Health Business Magazine issue 12.4

VOLUME 12.4 www.healthbusinessuk.net

INVOICE FRAUD

FINANCE

INFECTION CONTROL

LEGIONELLA

FM - ENERGY

ENERGY Data n o Protectith e

NHS faces curing of se challenges patient e iv sensit n after informatio st is ru first NHS T d e n fi

DESIGN & BUILD | HOSPITAL CLEANING | HB NEWS | PLUS MORE INSIDE

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HEALTH BUSINESS MAGAZINE VOLUME 12.4 www.healthbusinessuk.net

INVOICE FRAUD

FINANCE

INFECTION CONTROL

LEGIONELLA

FM - ENERGY

ENERGY Data Protection

the NHS faces of securing challenges patient sensitive after information t is first NHS Trus fined

DESIGN & BUILD | HOSPITAL CLEANING | HB NEWS | PLUS MORE INSIDE HB 12.4 Pages 1-54.indd 1

Comment

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS – www.healthbusinessuk.net

REFORM ON THE WAY Since the last issue of Health Business, the biggest reorganisation in the history of the NHS has become law. The Health and Social Care Act (2012) passed its final hurdle on March 27. After more than 1000 amendments, it went through with a government majority of 88. The Health Secretary now has to undertake a confidence building exercise with the (many) organisations that publicly opposed the bill.

Regardless of reform, the business of running hospitals continues. The All Party Pharmacy Group has discovered that a shortage of some NHS prescription medicines is occurring mainly because of exporting to other EU countries by speculators - which is perfectly legal. See page 7 for details.

16/05/2012 15:27

Invoice fraud has become a serious issue for the NHS. Potential losses are estimated at £9.8 million according to NHS Protect, which outlines some of the measures being put in place to combat the threat. See page 13.

The Aneurin Bevan Health Board became the first NHS body to be fined for a data breach. An investigation by the ICO found neither member of staff responsible for the breach had received training in data protection, and there were inadequate checks in place. Anthony Pearlgood, chairman of the British Security Industry Association’s Information Destruction section, elaborates on page 39.

Until the next issue, when the NHS should be a little further down the long and rocky road to reform.

Danny Wright Editorial Director

P ONLINE P IN PRINT P MOBILE P FACE TO FACE If you would like to receive all issues of Health Business magazine for £95 a year, please contact Public Sector Information Limited, 226 High Road, Loughton, Essex IG10 1ET. Tel: 020 8532 0055, Fax: 020 8532 0066, or visit the Health Business website at:

www.healthbusinessuk.net PUBLISHED BY PUBLIC SECTOR INFORMATION LIMITED

226 High Rd, Loughton, Essex IG10 1ET. Tel: 020 8532 0055 Fax: 020 8532 0066 Web: www.psi-media.co.uk EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Danny Wright ASSISTANT EDITOR Angela Pisanu PRODUCTION EDITOR Karl O’Sullivan PRODUCTION CONTROL Jacqueline Lawford WEBSITE PRODUCTION Reiss Malone ADVERTISEMENT SALES Kylie Glover, Jeremy Cox, Jo Obey ADMINISTRATION Victoria Leftwich, Lucy Carter PUBLISHER Karen Hopps GROUP PUBLISHER Barry Doyle REPRODUCTION & PRINT Argent Media

© 2012 Public Sector Information Limited. No part of this publication can be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any other means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the publisher. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the editorial content the publisher cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. ISSN 1362 - 2541

Volume 12.4 | HEALTH BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Contents

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS – www.healthbusinessuk.net

CONTENTS 07 NEWS

29 CLEANING

Lansley vetoes NHS Risk Register, ICO not happy; extra powers to ensure foreign doctors speak English

What does the Health and Social Care Act mean for contract cleaners and outsourced services industry? Are the changes an opportunity or a threat? Peter Carroll of the British Cleaning Council reports

13 FRAUD PREVENTION NHS trusts have a serious threat to their finances through the use of fake invoices. NHS Protect’s intelligence bulletin process alerts NHS organisations to current fraud trends and has led to more than half of attempts being prevented in the last financial year.

33 INFECTION CONTROL

17 FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

39 SECURITY - DATA BREACHES

Nicola Paice of the British Institute of Facilities Management looks at effective NHS procurement options in the current economic climate

Anthony Pearlgood, chairman of the Information Destruction section, BSIA, looks at the challenges faced by the health sector in securing sensitive information

19 FM - ENERGY

43 HEALTHCARE IT

The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme: Good for your health sector? asks Karen Lawrence, head of CRC and consultancy at Local Energy

DoH renews PACS deal with Accenture; NHS Somerset announces major telehealth push; Nominate your healthcare IT champion at the EHI Awards

23 PARKING

51 TELECOMS

Solar powered parking solutions featured at Parkex 2012

Peter Gradwell explains that flexible communications systems and backup services are not expensive luxuries

Legionella expert Nigel Richardson explains the importance of ensuring that the norms of L8, the approved code of practice for legionella testing, are followed

25 DESIGN & BUILD

55 HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Whipps Cross A&E gets a major refit; Liverpool works towards wider healthcare vision after opening two new facilities

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NHS RISK REGISTER

Publication of NHS Risk Register ‘vetoed’ by Health Secretary Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has taken the unusual step of exercising a ministerial veto to prevent the public release of the Transition Risk Register, completed in November 2010.

The document, a statement of potential risks of NHS changes, will not be published, following Cabinet agreement. Lansley said: “This is not a step I have taken lightly. There needs to be safe space where officials are able to give Ministers full and frank advice in developing policies and programmes. The Freedom of Information Act always contemplated such a ‘safe space’ and I believe effective government requires it.

“Had we not taken this decision, it is highly likely that future sensitive risk registers would turn into anodyne documents, and be worded quite differently with civil servants worrying about how they sound to the public rather than giving Minister frank policy advice.

Shadow Health Secretary Andy Burnham said: “David Cameron is desperate to keep the NHS risk register secret because he knows that, if

people could see the scale of the risks he is taking with the NHS, they would not forgive him.”

The ministerial veto has been used on three previous occasions – once when disclosure of Cabinet minutes on Iraq was ordered, and on two separate occasions relating to the order of disclosure of minutes of the Cabinet sub-committee on devolution However, the Information Commissioner has hit out at ministers over their refusal to publish the full NHS reforms risk register, saying the Government’s position is unjustified and departs from policy. A report by Christopher Graham accused ministers of changing government policy on freedom of information, and insists that use of the Government’s veto should be reserved for cases that are “truly exceptional”.

Ed Miliband accused the Government of acting like “the masters, not the servants” of the NHS. DOWNLOAD THE DOCUMENT

tinyurl.com/73ou6t3

PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE

Export of prescription drugs causing shortage says Pharmacy Group Patients are suffering because of a shortage of some NHS prescription medicines, a Parliamentary group has warned.

Medicine shortages are having an adverse impact on patients, including vulnerable groups such as those with mental health problems, according to the All-Party Pharmacy Group.

In a report detailing its inquiry into medicine shortages, the group said they had been mainly caused by the export of medicines intended for the UK market to other EU countries.

This exporting is conducted by speculators and is legal under EU and UK law. The report noted: “We have no objection to the export of medicines in principle, so long as this practice does not harm patients” The group warned that the UK has been experiencing shortages of NHS prescription medicines for four years.

“Throughout this inquiry, we have seen evidence that patients are suffering and that pharmacists’ time and resources are being diverted away from patient care as a result of medicines being in short supply.”

The group calls for a “renewed sense of urgency” to deal with the problem by those organisations involved in the supply of medicine.

The Government must “unequivocally” state that the interests of UK patients must come first and not provisions concerning the free movement of goods, it said.

Rob Darracott, chief executive of Pharmacy Voice, which represents community pharmacy owners, told the Independent: “Pharmacists up and down the country are making extraordinary efforts to get medicines to their patients promptly, and in most cases succeeding. But there is a long-standing problem with medicines delays which must not be allowed to continue indefinitely.

Commenting on the report, Ana Nicholls, healthcare analyst at the Economist Intelligence Unit stated: “Parallel trade in medicines has been controversial for years, with supporters arguing that it helps to stimulate competition and keep drug prices low across Europe, and critics arguing that it disrupts supplies and prevents patients getting access to drugs at prices they can afford. An influential study by the London School of Economics found the trade did generate cost savings, though most of the benefits went to importers. The issue has become more acute thanks to the drug price cuts that have been pushed through in several European countries over the past three years, which have resulted in bigger disparities in prices - and therefore potentially higher profits for traders.”

ALL PARTY PHARMACY GROUP www.appg.org.uK

NEWS IN BRIEF

HB News

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS – www.healthbusinessuk.net

Extra powers to make sure doctors speak English The DH has launched consultation proposing that senior doctors who evaluate other doctors’ fitness to practice will have extra powers to ensure that any doctor working in their organisation can speak English.

Under the proposals, Responsible Officers would work with the General Medical Council to ensure doctors working in their organisation have all the right checks including making sure they understand NHS processes and medicines.

Currently only doctors from outside the EU must take rigorous language tests. The move comes after Daniel Ubani, a German locum doctor who gave a 70-year-old patient a fatal painkiller overdose on his first and only shift in Britain back in 2008. The consultation closes on 25th July.

TO READ MORE VISIT...

tinyurl.com/7o7f827

Study suggests MRSA originates in larger hospitals Large city hospitals act as a breeding ground for the superbug MRSA, according to a new study.

Scientists have found evidence to show how MRSA bacteria spread between hospitals throughout the country. The University of Edinburgh study showed that variants of the infection found in regional hospitals were likely to have originated in major city hospitals.

Researchers at the university’s Roslin Institute studied more than 80 variants of a clone of MRSA found in hospitals, identifying mutations from the original bug and tracing their spread around the country.

Dr Ross Fitzgerald, of the Roslin Institute, said: “We found that variants of MRSA circulating in regional hospitals probably originated in large city hospitals. The high levels of patient traffic in large hospitals means they act as a hub for transmission between patients, who may then be transferred or treated in regional hospitals.”

TO READ MORE VISIT...

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Volume 12.4 | HEALTH BUSINESS MAGAZINE

7

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CANCER TREATMENT

NHS PEOPLE

Cancer Research figures reveal record low for deaths in over 50s The number of people in their 50s dying prematurely from cancer in the UK has reached a record low, new figures have revealed.

Statistics published by Cancer Research UK show that cancer deaths in people aged between 50 and 59 dropped from over 21,300 in 1971 to under 14,000 in 2010.

For men, the cancers which have seen biggest fall in death rates are stomach, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, testicular and lung, while for women the biggest drop has been for cervical, stomach, Hodgkin’s lymphoma and bowel cancers. The charity found that 185 in every 100,000 cancer sufferers in their 50s now die compared to 310 four decades ago.

It said that the dramatic drop in death rates has been down to a combination of factors including better chemotherapy, radiotherapy and drugs, falling smoking rates, the introduction of screening and better delivery of cancer diagnosis and treatment by the NHS. Professor Peter Johnson, Cancer Research UK’s chief clinician said: “ The reduction in people smoking has been a big help, and we are also better at diagnosing cancers early and better at treating them.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT www.cancerresearchuk.org

POST-NATAL CARE

Government announces more support for post-natal depression More support for women who have postnatal depression or who have suffered a miscarriage, stillbirth or the death of a baby has been announced. An extra 4,200 health visitors being recruited by the Government will get enhanced training to help spot the early signs of postnatal depression.

Health visitors and midwives will be supported to provide joined up care for new parents with a focus on emotional wellbeing.

Where extra help is needed they will be able to refer them to counselling, financed through the Government’s £400 million investment in psychological and talking therapies. For the first time, the NHS will be measured against how well it looks after parents who have miscarried or suffered a stillbirth or cot death. This will form part of the Prime Minister’s ‘friends and family’ test announced earlier this year.

The Government has also pledged to improve maternity care by making sure the investment in 5,000 midwives currently in training means that women will have one named midwife who will oversee their care during pregnancy and after they have had their baby.

The Government will work in partnership with key stakeholders including the Royal College of Midwives, the Community Practitioners and Health Visitors’ Association, and organisations such as 4Children, Mumsnet and Netmums to support implementation.

Andrew Lansley said: “We have listened to the concerns of women about their experiences of maternity care, which is why we are putting in place a ‘named midwife’ policy to ensure consistency of care. Not least, we will focus on the quality of care given to mothers-to-be and measure women’s experience of their maternity care for the first time.” tinyurl.com/7mq3ooc

HB News

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS – www.healthbusinessuk.net

Sir Keith Pearson has been appointed chair of Health Education England (HEE).

The new organisation aims to provide national leadership to the new system of education and training in healthcare, when it is established in June 2012.

It aims to become fully operational in April 2013. Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said: “Health Education England has strong support for its future role; and our ambitions for achieving excellence through education and training make this a key appointment for the future.”

Sir Keith’s appointment will be for four years and he will receive £55,000 per annum for a time commitment of 2 to 3 days a week.

Sir Peter Carr has been confirmed as Chair of the NHS Trust Development Authority (NTDA).

The NTDA, due to be established in June, will be accountable for the performance management of NHS Trusts, supporting them to achieve Foundation Trust status. Aside from his current role as Vice Chair of NHS North of England, Sir Peter Carr holds no other ministerial appointments.

Dr Janet Atherton has been named the next President of Association of the Directors of Public Health (ADPH). Janet, who is the Director of Public Health for Sefton, will take on the role for a three year period from 15th May, when she will be formally announced President at the ADPH’s annual general meeting.

The Department of Health is seeking to appoint four non-executive directors to the Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The government agency is responsible for “ensuring that medicines and medical devices work, and are acceptably safe.”

