The Bulletin Issue 56 - February 2020 by The British Healthcare Trades Association

The Bulletin REPRESENTING ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN HEALTHCARE

ISSUE 56 - FEBRUARY 2020

New dawn in British Politics READ MORE INSIDE… BHTA NEWS… EVENT NEWS… MEMBER NEWS

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MESSAGE FROM THE BHTA PRESIDENT

The past year saw a number of challenges for the Association, not least being the attempt to find a new leader for the Secretariat. We have decided to change the title of the job role to ‘Chief Executive Officer’, and after a lengthy search we have now identified the right candidate and I am pleased to confirm Dr Simon Festing will be joining us on 2nd March. Dr Festing joins the BHTA from the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOPA) where he was working as CEO. In his new role, Dr Festing will spearhead a programme of modernising the BHTA, including restructuring the association to enable it to meet the mounting challenges facing its varied membership. I am sure that you will all join me in wishing Simon luck as he takes up his new and important role at the BHTA. During 2019 our two Board directors – Andrew Stevenson and Andrew Barker, who kindly stepped in part-time as Interim Director General and Commercial Director respectively enabled us to maintain our standing with external stakeholders and to continue to develop our commercial activity. Mike Lord (President), Kay Purnell and Graham Collier have stepped down from the board at the end of their terms and may I take this opportunity as outgoing Chairman to thank them all for their time and dedication to furthering the causes of the BHTA and its members. I am pleased to welcome Jill Morony and Marie Martinalli to the board. We must congratulate Andrew Stevenson and Leyton Stevens on taking up their new roles as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the BHTA. I will be taking up the post as President of the BHTA and will be proud to represent the BHTA and its members’ interests over the next few months and years. Working with other healthcare and trade associations, the BHTA has made and will continue to make representations in the Brexit process seeking to avoid potential damage to

business, preserve patient safety, and maintain the closest possible alignment of regulations concerning medical devices. We will endeavour to constantly update members as the political and commercial landscape changes. In 2020 we will continue to focus on improving our engagement with NHS Supply Chain, Westminster, the Department of Health & Social Care, the Department for Work and Pensions, HMRC, and key public sector funders from NHS SCCL and NHS SBS. There will be ongoing engagement with the UK Medtech Forum, the MHRA, BSi, the Life Sciences Industry Register, Healthtech Connect and the National Wound Care Strategy Programme, to name but a few. The BHTA is the leading Trade association for the healthcare and assistive technology sector, promoting our members’ interests and ensuring that a robust and effective healthcare environment exists is critical to our success. 2020 will be another busy year as the association continues to develop and strengthen its position in the healthcare market whilst increasing the services we provide to our members. The BHTA will continue to innovate and change as the challenges of a changing market affect our members and our member profile. May I take this opportunity to thank you for your membership and to thank the BHTA team for their continued dedication and commitment to the association. All the best for 2020. Alastair Maxwell, BHTA President

Contents Westminster Watch...................................................................... 3 BHTA News.................................................................................. 4 Member News.............................................................................. 5 Event News................................................................................ 12 Section Chairs............................................................................ 16 New Members............................................................................ 18 News round-up........................................................................... 20

Find us on Twitter @wwwbhta British Healthcare Trades Association, Suite 4.6, The Loom, 14 Gowers Walk, London E1 8PY 020 7702 2141 bhta@bhta.com

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Westminster Watch by Lord Rennard, BHTA Director of Communications The 80 seat majority for Boris Johnson’s Government may provide for the first really stable majority government that the Conservatives have enjoyed since the 1987 – 1992 Parliament. The Parliament can last until May 2025 under present legislation, although its term may be shorter if this legislation is changed, or if this majority helps again to repeat the ‘snap’ elections of 2017 and 2019. Ministers (and the Prime Minister) may therefore stay in place for rather longer than has been the norm in more recent Parliaments with three Prime Ministers in five years. The BHTA is again preparing a ‘Manifesto’ to help the new Government and Parliament see how greater use of Assistive Technology and supporting the healthcare industry generally can help to tackle some of the big issues which need to be addressed in the years ahead. Last year, the BHTA welcomed the NHS Long Term Plan. But like others, we warned that the plan will be unachievable unless the social care funding crisis is tackled. Without funding mechanisms being found for adult social care, the burden of coping with our ageing population will fall on the NHS and the costs of it will absorb most, if not all, of promised additional funding. The provision of appropriate equipment in timely fashion, and for all ages, is essential. Much greater use must be made of Assistive Technology in order to address the growing demands upon the health and social care systems. Providing appropriate equipment can reduce the cost of carers attending people at home, but it is sometimes not provided because the cost of equipment can come from a different budget to that for carers. Making more use of Assistive Technology helps to address the demands upon the NHS in a cost-efficient way, whilst providing long term savings in other areas of public expenditure including admissions to hospital and residential care. Greater use of it enables people to live more independent lives, keeps them safe

and enhances well-being in ways that reduces demand on the NHS whilst often avoiding more costly interventions. The BHTA will continue making the case that provision of appropriate Assistive Technology often enables more people to contribute more to society including through employment whilst making them less dependent upon welfare benefits and medical intervention. It can reduce the need for treatment relating to issues such as stress and depression both amongst those who benefit from such technology directly, as well as amongst their families and carers. Treating mental health conditions can be costly. But failing to treat them can be more costly because the problems associated with such issues often result in many other costs to society, including those that may result from relationship breakdowns and increased demand for social housing. Insufficient progress has been made since a study, undertaken by London School of Economics’ Personal Social Services Research Unit in 2012 (drawing on extensive research and analysis in the field), found that every pound spent on adaptive technologies delivers a net saving of £1.10 to the public purse. The Government estimated then that there were over half a million people over 60 requiring an adaptation to their home. According to the report, if the need for these home adaptations was met, it would deliver net savings of £625m, which could be re-invested in the NHS. A similar case can be made for greater use of Assistive Technology generally, and a campaign to raise awareness of the benefits to potential users would also drive growth in private provision that could reduce burdens on the NHS and help to provide greater resources for it. Key points of the BHTA Manifesto will include: • Greater provision of Assistive Technology is essential to assisting significant savings to be made from the complete integration of health and social care. • There needs to be much greater promotion of the case for using Assistive Technology. • The need for care and support can be delayed and reduced by provision of equipment.

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BHTAnews

British Healthcare Trades Association appoints Dr Simon Festing as Chief Executive Officer A qualified Doctor of Medicine who practised as a hospital doctor in his earlier career, Dr Festing joins the BHTA from the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOPA) where, as CEO, he steered the organisation as it supported its 1,700 strong membership. Bringing a wealth of experience to BHTA, Dr Festing has held senior roles in a number of prestigious third sector organisations, including the British Heart Foundation, as well as in government departments where he was instrumental in establishing policy changes. Dr Festing replaces former NRS Healthcare Sales Director, Andrew Stevenson, who has been the BHTA’s interim Director General since November 2018. In his new role, Dr Festing will spearhead a programme of modernising the BHTA, including restructuring the association to enable it to meet the mounting challenges facing its varied membership.

Dr Simon Festing, CEO of the BHTA, commented: “This is a fantastic role and I am excited to become involved in an area that plays such a crucial role in improving people’s “This is a fantastic lives. role and I am excited

to become involved in an area that plays such a crucial role in improving people’s lives”

The decision to supersede the former title of Director General to Chief Executive Officer will help align the BHTA with modern management structures, with the new title being more pertinent in today’s climate. Alastair Maxwell, BHTA President, commented: “We are delighted to have Simon join the BHTA during this pivotal time in the healthcare industry.

“His impressive management and leadership skills, combined with his medical background and previous roles in prominent associations and at government-level, will help lead the BHTA as we continue to promote the interests of our member companies during a period of unprecedented change in the sector.”

“I look forward to meeting with our diverse membership to learn more about the important work that they do and discover what we can do to support their activities, alongside championing the importance of the industry to the public, government and all of society.” Dr Festing will join the BHTA on the 2nd March 2020

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membernews Is your trader Trustworthy?

or are they Clumsy?

Is your trader Trustworthy?

or are they Shady?

Is your trader Trustworthy?

or are they Costly?

Trustworthy

Clumsy

Trustworthy

Shady

Trustworthy

Costly

Consumer Codes Approval scheme members:

Traders who carry out work to a poor standard. Clumsy traders:

Consumer Codes Approval scheme members:

Traders who say that work needs doing when it doesn’t. Shady traders:

Consumer Codes Approval scheme members:

Traders who end up charging you more money. Costly traders:

■ Always have clear Ts & Cs

■ Will leave work unfinished

■ Always have clear Ts & Cs

■ Will waste your time

■ Always have clear Ts & Cs

■ Will overcomplicate simple tasks

■ Have a clear complaints procedure

■ Could damage your property

■ Have a clear complaints procedure

■ Will waste your money

■ Have a clear complaints procedure

■ Will add extras you don’t want

■ Have access to an ADR scheme

■ Could create safety hazards

■ Have access to an ADR scheme

■ Could leave your home worse off

■ Have access to an ADR scheme

■ Will overcharge for materials

■ Are regularly audited and monitored

■ Could put you, your family and others

■ Are regularly audited and monitored

■ Could target you again

■ Are regularly audited and monitored

■ Could suggest unnecessary work

■ Give you protection beyond your

■ Could cost you money getting

■ Give you protection beyond your

■ Could pressure you into an instalment or

■ Give you protection beyond your normal consumer rights

at risk of injury ■ Could cost you money getting

normal consumer rights

someone else to put their work right

normal consumer rights

subscription scheme

someone else to put their work right

If you don’t check, you don’t know

Look out for the Consumer Codes Approval logo or check our members list

www.tradingstandards.uk/consumers

Chartered Trading Standards Institute – Codes Campaign 2019 How do you know if the company or trader you are working with is legit? The Consumer Codes Approval Scheme (CCAS) launched a new campaign to encourage consumers to look for the scheme logo’s and check before they engage traders and companies to work for them. The campaign features characters representing the four main types of traders people complain about – Clumsy, Shady, Costly and Lazy – and shows that you cannot tell just from meeting people if they fall into one of these categories. The CCAS aims to improve customer service standards by the approval and promotion of codes of practice through code sponsors, approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI). Consumers can check the CCAS

member’s list online or simply look out for the CCAS logo.

for putting things right when they go wrong.”

