures in one cabinet. Typical of the trolley’s energy saving features is the fact that individual heated zones can be switched off if not required. Meanwhile the refrigeration units combine finless condenser technology, the latest high-performance insulation and eco-friendly, thermally efficient R290 refrigerant. Together they reduce energy consumption and running costs while minimising maintenance requirements. Download the hospital brochure from www.ermoffat.co.uk for more information. E & R Moffat is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of quality foodservice equipment, designing and manufacturing in-house. Based in Bonnybridge, Scotland, the company manufactures standard and bespoke servery, regeneration and storage equipment and runs a full nationwide after-sales service team. E & R Moffat is accredited to ISO 9001:2008. For more information on E & R Moffat visit the website on www.ermoffat.co.uk
Meltemi Company Clothing
Wearing appropriate clothing in the workplace is particularly important when it comes to Residential Care Homes. It sounds obvious, but ensuring that your staff are comfortable, look smart and are easily identifiable is as important for your staff as it is for your residents. All healthcare garments should be able to withstand industrial washing for infection control purposes and incorporate special features for wearer comfort and flexibility such as action back pleats. You may also want to consider specifying a fabric such as Flexi Stretch which has more ‘give’ than some more rigid fabrics. Lightweight tunic fabric options which are cooler are typically around 140gsm whereas standard fabric weights are 195gsm to 220gsm, so it’s worth considering this when choosing tunics and dresses for your staff. It’s also worth checking that the fabrics used have been independently tested to ensure that they meet the rigours of the role and can withstand a minimum of 2 years normal wear. Meltemi are specialists with over 30 years’ experience in the design and manufacture of uniforms for healthcare and administration. We are a key provider to the NHS, Residential Care Homes and the Private Healthcare sector. We offer a great selection of healthcare tunic designs and styles from stock. We offer a sampling service so that you and your team can review the quality, colours and styles of garments and a comprehensive logo embroidery service to increase identity. Meltemi is a full member of the ETI (Ethical Trading Initiative) and has been audited to meet the demands of the NHS for ethical trading throughout our supply chain. Find out more
Ultimate Underfoot Comfort
Cosyfeet’s new Mambo shoe for swollen feet is designed to provide supreme underfoot comfort. Its shock-absorbing Cushion Active™ footbed softens every step, effectively protecting knee and ankle joints as well as vulnerable feet. Made with a 6E width fitting as standard, this stylish, contemporary shoe has a super-flexible, lightweight sole that moves with the foot for maximum comfort. A cushioned lining provides a luxurious feel and a removable footbed allows for extra depth, or to accommodate bespoke orthotics if needed. The Mambo comes with two fastening systems. A lace fastening allows the shoes to be adjusted for a perfect fit and a handy zip fastening means they can be slipped on and off in seconds. This shoe also has a deep, seam-free toe area that provides plenty of room for sensitive toes. This ultra-comfy style meets the stringent criteria of the Healthy Footwear Guide, which champions the importance of wearing healthy, comfortable footwear. In tests by the University of Central Lancashire, Cosyfeet’s ‘Cushion Active™ Underfoot Comfort System’ was shown to deliver between 23% and 25% less impact shock to the lower leg than a selection of leading brand trainers. Made with soft, premium leathers, the Mambo is available in sizes 4 to 9 including half sizes. It comes in a choice of Soft Blue Floral, Blush Floral, Dark Teal and Stone, retailing at £79.00 (or £65.83 if the wearer qualifies for VAT relief due to a chronic medical condition). For more information visit www.cosyfeet.com or call 01458 447275. There’s Wide Fitting and then there’s Cosyfeet! Specially designed to fit and flatter extra wide and swollen feet, Cosyfeet footwear is wider, deeper and roomier than the wide fitting footwear you’ll find on the high street. Cosyfeet is a small, caring company with 36 years’ experience of fitting swollen feet and legs. Over 11,000 health care professionals recommend Cosyfeet footwear to their patients. Cosyfeet is a member of the Healthy Footwear Guide and offers a No Quibble Money Back Guarantee and free UK returns, so that customers can order with confidence.