INSPECTIONS

CQC dismisses inspector for ‘gross misconduct’ A Care Quality Commission inspector has been dismissed for gross misconduct after an internal investigation revealed that the impartiality of their regulatory judgements had been seriously compromised. This came to light as a result of whistle-blowing information to the CQC. CQC has now referred the matter to the

police. Louise Guss, director of governance and legal services, said: “Our inspectors operate to extremely high standards of integrity and professionalism. Unfortunately, in any large workforce there is a risk that a tiny minority may act in a way that betrays the principles of their colleagues and of the organisation as a

whole, which is what has happened here.

“This inspector has failed the organisation, failed the providers who rely on us to act fairly and impartially, and - most importantly - failed in their responsibility to protect people who use services through identification of poor care.”

www.cqc.org.uk

Volume 12.4 | HEALTH BUSINESS MAGAZINE

9

Environmental Ltd

Asbestos Awareness E-learning

As one of the oldest and most experienced environmental consultants in the industry MIS are well aware of the need to provide our clients with the most up to date solutions to their problems. A never ending challenge is ensuring continued compliance with legislation whilst operating a cost-effective business.

A key area where this often presents a challenge is training personnel to an accepted standard. Nowhere is this more relevant than with Asbestos Awareness, a mandated requirement of the Control of Asbestos Regulations for any worker who may come into contact with asbestos in the course of their work. MIS in partnership with renowned E-learning Provider The Environmental Academy have developed an exciting new e-learning package with this in mind, to cater for the training needs of two different kinds of client: 1.

A system hosted in-house on the client’s intranet, which can be used alongside existing e-learning packages as part of induction and ongoing cpd.

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PUBLIC HEALTH

NICE calls for partnership and collaboration to help tackle big issues such as obesity and diabetes Tackling public health issues such as obesity and alcohol-related illness will need partnership and collaboration among a range of bodies, according to the Director of the Centre for Public Health Excellence at NICE. The public health landscape is due to change, with local authorities set to take over the role of commissioning some public health services from Primary Care Trusts in April 2013. Among the problems they will need to tackle is the potential epidemic of non-communicable diseases, with diabetes, obesity, and smokingrelated illness all continuing to pose problems for the NHS. Public Health England is the body that will be set up to help manage the transition though encouraging leadership at local level, providing services and help local authorities in their new roles. Speaking at the NICE Annual Conference in Birmingham, Professor John Newton, regional director of Public Health England, said it will do this through making partnerships at local and national level among bodies such as NICE. This is to ensure activities are successfully integrated under one banner.

Professor Mike Kelly, director of the Centre for Public Health at NICE, commented that local government will pick up a vast amount of the work for the new public health system.

He added that NICE will have an important

role to play in this, through making its guidance a standard resource for public health responsibilities, and so providing an evidence base for developing guidance that is also cost-effective. It will also be developing public health briefings that will allow local government to implement advice at a local level and help integrate local decision-making.

Professor Kelly added that industry, such as drinks manufacturers, will play a role in helping improve public health. He said that given the nature of the problem, it would

HB News

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS – www.healthbusinessuk.net

be “fanciful” to attempt to make a serious impact on improving public health without the collaboration of those in industry.

“Corporate engagement is an important first step. It has to happen and should have happened a long time ago,” he said.

Steven Ward, director of public affairs and policy at the Fitness Industry Association, said that the government’s ‘responsibility deal’ is just one aspect of the response to tackling the challenges ahead. tinyurl.com/c7kzhue

PRIMARY CARE NHS spend on sleeping pills up 17 per cent in the last four years Figures released by the NHS Business Services Authority show England’s 152 primary care trusts spent £49.2 million on sleeping pills in 2010-11, up 17 per cent in just four years. The NHS is now spending £1.20 per head per year on sleeping pills, according to the figures, obtained by The Cooperative Pharmacy via a freedom of information request.

Mandeep Mudhar, NHS business director at the pharmacy chain, said the recession was likely to have made people more anxious, increasing sleeping problems.

He said: “Sleep patterns can be affected by physical or psychological factors and the continued economic downturn is a likely cause for the increased use of sleeping pills because of the heightened stress, anxiety and worry levels people face as a result of job insecurity.”

HEALTHCARE FUNDING

PATIENT FEEDBACK

Extra funding allocated Feedback Challenge aims through a ‘prioritisation to spread best practice recently launched NHS will receive dedicated support, process’ according to DoH The Patient Feedback Challenge, identified through the selection Details of £330m of funding allocated for NHS capital projects have been announced.

According to Health Service Journal, a Department of Health spokeswoman said the money had come from “tighter funding controls and savings on IT systems, central budgets, and NHS budgets”.

But she said the full breakdown of these figures would not be available until the department published its accounts in the summer. She added that the money was allocated through a “prioritisation process” led by strategic health authorities at the end of 2011.

Projects that will receive funding include new urgent care centres in hospitals in East Lancashire, Hillingdon and Epsom and St. Helier. The North West London Hospitals NHS Trust will also develop a purpose-built

A&E department. A dedicated paediatric facility at Scarborough General Hospital, new CT scanners for hospitals in Dorset, East Sussex and Newham, and a purpose built recovery area and a new induction suite in Birmingham Women’s Hospital are planned. NHS East London and City will receive £1.1 million for breast screening equipment.

David Stout, deputy chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said: “This is good news for a number of NHS organisations, which should help meet some of the increasing costs of technology and facilities.

But on its own it won’t alter the big picture which is that the NHS faces many years of serious financial pressure. We have to grasp the nettle of serious change to services if the NHS is to stay in the black.” tinyurl.com/6ptu4pv

run by the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement, is backed by a £1 million challenge fund. NHS organisations will be able to bid for funding to help them spread their approaches to using patient feedback as a tool for improvements. A web channel will be used to collect ideas and support the development of strong bids and projects, which

process. This ‘crowdsourcing’ of ideas is, according to the DoH, a fundamental part of the bidding process. The challenge’s expert panel is currently on the lookout for NHS-based projects that use feedback from patients to systematically improve experience and create wholly patient focused organisations. tinyurl.com/czlh9mj

Volume 12.4 | HEALTH BUSINESS MAGAZINE

11

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FRAUD IN THE NHS

TACKLING INVOICE FRAUD IN THE NHS

NHS trusts have a serious threat to their finances through the use of fake invoices. NHS Protect’s intelligence bulletin process alerts NHS organisations to current fraud trends and has led to more than half of attempts being prevented in the last financial year.

This fraudulent scheme tries to divert NHS funds from legitimate suppliers by providing bank account information belonging to criminals. If requests to change bank details are not carefully verified, payments for services provided by trusted suppliers can be unknowingly paid into fraudsters’ accounts, who then launder the money.

NHS Protect, the national body that leads on tackling crime against the NHS, has alerted all NHS trusts to this type of fraud and the steps that can be taken to prevent it. Intelligence gathered and analysed by NHS Protect puts potential NHS losses from invoicing fraud at £9.8 million. NHS Protect’s intelligence bulletin process, which alerts NHS organisations to current fraud trends, led to more than half of attempts being prevented in the last financial year. Following work by law enforcement agencies, including NHS Protect, £3.6 million has been restrained and is in the process of being returned to the correct bank accounts.

However, £2.8 million is believed to have been diverted and lost to criminals’ bank accounts.

NHS Protect gives advice on how trusts can prevent themselves from falling victim to this type of fraud, and what action to take if they do. Since May 2011, NHS Protect has sent three alerts to trusts through the national network of NHS Local Counter Fraud Specialists (LCFSs). There are around

300 LCFSs throughout the country who report to their local NHS organisation’s finance director. They are professionally trained and accredited by NHS Protect.

NHS Protect’s National Investigation Service (NIS) leads investigations into serious, organised and/or complex financial risks and losses including fraud, bribery and corruption.

A TARGETED TRUST SPEAKS The finance director of an NHS trust in England describes what happened to them and what they have learned for the future.

“In November 2011, the shared services provider who deals with our financial services received a fax, appearing to come from a construction company who had a contract with us to build a £6 million unit. We believe the criminals obtained their information from material available publicly, such as our publicised invoices over £10,000 and press releases about the new building work.

“The genuine contractor had done nothing wrong. The criminals had managed to open a bank account using the company name and somehow making it sound like an individual.

They instructed our provider to change the bank details to theirs. Early in December 2011, our estates department agreed an £897K interim payment to the contractor. When this payment was released, that money went

Finance

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS – www.healthbusinessuk.net

straight to the criminals’ bank account.

“On big money schemes, it is usual to send large amounts of money in several payments.

The criminals just had to await the next payment to hit their account. Luckily for us, the fraud was spotted quickly. The contractor called the shared services provider on the day payment was due to ask where the money was. None of us at the trust knew that the bank details had been changed.

GETTING NHS MONEY BACK “After receiving the call from the supplier, our shared services provider contacted NHS Protect, who has contacts with banks and knew exactly what to do. The money had already left the account by the time the recipient’s bank was informed. The criminals had withdrawn it straight away.

“Fortunately, the bank managed to trace some of the funds into overseas banks and £537K of the £897K was returned to us a few days later. That was thanks to NHS Protect and the bank. Even when this has happened, prompt action can get money back.

THE AFTER EFFECTS “We lost a lot of money. We felt we had let the public down. Most of all, we were embarrassed at falling for it. This was money for patient care, stolen by criminals. The worry and anguish over it was huge. We asked ourselves a lot of questions: E

Disarming the threat NHS Protect has already issued guidance to all health bodies on procedures for changing bank account details on finance systems.

It urges staff to regularly review systems and to be particularly watchful just before public holidays, when invoicing fraud is more likely.

• Ensure the trust follows strict procedures for changing suppliers’ bank account details on payment systems. This includes sufficient verification and levels of access to the system dependent on grade, responsibility and other factors.

• Has the trust received any requests to change supplier bank details in the last 6 months? If yes, were the requests made by the actual supplier? If not, were any bogus invoices received or payments made?

• NHS bodies must inform NHS Protect of all suspected criminal attempts to alter bank details, even if unsuccessful, at ciu@nhsprotect.gsi.gov.uk

Volume 12.4 | HEALTH BUSINESS MAGAZINE

13

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Specialist Vehicle Solutions ltd Fisher Street Dudley Port West Midlands DY4 8XE

Tel: 0121 439 7014 Mob 07931 337711

www.specialistvehicle.co.uk

Make sure you are there to see the latest in: • Communications & IT • PPE • Search & Rescue • Medical supplies • HazMat • Vehicles & accessories • RTC • First response • Training • Plus all other equipment and products for the emergency services

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Phoenix Private Ambulance Service Ltd

Specialised Passenger Transport Based in Warwickshire we provide a uniformed and specialised private ambulance service to meet the needs of those with impaired mobility for whom safe and comfortable travel is difficult. This includes stretcher and wheelchair passengers.

For example: n Transfers to and from hospital outpatient appointments

SAVE THE DATE

n Transfers to or discharges from hospitals n Moves to and from care, retirement or nursing homes

Wed 21 – Thu 22 Nov 2012

n Local and long distance disabled and patient transport nationwide Our CRB checked team pride themselves on providing a careful, understanding, prompt and comfortable service and we have gained a reputation for providing consistently high standards.

We are registered with the Care Quality Commission, our vehicles are regularly inspected and are maintained to a high standard. Our stretchers and lock systems are tested to meet BS EN 1789:2000 standards and wheelchair restraints conform to the dynamic test requirements of ISO 10542.

ESS is organised by

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Our fleet is based in Leamington Spa and although most of our work is centred around the Midlands we are able to provide transport anywhere in the UK.

For more information go to www.phoenix-ambulance.co.uk or call 01788 816192.

FRAUD IN THE NHS E Why did we miss this weakness in the system? Why did the shared services provider miss things? Why was that fax trusted? But we are relieved that, thanks to NHS Protect, so much money has been recovered.

“But we have to learn from it. All of

of that alert. Don’t be the next victim.

“Never just accept a phone call, email or fax asking you to change a supplier’s payment details. Always ensure the old bank account details are provided as well.

What’s the worst that could happen if

Never just accept a phone call, email or fax asking you to change a supplier’s payment details. Always ensure the old bank account details are provided as well. What’s the worst that could happen if you pay the old bank account? us do. The shared services provider has more than 10,000 suppliers and 17 NHS customers. It could have happened to any one of those organisations at any time.

We have since adopted NHS Protect’s guidance and improved our systems.

“I can’t stress enough times how important it is for NHS organisations to take notice of alerts sent by NHS Protect – including guidance on the best way to check and process any ‘change of bank details’ requests. It is not until it happens that you wish you’d taken notice

you pay the old bank account? A genuine supplier won’t mind providing the relevant information in hard copy and will probably be glad that you are being careful.”

CASE EXAMPLE In February 2011, Romario Gordon used forged documents to divert over £250,000 from a London NHS trust to his bank account.

NHS Protect was alerted and the account was frozen while investigators established it belonged to Wise Owl Cleaning Services Limited. Gordon, the only authorised

FLEET FINANCE

NHS CPC Drive and Tusker provide salary sacrifice scheme for Salisbury NHS trust Contract hire and salary sacrifice provider Tusker is providing its salary sacrifice car scheme SS4C, in conjunction with NHS CPC Drive, to Salisbury NHS Trust for its 3,000 employees as part of its flexible staff benefits scheme.

The scheme is open to all permanent hospital staff who can surrender a proportion of their salary in return for a new car. The scheme was promoted to Salisbury staff through two roadshows and a series of internal promotions, posters and emailers. The scheme is being provided through NHS CPC Drive, the health service fleet management offering which provides NHS Trusts with a range of fleet management services, including cost effective car leasing, salary sacrifice cars, the management of grey fleet vehicles and expenses management, for which Tusker is the solus, preferred supplier.

The salary sacrifice scheme, which is open to staff, spouses and immediate family members, is delivered through Tusker’s SS4C automated solution, which staff find very easy to use and simple to operate through a bespoke

website. It also includes contingency provision for redundancy, resignation and maternity.

The NHS CPC Drive initiative was launched early last year and provides a single platform to deliver a range of fleet services available to any of the 400-plus NHS Trusts nationally.