The Journal of Trading Standards asked consumer protection stalwart and presenter of the BBC’s Watchdog and Rogue Traders, Matt Allwright about the campaign and his experiences with the four characters highlighted.

All CTSI-approved code members operate under a sector-specific code of practice and must demonstrate that they are committed to the highest levels of customer service.

He said: “It’s not easy at all [to spot a rogue trader], and it seems like it’s getting harder… I think we are often in such a hurry to secure the services of someone to fix our roof or boiler that we can say yes, and hope for the best, rather than do a bit of homework first. Asked about the scheme, he said: “Searching the CCAS directory clearly helps sort the sheep from the goats when choosing a trader, sets out expectations, and is a starting point

The campaign – with the tagline ‘If you don’t check, you don’t know’ consisted of videos, posters and social media starring Clumsy, Shady, Costly and Lazy and ran from 30 September to 4 October 2019. “BHTA members can use a “Click to Verify” version of the joint BHTA and Approved Code logo on their websites, which enables customers to check the member is an authorised Code Company abiding by the Code of Practice”.

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membernews

BHTA Board elect some new candidates to drive the association forward At the BHTA AGM on the 5th December 2019, two new directors were elected to the BHTA Board of Management Jill Morony (Safespaces), will be stepping down as Chair of the Children’s Equipment Section and Marie Martinalli (Medequip). A warm welcome to them both. We are also pleased that Leyton Stevens (BES Healthcare) was re-elected to the board.

BHTA Council have appointed out-going chair Alastair Maxwell as President to replace Mike Lord and Andrew Stevenson has agreed to take the BHTA Chair position when our new CEO, Dr Simon Festing, joins the BHTA team in March. Leyton Stevens was appointed Vice Chair, and will chair meetings of the Board in the interim period.

Huge thanks also goes go to our three departing directors: Graham Collyer - 22 years, Kay Purnell – 6 years and Mike Lord 12 years, who between them have provided over 42 years of service. Mike Lord stepped down as the Association’s President. Alastair Maxwell

Left to right: Mike Lord, Alastair Maxwell, Kay Purnell and Graham Collyer

Mike Lord

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Election to the BHTA Board of Management December 2019 Marie Martinalli Medequip Assistive Technology Ltd After joining Medequip in February 2017 initially as an IG Officer focussing on the development of its governance and safeguarding agenda, I was promoted to Head of SHEQ & Governance in July 2018 and am responsible for delivering the SHEQ & Governance strategy. During this time, I have developed and implemented the Centre of Excellence training teams which sit with my remit. Prior to joining Medequip, I have spent the last 15 years working within the Health & Social Care sector primarily for two large NHS organisations in patient safety and clinical governance roles. I have a wealth of experience with NHS and governing body standards such as NHS IG Toolkit, CQC Inspections, ISO standards, TSA and the Social Care Act

requirements in Adult Social Care. Prior to working in Health & Social Care I had a varied career in Retail as an Area Sales Manager for the O2 retail shops, various recruitment consultant roles with well-known high street recruitment agencies and even had a very short taste of army life! I believe that I have the passion, drive and belief to deliver the vision and values of BHTA and its objectives and ultimately influence how we as an association develop good practice and promote higher standards and quality within our industry and the members we serve. I welcome the opportunity in becoming an integral member of Board of Director’s for the BHTA and believe I possess the attirbutes needed for this role and have the ambition to support the continuation of BHTA’s journey.

Jill Morony Safespaces (Cornholme) Ltd As MD at Safespaces, I have worked within the healthcare sector for over twenty years and as chair of the Children’s Equipment section for the last 3 years. In this time I have developed significant experience and understanding of the challenges facing member companies in supporting the families of children and adults with complex needs. I have a critical understanding of the support required by healthcare professionals in navigating the oftenconvoluted legislation which can create barriers to funding for essential equipment.

I am motivated by the desire to champion the needs of children and adults with learning disabilities and/or autism to gain access to essential equipment to meet their needs. The knowledge base I have gained in this area, combined with the skills and experience I have developed in establishing a growing business to become a brand leader, have equipped me with a depth of understanding that will make me an effective member of the Board. I will invest my time and energy into developing the BHTA to meet its core aims in supporting healthcare providers to supply equipment and have their brands recognised as providing ‘best value’ solutions.

Leyton Stevens BES Healthcare Ltd I have worked within the industry and the BHTA for nearly 25 years, having worked at Medical Support Systems Ltd, Invacare and more recently as CEO for BES Healthcare Ltd. I bring with me a wealth of experience in Manufacturing, Sales, Marketing and Regulatory. In addition, I previously

served as both Vice Chair and Chair in the Beds and Support Surfaces Section and more recently as Director of BHTA for 3 years. I would very much like to continue in this role. Many opportunities lie ahead, including, but not exclusively, greater diversity, training and possible partnerships, and as a keen advocate of progress, change and improvement ‘I value the opportunity to help facilitate these within the BHTA’.

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membersnews

BHTA Third Scottish Conference in Edinburgh The BHTA Scottish Section held their third Conference at the Macdonald Holyrood Hotel on Tuesday 21st January in Edinburgh. Once again, we had a range of speakers who were brought together to discuss healthcare in Scotland. The main speakers included Kenneth Munro (BHTA Member), Angie Perrin (ASCN â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Association of Stoma Care Nurses), Michelle Thompson (Momentous Change) and Pennie Taylor a (Freelance Journalist). Kenneth gave an insight into the current Scottish Health Care Service which set the scene for a mixture of views on where we are now and how the service is developing. Angie gave an overview of the Association of Stoma Care Nurses including the support service delivered by ASCN Nurse to enhance patient quality of life. Pennie Taylor delivered a light-hearted but insightful review of the NHS since Scotland devolution. Michelle updated the conference on Brexit from her previous presentation and discussed where are we today.

Angie Perrin

The event closed with a debate on the current structure of NHS in Scotland and the challenges for all suppliers regarding Brexit and the new Medical Device Regulations followed. Jonathan Scott BHTA Scottish Section Chair, brought the proceedings (to a close) of another successful conference.

Michelle Thompson

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Left to right: Pennie Taylor, Margret Smith, Jonathan Scott

Pennie Taylor

Kenneth Munro

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membersnews

Publications Review 2019 BHTA sections had another busy year producing new information leaflets and papers to assist consumers and healthcare professionals with the important information they need when making decisions about products and services they need. CHILDREN’S SECTION • Equipment or adaptions for disabled children in England • Get wise to preparing a child for an assessment for equipment or adaptations • Help for Families

BEDS/SUPPORT SURFACES/ PRESSURE CARE/SEATING & POSITIONING SECTIONS • What lies beneath? MOBILITY SECTION • Get wise to accessing a wheelchair or mobility scooter • Did you know you have a choice? FIRST AID AND MEDICAL EQUIPMENT SECTION • New section video to promote the British Standard changes • Get wise to Critical Injury Packs and Personal Issue Kits • Get wise to Travel and Motoring First Aid Kits • Get wise to First Aid Kits in the Workplace STAIRLIFT AND ACCESS SECTION • Get wise to Buying a Stairlift The BHTA suite of documents is now recognised by professionals and by standards organisations who work closely with the association.

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Bid Writing Course The British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) and Naomi Clews Consultancy collaborated in 2019 to deliver bid writing training for 70 healthcare companies and 98 delegates. The NHS bid writing course assumes no prior knowledge of bid writing and is proven to take delegates from zero to hero in as little as 5 hours. The course attracted a broad spectrum of delegates from office administrators to CEO’s. BHTA members feedback showed they enjoyed the informative, fun and interactive. "Naomi has a great understanding of NHS procurement especially bids and tender writing” "Have been writing tenders for a while but there was a lot in the content I hadn’t thought about” "Having no understanding of the tender process, I am starting to get to grips with it”

Naomi Clews with her 15 years healthcare procurement experience simplified the complex NHS procurement landscape and shared some unique insights from her time working for Government. Naomi Clews said: "It’s been fantastic working with the BHTA and their members. It’s great to hear delegates have used tools and techniques they learnt on the course to go on and win bids!” The 2020 Introduction to NHS bid writing course is now CPD accredited under Naomi’s training company - Millennial Procurement. Delegates will now receive 5 CPD points for attending the 1 day bid writing course. To find out more about bid writing services please email naomi@ naomiclewsconsultancy.com

http://bhta.com/nhs-bid-writingbhta-partner-programme/

Initially one bid writing course was scheduled for May 2019, this immediately sold out and was a huge success. 100 percent of delegates said they would recommend the course to a colleague. A further 3 dates were scheduled for May and June, which also sold out. A fifth bid writing training course was delivered in November 2019. Naomi Clews designed and delivered the bespoke training course for BHTA healthcare members, whose key market was the NHS. Despite numerous presentations, information and guidance from healthcare purchasing organisations, members felt unsure about the changing NHS landscape and how this would impact on future NHS tenders.