Stretchy Boots for Swollen Feet
The Markle from Cosyfeet is the ultimate comfort boot disguised as a great-looking winter casual. It comes in a 6E width as standard and incorporates an elastane panel to take the pressure off bunions and swelling. Supple leathers, a textured collar and a distressed, hand-brushed sole contribute to a contemporary, premium look. Luxurious underfoot cushioning and padding in the tongue and collar provide exceptional comfort. The Markle’s lace fastening adjusts to fit variable swelling, providing excellent support. A seam-free toe guards against rubbing injuries and a lightweight, hard-wearing yet flexible sole makes for easy walking. This comfy, stretchy boot has a sanitised ‘airflow’ footbed which is removable to allow for bespoke orthotics if required. This Cosyfeet style has been shown to meet the rigorous standards of the Healthy Footwear Guide. The Healthy Footwear Guide is a collaboration between UK footwear brands and foot health professionals. It aims to highlight the importance of wearing healthy, comfortable footwear. The Markle comes in Caramel or Dark Teal and retails at £89.00,or £74.17 if patients qualify for VAT relief due to a chronic condition. It is available in sizes 4 to 9 including half sizes. For more information see www.cosyfeet.com/markle or call 01458 447275. VAT Relief If patients are disabled or have a long-term illness, they’ll no doubt know that they are eligible for VAT relief on certain products and services. Items such as adjustable beds, stair lifts and wheelchairs all qualify, as do building works such as installing ramps or widening doors. One of the products included in the list of eligible products is specialist footwear, which can be purchased free of VAT by qualifying individuals. Information on how patients can self-certify for VAT relief is provided on the Cosyfeet website and can also be obtained from Cosyfeet by phone. About Cosyfeet Specially designed to fit and flatter extra wide and swollen feet, Cosyfeet footwear is wider, deeper and roomier than the wide fitting footwear you’ll find on the high street. Cosyfeet are a small, caring company with 35 years’ experience of fitting swollen feet and legs. Over 11,000 health care professionals recommend Cosyfeet footwear to their patients. The company offers a No Quibble Money Back Guarantee on all products as well as free UK returns, so that customers can order with confidence.
Sheepskin-lined Bootee for Swollen Feet
The new Scandi-style Anna bootee from Cosyfeet provides supreme warmth and comfort for swollen feet. Made with a 100% pure wool upper and a genuine sheepskin lining, this luxurious slipper gently forms to the shape of the foot and is naturally breathable. Designed with hidden depth for a streamlined look, the Anna bootee has a cushioned footbed and a flexible rubber sole. It can be worn indoors or out and is diabetic-friendly due to its softness and its seam-free toe area, which protects sensitive toes from rubbing. The footbed is also removable for extra depth, or to accommodate bespoke orthotics if required. Pure wool provides the perfect ‘environment’ for vulnerable feet as it has a natural warmth, softness and elasticity. Wool is also durable, breathable and anti-microbial, so it prevents the build-up of moisture and naturally resists the growth of odour-causing bacteria. The Anna bootee comes in a 6E width fitting as standard and is available in Pebble Wool, in sizes 4 to 9. It has an adjustable, touch-fastening strap for a perfect fit and is hypoallergenic for sensitive skin. This Cosyfeet style has been shown to meet the rigorous standards of the Healthy Footwear Guide. The Healthy Footwear Guide is a collaboration between UK footwear brands and foot health professionals. It aims to highlight the importance of wearing healthy, comfortable footwear. The Anna retails at £105, or £87.50 if patients qualify for VAT relief due to a chronic medical condition. For more information visit www.cosyfeet.com/anna or call 01458 447275. VAT Relief If patients are disabled or have a long-term illness, they’ll no doubt know that they are eligible for VAT relief on certain products and services. Items such as adjustable beds, stair lifts and wheelchairs all qualify, as do building works such as installing ramps or widening doors. One of the products included in the list of eligible products is specialist footwear, which can be purchased free of VAT by qualifying individuals. Information on how patients can self-certify for VAT relief is provided on the Cosyfeet website and can also be obtained from Cosyfeet by phone. About Cosyfeet Specially designed to fit and flatter extra wide and swollen feet, Cosyfeet footwear is wider, deeper and roomier than the wide fitting footwear you’ll find on the high street. Cosyfeet are a small, caring company with 35 years’ experience of fitting swollen feet and legs. Over 11,000 health care professionals recommend Cosyfeet footwear to their patients. The company offers a No Quibble Money Back Guarantee on all products as well as free UK returns, so that customers can order with confidence.