Head of Fleet Services at NHS CPC Drive, Julian Clarke said: “Salisbury joins a growing number of NHS Trusts, who have taken up the salary sacrifice car scheme offering with CPC Drive, which we launched in April last year.

“Trusts like the fact that the scheme is completely online and has a net zero cost to the participating organisation. Also, by taking the scheme, they have access to public sector discounts and cheaper cars through the national procurement framework agreements” NHS CPC is the Yorkshire and Humber NHS Procurement organisation now working alongside NHS organisations across the country.

More information about the other services provided by the CPC can be found a www.yhcpc.nhs.uk

signatory, confirmed that the account was his company’s and that he was sole director. The hole in the story was that the trust concerned had never awarded any contracts to Wise Owl Cleaning Services.

Gordon spent some of the money on luxuries such as a Porsche Cayman and a holiday to the Caribbean. Following an NHS Protect investigation, he pleaded guilty to two offences of money laundering and was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment.

Finance / Fleet Management

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS – www.healthbusinessuk.net

PROCEEDS OF CRIME ACT (POCA) NHS Protect used powers under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to seize Gordon’s Porsche along with other assets bought with NHS money including a laptop, phones and jewellery. Over £135,000 was handed back to the trust and financial recovery on other seized items continues.

Powers under POCA allow goods and property obtained illegally to be recovered. NHS Protect employs a team of POCA-accredited financial investigators specialising in this work. This ensures maximum financial return to the NHS. L FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0800 028 40 60 www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/Protect.aspx

New system aims to reduce NHS fleet admin burden Fleet software company Mycompanyfleet has launched a new solution to manage NHS Trust car schemes. The system is estimated to cut down the administrative burden for health sector fleet managers by 40-50 per cent, as well as reducing fleet operating costs for NHS Trusts.

It is fully automated and provides full life-cycle management of all vehicles on the fleet from cradle to grave. It also identifies any drivers that are exceeding their agreed contract mileage and notifies them of potential out-of-contract costs.

A built-in allowance profile allows fleet managers to direct staff into greener cars, either by benchmarking the most appropriate models or increasing allowances on low CO2 vehicles. The new system integrates with current NHS Trust web portals and also offers the facility to produce driver websites for individual trusts.

The system can also be integrated with back office functions such as payroll and HR. TO READ MORE PLEASE VISIT...

tinyurl.com/ctd4awz

Volume 12.4 | HEALTH BUSINESS MAGAZINE

15

It’s no good burying your head in the sand

You need BAFE When you specify fire alarms, portable extinguishers or emergency lighting you need to be sure that they meet the latest standards, using approved equipment and that your contractor is competent.

There are now over 900 BAFE registered contractors from all parts of the UK who are certificated so that they meet your requirements.

These key third party certification schemes are backed by UKAS accredited Certification Bodies thus ensuring you get the products and systems your fire risk assessment requires.

BAFE.... Independent – National – Quality!

Bridges 2, Fire Service College, London Road, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire GL56 0RH

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www.bafe.org.uk

DAVID A ANNAND SCULPTOR

street furniture or public art? combining poetry, sculpture and landscape.

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FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

FUTURE PROOFING FM CONTRACTS

Facilities Management

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS – www.healthbusinessuk.net

Nicola Paice of the British Institute of Facilities Management looks at effective NHS procurement options in the current economic climate Ageing NHS estates as well as the increasing costs of food and materials have seen the costs of operating facilities management services and maintaining the estate generally increase across the board, resulting in costlier operational FM contracts. This presents the NHS procurement departments with a number of issues to address; do you risk maintaining the ‘status quo’ and keeping contracts in house? Contract out some or all of the services? Is a framework or purchasing consortium the answer? How do you achieve value for money, stakeholder engagement, good patient care, transparency, innovation, provide a good overall standard of service and future proof an FM contract?

BACK TO BASICS? Is the answer in this current climate to get back to basics and ensure a good overall standard of service and good patient care?

And which is the most effective procurement option to deliver this? The NHS is a unique organisation and as such it requires bespoke contracts that meet its exacting needs, which vary from Trust to Trust, even if the clinical services provided are similar.

Frameworks present a good value option, especially in these austere times, because all the pre-qualification requirements have been completed, which saves the procuring NHS organisation the expense and time of frequent tendering. Ultimately the aim of a framework is to save time and money, but it does restrict the organisation to a certain number of contractors, some of whom may not qualify when the framework is renewed and can reduce the best value gained from competitive tendering.

One key benefit is continuity of service.

As an organisation you can partner with a contractor who works well with your organisation, giving you and the contractor the option to continue the partnership and to contract with them. The contractor then has to be both flexible and proactive to ensure that the service or services being provided continue to provide a good service and achieve value for money in order to retain the contract and remain competitive.

Trust mergers and the formulation of consortiums give NHS organisations greater strategic buying power. Whilst on merger this might mean that you have a number of contracts, PFI aside, the strategy going forwards should be to reduce the number

of contracts and retender the FM services as one organisation. Retendering means that the needs of the organisation as a whole can be considered and included in the contract achieving greater economies of scale leading to bigger savings in the long term. The disadvantage is that realising savings in the shorter term is more difficult to achieve, because they are not immediately obvious or necessarily achievable.

A more obvious and sometimes ignored route to procurement in these current times is to maintain the ‘status quo’. There are some contracts, which are either in house or outsourced, that provide a good service and are considered to be value for money. If you as an organisation are satisfied with the service and cannot achieve a better quality or more economic service by outsourcing it or retendering it then it is of benefit to the

medium and long term. When budgets are tight and investment is required in equipment, then investment as a result of outsourcing is beneficial. Tendering for a TFM contract in this economic climate, may be considered a bold and costly move, but not if the long term savings outweigh the current costs of maintaining the services as they are.

Although PFI is not popular and has been under review, it can provide options for NHS organisations. There are some large Trusts that have PFIs in the midst of their estate.

If the Soft FM services have been included within the PFI, this then means that the Trust can include the rest of the estate or part of the estate in the Soft FM contract.

These services will either be benchmarked or market tested at between 5 or 7 year intervals ensuring that the provision of those services continues to be provided at market value.

Tendering for a TFM contract in this economic climate, may be considered a bold and costly move, but not if the long term savings outweigh the current costs of maintaining the services. organisation to continue operating the service yourselves or to extend the contract with the current provider, if you are able to do so.

If as an organisation you decide to tender a package of FM services and subsequent to tendering it is proved that it is not of benefit to contract that particular service, following agreement with the Finance department and/or procurement department it is better in some cases to maintain the contract as it is, budgets allowing.

TOTAL FACILITIES MANAGEMENT If like many NHS organisations, you are in a position where some of the services are outsourced and others are being provided in house a good option is a total facilities management contract (TFM). This option has to be considered carefully because of the length of time it takes to procure a TFM contract, If the right TFM contract is procured it will lead to investment in the services, innovation, less management time, future proofing, incentivised performance, good standard of service and savings in the

The disadvantage is that should there be a requirement to alter the provision of Soft FM services, then depending on the value of the alteration you have to go through the Variation process and this can take time.

Procuring a contract in this economic climate is in reality more difficult for the procuring NHS organisation than the successful contractor. For the NHS the pressures to achieve best value are currently greater, but that does not change the criteria under which an NHS organisation would procure or the organisations needs and requirements. The service requirements maybe altered to meet the budget, but overall they will still be the same.

Therefore how much of procurement in the NHS is in reality actually affected by the current economic climate? L ABOUT THE AUTHOR Nicola Paice is a consultant at Appleyards Groupe Artelia. For further information visit www.bifm.org.uk

Volume 12.4 | HEALTH BUSINESS MAGAZINE

17

Facilities Management

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS – www.healthbusinessuk.net

Intaview re-invents privacy control for healthcare environments

All British manufacturing delivering the total radiation shielding package

The Royal Liverpool University Hospital (RLUHT) is the largest hospital in Merseyside and Cheshire, providing emergency, general and specialist treatment to patients from across the northwest, north Wales and the Isle of Man. It currently has around 400 wards and more than 710 beds.

As a supplier of privacy vision panels for doors, screens and partitions, Intaview was contacted by architects AFL to provide a solution to the privacy and dignity upgrades on the Broadgreen Hospital site.

The latest NHS design guidelines state that patients have the right to privacy and dignity, which involves male and female segregation plus privacy from other hospital users and employees alike.

Blinds can be used to provide a solution to this initiative, but infection control design criteria states that any blinds have to be integral to a double glazed unit so that the screen

Wardray Premise has over 70 years experience in the design, manufacture and installation of x-ray, gamma, neutron and RF shielding products (essential in imaging and radiotherapy departments).

Particular areas of expertise are RF and magnetic shielding for MRI, completion of medical (and industrial) x-ray installations, and Monte-Carlo neutron shielding calculations for high-energy linac facilities.

Typical products include traditional lead-lined panelling, shielded doorsets (sliding, hinged, manual, and automatic), curtain systems, protective screens and observation windows. In addition, the company supplies PREMAC® radiation shielding acrylic, lead-glass, and PREMADEX® for neutron shielding.

Wardray Premise’s in-house design team develops custom-made products which meet individual project requirements and are manufactured and installed by experienced craftsmen.

Wardray Premise is a leading

can be easily cleaned to prevent the accumulation of dust and harmful bacteria.

The urology ward had a screen between the ward and a waiting area where the privacy and dignity upgrade required a blind to be installed. Intaview designed a 1.8M wide screen incorporating two blinds operated from one control mechanism specifically to suit the existing screen opening in the ward.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01302 368386 email: sales@intaview.com www.intaview.com

Maximise your storage capacity with Invicta’s high density mobile shelving Invicta’s Mobile Shelving division has been a leading supplier of high density mobile shelving systems to the public and private health sectors for over 20 years, having completed projects throughout the UK, Europe and North America. The company’s range of systems can be adapted to suit all applications, with common healthcare-related applications including medical records storage, pharmacy storage, health libraries and ward storage, and can free up half of your existing storage area or double your storage capacity.

Invicta has a dedicated shelving design for Lloyd George note storage that minimises the footprint required for note collections. Many health centres and surgeries have benefited in creating additional reception and office areas by using its Lloyd George storage systems. A range of mobile shelving can also be supplied with a wide range of accessories, inlcuding filing rails,

18

UK manufacturer and supplier of MR products. The past 25 years has seen this part of the business expand considerably, and its transport range includes both adult and paediatric fixed and adjustable height trolleys, wheelchairs, portering chairs and a wide selection of accessories that include IV stands, utility trolleys, instrument trolleys.

Established in 1909, Wardray Premise is a fourth generation family business with an enviable tradition of quality, reliability and customer service.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 020 8398 9911 sales@wardray-premise.com www.wardray-premise.com

Cost-effective label and signage systems dividers, drawers and shelves.

Invicta offers a free design and planning service and can also repair, service and extend all existing mobile shelving systems regardless of original equipment supplier.

Mobile shelving is just one of six divisions of The Invicta Group, with our other divisions providing archive racking systems, mezzanine floors, fire protection, ceilings and partitioning.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01843 220 256 enquiries@invictastorage.com www.invictamobileshelving.co.uk

HEALTH BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 12.4

MLPS was established in 1988, and though based in Grantham, Lincolnshire, covers the whole of the UK – from John O’Groats to Land’s End. Its success is built on an ability to listen to its customers’ requirements and then recommend the correct solution to satisfy their needs.

MLPS provides labelling and identification solutions to a diverse range of industries including, electrical, electronics, warehousing, distribution, automotive, aviation and manufacturing to name but a few.

Whether it’s barcode labels, asset labels, rating plates, health and safety signs you require, the company has the solution to produce professional

labels and signs on demand.

It supplies the latest range of equipment and software for all applications, from entry level through to high volume industrial models. It is an authorised dealer and partner for Lighthouse, Zebra and Kroy label printers.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01476 590400 Fax: 01476 590400 sales@mlps.co.uk www.mlps.co.uk

FM - ENERGY

The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme: Good for your health sector? asks Karen Lawrence, head of CRC and consultancy at Local Energy According to last year’s CRC league table data, the average NHS participant’s CO2 emissions were just 17,560 tonnes. Compared with the average emissions across all participants of around 29,000 tonnes, most of the 150+ NHS participants are quite small and face an annual bill for allowances of just over £210,000 each at the current price of £12/ tonne. So is it really worth worrying about?

Although the CRC cost of £12/tonne may seem small, the cost of buying energy works out at around £250 per tonne of carbon emitted. That means that the average NHS participant is paying around £4.4million a year in energy bills – certainly worth reducing, since energy costs are only going to rise in future. Furthermore, the price of CRC allowances is also expected to rise after the start of Phase 2 in 2014.

HOW HAS THE NHS FARED SO FAR? Carbon cost is not the only factor; although there was little publicity generated in the national press, the first CRC league table, published in November 2011, did receive some scrutiny in trade press, especially online. Local Energy calculated that although a handful of NHS participants

appeared at the top of the table, the sector’s performance overall was poor. The average NHS ranking was 921 out of 2,106 participants, compared to an average local authority ranking of 785 and overall public sector average (including NHS) of 812.

Many felt that last year’s league table was not an accurate reflection of energy efficiency performance, as it was based purely on

DOES THE CRC DRIVE ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS? One of the most positive impacts of the CRC so far has been the requirement for participants to identify and quantify all of their energy supplies. Many participants have found they were being billed for supplies that no longer existed or that did not belong to them; more have found billing errors

Written by Karen Lawrence

CALCULATING THE COST OF CARBON REDUCTION

FM - Energy

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS – www.healthbusinessuk.net

Whilst it is undeniable that CRC participants have spent a lot of time and money on compliance during the last two years, much of the hard work has now been done. ‘early action metrics’; however, this year’s table will take into account the year-on-year reduction (or increase) in carbon emissions, so should be much more meaningful. The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has made it clear that they want greater publicity surrounding the publication of this year’s results, so poor performers may find the spotlight on them next time around.

and have secured refunds from suppliers.