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eventnews Posture and Mobility Group (PMG) – returns to Telford for 2020 The PMG Conference will return to Telford for 2020, but the event is moving to a new time of the year, early November! The event will take place on the 2nd to 4th November 2020.

BHTA / ICB Golf Day 2019 at Foxhills Golf & Resort Surrey The BHTA Golf Day was held at Foxhills on Wednesday 4th September 2019 together with sponsors Verlingue (ICB), the BHTA preferred business insurance provider. It was another successful event with member and guest teams competing for a number of prizes. The event brought together members from all over the healthcare sectors of the association. After a very competitive game the winners were: Individual Winner (BHTA Phil Isherwood Trophy): Phil Rishworth Stiltz Individual Runner Up: Richard Cook NRS Winning Team: NRS Nearest the Pin at Holes: 4th – Arron Sverdloff 6th – Ryan Hirst 11th – Phil Rishworth 16th – James Bennett Longest Drive: Phil Rishworth

Golf Day 2020 This year we will be holding our BHTA Golf day at the Mere Gold Resort and Spa in Cheshire. The date for your diaries is Tuesday 8th September 2020 and if anyone is interested in booking a team of 4 or an individual place please contact Karim Uddin at karim@ bhta.com or call on 020 7702 2141.

Shortly there will be an announcement for a Call for Papers, but if you're interested in presenting at the event, or just want to be kept updated with all the details, make sure you have joined their mailing list at: www.pmguk.co.uk/contact/join-our-mailing-list PMG’s annual conference provides an educational programme, industry exhibition and networking events for professionals working in the field of posture and wheeled mobility. The majority of their delegates are occupational therapists, physiotherapists, rehabilitation engineers and clinical scientists working within the NHS wheelchair services or for manufacturers/distributors of posture and mobility products, with a smaller, but significant, number working in other NHS departments, the charitable sector, for local authorities, or independently. The event focuses on the posture and mobility needs of wheelchair users and, as such, is beneficial for all professionals working in this field. Much of the content provided is also transferrable to other complex seating needs, and therefore they welcome professionals working within the community, whose focus is not exclusively wheelchairs. For more information about the conference, please email conference@pmguk.co.uk or call 01392 477710 or visit their website at www.pmguk.co.uk

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ICB Group rebranded as Verlingue The ICB Insurance Group are delighted to announce that, with effect from 1st December 2019, BHTA’s insurance partner of 20 years - ICB Group – has rebranded to the name of their European parent, Verlingue, and now trades under the name of Verlingue Limited. Verlingue is a leading European, family owned and independent insurance broker and employee benefits business. They employ over 1,200 people across our offices in the UK, France and Switzerland and trade over €2bn in premiums every year.

BHTA Awards Dinner The 2020 BHTA Awards Evening will be held on Friday 4th December at the Tower Hotel London to celebrate the successes within the healthcare and assistive technology sectors. Details of the awards categories and how your company can enter will be issued shortly. If you would like to be kept up to date about the event or for any other potential sponsorship opportunities please email: steve.perry@bhta.com

Date for your diary Wednesday 3rd June 2020 BHTA Members Afternoon Tea We are arranging an afternoon tea in Westminster for members to meet our New CEO, Dr Simon Festing and launch the BHTA Manifesto 2020. Booking will be opening soon and members will be notified when this is available. This will be a limited availability event.

The merger is good news for BHTA members. It means that as a company we will be in an even stronger position to help members with their insurance and employee benefits needs. Whilst the name has changed, the office locations will remain the same, and we will continue to deliver high quality insurance solutions and excellent service to BHTA members. Verlingue Limited is the approved insurance broker for an exclusive insurance scheme only available to BHTA members. In their experience 80% of companies do not have the correct cover, which is why Verlingue has teamed up with BHTA to develop a scheme specifically designed for their members. Verlingue Limited have a wealth of experience in the Healthcare sector and understand the risks and challenges associated with protecting your business, giving you total peace of mind. If you require Insurance or are due for renewal with your current provider, why not give Verlingue an opportunity to provide you with a free policy health-check to see if we can better your current cover and policy cost. If you would like to discuss Insurance coverage email karim@bhta.com and he will get Verlingue to contact you at the earliest opportunity, or visit the Verlingue Limited website at www.verlingue.co.uk/bhta You can also talk to David Widdick Dip CII Director – New Business Broking – david.widdick@verlingue.co.uk There have been two new packages recently launched by ICB for Mobility Retailers and BHTA members in general.

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BHTAnews

MDR requirements will affect retailers Sarah Lepak, BHTA Director of Governance & Policy

From May 2020 the Medical Device Regulation comes fully into force and all organisations selling and supplying medical devices need to be aware of the requirements placed on everyone in the supply chain to the end user. Under the MDR, if you are not a manufacturer, and not an importer, then you are, by default, a “distributor”. This therefore encompasses retailers, dispensing appliance contractors, charities, and even hospitals. The definition of a ‘distributor’ is set out in Article 2 (34) and the obligations on distributors are set out in Article 14. These obligations are paraphrased below: Distributors must verify: a. that the device has been CE marked and that the EU declaration of conformity of the device has been drawn up b. the device is accompanied by the information to be supplied by the manufacturer (label, instructions for use, warnings, whether it is sterile…) as per Article 10(11), Annex I Section 23 c. for imported devices, the importer has complied with the requirements set out in Article 13(3) (i.e. has their name, registered address and contact address on the device or its packaging, without obscuring the manufacturer’s information)

d. that, where applicable, a UDI has been assigned by the manufacturer (a UDI is a unique device identification number, either on the device or its packaging, and for most devices in our sector this is usually in the form of a human readable bar code) You can use a sampling method for (a), (b), and (d) above. You must not supply a device to a user if you do not believe it meets one or more of the above and if so, must inform the manufacturer; and must not supply it until the matter has been corrected. You must meet the conditions set by the manufacturer (if any) for storage or transport of the device whilst it is under your responsibility.

Where you have received complaints or reports from customers, healthcare professionals, or patients about suspected incidents related to a device you must immediately forward the information to the manufacturer. You must keep a register of complaints, of non-conforming devices and of recalls and withdrawals, and keep the manufacturer informed, providing them with any information they ask for. (If the device is imported, then the manufacturer’s authorised representative and the importer should also be informed wherever it says above to inform the manufacturer.)

If you consider it presents a serious risk or is a falsified device (i.e. incorrectly CE marked), you must also inform the competent authority (which in the UK is the MHRA). In the case of serious risk, this must be reported immediately.

You must provide the competent authority (MHRA), on request, with all the information and documentation at your disposal related to a device (as per (a) to (d) above). You must also co-operate with the competent authority (MHRA), at their request, on any action taken to eliminate the risks posed by devices you supply and, if requested, provide free samples of the device.

You must cooperate with the manufacturer to ensure that necessary corrective action is taken to bring the device into conformity, to withdraw it or recall it, as appropriate.

You must keep records for 10 years to identify manufacturers or importers who have supplied you with a device, and any health institution or healthcare professional to whom you have supplied

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Credentialing for the NHS a device (Article 25, Article 10(8). What does this mean in practice? You should put a sampling process in place and make sure that manufacturers are providing everything you need to meet your obligations. They should make clear which of the products they sell to you are medical devices. We anticipate that responsible manufacturers will update their terms and conditions of business to reflect the obligations you have as a distributor. You need to ensure you set up and maintain the log described regarding complaints, recalls etc. You should capture the device UDI as a data field in your records for track and trace purposes and for reporting of incidents. You must co-operate with any recalls or corrective action and we suggest that if you become aware of an incident where a device posed a serious risk to a customer you should attempt to quarantine the item. You need to check that your insurance reflects the fact that you supply medical devices and that you have adequate liability cover in place.

NHS England has been working with industry partners, including BHTA, to develop a method for ensuring industry personnel who access secondary care settings meet agreed standards, – a process referred to as ‘credentialing’. This culminated in the launch, and accreditation by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA), of the Life Science Industry (LSI) accredited credentialing register. The Register sets out national standards to support the safety of patients and staff and maximises the quality and efficiency of NHS-industry interactions. It is FREE to use by the NHS and is funded, on a not-for-profit basis, by industry. This system allows Trusts to be assured that industry representatives meet the standards jointly agreed with the NHS, that the representative has the appropriate competency to do their job, to maintain patient safety and safeguarding requirements in line with an approved Code of Conduct. Companies whose personnel access NHS premises are urged to utilise the LSI accredited credentialing Register as part of good governance arrangements. A PSA accredited credentialing Register provides a level of assurance that is not available elsewhere through any other system. Anyone registered with MIA will be automatically transitioned across to the LSI register. Further information is available at https://lifescienceindustry.co.uk/ Information about the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) is available at https://www.professionalstandards.org.uk/home

VAT relief – is the product eligible? We regularly receive questions about VAT relief which applies when people with long-term conditions and disabilities buy goods that are eligible for zero rating, activity that is sometimes erroneously described as “VAT exemption”.