Essential Healthcare Solutions get tough on cross infection prevention with Miele
Eradicating potentially harmful bugs such as C.diff, MRSA and Norovirus is just one of the tasks Essential Healthcare Solutions performs daily. As a specialist provider in medical equipment and service, the Yorkshire-based organisation supplies, decontaminates and services Dynamic Air Mattresses for the NHS and care homes throughout the UK. The mattresses are specifically designed for the needs of hospital patients and care home residents, to alleviate areas of pressure and provide comfort for those who spend long periods of time in bed. When the mattress is no longer required by a patient, it is returned to Essential for specialist cleaning, decontamination, servicing or repair. Essential Healthcare Solutions can have in excess of 300 of its mattresses in just one hospital. The organisation cyclically processes equipment delivery, collection for decontamination and redelivery to the site. It is pivotal that each stage of this process is managed efficiently, and that laundry processes are consistently carried out to the required high standards to ensure the decontamination process has been carried out effectively. Helping to raise standards At Essential Healthcare Solution’s decontamination centre, mattresses go through a wash-based disinfection process to remove any traces of potential contamination. Due to the nature of the equipment it launders, compliance with the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) to provide backflow protection is a legal requirement. In order to meet the Department of Health’s standards for controlling infection in laundry, the correct choice of machinery is key for this rigorous process. Mattress care during the wash cycle is always a priority for Essential. Ensuring all laundry processes meet industry regulations; Essential created specific internal processes to handle large volumes of specialist mattress decontamination with high temperature requirements. Essential turned to local commercial laundry equipment service provider – JTM Service – to equip its decontamination centre. Extensive experience working with the NHS and Care Homes meant JTM Service understood the pressures Essential faced handling large loads quickly and effectively, while mitigating cross infection risk and delivering outstanding cleaning performance. The rigorous demands placed on the machines show it is vital the recommended equipment is economical, energy efficient, robust, reliable, and built to last. JTM recognised that Essential’s specialist requirements are most effectively met by Miele’s high performance and quality, commercial washing machines. JTM installed two Miele PW814 Performance Plus machines which not only ensure Essential’s strict hygiene requirements for safe disinfection are met, but are also WRAS approved. With 14kg capacity, the machines are able to easily manage the size and speciality of the loads that Essential launder daily. A NeQis System supplied by JTM is in use. This independent, third party, validation system provides real time records and reports to verify that each wash cycle has met the required decontamination standards. Up to the job JTM installed two Miele PT8403 Professional dryers with capacity equal to the washing machines, ensuring the mattresses are thoroughly dried. Essential benefits from the longevity assurance that comes with the Miele brand. Miele machines are fully tested post build to last 30,000 hours. Over ten years, that is – eight hours use a day, 365 days per year. Miele machines’ drum technology is gentle on fabric and prevents damage to the external fabric of the mattresses. Thomas Owens, managing director, Essential Healthcare Solutions said: “The JTM team understood the challenges we face when it comes to laundering large items and our need to ensure our processes meet rigorous decontamination standards.” “JTM was not only able to meet our demands in terms of finding us the best equipment for the job, but was also able to offer us the best ongoing support and maintenance so that we remain operational at all times.” Building work is underway to significantly expand the decontamination facilities, Essential will be looking to JTM and Miele again to equip its new facility to the same high standard. The new, larger decontamination centre will help the medical equipment provider make a positive impact to the quality of people’s lives while continuing to help raise the standard of care.