For many participants, there has been a real step forward in managing energy consumption and, now that they have accurate data, they can identify where to focus their efforts to implement the most cost-effective energy efficiency and carbon reduction measures.

One of the top NHS performers in last year’s league table, Bart’s and the London NHS E

Volume 12.4 | HEALTH BUSINESS MAGAZINE

19

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KUCEL offers flexible, functional, contemporary event spaces in and around Kingston. Our affordable hire rates include room, external space and day delegate rates. Regular clients include film companies, exhibitions, health classes, faith groups and adult education.

Quite simply whatever your event KUCEL has the space for you!

Visit www.KUCEL.co.uk or call 020 8417 5519

FM - ENERGY E Trust, is running a full capital programme of sustainability improvement works.

For them, one of the real benefits of the scheme is that it makes business cases more attractive and reduces payback periods.

The Trust’s Environmental Manager, Fiona Daly, said: “The Trust saw the CRC as a great opportunity to gain funding which could be ring fenced to invest in energy saving and carbon saving projects. To this end, we installed voluntary AMR meters on all 150 of our supplies and linked this up to an intelligent M&T system. We had also worked hard to reduce our emissions in the lead up to the CRC and achieved the Carbon Trust Standard across our entire estate. It worked: we ranked 117 across all sectors and in the top 6 per cent of Trusts and both measures, with or without CRC, are essential in good carbon/ energy management”.

A ‘CUMBERSOME AND BUREAUCRATIC’ SCHEME? Of course, the CRC has had many detractors during its short life, and has already been the subject of numerous changes and consultations. Chancellor George Osborne described the scheme as “cumbersome, bureaucratic and imposes unnecessary cost on business” when announcing the latest simplification in his Budget speech in March.

Whilst it is undeniable that CRC participants have spent a lot of time and money on compliance during the last two years, much of the hard work has now been done. Participants have largely got to grips with the legislation, understood the requirements and undertaken the groundwork necessary to compile and submit footprint and annual reports. Many have also written processes and procedures that represent good practice in energy management, which has been beneficial quite apart from any CRC requirements.

There are, however, two important challenges facing participants over the next few months: buying and surrendering allowances, and the CRC audit.

BUYING AND SURRENDERING CRC ALLOWANCES As this is the first year in which participants have been required to buy allowances, there are a number of new processes in place. The Environment Agency has published new guidance on its web pages but there are some key points to note: You must appoint at least one Account Representative, who must register on the CRC Registry and obtain a digital certificate. You will not be able to buy allowances through any other method.

You will not receive an invoice for allowances, but the EA will issue a Memorandum of Account. Check that your Accounts Payable team know about this and show them the example in Annex N of the new EA guidance.

You must order and pay for all your

FM - Energy

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS – www.healthbusinessuk.net

Although a handful of NHS participants appeared at the top of the table, the sector’s performance overall was poor. The average NHS ranking was 921 out of 2,106 participants, compared to an average local authority ranking of 785. required allowances by 31 July 2012 – ensure that your payment is sent in good time so that it will reach the DECC bank account on or before the deadline. Any payments received after the deadline will not be accepted and you may be subject to a fine.

By law, you should surrender the correct number of allowances by 31 July 2012. The EA has, however, taken a regulatory position for this year, which means it will accept allowances surrendered up to 28 September 2012.

THE CRC AUDIT The regulator has been carrying out compliance audits since the end of 2011, and continues to do so on an ongoing basis. It aims to audit 25 per cent of participants each year, so everyone will be audited at least once during Phase 1. As it is a legal requirement of the CRC to carry out regular internal audits, one of the first things the compliance auditor looks for is evidence of your most recent internal audit, and completion of any recommended actions arising.

During internal audits carried out by Local Energy, a number of serious errors have been identified, which could have led to significant fines and ‘name and shame’ penalties. Often, errors were made in the early stages of the CRC, when carrying out scoping, identifying and classifying meters, or inclusion/exclusion of building types and/or residual fuels, and these errors were carried over into the footprint and annual reports.

Only a thorough audit is likely to identify such errors and reduce the risk of fines.

CRC SIMPLIFICATION – GOOD OR BAD? The current simplification consultation closes on 18 June. Many of the proposals have been aired previously and are expected to come into force in due course. There are, however, a number of new ideas and some that perhaps require closer scrutiny to properly understand their effect on participants.

The proposal to reduce the number of fuels from 29 down to 4 is sensible; however, alongside this is a proposal to scrap the footprint report, the 90 per cent rule and the distinction between core and residual supplies. Many would agree that this is also a welcome move, but it will lead to some participants having to report more carbon emissions, and spend more time reporting data from a number of low-consuming meters. The majority of NHS Trusts may not have been reporting more than the four most

commonly used fuels anyway, so in effect they will now be required to report on 10 per cent more energy, and pay for 10 per cent more carbon allowances. DECC’s own impact assessment states that there will be ‘an increase in emissions covered by the scheme’ as a result of this change. Participants are therefore advised to do a quick calculation to establish whether these proposals are beneficial or burdensome and to respond to the consultation questions accordingly.

There is also a proposal to scrap Electricity Generating Credits (EGCs), which may have a negative impact on participants generating renewable electricity. Currently, renewable generation not claiming ROCs or FITs may claim EGCs, but if these are scrapped, this may lead to an increased CRC liability for participants with the greenest estates!

The good news for EU ETS participants, however, is that the Government proposes to remove all energy supplies to EU ETS installations from the CRC scheme, irrespective of whether self-supplied or supplied via a third party. This means that participants will no longer need to surrender CRC allowances in respect of electricity supplied to EU ETS installations.

THE FUTURE OF THE CRC There is only one certainty about the future of the CRC; that it is uncertain. If the current consultation does not result in a scheme that satisfies both the regulators and participants with its level of simplicity and effectiveness, the Chancellor has pledged to scrap the CRC altogether.

The mooted replacement – a ‘carbon tax’ similar to the Climate Change Levy – would be unlikely to drive energy efficiency in the way that the current scheme has already done, and it would certainly not bring carbon costs to the attention of the Board and the ‘Senior Officer’ in the same way.

If you have a view on the consultation proposals, please do respond to DECC – and remember, be careful what you wish for; the alternative could be a lot worse. L ABOUT THE AUTHOR Karen Lawrence is head of CRC and consultancy at Local Energy, a social enterprise established by the LGIU (Local Government Information Unit).

For further information visit www.localenergy.org.uk or call 07818 514662

Volume 12.4 | HEALTH BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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In an ever more demanding world, Variable Message Signs Limited combines innovation, experience and technology in strategic, rail and urban driver information systems.

Our road traffic product range covers applications in the strategic , urban, and traffic management equipment sectors.

We offer a full range of services to suit individual client requirements’ from design, manufacture, supply, installation and commissioning of LED driver information systems. These include fully UTMC compliant car park guidance systems, vehicle activated speed and warning signs and full matrix dual colour advance warning and information signs.

Our range of car park guidance and information signs advise drivers where the car parks are within a town or city centre, local hospital or school site, within a shopping centre or multi storey car park.

The signs will advise on the number of spaces left within each car park or area, providing information and choice for drivers entering the town or site, and via our TRAMS car park management software package, the operator has control over all the listed car parks, the number of displayed / available spaces as well as providing various management reports and helps reduce emissions by keeping traffic moving and avoiding queuing. By adding a two line of fifteen character display within the car park guidance sign, clients can enhance their system and have the capability of adding ‘free text’ information to visitors entering the site.

Our Safewatch range of vehicle activated speed and warning signs help provide road & pedestrian safety, by advising and reinforcing the speed limits and other hazards, such as pedestrian crossings, side roads, tight bends etc and other hazards such as, car park entrances and exits, The unique environment of roads adjacent to and within schools, universities and hospitals specifically, our Safewatch range can be programmed to suit varying local and site conditions, by advising permitted speed or alternatively they can display a pictogram i.e.: children crossing etc. Our Safewatch range of signs can also be fitted with four corner

conspicuity lanterns for added presence.

The Safewatch range is always evolving to suit client’s demands. Our latest evolution of ultra slim signs are lightweight and will fit unobtrusively into the most sensitive of areas. The light sensor adjusts to ambient light levels, reducing LED output at night to maintain contrast. This stops the sign dazzling oncoming vehicles. Dimming the sign also cuts unwanted light pollution.

With many of our Safety and Warning signs we can supply them with alternatives to conventional mains power where the level of usage is comparatively low or due to location the cost of installing mains power is prohibitive. Typically these alternatives are Wind and/or Solar power either singly or in combination.

Applying Technology in Transportation has always been at the forefront of everything Variable Message Signs Limited manufacture, from standard to bespoke LED signage products.

Pegasus our new range of urban dual colour full matrix signs are the latest product to be designed and built with this philosophy. The sign’s attractive and slim design is especially suited to today’s urban streetscape, where it will deliver driver and pedestrian information. The sign is offered in three sizes, with high resolution matrix areas suitable for the display of four lines of text with character heights of 160mm, 100mm, and 50mm. All variants are capable of displaying combined text and pictogram information and employ a dual-coloured, amber and red, matrix.

A special feature of the new sign system is the ability to mount it in a landscape or portrait format, with five mounting options for landscape fixing and three for portrait fixing, making it a very flexible range of signs for use around schools, universities and hospitals as well as in town and city centres etc.

Variable Message Signs Limited is an ISO9001 2000, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 Quality Company and are members of the British Parking Association (BPA). For a no-obligation quotation, site survey or a general discussion regarding your requirements, please do not hesitate to contact Mr Glynn J Hutton, Sales Manager on 07717 783134 / 0191 423 7070, ghutton@vmslimited.co.uk or visit our website www.vmslimited.co.uk for our range of products and services.

Variable Message Signs Limited Unit 1, Monkton Business Park North, Mill Lane, Hebburn, Tyne & Wear NE31 2JZ T 0191 423 7070 F 0191 423 7071 E ghutton@vmslimited.co.uk W www.vmslimited.co.uk

PARKEX 2012

Low voltage and solar powered solutions feature at Parkex 2012 This year’s parking industry trade show Parkex in London was its best in terms of square metres sold. Parkex was held at Olympia from 17 to 18 April and is pitched as the largest dedicated parking event in Europe. An area of growth was low-voltage and solar-powered parking solutions, tapping into rising visitor demand for more energy-efficient options. Content developments focused on improvements to the free seminar programme including speakers from Europe, the US and Canada.

“Rather than commercial presentations from the industry suppliers, speakers focused on best practice and innovation from a parking operator perspective, which saw every session packed out over the two days and often with standing room only,” said show orgainser Bill Butler. The 2013 event will be co-loacted with Traffex at the Birmingham NEC from 16 to 18 April 2013.

TO READ MORE PLEASE VISIT... www.parkex.co.uk

BPA welcomes Bailiff regulation The British Parking Association (BPA) has welcomed the government’s consultation on bailiff regulation, which sets out how it plans to provide more protection against aggressive bailiffs and encourage more flexibility in bailiff collections.

The BPA has long called for legislation which ensures that the bailiff sector is properly regulated with appropriate alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in place for the consumer.

Patrick Troy, BPA chief executive says “We want to make certain that parking management is undertaken fairly, reasonably and responsibly and this includes the work of the bailiff when collecting unpaid ‘parking tickets. Bailiffs undertake an important role in ensuring that penalty charges incurred by motorists

who fail to comply with traffic and parking rules are properly enforced and collected.

In undertaking these roles, bailiffs must act responsibly and motorists must have the right to effective dispute resolution.’

The consultation sets out proposals to prohibit the use of force against a person, with safeguards to protect children. Whilst the consultations seeks to make clear what fees bailiffs can charge for the range of debts that they collect for local government, courts and businesses, the BPA will study the detail to understand if what is proposed meets the needs of its members.

TO READ MORE PLEASE VISIT... www.britishparking.co.uk

Metric - 40 years in parking management Metric is a leading company in the supply and manufacture of parking management solutions.

With a 40 year history in the ticket issuing sector, the company is at the forefront of design and innovation, and consequently has a major presence worldwide.

Headquartered in Swindon, England, Metric has installed more than 60,000 parking machines in over 45 countries.

As well as achieiving the ISO 9001 Quality Management standard, Metric is ISO14001 accredited (Environmental Management standard) throughout the company, not only with its production facility but this includes its maintenance and installation services. The company also acknowledges the responsibility for the collection and the recycling of equipment removed from site, as specified in the WEEE regulations.

Metric develops its products to provide the ultimate in security, reassurance in reliability and the widest range of user payment options available today. Products include pay and display, pay on foot, access control, ANPR parking control, mobile phone parking and hosted back office services.

The AURA Elite is the next generation of pay and display machine, designed to satisfy the most rigorous demands of today’s parking environment with the flexibility to embrace future technology. The Elite offers credit/Debit card payments, contactless smart card payments, coin and banknote acceptance, superior security and electronic locking as standard.

TO READ MORE PLEASE VISIT... www.metricgroup.co.uk

Parking

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS – www.healthbusinessuk.net

Derby awarded safer parking award for 10th year running Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been awarded the Association of Chief Police Officers’ industry Park Mark Safer Parking Award for the tenth year running. As part of the accreditation, local police officers inspected the car parks at the Royal Derby Hospital and London Road Community Hospital, examined the crime figures and scrutinised the security measures employed.

There has been no recorded crime at Derby Hospitals. This is attributed to enhanced security measures in place such as CCTV, good lighting and access, hedges kept low and regular security patrols.

Paul Brooks, head of facilities management, said: ”This is the tenth consecutive year we have received this award and represents our commitment to keeping our car parks safe and ensuring that our patients, staff and visitors feel out of danger and comfortable walking to and from their cars.” The Safer Parking Scheme is managed by the British Parking Association (BPA) on behalf of ACPO and supported by the Home Office and Scottish Executive.