The full text of the MDR can be found here: https://eur-lex. europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/ HTML/?uri=CELEX:02017R074520170505&from=EN

Retailers need to be sure which products they sell are eligible, as they can face a hefty VAT bill if a VAT inspector thinks they should have charged VAT and didn’t. The guidance issued by HMRC says that it is the manufacturer who determines whether the product is designed solely for use by a person with a long-term condition or disability.

You can report a medical device incident here: https://www.gov.uk/reportproblem-medicine-medical-device

Because it is the design intent that underpins eligibility it is possible for two products that seem similar to have different answers. A class 3 mobility scooter, for example, might be deemed a medical device, or a leisure vehicle, depending on the manufacturer’s intent, so if the manufacturer hasn’t given any indication, ask, don’t guess.

Please note that this article is an interpretation only and does not constitute legal advice. The MHRA is drafting guidance for distributors and we will alert members as soon as it is available.

Some manufacturers indicate eligibility in their catalogue, price list, or on their website. It is worth checking these periodically and keeping a copy, to evidence to an inspector why you thought a product was eligible. If an inspector challenges your decision to sell a product to a customer at at Zero Rated VAT and you don’t have evidence from the manufacturer, the result could be painful.

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Are you getting all the news in our weekly updates? Today at BHTA keeps you up to date with industry and healthcare news stories in an easy to access format via PC, Tablets or mobile so you can catch up on the move. If you currently do not receive the weekly update about what we have been up to, which meetings we have attended, which Sections are doing something different and interesting, along with industry news and plenty of other snippets that could be useful for your business, then please let us know. Just send a request to charlie.lawrence@bhta.com and we will add you to the distribution list.

BHTA Advantage, the memberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s benefits package for all your staff One of the benefits of being a BHTA member is FREE access for you and all your staff to great deals on Cinema Tickets, Offers at Theme parks, Flowers and Spa Days for those special occasions and many more... We have a weekly offer in our Newsletter and monthly Super Mailers but you can also access the benefits website at any time during the year if you are looking at shopping on-line for something you need. If you and any of your staff have not registered for BHTA Advantage offers, please send an email to charlie.lawrence@bhta. com and we will send you the link to the website and your personal login details.

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Section Chairs 2020 Chairman The BHTA is a trade association Andrew Stevenson with members in healthcare and assistive technology, all of whom commit to the BHTA Code of Practice, the only one in this industry to be approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. BHTA member companies operate to higher standards of customer protection than the law requires. Organised into one or more of 12 sections covering most sectors of the healthcare industry are represented. This unique sectional structure provides a platform for all companies to have an effective voice within BHTA and, through the Association, to influence the development of healthcare policies and standards in the UK. The sections and the Section Chairs are:

Beds and Support Surfaces David Beavis Task Force Matters Tel: 07488 326179

Childrensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Equipment

Position Vacant Contact BHTA Tel: 020 770 22141

Dispensing Appliance Contractors

Mark Turner Peacocks Medical Group Limited Tel: 07702 865718

Pressure Care, Seating and Positioning

Position Vacant Contact BHTA Tel: 020 770 22141

Stairlifts and Access

Paul Eakin Pelican Healthcare Tel: 029 2074 7000

Amy Hadlow Higher Elevation Limited Tel: 01622 682973

First Aid Medical Equipment (FAME) And Defibrillators

Stoma and Continence Products

Ben Ludzker (FAME) Kays Medical Tel: 07780 952275 Steve Jelfs (Defibrillators) Cardiac Science (Zoll)

Independent Living & Hearing Care Position Vacant Contact BHTA 020 770 22141

Mobility Group Jeanette Warner Better Mobility Ltd Tel: 01442 768782

Orthotics & Prosthetics

Paul Eakin Pelican Healthcare Tel: 029 2074 7000

Decontamination and Infection Haydn Pugh Apex Medical Tel. 07964 556057

BHTA Scotland Group

Jonathan Scott Salts Healthcare Ltd Tel: 0121 333 2000

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whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;swho

Andrew Stevenson

Andrew Barker

Sarah Lepak

Lord Rennard

Kevin Hodges

Susan Burberry

Nigel Woods

Alex Hanrahan

Margaret Smith

Steve Perry

Nadim Anwar

Karim Uddin

Donna Eade

Jane Weller

Nigel Bliss

Charlie Lawrence

Millie York

Calvin Barnett

Sarah Sarsby

Joe Fahey

Interim Director General

Finance Officer

Operations Manager

Marketing & Communications Assistant

Interim Commercial Director

Administration Officer

Business Development Manager

Digital Marketing Apprentice

Director of Governance & Policy

Membership Engagement Manager

Shopmobility Co-ordinator

BHTA Engage Editorial Director

Director of Communications

BHTA Scotland

Membership Engagement Manager

BHTA Engage Content Writer

Membership Engagement Manager

Marketing & Communications Manager

Finance Manager

BHTA Engage Sales Manager

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New members A warm welcome to all these new member companies: 1. DIRECT STAIRLIFTS LTD Unit 5, Jubilee Business Park, Stores Road, Derby DE21 4BB t 0800 530 0025 e enquiries@directstairlifts.co.uk w www.directstairlifts.co.uk

9. PRECISION REHAB LTD 6 Hill Square, Basingstoke Hampshire RG24 8YY t 01256 300111 e info@precisionrehab.co.uk w www.precisionrehab.co.uk

2. MILLS MOBILITY AIDS Unit 8A Harrow Road, , Herefordshire HR4 0EH t 01432 277000 e office@millsmobilityaids.co.uk w www.millsmobilityaids.co.uk

10. RENEW MEDICAL UK LTD LABS, Hogarth House, 136 High Holborn, London WC1V 6PX t 0800 542 0814 e support@renew-medical.uk w www.renew-medical.uk

3. AJM HEALTHCARE Unit 17, North Crescent, Diplocks Way, Hailsham, East Sussex BN27 3JF t 01323 847250 w www.ajmhealthcare.com

11. MAG ORTHOTICS LTD Unit 31, Jessops Riverside, 800 Brightside Lane, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S9 2RX t 0114 243 5018 w www.magorthotics.com

4. SHOWERBUDDY NEW ZEALAND LTD 17 Stonecross Gardens, Catterall, Lancashire PR3 1YQ t 07484 288974 w www.shower-buddy.com 5. CCMED LTD c/o Peter Hills Consulting Ltd, 30 Glendon Road, Derby DE24 3LT t 07850 204842 w www.ccmed.co.uk 6. MID BEDS MOBILITY LTD Unit 9, Turnpike, Potton Road, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire SG18 0EP t 01767 220418 e enq@midbedsmobility.org w www.midbedsmobility.org 7. NG ASSOCIATION (TRADE AFFILIATE) Endeavour House, 189 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2H 8JG t 0207 395 9655 w www.themma.marketing/home 8. QUEST 88 LTD Aston Street, Shifnal, Shropshire TF111 8DW t 01952 463050 e sales@quest88.com w www.quest88.com

12. IMPERATIVE TRAINING LTD Excalibur House, 630 Liverpool Road, Irlam, Manchester M44 5AD t 0161 776 7420 e customerservice@imperativetraining.com w www.imperativetraining.com w www.defibshop.co.uk 13. MEDISTOCK SOLUTIONS LTD Suite 110, Access House, Cray Avenue, Orpington, Kent BR5 3QB t 0845 601 5886 e info@medistock.co.uk w www.medistock.co.uk 14. RAHANA LTD c/o Geoff Cowley & Co Ltd, Willow Park, Upton Lane, Stoke Golding, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV13 6EU t 0746 496 4142 w www.rahanalife.co.uk 15. ABILITY MATTERS GROUP LTD (RETURNING MEMBER) Ability House, 21 Nuffield Way, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 1RL t 01235 552855 e info@abilitymatters.com w www.abilitymatters.com

16. COBANA ENERGY LTD (TRADE AFFILIATE) (RETURNING MEMBER) UCB House, 3 George Street, Watford, Hertfordshire WD18 0BX t 01923 729329 e info@cobanaenergy.com w www.cobanaenergy.com 17. EASYRISE LIMITED Telford, Shropshire t 01952 610300 w www.geniestandingwheelchair.co.uk 18. SNOWDROP INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire t 01437 768383 w www.snowdropindependentliving.co.uk 19. DIETZ POWER Wordsley, West Midlands t 01384 912009 w www.dietz-power.com 20. RECLINER CHAIRS & BEDS LTD Unit 3, Paragon Works, Wilsthorpe Road, Long Eaton, Nottinghamshire NG10 3JW t 0115 880 0110 e hello@reclinerchairsandbeds.co.uk w www.reclinerchairsandbeds.co.uk 21. GM GEECO LTD (T/A THE MOBILITY FURNITURE COMPANY) 4 Cranwell Road, Locking Parklands, Weston-Super-Mare BS24 7GF t 01934 875444 e sales@mobilityfurniture.co.uk w www.mobilityfurniture.co.uk 22. CHANNEL HEALTHCARE LTD Hythe, Kent t 0800 193 2524 w www.channelhealthcare.co.uk 23. INSPIRED PATIENT HANDLING LTD Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire t 07821 132287 w www.inspiredpatienthandling.com

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Compulsory insurance and the mobility market The number of mobility scooters on roads and pavements in Europe and particularly in the UK have grown exponentially over the last decade, providing increased freedom and mobility to hundreds of thousands of people. More users however have led to more accidents, with the industry now looking at ways of reducing the numbers of incidents involving mobility scooters. One of the most common and often controversial calls has been for the introduction of compulsory insurance and recently, the European Parliament reviewed its compulsory vehicle insurance requirements, potentially introducing new changes that would change the mobility landscape. 20

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The European Parliament passed proposed changes concerning which vehicles require compulsory vehicle insurance, however, excluded vehicles including mobility scooters due to concerns of discouraging innovation. On the 13th February 2019, the European Parliament formally accepted proposed changes to the Motor Insurance Directive (MIP) following a review carried out by the European Commission in May 2018. The changes considered a range of topics relating to the insurance of vehicles across EU members, including clearer guidance regarding which vehicles require compulsory insurance cover. Outlining insurance should be compulsory for vehicles that are used in traffic and performing the vehicle’s primary function as a means of transport, the proposed changes define “in traffic” as “the use of a vehicle in circulation on public and private roadways.”