TO READ MORE PLEASE VISIT...

www.parkmark.co.uk

Lincolnshire staff to be charged for parking as part of travel plan Hospital staff in Lincolnshire are to be charged to park at work for the first time. Workers at centres in Lincoln, Boston, Grantham and Louth will be asked to pay between £3.83 and £20 per month depending on their job.

United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust said it was making the change to comply with a legal commitment to cut its carbon footprint, and will be introducing cycle-to-work and carshare schemes.

A new travel plan had been formulated after a two-month consultation with staff last year.

Mike Speakman, director of facilities management, said: “ULHT is understood to be the only acute hospital trust in the county that does not charge staff for car parking and money the trust is using to cover these costs could be invested in patient care.”

He continued: “Transport emissions make up a significant share of our carbon emissions and we are all keen to find ways to reduce our carbon footprint.”

Volume 12.4 | HEALTH BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Phoenix Building Systems Ltd are a family run nation wide supplier of high quality portable buildings, together we have many years experience working in the modular building industry. Incorporating offsite modular building techniques into your projects offers huge benefits to clients and contractors alike. We will help shape your ideas to ensure that you take full advantage of what offsite modular construction can offer. Maximise the potential benefits that are available by speaking to the modular building experts.

Our bespoke designed prefabricated buildings take full advantage of modern modular building techniques. If providing flexibility in design and specification, reducing the construction programme, improving the cost certainty and deliverability is important to you then talk to us first.

Modular Buildings for Office & Welfare Accommodation The Phoenix range of single, two and three storey modular buildings and prefabricated buildings are the ideal solution to meet the growing demand for modern and high quality office and welfare facilities for any construction project.

The Phoenix Range of Prefabricated Buildings can be easily moved from one contract to the next. The internal layout of the modular building can be reconfigured to meet the requirements of the next new project.

The Phoenix Spaceframe and Triple Stack Systems have been designed to meet all of these requirements. Any size and type of facility can be designed and manufactured to meet your specifications.

Both modular systems provide the facility for individual offices and open plan areas. The areas can be fitted out as conventional offices, training centres, toilet/staff amenity areas, changing rooms and catering facilities to all levels.

In addition, they provide an excellent long term investment for contractors and plant hire companies alike. Buildings are delivered to site with all internal finishes and services already fitted. The buildings are installed onto prepared foundations ready for connection to mains services, handover and occupation.

Portable Units / Jackleg Cabins The Phoenix extensive range of portable units are the answer to any instant prefabricated accommodation needs. Designed to a very high specification to meet the requirements of any public or private sector industry, Jackleg / Portable Cabin units are available in sizes from 9ft x 9ft’ all the way to 60ft x 12ft and delivered throughout the U.K. Renewable Energy Statement As well as building with materials and techniques that comply with latest building regulations included part L2 “the conservation of fuel and power” we are able to extend our knowledge base to include sustainable building materials and how to include Green Building Solutions within your project, our sustainable building techniques help create less C02 emissions this in turn helps protect the earths limited resources of fossil fuels and you will save you money with lower energy bills. We can offer the latest technology in renewable green energy generation to save you money, ranging from solar energy, photovoltaic systems all the way to air to water heat source pumps.

Contact Us - Phoenix Building Systems Unit 6, Brookbanks Industrial Estate - Tower House Lane Hedon Road, Hull - HU12 8EE Tel Number: 01482 317260 Fax Number: 01482 899252 Web: www.phoenixbuildingsystems.com Email: Michael@phoenixbuildingsystems.com

Building Better Healthcare Awards 2012 to take place at the Brewery The 2012 Building Better Healthcare Awards, an annual celebration of the premises, people and processes that are helping to set the benchmark for future healthcare delivery, will take place on November 7th at The Brewery, london.

New categories have been introduced this year which aim to reflect the current healthcare sector. These include a Futures Class, which will reward healthcare building design concepts put forward by students and professional architects. There will also be an expanded Technology Class recognising innovations that are helping to improve productivity, patient outcomes and the overall patient experience.

Best completed building design categories include Best Specialist Services Design, Best Inpatient Facility, Best Out-of-Hospital Care Facility and Best International Healthcare Design. The ‘Clinician’s Choice’ and ‘Patient’s Choice’ gongs will be chosen from entries across all categories.

Nominations are currently being invited and the shortlist will be announced in the summer. Each entry will be scrutinised by a seven-strong team of judges made up of industry experts and chaired by healthcare commentator, Roy Lilley. The final winners will be revealed at The Brewery in central London on 7 November 2012.

Roy Lilley stated: “The 2012 awards come at a time when the NHS is under pressure as never before. The challenge of saving £20 billion by 2015 and a major structural reorganisation means all parts of the NHS are having to play their part, especially estates and facilities professionals and suppliers of medical devices. A new level of efficiency, innovation and productivity is called for.”

BBH editor, Jo Makosinski, said: “The healthcare market is a fast-changing one,

particularly in light of the current NHS reforms and the economic uncertainty. However, despite these pressures, the sector has continued to deliver some sensational patient-centred products and buildings that are revolutionising the way care is delivered and helping to enhance the patient experience and, most importantly, to improve patient outcomes.

In last years’ awards, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s new Stobhill Hospital ward extension won the Best Acute Care Design category. Judge Susan Francis said: “This design is distinguished by the attention to detail and the success in creating a therapeutic environment for patients and a supportive workplace for staff. This is achieved by integrating art into the design, by using sympathetic materials and through the thoughtful window design to give light, views and a sense of time and place.”

For more information, including a full list of the categories and the judging criteria, visit the BBH Awards website. tinyurl.com/8xrp3h6ww

Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust has appointed Capita Symonds to provide engineering services on a £35m new build and refurbishment project at Princess Royal Hospital, Telford, and Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

The scheme includes a new Women’s Unit at Telford Hospital covering approximately 70,000 sq ft over two floors. The proposed structural solution is a steel frame with composite metal deck and concrete slabs with the key challenge being dealing with the requirements for very rigid and inflexible floorplates in sensitive areas such as the operating theatres.

The engineering aspects of the refurbishment works at both hospitals range from ‘light touch’ (cosmetic changes) to significant refurbishment entailing the removal/alteration of existing services and primary load bearing elements. This could also include their replacement through addition of new structures and equipment which will be compounded by construction within particularly confined spaces.

The contractor is Balfour Beatty Construction with Aedas providing architecture services. The final preconstruction stage of the contractor offering the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) to the trust is due for July 2012.

Work is expected to start on site in August 2012, with completion in 2014.

Moreton-in-Marsh hospital praised by police for crime prevention design Stobhill Hospital

More room at Whipps Cross after new emergency care centre opens Whipps Cross Hospital’s new Emergency and Urgent Care Centre opened its doors in May. The purpose-built emergency centre, which began construction in 2010, has more space, a better layout and improved privacy for patients as well as enhanced staff working areas.

The development is the first phase of improvements to emergency care provision at the hospital and will be followed by an expansion and upgrade of the existing emergency medical centre, scheduled to open May next year.

Dr Alan Hakim, clinical lead for the project, said the modern and technologically up-todate facility would improve patient experience, patient safety and the quality of the hospital’s service. “Whether patients are admitted to Whipps Cross through the new emergency department or discharged back to community

Big plans for Princess Royal Hospital, Telford

Design & Build

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS – www.healthbusinessuk.net

care, they can be assured of safe, high quality care that respects their privacy and dignity.”

The facility features improved ambulance access; increased natural light; better lines of sight from staff bases to patient areas, improving support, care and safety; and a bypass corridor that allows visitors and relatives to reach specific areas within the department without walking through others. New signage to direct patients, visitors and vehicles has also been fitted around the hospital site.

On average 400 people attend the emergency and urgent care centre every day, approximately 140,000 people a year in total.

Of these, one third were seen in the GP and minor injury unit with the remainder seen in the children’s and adult emergency units. It is one of the busiest A&E departments in the country.

Chairman of NHS Gloucestershire Ruth FitzJohn was presented with the Secured by Design award at the opening of the North Cotswold Hospital.

The award is given by the Association of Chief Police Officers for public buildings that have been designed and constructed to reduce the opportunities Solupta tusapic tempelis ex for crime and anti-social behaviour. molessi nciissimus, ent Paulquo Francis, crime prevention officer, said: “The security measures Doluptia nusae. at hospital are quite discreet and Sedthe min re restem most users of the hospital would be laborenihil molum unaware the award unless they doluptateofvelique read the certificate in the foyer.” quatatis rem et eatio tem Mrsvolupti FitzJohn said: “Close working Terora between the de architects munius nost pris and construction teams and the PCT’s security sta cendam quod conum et inspecialists vereis has helped achieve the standards.” fatum vit, nos locaequam demnon vivivertur horiam ina Seremortis eludacibus; hacchuctui inatil hemolturi intil viliusuas nor acchum parteate re tem, inam prorum atuit.

TO READ MORE PLEASE VISIT...

www.magazineaddress.co.uk/news1

Volume 12.4 | HEALTH BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Sealwise WCB – The modern material for furniture, cupboards and wall cladding

‘A great step forward aiding cost effective Estate Management & Infection Control’ A construction board like no other: 100% waterproof

• NO rot or water damage, EVER

Sealwise WCB, although developed for cabinet manufacture, is incredibly versatile and is used routinely in:

Simple and easy to clean

• Wet rooms • Doctor & dental surgeries • Showers • Wall cladding • Decontamination units • Partitions & ward furniture

Incredibly tough

Sealwise WCB is the perfect solution where cleanliness, intensive use, longevity and cost effectiveness are important.

It is unbeatable in humid or wet environments. Sealwise WCB is simple to use and requires no special tooling

• Smooth, impermeable finish • Sealed dirt-proof joints • Steam cleanable • Anti-bacterial (option) • Chemical resistant

• Long life in tough environments • Low/no maintenance • Heat resistant • Impact resistant

Environmentally friendly - made from recycled materials and fully recyclable ” Sealwise is a high quality product and meets our exacting infection prevention and control requirements” Martyn Case, Head of Infection Control, Weston General Hospital

For more information on Sealwise WCB and our partner equipment manufacturers, please see our website: www.sealwise.co or contact: Tel: 01934 750084 Email: info@sealwise.co

“We have been overwhelmed with the qualities and oportunities that Sealwise brings and it is actively assisting in winning tenders” Keith Boyle, Paterson Health Group

“Since we started using Sealwise WCB as our main cabinet material in 2011, it has trebled our turnover” Paul Huggins, MD, Woodwise Ltd

Can you really afford not to use Sealwise?

Two new health facilities open in Liverpool as work towards wider vision continues Liverpool’s latest purpose built health centre was officially unveiled at the beginning of May by Gideon Ben Tovim, chair of Liverpool PCT and Graham Pink, chief executive of Merseyside development firm LSHP. The new £6m development based in Everton is the second development to be delivered in the area since January, and the twelfth to be delivered by LSHP on behalf of NHS Merseyside. This represents a total investment of over £70 million. It forms part of Liverpool PCT’s wider vision for a ‘New Health Service for Liverpool’, which was launched in 2007.

Graham Pink, chief executive of LSHP, said, “We are immensely proud of this, our twelfth new facility in Liverpool. Each of our developments serve areas which have poor health outcomes and which have seen very little investment over recent years, so they really are making a huge difference to local communities that use them.”

The company was originally formed as part of the NHS Local Improvement Finance Trust (LIFT), a major Government initiative designed to stimulate investment in local primary and social care facilities, and reduce health inequalities. Structured as a Public Private Partnership (PPP), with the private sector holding a 60 per cent shareholding and the public sector owning the remaining 40 per cent, the company holds the franchise for the NHS Local Improvement Finance Trust (LIFT) for the Liverpool and Sefton areas

and is one of the schemes strongest success stories nationally. Gideon Ben-Tovim, Chair of Liverpool Primary Care Trust said: “The ‘New Health Service for Liverpool’ is the most ambitious health programme the city has seen.

When we outlined our plans we had a vision of delivering a wider range of services closer to people’s homes, to make it more convenient and quicker for patients to access them.”

The new Townsend Lane facility (pictured) is situated on land formerly occupied by a primary school and opened its doors to

Design & Build

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS – www.healthbusinessuk.net

the public in January. The development was delivered by Liverpool and Sefton Health Partnership, the NHS LIFT (Local Improvement Finance Trust) for Liverpool and Sefton.

Two local GP practices have moved into the new building and additional services patients are now able to access include extended GP opening hours over evenings and weekends, dental services, a pharmacy, blood tests and nurse-led treatments. People can also take advantage of local healthy living programmes, such as stop smoking support.

Townsend Lane facility in Sefton

Vinci delivers Ysbyty Cwn Cynon hospital Work has been completed on the new £70 million Ysbyty Cwm Cynon hospital in the Cynon Valley, South Wales, UK. The project, commissioned by Cwm Taf Local Health Board, has been designed

by HLM with Vinci Construction as the contractor. The facility spans 18,500 square metres covering two levels, with the hospital housing 128 rehabilitation and intermediate care beds, a spacious supporting therapies unit and children’s services. Other features include outpatient clinics, a mental health wing for community out-patient and elderly in-patient care, and community dental services.

The new facility sports a stepped configuration of low-rise green roofs and pitched roofs. Several green features have been incorporated, including naturally ventilated wards which maximise natural light penetration, and a biomass hot water system.

Sustainable initiatives planned for Warrington Following the demolition of the Victorian baths in Warrington Town Centre, a new £7 million primary care health resource is currently being created

by Galliford Try for Renova Developments, a Public Private Partnership between the Fulcrum Group and the NHS, on behalf of client Warrington Primary Care Trust (PCT). The scheme forms part of the Halton & St Helens, Knowsley and Warrington LIFT Project.