Whilst the UK government recommends users to take out insurance, currently, mobility scooter insurance is not compulsory for either class 2 or class 3 scooters, despite a legal requirement for users to register class 3 mobility scooters with the DVLA for road use. For class 3 mobility scooter users wishing to exceed more than 4mph, the scooter must be used on the road and are prohibited from travelling faster than 8mph, as well as requiring front and rear lights and reflectors, an efficient braking system, direction indicators able to operate as a hazard warning signal, an audible horn, and a rear-view mirror. Additionally, mobility scooter users are permitted to travel on dual carriageways, with users being required to use an amber flashing light for visibility.

“It is important that the

sector doesn’t accept impractical amendments to existing compulsory insurance regimes.”

mandatory insurance could help curb the rise in accidents. Discussing the decision, David Widdick from sector insurance specialists ICB Group commented: “We welcome the European Parliament’s decision to exclude mobility scooters from the current motor regulations, which were not drawn up with the needs of mobility scooters and their riders in mind. “Their intention not to “discourage innovation” should prompt the industry and its stakeholders to approach the government with workable, common sense proposals based on industry experience and best practice. It is important that the sector doesn’t accept impractical amendments to existing compulsory insurance regimes.” Recently, some mobility retailers and suppliers, as well as local councils, have taken steps to address the problem of scooter safety with their own initiatives, such as TGA’s joint supplier/dealer scooter safety events, Oxfordshire County Council scooter training course, People First Mobility’s scooter safety awareness days and more.

Based on this definition, the Directive states that “when a vehicle is used in traffic at any point and is therefore subject to a compulsory insurance requirement, Member States should ensure that the vehicle is covered by an insurance policy that includes potential injured parties, during the period of the contract, regardless of whether the vehicle is used in traffic or not at the time of the accident, except where the vehicle is used in a motorsports event.”

The justification behind the decision to exclude mobility scooters was that compulsory insurance would “discourage innovation,” as well as citing the lack of damage caused following a mobility scooter accident in comparison to that of larger vehicles, such as cars.

Despite these initiatives, calls from the public for central government intervention have been rising, with the BHTA’s former Director-General Ray Hodgkinson MBE urging the mobility industry to tackle the problem and selfregulate before regulations are imposed.

Despite the two definitions being applicable to both class 2 and 3 scooters, with both being used on public pathways and roadways, the proposals purposely do not extend to new types of motor vehicles, including mobility scooters.

The decision to omit mobility scooters from requiring compulsory insurance has received a mixed reaction from the industry, with some welcoming the decision to avoid imposing rules not specifically designed for the mobility market, whilst others argue that

“The danger with mobility scooters is that there isn’t proper training, the control of them into the marketplace needs to be tighter, retailers need to have greater knowledge on people’s conditions, and users themselves need to be acutely aware that they are sitting on something that can be lethal if not driven properly,” commented Ray.

Share your thoughts… Should users of mobility scooters be required to take out compulsory insurance or is it a move that would be unnecessary and potentially restrict many users’ opportunity for the freedom of mobility? Share your thoughts with THIIS and contact calvin@thiis.co.uk

As the rate of mobility scooter incidents continues to rise and grab the media’s attention, the question of compulsory insurance is one that will be continued to be asked in the foreseeable future.

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NRS Healthcare acquired in secondary buy-out Following a successful year of trading, with the company reporting an annual turnover of over £165million for the year ended 31st March 2018 – a 2.8 percent sales increase on the previous year – NRS Healthcare has been acquired in a secondary buy-out. Speaking to THIIS, Graphite Capital confirmed the acquisition for an undisclosed amount, purchasing the company from H2 Equity Partners, which has owned a majority stake in the company since December 2014. A private equity firm focused on midmarket leveraged buyout investments, the Graphite Capital Group manages around £1.2 billion for institutional investors and at the end of 2018, raised over £500million for its ninth UK midmarket fund. Having made eight investments in the care sector and with experience in the medical devices arena, NRS Healthcare marks the private equity firm’s first acquisition of a mobility and assistive living aids provider to the community and private sector. Headquartered in Leicestershire, the majority of NRS Healthcare’s revenue is generated from the provision of outsourced integrated community equipment services (ICES) for Local Authorities. Operating 20 depots across the UK, the company is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, delivering,

The NRS Healthcare acquisition timeline 22

Jerry Benson CEO of NRS Healthcare

installing, maintaining, collecting, decontaminating and recycling the equipment. In addition, the company is also a multi-channel distributor of mobility and independent living aids, both ownlabel and branded products, through its Product Sales division, selling to end-users, Local Authorities, healthcare professionals, and retailers.

In September 2018, NRS Healthcare acquired Lancashire-based online retailer Complete Care Networks, expanding NRS Healthcare’s access to the private market. The company also provides wheelchair services under a number of contracts, covering wheelchair procurement, delivery, collection, maintenance, repair, and reconditioning.

2001:

April 2013:

Dec 2014:

March 2019:

Acquired by Findel plc

LDC acquired NRS from Findel plc

H2 Equity Partners acquire majority stake from LDC

Graphite Capital confirms secondary buy-out of NRS

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Handicare’s latest stairlift shortlisted for Asia Pacific Innovation award Handicare has received recognition for innovation in the aged care sector after the company’s newest stairlift model was announced as a finalist in the ‘Oscars’ of the Asia Pacific eldercare industry.

Its standout features are its easy to clean tooth and grease-free compact rail and patented four-wheel drive technology based on friction drive, which ensures a smooth and reliable ride.

The annual Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards honour organisations for their pioneering and quality approaches to changing the way the region’s older adults age and for their contribution to shaping the future of the ageing landscape.

Handicare Executive Commercial Director UK, Europe & Far East Clare Brophy said: “This is a tremendous accolade for our team and our approach to delivering innovative solutions to make life easier for people with mobility challenges around the world.”

Following its successful debut in Germany’s Rehacare in 2018, the Handicare 1100 straight stairlift is a finalist in the category Best Solution to Support Ageing-in-Place – Assistive.

The winners will be announced in Singapore in May. www.handicare.co.uk

Lift company rises as one of Europe’s fastest-growing companies Stiltz Homelifts has been recognised as one of the fastest growing companies in Europe by the Financial Times, with the homelift manufacturer ranking 167th in the FT 1000 which ranks the top 1,000 businesses from 31 European countries that have achieved the highest annual growth rate in revenue between 2014 and 2017. Within that time period, Stiltz has grown 106.3 percent and closed 2017 with a turnover of £14.3million. It was listed as the 34th highest-ranking UK business and the second fastest-growing health company in Europe.

Stiltz’ range and emphasised that the company’s success has neen driven by its dealer partnership programme. “Trade dealers in the UK have stood up and taken notice of Stiltz Homelifts because they recognise the difference we can make to their customers’ lives and their companies’ bottom lines,” he explained. www.stiltz.co.uk

Gino Farruggio, UK Trade Sales Director of Stiltz Homelifts, praised the aesthetically pleasing qualities of

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Young people and the Disabled Facilities Grant I’ve written before about the role that manufacturers and retailers can play in helping young people with disabilities, but this month I want to talk more specifically about the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG), and how this can be used to help the young people you come into contact with, as well as the OTs who serve those young people. The DFG is an avenue that more would do well to explore, for the following reasons: 1. For children aged 17 years and younger, there is no “means testing” – it is applicable for all, regardless of how much money the parents do or do not have 2. The DFG is for the child, not the property they live in, which means three disabled children living under the same roof would be entitled to three DFG applications

For those two reasons, the DFG is well worth investigating if you’re working with children, remembering that the works should be deemed “necessary and appropriate” by the council and/or NHS, and “reasonable and practical” from the housing department of your local council. (It’s worth pointing out at this point that the DFG is not available in Scotland) How can the DFG be used to help young people?

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The DFG allows for adaptations to:

Provide adequate heating, lighting and ventilation

Provide access to and from the property. This includes things like: • Grab rails for access • Portable ramps • Step lifts • Platform lifts • Concrete ramps

If your client has a visual impairment, consider RNIB guidelines and the products / adaptations that may help. If a blood condition, the cold may be an issue, thus what do you provide that could keep the client warm?

Provide access to principal family room Do you widen doors to make wheelchair access possible? Do you provide automatic door openers? Can you create an open plan kitchen / diner for appropriate access?

Provide access to a bath and or shower (including toilet and wash hand basin access) If a client can’t access a bath, shower, toilet or wash hand basin, the DFG can help make that happen to provide a wet room, or perhaps a specialist bath. If these major works are not required or the customer is looking at low-cost, easier options, you may be able to provide equipment for example: • A bath board • A bath lift • Grab rails • Shower chairs (manual, attendant propelled, fold down and free standing) • Raised toilet seat • Lever taps

Provide access to a place to prepare and eat a meal Clearly, a huge part of our role as OTs is to allow our clients to live as full a life as possible and that includes ensuring that meals can be prepared and eaten at home. If you provide solutions to kitchen-use issues, the DFG could well be used to help a client acquire your product or service. Consider equipment you can sell that would be helpful too, like a Muggi to carry drinks, Dycem non-slip mats or adaptive cutlery that can go with an adapted kitchen.

Provide access to a bedroom If a client’s bedroom is upstairs, they’re most likely going to need a way to get up and down the stairs, and a stair lift, home lift, stair steady or extra mopstick rail are all things that can be considered with DFG funding. And even if stairs aren’t an issue, your customer may struggle to get in and out of bed. If that’s the case, then I’d recommend looking at equipment the client can purchase or apply to social services for like a bed lever, or a new chair bed.

Again, the right product or adaptation can be obtained using DFG funding if criteria is met.

And finally, the external environment Is it worth asking your client where they live and whether, they need to live closer to the hospital, school or family to enhance their life and reduce strain on them and their family? Consider, is the existing home: 1. Too far away from important family members? 2. Too far away from family GP? 3. Too far away from specialist services? 4. Difficult to park at? 5. Far away from local amenities? Adapting a property should be because the external environment works for the family and your client. If it does not, relocating should be discussed. However, in lots of cases, equipment will solve the problems and this is where equipment providers, mobility stores and manufacturers come in – the more they’re able to make occupational therapists and clients aware of the products, the easier the job is for us! This is an overview, so please If unsure consult your local social services department for advice or consider becoming a Trusted Assessor through an accredited organisation like the Disabled Living Foundation. www.rnib.org.uk www.dlf.org.uk

Stuart Barrow of Promoting Independence is a member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and a recognised expert in the field of home adaptations. His experience is sought by manufacturers and service providers looking for an expert opinion. Stuart also runs the Occupational Therapy Adaptations Conference (OTAC).

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eBay turns attention to the mobility market Providing a variety of solutions for people with mobility needs and disabilities, eBay has unveiled its new Independent Living Hub, including mobility products, daily living aids, incontinence products and orthotics. According to eBay, it saw 1.3 million shoppers in the medical and mobility category last year, with demand for mobility products seeing a 20 percent increase year-on-year, leading to the creation of the Independent Living Hub.

Featured sellers on eBay’s Independent Living hub currently includes BetterLife, Incontinence Shop, SLK Mobility, Argos and more.

single platform, rather than the traditional retail route, joining other large digital marketplaces such as Amazon in the independent living sector.

The new hub aims will aim to enable end-users to find everyday products that enhance their quality of life through a

Additionally, eBay plans to increase its product offering based on customers’ requirements over the next year.

Accessible Aviation Help for people with disabilities to access air travel and holidays Traveling by air opens-up a world of possibilities and a range of practical challenges for many disabled travelers. At QEF Accessible Aviation they directly support people considering flight who need practical help and advice, together with advising the aviation and healthcare sectors to improve their understanding of disabled passenger’s requirements. Unless you fly frequently it can be hard to know exactly what the aircraft cabin

is like and what support is available. Their unique Tryb4uFly assessment guides you through the journey in a realistic cabin environment where you can try equipment and investigate options for you to remain comfortable throughout your flight. Their comprehensive Flight Video Guides show you the complete journey from arrival at the airport through to boarding, seating and disembarking the aircraft so you can prepare and feel confident about the flight. QEF have teamed up with Airlines and UK Airports to provide pertinent flight related information, and the right teams to speak to when supporting a client with specific requirements, They have teamed up with Airlines

and UK Airports to provide training for healthcare professionals and travel specialists to give experience and knowledge of airport and aircraft environments and increase theri confidence when advising clients. QEF are supported by our Aviation Access Network consisting of disabled people and aviation industry champions and work with Government, UK and International Airlines and regulators to support initiatives that improve accessibility. Visit their website at: https://qef. org.uk/our-services/accessibleaviation

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Stairlift bosses rise and fall in rich list Both Acorn’s and Stannah Stairlifts’ bosses have made it into the Sunday Times Rich List for 2019, ranking the top 1,000 wealthiest people and families in the UK. Produced annually since 1989 and updated in April, the Sunday Times estimates individuals’ and families’ net wealth from different, publicly-available

information, which excludes bank accounts as the editors have no access to.

Brian and Alan Stannah celerbrating the company’s 40th birthday

Acorn Stairlifts’ John Jakes 2017: 793rd (Estimated net worth: £140m) 2018: 656th (Estimated net worth: £180m) 2019: 569th (Estimated net worth: £210m)

Leaping an astonishing 224 places in the rich list standings in just two years, Acorn Stairlifts’ Jakes net worth has jumped as Acorn’s sales have continued to rise, particularly in North America, where it generates two-thirds of its revenue.

Alongside Acorn Mobility’s thriving activities, Jakes, who now resides in Monaco, owns a four percent stakes in funeral director Dignity, worth £20million, alongside large dividends and a considerable property portfolio.

Stannah Stairlifts’ Brian and Alan Stannah 2017: 719th (Estimated net worth: £157m) 2018: 693rd (Estimated net worth: £171m)

Stannah’s brothers have dropped down 67 places since 2018 following the stairlift manufacturer’s profits halving in 2017 to £5.8million on £251.3million sales.

2019: 760th (Estimated net worth: £155m)

According to the time, it is the company’s net assets of £118.2million

which led the Times to reach the valuation of £130million, with the brothers’ past salaries and dividends adding £25million to make up the £155million overall wealth.

Where are the richest located?

Who topped the charts?

United States: 463 billionaires worth £2,374billion China: 294 billionaires worth £975billion UK: 151 billionaires worth £525billion Germany: 116 billionaires worth £483billion

Industrialist Hinduja brothers, Gopi, 79, and Sri, 83, along with brothers Prakash, 73, and Ashok, 68, together control more than 50 companies with a total turnover of nearly £40bn in 2018.

£££ 27

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The company announced it is no longer selling mobility and independent living aids through its online or telesales channels

Betterlife: The end of retail operations as we know it In April 2019, Betterlife Healthcare, once one of the mobility industrys largest and most dominant ecommerce retail players, announced it was closing its online and telesales retail operations and stopping the supply of “high ticket” items to customers’ homes. Shocking the industry and with echoes of the fate of Simplyhealth’s retail proposition The Unlimited Company, THIIS investigates what this sudden change means for the Betterlife brand and for the industry as a whole. 28

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The rise of Betterlife Originally founded as an online retail proposition in 2014 by Grant Abrahams, former Head of Betterlife and present Retail Director of Drive DeVilbiss, Betterlife from LloydsPharmacy is an independent living and mobility equipment retail offering from its giant parent company McKesson UK. After enjoying significant success online, Betterlife expanded into its own dedicated bricks and mortar retail space in the same year with its flagship store in Leeds. Delivering a fresh and modern approach to mobility retail previously unseen in the industry, Betterlife’s Leeds retail space garnered praise and turned heads in the industry, with the shop being crowned ISG Store Design of the Year at the Oracle Retail Week Awards 2015. The company quickly expanded its bricks and mortar presence soon afterwards, launching two more dedicated stores in the West Midlands in March and October 2015, as well as Betterlife spaces in LloydsPharmacy outlets. The company’s dedicated stores boasted an innovative design that featured a mobility scooter test track and unique, real-life home settings for people to imagine the products in their own home, pushing the lifestyle aspect of the products. Over the years, Betterlife continued to grow across its multiple retail channels, particularly online, as well as introducing and selling its own branded range to mobility retailers and through its LloydPharmacy outlets.

the environment Betterlife was operating in was evolving and becoming increasingly competitive, with online-only retailers cutting prices and margin. By 2018, despite the company’s sales remaining steady, achieving £23.8m in turnover, the company’s operating profit plummeted to under £10,000. In addition, 2018 saw the closure of the company’s vibrant retail spaces, with the flagship Leeds store closing in February, less than four years after opening the doors, swiftly followed by its spaces in the West Midlands. Speaking to THIIS at the time, Sarah Jezard, Marketing Director at Betterlife, explained: “Whilst many people choose to buy from us online, it’s important to us to maintain an omni-channel presence so that people can touch and feel our products before they buy so our Betterlife products are available through the LloydsPharmacy network.”

The end of online and “big ticket” sales With all dedicated Betterlife bricks and mortar stores closed, the company took the decision in April 2019 to end its online and telesales operations, instead selling through its LloydsPharmacy network, along with eliminating big ticket mobility devices such as mobility scooters and powerchairs from its product offering. Discussing the motivation behind the move, Claire Salmons, Corporate Communications & PR Manager for McKesson UK told THIIS: “The

independent living aids market has experienced similar issues to the rest of the high street and it has become increasingly difficult to remain competitive, particularly relating to the supply of high-ticket items into customers’ homes. “We’ve therefore taken the decision to rationalise our Betterlife product range, remove mobility scooters and other large items and streamline the distribution so that we can use our own supply chain.”