Once completed, the new building will accommodate two GP Practices servicing 9,000 registered patients and a pharmacy. The development will also provide breast screening, child health and dental services. As part of the project, Balfour Beatty Engineering Services (BBES) will be supplying and installing

all of the building services including gas, power, lighting and water. Sustainable initiatives such as temperature monitoring, solar hot water and rainwater harvesting have been integrated, as well as an intelligent lighting system which incorporates daylight detectors designed to

further increase energy efficiency.

The development is targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ accreditation for sustainability, and is set for completion in Autumn 2012.

Volume 12.4 | HEALTH BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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CLEANING AND HYGIENE SUPPLIES

Cleaning Made Easier...

Easier

Perhaps two of the most important non-medical support services for the effective delivery of quality care are the physical cleaning of health care facilities and the timely delivery of necessary hygiene supplies.

Clean & Easy (UK) Limited is an established, well regarded and experienced company with a large range and variety of customers and geographical bases. Our movement towards Investor in People Award, along with our NVQ Training Scheme helps to keep our staff alert and highly responsive to industry specific changes as well as helping them to maintain an enthusiastic, trained and genuinely caring attitude to their customers.

Part of that caring is effective, regular monitoring of on site standards and needs. Along with being trained our staff teams are, of course, CRB checked and have an enviable and highly regarded history for tact, responsiveness and reliability without ever losing their focus on efficiency and affordability.

Reliable, trained and tactful cleaners, of course, need reliable and effective materials to complement their efforts - and one of our greatest strengths has been the acquisition of our own cleaning materials and hygiene supply company. Now, we can ensure that we are in an

excellent position to service the existing and emerging bulk and routine needs of hospitals, clinics, general practitioners’ centres and allied health care professionals in the public and private sectors.

As an experienced Company Clean & Easy (UK) Limited will happily and confidently monitor your stock levels, take care of all your ordering of cleaning and allied products and, naturally, ensure their timely delivery to your premises and – if you like – provide an affordable, reliable and quality cleaning service as well !

There’s so much to know about what we can offer that we would welcome the chance to meet with you and bring you up to speed about our Company, its activities and various customer incentives.

Why not give us a quick call on 0844 801 0639. We’ll be happy to help.

T: 0844 801 0639 | F: 01604 497545 | E: enquiries@cleanandeasyuk.co.uk | W: www.cleanandeasyuk.co.uk Clean & Easy (UK) Limited : Moulton Park Business Centre : S32-34 Redhouse Road : Moulton Park : Northampton NN3 6AQ

HOSPITAL CLEANING

Cleaning

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS – www.healthbusinessuk.net

A CLEAN SHEET FOR CONTRACT CLEANING?

opportunities for any companies involved in the NHS, and could change the fundaments of the 64 year old institution. In addition, competition will be extended throughout the NHS, and groups such as charities and private healthcare firms will be able to bid for increasing amounts of work currently done by NHS staff. This means greater opportunity for outsourcing specialists, and may lead to contract cleaners and private facilities management firms eventually having a greater contribution to provision in the NHS. Campaigners have criticised this move will lead to a ‘rush to the bottom’ on quality, as new providers put in unrealistically low bids to win contracts, which leads to a drop in the level of service provided to patients.

Supporters of the act claim that the shift towards a market-based system, with different providers competing against each other, will drive up standards and encourage innovation.

March 2012 saw the NHS Health and Social Care Bill being passed by the House of Lords into law. The many critics of the act can console themselves with the fact that they managed to force more than 1,000 amendments to the original proposals during what was often a tense and emotional debate, changes that were mostly added during the two-month pause last summer when the legislation underwent extensive reconstruction work.

So what are the fundamentals of this heavily amended act? And how might these changes affect the cleaning, housekeeping and facilities management arms relationship with the NHS? Starting at the top, the act spells the end for Primary care trusts (PCTs). These will be replaced by clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) - mainly made up from Doctors - who will be handed responsibility for £60bn of NHS funds in the coming years.

This dramatic extension of doctors power will mean that they will assume ultimate responsibility for allocating the services provided to patients. As doctors tend to have a more patient and outcome focused approach to care, this may mean that new medicines and treatments receive priority over other areas, such as the healthcare environment, or cleaning.

SAVINGS Economists have predicted the savings will slice between 4 to 5 per cent of the NHS’ total budget, with managers instructed to find these through productivity savings, not through cutting frontline services. Critics have added that many of the savings that have been made so far have been through cutting or freezing staff pay, and this overreliance on pay is unsustainable in the longer term. Pay cuts tend to have an effect of disincentivising the workforce, and in the case of hospitals, the cuts could see them deliver services less well and reduce their attractiveness as a potential employer. With rising inflation and the increasing cost of living, the NHS may well face a difficult job in continuing to make savings gains in this way in the long-term, as long-term pay-freezes are unlikely to be accepted by the workforce.

The Health and Social Care Act represents a both a challenge and an opportunity for all healthcare providers, and removes layers of management from many of the budgeting decisions while increasing the threshold for private providers within the service. The healthcare minister, Andrew Lansley, has long asserted that the act will reduce bureaucracy and open up the NHS to competition, which will help drive up standards and help guarantee the NHS’s relevance and importance for another generation. One way or the other, the cleaning industry will continue to play a vital role in keeping healthcare environments clean and safe for patients, regardless of the managerial or financial structure sitting above it. L

DRIVING UP QUALITY Also near to the top, the newly minted NHS Commissioning Board will manage the CCGs, with the overall responsibility to try to drive up the quality of care. The CCG’s will be handed much of ministers’ day-to-day control of the NHS - the aim of this is to reduce current levels of political involvement. The aim of this component of

the reform is that government officials who are outside of the political fray will be able to take a more consistent and less impulsive approach to policy-making and planning.

Responsibility for public health campaigns – addressing societal problems such as obesity, smoking and alcohol abuse – will transfer from the NHS to local councils. They will have a specific remit to narrow widening health inequalities between rich and poor, and allow the NHS to shift their resources from focusing on prevention onto cure.

All hospitals which are not already semiindependent foundation trusts will have to take this status within the next two years.

They will compete for treatment contracts from CCGs, and some experts predict that CCGs could over time force the closure of units, departments, or even entire hospitals, if they think the care being given is inadequate.

This could also mean that regions of the UK are underserved for particular treatments, or that hospitals tend to move towards more specialisation in the future. In theory this means better management and less potential for malpractice, with specialised hospitals able to focus and consolidate their strengths.

The most controversial measure in the act was perhaps the ‘cap’ on how much hospitals can earn from private patients, which will rise from just 1.5 per cent to 49 per cent. The move prompted criticism from some quarters that this is privatisation by stealth and will lead to a two-tier service in which disadvantaged NHS patients have to wait longer than those who can pay, with less resources and poorer quality care going to hospitals which offer less paid-for services. The ‘privatisation’ of some elements of the NHS undoubtedly opens up huge potential

Written by Peter Carroll, British Cleaning Council

The Health and Social Care Act has finally made it onto the statute books. But what does it mean for contract cleaners and outsourced services industry? Are the changes an opportunity or a threat? Peter Carroll of the British Cleaning Council reports

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.britishcleaningcouncil.org.uk

Volume 12.4 | HEALTH BUSINESS MAGAZINE

29

T: +44 (0) 7940 176 305 E: lynn@lwc-ltd.co.uk W: www.lwc-ltd.co.uk Twitter: @SparkLynn

Expert consultancy, audit and training services to the cleaning and facilities management industries Consultancy

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Training

» A BICSc accredited training provider, offering all the accredited programmes, including the 2011-launched CPSS. » Specialist and bespoke training is also available for operatives, supervisors and managers.

Established in 1991 A1 Window Cleaners are at the forefront of ionised hot water cleaning. Services include: 3 Commercial window cleaning 3 Gutter cleaning & repairs 3 Signage, cladding and canopies cleaning 3 Small roof repairs 3 Solar panel cleaning We use carbon fiber poles, enabling us to reach awkward spaces easily, and video equipment that can reach up to 80 feet from the ground.

Let the best professionals take care of your cleaning needs in the Greater Glasgow area and Ayrshire.

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Amber Gel™ — 100% Natural no-heat hair removal treatment Amber Gel™ is an alternative to waxing and other chemical/heat-based products

No more cuts, burns, bruises; no chemicals, wax, resin, additives, synthetic fragrances, fuss or mess. Amber Gel™ is ideal for: 3 Sensitive skin and delicate areas 3 Varicose veins and heat/chemical-sensitive skin 3 Downy facial hair and is very safe throughout pregnancy 3 Amber Gel™ is safe and gentle before and after surgery Relax... Amber Gel™ is made from only the finest pure ingredients that naturally nourish your skin. Its natural properties work deep within the skin, removing hair with the roots and ingrown hair.

So... what you get is Total Skin Care A luxury, quality British product Amber Gel™ (not tested on animals) comes in four sizes:3 15 ml = many small treatments, ideal for travel/handbag 3 50 ml = 2-3 full body treatments 3 100 ml = up to 6 full body treatments 3 500 ml = 25 full body treatment (family size) (Full body treatment includes arms, legs, underarms, bikini, face and more). Additional application kits available.

Completely gentle, hygenic, and safe for all skin types. Instant painless results lasting up to 8 weeks.

We’re looking for retailers and distributors to meet demands. Visit www.ambergel.com or call 0161 442 2039.

Computer cleaning and sanitising with TEC Services

TLC - specialists in healthcare sector cleaning

Computer and telephone cleaning and hygiene is not an ‘added expense’, but a crucial investment in healthier people, which can help stop the risk of transferring harmful infections to staff and patients.

Recent studies have shown that over 240 different types of organism can be found living and breeding on the average computer keyboard. TEC Services has almost 20 years of experience in the specialist cleaning and sanitising of computers and telephones, and its clients include the London Ambulance Service, Apple Computers, and Kings College London.

TEC’s experienced teams of specialist cleaners have enabled the company to gain the enviable Seven Stars Award for hygiene and cleanliness from Steri-7 - the manufacturers and developers

Tender Loving Cleaning is a family run business founded in 2010 which provides cleaning services to a niche market in the healthcare sector. Debbie Buss, who has a background in healthcare, understands the detailed workings of doctor’s surgeries and health care facilities, currently cleaning 12 out of the 25 practices in Swansea.

As such Debbie and her team have been able to provide specialist cleaning services. She said: “Our reputation is vitally important to us as the most powerful form of advertising is word-of-mouth. We pay utmost attention to detail when we undertake cleaning tasks, while showing absolute respect for the client and their property.”

TLC also provides a complete range of property maintenance services, preventative and reactive, for property owners and property management agents in the commercial

of the state-of-the-art sanitiser that TEC uses on all its projects.

The Steri-7 sanitiser will not only remove 99% of harmful bacteria and viruses such as salmonella, MRSA and H1N1 (swine flu), but by using residual barrier technology it leaves an invisible, odourless barrier that will continue to protect the surface from re-infection for another seven days.

For a free demonstration clean and quotation call Paul or Alisa on 01932 247 877.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01932 247 877 www.tecservicesltd.co.uk

Cleaning

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS – www.healthbusinessuk.net

and private sectors. Every company has different cleaning requirements and TLC will accommodate each client, to suit their individual need.

Frances Rees, practice manager at Ty’r Felin Surgery in Gorseinon, Swansea, stated: “As a busy GP Surgery we expect high standards from our cleaning contractors and were delighted to find a reliable and trustworthy company with impeccable quality standards and reasonable costs. Debbie Buss has a health service background so she understands exactly what we need. Debbie has given us helpful advice and she doesn’t compromise – quality and service is the priority. Cleaning staff are professional, friendly and discreet and, if we need to change anything, they are flexible and accommodating.”

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Volume 12.4 | HEALTH BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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INFECTION CONTROL

MANAGING THE RISK OF LEGIONELLA IN HOSPITALS L8 is considered to be good practice by the HSE and the HTM0401 extends the controls of L8 so they cover the special needs of hospitals. Even then Legionella can survive in Hospital systems so what make hospitals so complex when it comes to managing the risks of Legionella?

The story must always start with the design of the hospital as that is when problems can be minimised, it is therefore critical that hospital designers take account of the excellent lessons being learnt today by the estates departments within hospitals. All too often once a hospital has been handed over it is the job of the estates department to remediate the water systems removing flexible hoses from sinks and other outlets, changing taps from susceptible types to more straight forward taps to minimise growth areas for bacteria (both Legionella and Pseudomonas) and trying to work out ways of reducing the temperature of the cold water due to the high energy efficiency of a modern Hospital. This problem of cold water heat pickup can be managed using novel systems for water movement such as those involving the venturi effect of creating a water movement when an outlet is opened thus ensuring that cold water doesn’t become static and doesn’t pick up excess heat.

Written by Nigel Richardson, Legionella Control International

Legionella bacteria are ubiquitous organisms found throughout water systems.

What makes hospitals of interest is the susceptible populations within the patients.

This makes it even more important to ensure the norms of L8, the approved code of practice for legionella testing, are followed, says Nigel Richardson

Infection Control

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS – www.healthbusinessuk.net

PROTECTING THE WATER SYSTEM Once the Hospital has been designed the next key task is for the construction team to protect the water system prior to handover because this is a time when seeding of the system with biofilms is possible. The hospital is obviously not being used during this phase so the risk of static water and biofilm growth is high. It is equally as important during this phase to comply with the requirements of L8 and HTM0401 ensuring little used outlets are flushed regularly to ensure no biofilm growth and also minimise temperature pick up. At this time in the life of a new Hospital the problems of the future can be created so communication between the construction team and the future Estates Department can be an important means of minimising these issues. The final task of the construction team will be the chlorination before practical completion and handover so cleaning to the right specifications will E

Volume 12.4 | HEALTH BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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INFECTION CONTROL E be important ensuring all outlets reach the required level of chlorine as an example.

CONTINUITY OF CONTROL Once the hospital is handed over estates must ensure that all the requirements of L8 and HTM0401 are adopted immediately so that there is continuity of control, this can be the most taxing time for the new system managers as they will be required to go from a standing start to full operation very quickly so good planning and organisation is required to manage the flushing requirements and temperature monitoring regimes are implemented quickly. Now is also a good time to look for deadlegs as how the system was designed and how the system ended up being built may unfortunately be different leading to deadlegs in places that are difficult to get at so searching for them before the Hospital becomes live is a good use of time. Finding and removing deadlegs now will save much time later.

Unfortunately hospitals seem to have an excess of Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMV’s) which can create little used outlets, deadlegs and growth sites for bacteria, consequently the judicious use of TMV’s would help minimise the risk of Legionella growth. You can even find TMV’s feeding other TMV’s which can compound these problems as then the cold water feed to the second TMV becomes meaningless and a deadleg which can seed other problems.

Searching for these TMV’s again is time well spent during the handover phase as they can be hidden in difficult to get at places and these TMV’s are going to need to be serviced six monthly so access to these, not forgetting shower mixing valves is critical. Be careful what gets attached to IPS panels as you don’t want to have to dismantle mirrors and soap dispensers each time you need to service the TMV’s.

TEMPERATURE CONTROL The main control mechanisms for on-going routine control of Legionella in an operational hospital have been temperature control, ensuring the hot water is hot and the cold water is cold, chlorine dioxide addition or the addition of other metal ions in the water to act as biocides. There are a raft of European Directives that are starting to affect the choice of the biocidal management techniques so it is critical that before you invest in any of these non-temperature management techniques that your chosen supplier can satisfy you that the product they recommend is supported under the European Biocidal Products Directive for PT5 biocides. PT5 is the category that covers the use of biocides in drinking water as in a Hospital. There are other biocides that have been used in hospitals that have created problems in, say, the Renal Dialysis unit so as this will be the main Legionella control mechanism in a Hospital it is critical some care is taken over

The story must always start with the design of the hospital as that is when problems can be minimised. It is critical that hospital designers take account of the lessons being learnt today by the estates departments within hospitals.

the selection of your chosen technique.

A key control mechanism within a hospital is often unfortunately one of the most difficult to manage in practice. Communication between the users of a service, for example the ward staff, and the suppliers of the service, for example the estates department, is critical to the success of the Legionella control. The users of the service will tend to know whether a particular sink or outlet is a little used or rarely used outlet but how is this communicated to the staff that have the responsibility to flush these outlets. Water management control teams should be encouraged which could involve the Infection Control Team, the estates department and representatives of the ward staff can be successfully be used to communicate the information on what is happening within the wards so that Estates can react accordingly. How many times has a bathroom been converted into a makeshift storeroom, or even an office leading to a shower that become unused but still in place, then at some point the room is converted back to a bathroom leading to immediate risk. This should be managed using suitable communication. This team could also be responsible for ensuring the correct level of training for all staff involved. Again ward staff and estates staff alike need to understand the risks of managing the systems and ensuring that outlets are flushed, temperatures are taken correctly from TMV’s, and water samples are taken correctly for microbiological checks.

The important key to Legionella management in a Hospital is to understand that it is a team approach that will succeed,

Infection Control

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS – www.healthbusinessuk.net

not just one department working in isolation.

Together staff can identify little used outlets so that they can be flushed, using the cold water in a sink as well as the “warm” water coming from the hot tap can minimise deadlegs, and Estates staff looking for hot water return temperature problems can identify possible Legionella growth areas. All of these issues are manageable in relatively simple ways and it is often the quantity of information created rather than the complexity of a system that can impede good Legionella management. It is important to step back from these minutiae sometimes and look for trends to spot the weaknesses in the system.

Once the communication has been established and good systems for managing the quantity of information is in place then managing Legionella in a Hospital can become less onerous but the use of an external consultant who can help support and direct attention may also reduce the risks in a Hospital. Legionella control is about information management and communication because as a team everyone can help manage this problem.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Nigel Richardson who has worked in the field of legionella management for 32 years and brings practical skills and an in depth knowledge of both L8 and HTM0401 to minimise legionella to many hospitals within the UK and overseas. He has been a director of Legionella Control International since its inception and works both as a consultant and as an expert witness worldwide. L

Volume 12.4 | HEALTH BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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INFECTION CONTROL

Blackpool Trust shares best practice in London The work being done at the Blackpool Victoria Hospital’s microbiology department has featured at an international conference. A total of seven members of staff from Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust gave presentations to experts from across the world at the 22nd European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases in London. The conference sees internationally-renowned experts share best practice in the fields of clinical microbiology, antimicrobial chemotherapy and infectious diseases.

Dr Achyut Guleri, consultant microbiologist and head of department for clinical laboratory medicine at the Trust, said: “To see so many Blackpool

staff representing the Trust in a variety of infectious diseases areas was a great achievement.

We were involved in about 20 presentations in the end which was one of the best returns from any one organisation and we had a lot of excellent feedback.

“It was a great achievement for our team to be able to showcase the outcomes of excellent collaborative working, high quality innovative initiatives, surveillance, audit and research work being undertaken at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals.’’

He added: “Our Trust has made great strides in infection prevention and control in recent years and seen huge reductions in rates of MRSA and C.Difficile and this has been recognised nationally and internationally." tinyurl.com/cgd3c5b

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Deb has gained a deep insight into the factors that affect skin care compliance by working with healthcare professionals to increase levels of hand hygiene for over 20 years. As

such, Deb also offers advice on how to drive improvements and encourage behavioural change amongst colleagues, patients and visitors to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses.

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Infection Control

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS – www.healthbusinessuk.net

RUH celebrates an MRSA free year The Royal United Hospital has been a year of being free of the debilitating infection MRSA. The hospital saw six cases in the year 2009/10, two in 2010/11 and one in the last financial year.

Director of nursing Francesca Thompson said: “This is great news and should strengthen the confidence of our patients and the local community in their hospital.

Of course, we can’t afford to be complacent and we will continue our efforts to sustain this excellent record.”

The RUH has been screening patients coming in for operations for MRSA since early 2009 and screening emergency patients on admission since May 2010.

Yvonne Pritchard, senior infection prevention and control nurse, added: “Reaching 365 days without a case of MRSA bacteraemia is a significant achievement.

It reflects the continued hard work of our staff in maintaining high standards. The RUH Trust has run several successful hand hygiene campaigns over the last couple of years, which has clearly had a positive impact. ” Other changes in the way the RUH cares for patients include improving urinary catheter care through patient education and better hygiene and using a new cleanser to reduce bacteria on the skin area around where cannulae are sited.

Comprehensive bespoke Legionella Risk Assessments Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, regulators, owners and operators of all commercial premises have a statutory duty to control the risk of legionella bacteria.

Many other companies carrying out Legionella risk assessments perform simple box ticking exercises without interrogating the entire water system. This does not provide the comprehensive reassurance required. Surevale’s highly experienced team will visit your site to complete an in-depth analysis, taking time to ensure all areas have been fully scrutinised to the highest standards.

The company’s personalised reports are easy to follow and provide details of the current risks and recommended actions to be taken, explanation of regulations and legislation currently in place regarding Legionella, information on the specific risks

at the site and how the risk of Legionella might be reduced.

Also included is a record of all site collected data (including photographs) and line drawings (schematics). Surevale can also provide a bespoke logbook for on-site monitoring. Current water management regimes will also be assessed and any necessary advice/training will be provided.

Surevale prides itself on treating clients as individuals to ensure that the highest quality and customer specific legionella risk assessments are produced.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01604 602261 Fax: 01604 230057 info@surevale.co.uk www.surevale.co.uk

Volume 12.4 | HEALTH BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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If security is your business, can you risk ignoring Nedap?

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DATA BREACHES

Security

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DATA PROTECTION - ONCE MORE UNTO THE BREACH

Continuous reports of data breaches, as well as an increase in public concern over the way sensitive information is held by organisations, have in fact all contributed to tougher regulations and requirements being placed on companies across the sector.

Although the consequences of failures in data security are known to all, it is concerning to see how organisations are still unaware of how to handle their sensitive information, and, more importantly, who they should select to ensure its adequate destruction. Standardcompliant information destruction companies can greatly relieve some of the pressure.

With identity fraud continuing to threaten our society, institutions of all sizes should take extra precaution when destroying information, regardless of the material. The careless disposal of data often enables criminals to steal identities or conduct fraudulent transactions without anyone noticing. In addition, data breaches carry with them hefty fines and result in significant reductions in consumer confidence. This can be extremely damaging for all kinds of organisations, in particular within the health sector, where patients’ trust is an absolute requisite.

A TOUGHER ATTITUDE The £70,000 fined to the NHS in April is just the latest in a string of moves that has highlighted a tougher attitude by regulators against companies ineffectively handling their data, or falling victim of breaches.

Earlier in the year, a new framework to ensure consistency throughout all EU member states was unveiled by European Justice Commissioner, Viviane Reding. The framework, which applies to all 27 European member states, requires companies to report any breaches within 24hours, to employ a Data Protection Officer for any organisation of 250 staff or more and also warns that businesses may be fined up to 2% of turnover for a data breach. Critics of the framework have questioned some of its aspects including the strict 24hour cut-off time for data breach notifications.

However, the reality is that these changes are asking companies to make an even bigger commitment to their confidential data handling processes, and take responsibility for any shortfalls in their security strategies.

Despite the widely reported risks of data

Written by Anthony Pearlgood

The Information Commissioner handing out the first ever fine to the NHS represents a major step change in the way the enforcement of data regulation is now affecting companies across the health sector. Anthony Pearlgood, Chairman of the Information Destruction section, BSIA, looks at the challenges faced by the health sector in securing sensitive information

With identity fraud continuing to threaten our society, institutions of all sizes should take extra precaution when destroying information, regardless of the material. breaches and identity fraud and increased pressure by regulators, however, research undertaken last year by the BSIA underlined the fact that there remain serious gaps in how data disposal is handled by public and private sector organisations across the UK. One worrying statistic is that a third of organisations questioned are still relying on standard municipal waste disposal to deal with even the most sensitive of their information destruction needs, with all the dangers which that entails.

Significantly, the same piece of research showed that nearly 19% of organisations had been a victim of serious data fraud.

Where such data breaches occurred it was noted by the respondents that half of these involved paper, and the rest were related to computer hard-drives. This demonstrated

that, even in a world where cyber threats are continuously increasing, paying attention to the way physical material such as paper, storage devices and branded goods, are destroyed is still a crucial aspect of security.

CONCLUSIVE PROOF Given the potential for breaches and the essential task they perform, any company bidding for information destruction work should, as a prerequisite, be able to provide conclusive proof that they adhere to a strict code of ethics and satisfy the provisions laid out in the pivotal European Standard EN 15713. The standard provides information destruction companies with recommendations for the management and control of collection, transportation, destruction of confidential material and E

Volume 12.4 | HEALTH BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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DATA BREACHES E recycling to ensure such material is disposed of securely and safely. As well as helping to ensure the highest standards, EN 15713:2009 therefore provides a valuable benchmark to assist users in choosing a provider.

This is particularly essential in a sector where the sensitive nature of the documents and materials dealt with - including patient records ranging from demographic data such as age, occupation and race to addresses and contact details, health condition and financial details - require the tightest of procedures in order to ensure maximum security for the information held.

Unfortunately, however, companies in the sector fail to understand the implications, scope and importance of the standard, as these documents can be at times technical in nature.

As revealed by the same research carried out last year by the BSIA in fact only 50% of facilities managers who have taken the step to outsource data disposal knew whether their provider actually complied with EN15713. This is concerning, as the BSIA believes it should be the first question asked of any secure waste disposal business by a prospective customer.

ACTIVE PART IN EN15713 The BSIA’s Information Destruction section played an active part in the development of EN15713, and to help educate end-users on its importance, the Association launched earlier in the year a one-page easy-to-understand informational leaflet providing its key points of consideration. This be downloaded from the BSIA’s Information Destruction Guidance webpage - tinyurl.com/cg88b8n All BSIA information destruction section members are inspected to the European standard, as part of the audit procedure for their obligatory ISO 9001:2008 quality accreditation. This means that they will

Security

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS – www.healthbusinessuk.net

Demographic data such as age, occupation and race to addresses and contact details, health condition and financial details - require the tightest of procedures in order to ensure maximum security for the information held.

be independently audited to ensure they continue to comply with the requirements laid down within the standard.

Moreover, all members adhere to their section’s Code of Practice, and are committed to educating the sector and its customers on all issues relating to the way sensitive material is handled. With plenty of experience in the industry, they should be health sector

organisations’ first port of call for any information destruction requirement.

BSIA members meet strict quality criteria and as such, the Association’s website is a great place to start when considering your next security investment.L FOR MORE INFORMATION www.bsia.co.uk

£70,000 penalty for Aneurin Bevan Health Board A Welsh health board has become the first NHS organisation to be served a monetary penalty following a serious breach of the Data Protection Act, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) revealed in April. The Aneurin Bevan Health Board (ABHB) has been issued with a penalty of £70,000 after a sensitive report - containing explicit details relating to a patient’s health - was sent to the wrong person.

The error occurred when a consultant emailed a letter to a secretary for formatting, but did not include enough information for the secretary to identify the correct patient.

The doctor also misspelt the name of the patient at one point, which led to the report being sent to a former patient with a very similar name in March last year.

The ICO’s investigation found that neither member of staff had received data protection training and that the organisation didn’t have adequate checks in place to ensure that personal information was sent to the correct person.

These poor practices were also used by other clinical and secretarial staff across the organisation. Stephen Eckersley, the ICO’s Head of Enforcement said: “The health service holds some of the most sensitive information available. The damage

and distress caused by the loss of a patient’s medical record is obvious, therefore it is vital that organisations across this sector make sure their data protection practices are adequate.