The future of the Betterlife brand Despite closing its telesales, online and bricks and mortar sales channels, the Betterlife brand will continue to live on, with the company emphasising that it will continue to sell selected products through its own LloydsPharmacy network and wholesale – albeit with a reduced range of products. “We will still be stocking some Betterlife products in LloydsPharmacy stores and customers will be able to get these items from partner independent community pharmacies — but not online, or via our Telesales team,” stated Claire. “The Betterlife brand will remain and we will continue to provide support to existing customers through our customer service channels.” Thanking all customers for their ongoing support, Claire finished: “We will have a team in place to ensure all customer returns, warranty and repairs are managed in line with terms at time of purchase.”

From turning over £21.4million in 2015, with an operating profit on £317,000, the company flourished and by 2017, it had reached a turnover of £23.9million and an operating profit of £1.58million.

The decline of Betterlife Despite its significant growth however,

After a number of successful years, Betterlife struggled to maintain margins and closed its retail outlets

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newsround-up Ikea to launch its own aids to daily living range Ikea, the world’s largest furniture retailer renowned for its affordable flatpack products and Swedish meatballs, has announced it is to launch a new range aimed at people with disabilities. With products including anti-slip mats, cushions and jar grippers having been developed in collaboration with ergonomists, physiotherapists and researchers, the new OMTÄNKSAM range will help make getting around the house easier and more comfortable for disabled customers. Aiming to reach disabled and elderly customers, the Swedish retail giant highlighted that “hardly any other company in the home furnishing business is addressing these issues.” The company said: “Ikea’s vision has always been to create a better everyday life for the many people. That includes all individuals with different kinds of functional needs – from children to the elderly and everyone in between.” The new range is expected to be available from May 2020. www.ikea.com/gb/en/

Lord Provost of Aberdeen Barney Crockett and Bon Accord’s MD Alistair MacLean at the opening

Social care provider launches mobility shop A Scottish-based provider of adult social care to thousands of people across Aberdeen has launched its first retail outlet, selling a range of mobility and aids to daily living products from the Hillylands Independent Living Centre in Aberdeen. Bon Accord Care, a local authority trading company, provides a range of services including care at home, housing support, residential care, occupational therapy services, as well as providing telecare equipment and adaptations. The new BACShop at Hillylands is the organisation’s first physical retail space, selling a range of mobility and independent living aids, such as specialist seating rise recliner chairs, walking aids, adapted tableware, wheelchairs, wheelchair accessories and more. In addition to the new BACShop, the Hillylands Independent Living Centre also has a profiling bed, stairlift, a wash/dry toilet and hoists for assessment purposes, with onsite occupational therapists helping identify people’s needs for equipment and adaptions. Alistair MacLean, Managing Director of Bon Accord Care, said: “This is a great place for anyone to go if they feel they might need a little help around the home or to get out and about.” www.bonaccordcare.org

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Arjo acquires significant equity in Silicon Valley tech firm Continuing the trend of global Scandinavian moving and handling suppliers increasing its presence in the USA, Arjo has acquired substantial equity in Atlas Lift Tech, gaining a seat on Atlas’ Board of Directors. As part of its investment in Atlas, there is also a performance-based option for Arjo to acquire additional equity. Formed in 2009, Silicon Valley-based Atlas Lift Tech creates safe patient handling and mobility training programs for care providers, alongside its proprietary software system LiftTracker, which provides real-time task tracking and scheduling to evaluate the efficiency of the safe patient handling and mobility program.

Etac snaps up US moving and handling specialist Mobility and moving & handling equipment supplier Etac Group has acquired a majority stake in US company HoverTech for an undisclosed fee, expanding its presence in the lucrative North American market. A leader in the US for air-assisted patient handling technologies focusing on devices for lateral transfer and repositioning, Pennsylvania-based HoverTech is owned by its founder Dave Davis and turned over an estimated £80million in 2018.

Having started working together during the third quarter of 2018, the investment and commercial collaboration is expected to have a positive impact on Arjo’s net sales, gross margin and earnings per share already in 2019, says the company.

Etac has acquired 70 percent of the shares in the US manufacturer, with the Scandinavian supplier stating the acquisition will help to create a strong platform for further growth in Europe, the US and important export markets. With sales amounting to approximately £149.5million in 2018, the move will add to Etac’s already extensive product range, consisting of manual wheelchairs, patient handling equipment, bathing and toileting aids, pressure care products and mobility equipment for children and adolescents. www.etac.com

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newsround-up Motability Operations donates all £800m profits

Adrenaline pumping for charity

Motability Operations, the commercial organisation which operates the Motability Scheme on behalf of the Motability charity, has announced it is to donate £800million to the charity’s new endowment fund.

At its fifth annual Charity Day, the Countrywide Care Network (CCN) brought a record number of mobility and care professionals together to compete in hair-raising activities for charity.

The money is in addition to £100 million already committed by Motability Operations as direct support for Motability Scheme customers, which has been used to increase the bonus paid to customers for the return of cars in good condition, amounting to a cash payment of £600. This most recent charitable donation comprises of all of Motability Operations’ profits for the year, plus the release of

capital reserves of £370 million that was announced in June. The eye-watering donation comes following the end of a controversial saga in which Motability Operations and the entire Motability Scheme was called into question, after it was discovered that Motability Operations had substantial reserves and paid top executive’s bonuses deemed excessive. www.motabilityoperations.co.uk

Changing Places funding re-opens 22 motorway service stations across England have been awarded Changing Places grants from a £2million funding pot. With £750,000 allocated to more than a third of England’s motorway service stations already, the Government has opened a second round of funding, extending eligibility to operators of service stations on A-roads. Operators of service stations on both A-roads and motorways are now invited to bid and submit their proposals, with successful applicants receiving 50 percent funding support for specific new Changing Places toilet installations which are expected to be ready by early 2020. To discover which motorway services were successful, visit www.thiis.co.uk and search “service station”.

Taking place at Adventure Sport, the fundraising day saw six teams compete for the CCN Charity Shield by participating in actionpacked contests including relay karting, quad bike trials and axethrowing. The event raised over £1000 charities including Bobath Wales, Parkinson’s UK, Scope & Cancer Research UK. “A great day to network and meet with new and existing suppliers to the CCN,” commented Nest Evans, CCN Chair. “Huge thanks go to all that supported the day and we are already planning our next one.” Launched in 1992, the CCN is the largest buying group in the mobility and care sector, consisting a number of the mobility industry’s most recognised and established retailers, including Clearwell Mobility, Clark & Partners, Hickleys Mobility & Healthcare and Millercare. countrywidecarenetwork.co.uk

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Pride in the community Inspired the establishment of a mobility scooter user group in the small Oxfordshire town of Wantage by a local Fire & Rescue Service, Pride Mobility has worked with retailer Shire Mobility and Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service to create a similar set up in Bicester. Started by Pride Mobility’s Digital Marketing Manager Nycole Scourfield, she highlighted that it was after coming across the story of the Wantage scooter group that she saw an opportunity to bring the successful model to Bicester. “I saw a newspaper article about the Wantage Mobility Scooter User Group, which had been put together to spread a message of road/fire safety and act as a social group in the local community. I knew immediately that this was something Pride should be getting involved with,” Nycole explained. “Mobility scooter safety has recently hit the headlines and more needs to be done about ensuring both scooter users and pedestrians are staying safe on the roads. It seemed like a great opportunity to give back to our local community by offering our help and support to expand the group to Bicester. We got in touch with one of our local supplier Shire Mobility who also offered their support on the day and began planning!” Hosted at Bicester’s fire station at the end of August, the mobility supplier, retailer and Fire and Rescue came together to provide valuable mobility scooter usage tips and fire safety advice to local mobility scooter users in an enjoyable, social setting. “A session consists of some fire safety advice, a practical activity that focused on an area of driving a mobility scooter this time was reversing at an appropriate

Pride’s new scooter group champions safety and community

speed and doing slalom-type course and finishes with tea/coffee and cake!” outlined Nycole. “It not only promotes safety for users, but also acts as a social group and allows the Fire Service to spread their awareness.” With mobility scooter accidents continuing to make headlines amidst serious injuries and even fatalities, Nycole says that it is vital that the industry works with local authorities to proactively tackle the growing issue. “It’s so important to ensure retailers, manufacturers and council-led services join hands in promoting scooter safety – we all should recognise the importance of ensuring our customers and members of the public remain safe using mobility scooters and powerchairs alike,” she stressed. “It’s our responsibility to ensure both at

the point of purchase and later down the line that the customer is aware on the operational side of the scooter, as well as the legal side… i.e. only certain class scooters should be driving on roads etc. The best and only way to achieve this by collaborating and educating people whenever we can.” Following its first successful session, Pride is now considering taking the scheme further afield, alongside holding additional meetings in Bicester. “We’re in the very early stages of running this one but could absolutely see us branching out further afield in the near future,” finished Nycole. “We would like to offer our thanks to the Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service and Shire Mobility for their support and look forward to hopefully holding another session before the end of the year.” www.pride-mobility.co.uk

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Demand on local authorities for social care swells Local authorities across England are facing an unprecedented rise in the number of requests for and the cost of adult social care revealed data from NHS Digital. The Adult Social Care Activity and Finance Report for England reviewed the level activity provided by local authorities, covering services including home adaptations and community equipment. From the 1st April 2018 to the 31st March 2019, there were 1.9 million requests for adult social care support from 1.3 million new clients.

Dementia care costs to balloon by 2040

An increase of 3.8 percent compared to the previous year, the rise is the equivalent of 195 more requests per day than 2017-18, amounting to an average 5,245 requests for support per day received by local authorities.

A new report commissioned by Alzheimer’s Society has predicted that the total cost of caring for those with dementia will reach £94.1 billion by 2040.

Alongside the growth in demand for local authority adult social care, spending on social care by local authorities leapt to £18.7 billion, representing an increase of £807 million from the previous year.

According to the national dementia charity, the direct cost of dementia care is currently £15.7 billion, however, the total cost of dementia, including costs to NHS, social care costs and unpaid care, has soared to £34.7 billion. The research suggests that whilst the number of people with dementia in the UK is expected to nearly double to 1.6 million by 2040, the direct cost of dementia care will almost triple to £45.4 billion. The substantial increase is attributed to more people living longer with the disease, in turn requiring care for longer and driving up the average amount spent. The research also reports that families are currently providing £13.9 billion a year in unpaid care for people with dementia, which will increase to £35.7 billion by 2040. Demanding dementia care be funded like other public services, Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive at Alzheimer’s Society, stated: “The cost of dementia care is too much for an individual to bear. It should be spread between us – just like schools, the NHS and other public services.”

Dr Alison Giles, Associate Director for the Centre for Ageing Better, commented: “We desperately need a sustainable funding solution for social care. But we also need to reduce demand by investing in prevention. Disability, frailty and some forms of dementia can be prevented or delayed, so we must put more resource and effort into helping people to stay healthy and independent for as long as possible.”

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16 years of committed support Electric Mobility once again supported the British Limbless ExService Men's Association’s (BLESMA) members during the 101st anniversary Cenotaph Parade on Remembrance Sunday 2019. Devoting his own time to coordinate the supply of over 20 Rascal 338 S and Rascal 388 XL mobility scooters for limbless veterans, Electric Mobility’s dedicated Warehouse Manager Dave Pierce ensured around 40 BLESMA members were able to participate in the march. Held on Sunday 10th of November in London, over 10,000 ex-veterans

took part in the parade to honour their colleagues and remember those who were lost in the First World War. “We are strongly committed to supporting this great veteran charity and will continue to provide mobility scooters to give the veterans the opportunity to fully take part in the parade to pay their respects to those that are lost but not forgotten,” commented Elaine Leighton,

Marketing & Communications Manager for Electric Mobility. The 23 Ex-Demo 388S and 388XL models were made available to purchase from Electric Mobility retailers at a discounted price. www.electricmobility.co.uk

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Mobility is going green across the pond With environmental concerns growing around the world highlighting a need for more environmentally-sustainable products, a Canadian manufacturer has launched the industry’s first solar-powered, fully-enclosed mobility scooter with a number of features normally associated with high-end cars.

Aldo Baiocchi

The latest creation of Toronto-based Daymak, a light electric vehicles supplier established by Aldo Baiocchi in 2002, the new Boomerbuggy X range is aiming to provide users with

an enhanced mobility experience in a sustainable way.

trickle charges a 60V, 50AH lithium-ion battery.

Boasting a range of up to 60km (37miles) and a 1200W motor, the Boomerbuggy X range comes in four models, with its fully-loaded Boomerbuggy XS version featuring a fully-enclosed cabin with an 80W, highefficiency solar panel that continuously

“Daymak’s mission is to reduce our global carbon footprint,” commented Aldo Baiocchi, President of Daymak. “Solar power doesn’t emit any pollutants into the atmosphere and we believe by adding solar power into our product, it

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will help us to contribute to a sustainable future.” Marking the first-time solar power technology has been applied to a fully-enclosed mobility scooter, Aldo highlighted that Daymak has used the technology before with its other mobility products, including its all-terrain Beast Off-road scooter. In addition to the fully-enclosed scooter’s solar credentials, the new range includes optional features commonly found in modern cars, such as a built-in air conditioner and heater, alarm system, stereo, reversing camera and shopping bag space. "We have re-designed the mobility scooter experience,” he said. “Seniors and people with mobility issues will not be limited to travelling only when it’s sunny and warm. They will be able to ride in the cold, rain or sunshine, giving them freedom of mobility.” Currently, the company has released three versions of the Boomerbuggy X onto the Canadian market, with the Boomerbuggy XS expected to launch in autumn. For mobility dealers and distributors interested in adding unique and interesting innovations to their shelves, the company confirmed to THIIS that it is also interested in working with highquality dealers to bring the new range to the UK. “We feel there is a need for this product around the world. We are always looking to expand our network of dealers and would gladly bring the Boomerbuggy X to the UK market,” said Aldo. “An item like this is a serious investment of time and money for customers, so they need knowledgeable and caring people to help them find what they are looking for. “For dealers, this new product will

The Canadian manufacturer is interested in hearing from UK distributors for its fully enclosed cabin scooter

definitely catch a customer’s attention when they walk into the store and provide something they may have never considered before.” For many dealers this side of the Atlantic, a key question relating to the Boomerbuggy X’s solar powered technology will be that of its ability to perform in the UK’s often cloudy conditions – a concern Daymak says is shared in Canada.

“Canadian weather has

also been quite tough as we were still wearing jackets well into May, so we can relate!”

“Canadian weather has also been quite tough as we were still wearing jackets well into May, so we can relate!” he pointed out. “The solar panels will still charge while it is cloudy, but they do not produce power as much as they do on the sunny day. The solar panel model is still going through some testing so we hope to have a more accurate understanding of

the difference between sunny and cloudy weather soon. “These limitations to the solar panel should not be too much of a concern as the Boomerbuggy X can always be charged from an ordinary outlet.” Not the first fully-enclosed mobility scooter manufactured by Daymak, the company says the latest Boomerbuggy X is its improved model, integrating new features requested by many of its existing customers. “The previous enclosed mobility scooter we sold in Canada, the Boomerbuggy Covered, was very successful commercially and was quite popular in rural and suburban areas that had quite roads and/or no sidewalks,” finished Aldo. “We cannot say for certain that Boomerbuggy X would be an immediate hit in a different country, but we would gladly answer any questions or concerns that dealers may have about the Boomerbuggy X or any of our other products.” www.daymak.com

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30 years SPS Services It started as a young man’s hobby and grew into one of the most successful, multi million pound medical supplies businesses serving customers around the world. What began as a quick sale of a few torches to St John Ambulance in the 1980s grew into a company recognised by national Governments, the World Health Organisation, NHS and global health and emergency services. SP Services, the firm founded by Steve Bray (55), who bought a few Maglite torches for St John Ambulance three decades ago, is now a major supplier of 14,000 medical products to hundreds of healthcare organisations. Celebrating their 30th anniversary, the company has just recorded its best ever sales quarter leading to a boost in recruitment of new staff across the UK and more apprentices at their Midlands head office, expanding the company ethos of investing in youth. “We have come a long way over the past 30 years from what started as a hobby and grew into a lifelong career. It is a very rewarding business. We are not just selling a product but making a difference in the health industry,” said Steve. It was the Government which called on SP Services for urgent supplies of gloves and scissors for the Salisbury Novichok investigation, police worked with them to create “acid attack” prevention kits nationwide, and they kitted out our UK Border Agency with lifesaving defibrillators. SP Parabags, lightweight rucksacks carrying medical kit are currently being trialled in various settings to achieve standardisation and the best possible equipment solutions. The Department for International Trade has just appointed SP as one of 50 “export champions” in the Midlands to help spread the word about their export success.

Hospital doctors in accidents and emergency departments use healthcare products supplied by SP Services as do soldiers in war zones and their medical kitbags can even be seen in use by medics treating both England and Premiership footballers. SP Services are the master distributor for CELOX™ in the UK, and with CELOX Rapid Gauze, first responders can now drastically reduce the time taken to treat a life-threatening bleeding wound, using only 60 seconds compression. This saves over two minutes of treatment time compared to other haemostatic gauzes. Tourniquets and dressings are ready for public disasters such as the London tube bombing. SP Services supplies first aid equipment for everyone from local schools to large blue chip companies.

A growing client list includes the NHS, Army, NATO, WHO, United Nations, police, fire, ambulance and coastguards, the prison service and a host of leading companies and organisations. They were also the medical kit supplier for the London Olympics. With a staff of 37 and a £2m stockholding of quality medical equipment ready for distribution anywhere in the world, it is all a far cry from when Steve, then a hospital technician, walked into an emergency services exhibition in Leicester and bought torches for his friends at St John Ambulance, an organisation he joined as a 12-year-old.

Special offer for BHTA members – save lives today The following BHTA Members have committed to offers on a defibrillator package for fellow BHTA Members. Please contact the member of your choice and state that you are a BHTA Member quoting code: BHTA0718DFiboffer: Cardiac Science Order line: 0161 926 0000 Email: sales@cardiacscience.co.uk Crest Medical Ltd Order line: 01698 354 600 Email: sales@wallacecameron.com

Kays Medical Ltd Customer Service Number: 0151 482 2830 Email: info@kaysmedical.com SP Services Ltd Order line: 01952 288999 Email: sales@spservices.co.uk St John Ambulance Order line: 0207 324 4093 Email: national-sales@sja.org.uk Wel Medical Ltd Order line: sales@welmedical.com Email: 01252 344007

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