“Aneurin Bevan Health Board failed to have suitable checks in place to keep the sensitive information they handled secure. This case could have been extremely distressing to the individual and their family and may have been prevented if the information had been checked prior to it being sent.

“We are pleased that the Health Board has now committed to taking action to address the problems highlighted by our investigation; however organisations across the health service must stand up and take notice of this decision if they want to avoid future enforcement action from the ICO.” ABHB have also signed an undertaking to address the concerns expressed by the ICO during its investigation.

This includes ensuring all staff are made aware of and trained on the organisation’s policies on storage and use of personal data, that there is appropriate and regular monitoring of compliance with policies on data protection and IT security. The Board has confirmed that it has already introduced some of these measures.

Volume 12.4 | HEALTH BUSINESS MAGAZINE

41

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INFORMATION STORAGE

Burbank launches legal add-on for the transfer of patient images Burnbank Systems, which provides the Image Exchange Portal (IEP) service used by most NHS hospitals, has begun trials of a medicolegal add-on which allows hospitals to transfer patient images and related information to solicitors and other third party organisations.

The new functionality reduces the administrative burden on hospital legal teams when fulfilling requests for patient information whilst also providing a quicker and more secure means to transfer the information. Patient information is transferred via an encrypted connection to a secure server which users access by entering a verification code which is sent as a SMS text to the individual’s mobile phone.

Speaking of the new feature, Clare House from Burnbank Systems, said: “Whilst medicolegal teams will still need to contact patients for written permission to share confidential information with a third party, the medico-legal function will significantly reduce the time and

cost to actually send the images. Instead of having to burn images to a disk and post via secure delivery, hospitals will be able to send the same images electronically in much less time.”

Whilst the new feature has been designed with the legal sector in mind, it has many other potential applications, including transfer of images to dentists, sports clubs and smaller private health clinics.

Burbank’s Image Exchange Portal has removed the need for hospitals to burn diagnostic images onto CDs and then transfer via post, courier or taxi. As a result, the system has brought greater efficiencies and flexibility to diagnostic workflows, leading to faster patient assessments, reduced bed-days and a better patient experience.

TO READ MORE PLEASE VISIT... www.image-exchange.co.uk

DoH renews PACS with Accenture The Department of Health has signed a one year extension of picture archiving and communications systems contract with Accenture, covering the North, Midlands and East (NME).

The nationally negotiated deal extends to June 2014 and provides PACS services to an estimated 31 trusts in the North, Midlands and East that have decided to remain with Accenture.

Under the contract extension, Accenture will also continue to manage the central data store, which provides NHS trusts with a centrally-hosted and long-term image archive, until June 2016.

The NPfIT PACS contracts come to an end in 2013 in the NME and 2014 in London and the South, where BT has responsibility. A growing number of trusts have already gone out to tender for new systems, with some working in local consortia. Accenture retained the PACS

2015 access a ’tall order’ Speaking at the at the Health Informatics conference in Birmingham, information governance champion Dame Fiona Caldicott stated that patient records access by 2015, as announced by George Osbourne, was “quite a tall order for hard pressed GPs and their teams to manage within the next two to three years.”

TO READ MORE PLEASE VISIT...

tinyurl.com/cqyhnzl

US Survey shows high Bring your Own Device uptake A survey of the networking priorities of 130 US hospitals found that about 85 per cent support the use of personal devices like iPads and smartphones at work. The survey, performed by Aruba Networks, focused mainly on network issues and showed varying levels of access to business apps through employees’ devices. tinyurl.com/6sxbj82

Nominate your Healthcare IT Champion of the Year contract after it withdrew from the £2 billion of National Programme for IT local service provider contracts for the North East and East of England in September 2006. CSC subsequently took over responsibility for the two regions.

Accenture is to continue working closely with Agfa HealthCare, the software supplier for PACS and the central data store, and Hitachi Data Systems, which supplies storage for the store.

TELEHEALTH

NHS Somerset signs telehealth deal NHS Somerset has awarded a £1.2 million, three year contract to supply a telehealth monitoring system to people living with long-term conditions to Safe Patient Systems, based in Solihull.

The three year contract could offer many more people who live with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease and diabetes the benefit of a daily remote monitoring of their health and vital bodily signs.

The Safe Mobile Care system, developed by consultant surgeon David Morgan FRCS, uses a touch screen mobile phone specially programmed with personalised plans. Every day the phones prompt patients to answer key questions about their health whilst monitoring devices automatically capture important observations related to their condition using

NEWS IN BRIEF

Healthcare IT News

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS – www.healthbusinessuk.net

wireless technology. Responses are sent in real time from the device to Safe Mobile Care Triage Management software. If these indicate that a patient’s health may be worsening an automatic alert is sent to a nurse or a doctor. This allows the clinician to start earlier treatment if required.

The system has been found to lower care costs by reducing the number of preventable hospital admissions. It has been proven to increase the number of patients that clinical teams can monitor at any one time. The system is already being used with positive results by NHS Bristol, as well as being trialled in Birmingham.

TO READ MORE PLEASE VISIT...

tinyurl.com/bm8gv3r

Nominations have opened for the Healthcare IT Champion of the Year - a category of the EHI Awards 2012 that will be decided by the readers of eHealth Insider website (www. ehi.co.uk). The award recognises an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to IT in their organisation or who has worked tirelessly to promote healthcare IT. www.ehealthawards.com

Social media likes healthcare according to PWC report One in three people are using social networking sites such as Facebook for health issues according to PricewaterhouseCoopers, which monitored social media traffic and found that patients are obtaining medical information from community sites rather than healthcare organisations.

DOWNLOAD THE PWC REPORT...

tinyurl.com/c85hwrl

Volume 12.4 | HEALTH BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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BRINGING EXISTING

RESOURCES TOGETHER

The NHS remains under tremendous pressure to improve performance, both in terms of cutting costs, improving patient care and achieving ever more challenging targets. Healthcare organisations must therefore find ways to deliver improved care while also identifying opportunities to make savings by enhancing their existing resources.

Email: hg.info.gbr@csc.com

Website: www.csc.com/globalhealthcare

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Healthcare IT

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS – www.healthbusinessuk.net

PIECING THE JIGSAW TOGETHER The NHS remains under tremendous pressure to improve performance, both in terms of cutting costs, improving patient care and achieving ever more challenging targets.

Healthcare organisations must therefore find ways to deliver improved care while also identifying opportunities to make savings by enhancing existing resources.

CSC’s range of internationally recognised solutions provide health professionals with accurate, timely information that allows them to focus on the delivery of patient care and improve patient outcomes through the secure transfer, storage and availability of patient information across the care continuum.

The greatest challenge for both the NHS and its industry partners is to deliver innovations that add value but not cost.

Below are just a few of the innovative technologies from CSC that deliver efficiency and maximise use of existing resources across the care spectrum, rather than replacing existing systems.

APPOINTMENT SCHEDULING AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT According to the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement: “Reducing unnecessary outpatient appointments could reduce outpatient activity by up to 50 per cent overall for some primary care trusts.

Reducing average return appointments or follow-ups would save over 800,000 return appointments and save £50m.”

UltraGenda, CSC’s enterprise scheduling and resource management system, is developed specifically for healthcare. A robust and proven solution, UltraGenda enables appointment booking, resource scheduling, online referrals/ bookings together with planned appointment follow-ups and management reporting tools across acute, primary and community care.

Already in use in the NHS and across Europe, UltraGenda reduces missed and cancelled outpatient appointments, reducing waste and increasing staff productivity, while helping healthcare providers make better use of existing resources through its highly efficient scheduling capabilities. UltraGenda also

improves the quality of the patient experience while helping organisations deliver more effective patient care and improved outcomes.

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE Accurate tracking and reporting throughout healthcare organisations is vital for identifying performance improvement needs. CSC’s Health Intelligence solution is a set of modular business intelligence tools designed to sit on any source system, and can be installed on a step by step basis to suit available budget and resources, with no need to ditch existing systems.

Health Intelligence provides real time performance information, enabling swift return on investment. Enabling customisable and ad hoc reports with more reliable information accessed from multiple sources improves operational efficiency, reduces time taken to produce meaningful reports and improves collaboration between departments.

LIFE SCIENCES The UK is home to some of the world’s leading life sciences organisations and public sector research institutions, universities and the NHS, all engaged in groundbreaking research, driving development of innovative medicines and technologies.

Clinical information held by NHS trusts is invaluable from a clinical research perspective and offers a vital potential income stream to trusts. Current methods of extracting information often involve trawling through records manually, a time consuming and often unreliable process.

CSC’s Life Sciences can extract extensive types and ranges of clinical data accurately and with ease – and at a fraction of the time and cost of systems currently in use.

With so many healthcare organisations

Reducing unnecessary outpatient appointments could reduce outpatient activity by up to 50 per cent overall for some primary care trusts.

Reducing average return appointments or follow-ups would save over 800,000 return appointments and save £50m.

using CSC solutions containing the data that required, we can extract relevant information for use by healthcare organisations and for research projects. This data can also be used to help support pharmaceutical companies that rely on information generated for clinical trials and research.

CLINICIANS - THE KEY TO SUCCESSFUL HEALTHCARE IT DELIVERY Without the buy-in of clinicians, healthcare IT systems cannot deliver optimum benefits to the NHS or patients. By fully involving clinicians in CSC’s product development processes, from specification through procurement to delivery, and working in partnership with our customers, we can deliver the most beneficial technology to them and their patients.

As part of this commitment, CSC is one of three foundation sponsors of the EHI CCIO Leaders Network, developed in partnership with the Royal College of Physicians and the British Computer Society. Aimed at ensuring healthcare professionals are actively involved in the development of IT systems rather than having technology imposed on them. The CCIO Leaders Network reflects CSC’s over-riding commitment to listening to clinicians and delivering interoperable systems that enable healthcare professionals across the care spectrum to communicate and share vital patient information.

ABOUT CSC CSC is a global leader in technology-enabled business solutions and services – with 98,000 people operating in 90 countries. With 8,500 of these dedicated to providing innovative, effective and reliable healthcare solutions, CSC is a major force in healthcare technology.

Our well established customer base makes us well placed to design, build and deliver innovative software applications that tackle the challenges of improving efficiency and patient care while also cutting costs. With access to a wide range of technology solutions and services, we not only listen our customers but have the resources available to fulfil all their healthcare IT requirements. L FOR MORE INFORMATION www.csc.com/globalhealthcare hg.info.gbr@csc.com

Volume 12.4 | HEALTH BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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BREAKING NEW GROUND IN SPEECH RECOGNITION

G2 Speech documents its successful trust-wide implementation of speech recognition software Geographically, Northumbria is one of the largest trusts in the country providing healthcare to over half a million people. It is composed of ten hospitals, including three general hospitals and seven community hospitals. Implementing trust-wide speech recognition hasn’t been without its challenges but the benefits far outweigh this according to Northumbria project managers.

“You’ve got to be brave if you’re aiming for a real change,” says Anne Wright, trust executive director for elective care and surgery, Northumbria NHS Trust who started out as medical secretary herself.

“The work of medical secretaries hasn’t changed much from twenty years ago. In MediSpeech powered by SpeechMagic™ I saw the technology that allowed me to think of a totally different way to produce documents,” remembers Anne. There are many efficiency benefits to introducing such a system and this allows secretaries to improve patient care by reducing the time between clinic and the patient receiving correspondence.

Jen Henderson, project lead for speech recognition, Northumbria NHS Trust who is managing the speech recognition implementation, found that bringing turnaround time down to less than 48 hours was a huge undertaking.

“People said it is impossible, but it’s not.

Pain management is one of the departments that has already met the target. Here a speech recognition workflow is used by four consultants, the specialist nurses, the psychologist and the secretaries. Compared to a previous turnaround time of up to 13 weeks, it improved by 98 per cent.”

“We started with Orthopaedics,” explains Jen. “It was hard and tough, but what we learned here made everything that followed a lot easier.”

Dr. Simon Jones, orthopaedics project lead, Northumbria NHS Trust sees one of the big advantages in the fact that he can now work flexibly throughout the trust as files can be downloaded from his Philips SpeechMike everywhere. The files are transferred to the server farm in Newcastle, from where they are picked up by a secretary. “Files don’t leave the clinic anymore, and urgent files can be easily prioritised,” he says.

Denise Patterson, senior secretary, orthopaedics, Northumbria NHS Trust details her view of the top five benefits of using speech recognition (see panel opposite).

Denise saw her office being turned into a technology showcase at project start for others to see the technology working. After six weeks,

the hype was so great that all secretaries wanted MediSpeech. In a survey a couple of weeks later, all but two said that they would never return to the tape-based system. “The two girls missed the typing,” smiles Denise.

One secretary said that it is the first time ever that she felt in control of her job: “It’s giving me control that I never had.” Denise finds she can manage the team much better; the transparent job list identifies areas of backlogs, so that work can be distributed equally.

“G2 Speech is proud to have achieved the UK’s first large scale roll out of speech recognition using MediSpeech. NHS Northumbria is proving that there are major cost, workflow and efficiency benefits from using speech recognition in such a large number of departments” said Henry Gallagher, managing director, G2 Speech UK. The Philips SpeechMike was chosen because of its ease of use, security features, clarity of recording and crystal-clear playback – all features requested by the Trust and valued highly by end users.

ABOUT G2 SPEECH G2 Speech is the provider of industry leading digital dictation, speech recognition and workflow management solutions - the first choice for more than 22,000 healthcare professionals. The company has over 600 successfully installed medical projects including at least 100 integrations with other clinical information systems. L FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0208 539 6541 info@g2speech.com www.G2Speech.com Twitter: @G2_Speech_UK

Top five benefits of using G2 Speech Recognition SPEED • Transcription is twice as fast.

• Information is available when needed for treatment and GPs receive letters more quickly.

MANAGEMENT • Workload immediately visible.

• Easier staff planning during holidays, sickness, etc.

• Priority settings identify urgent dictations.

ACCURACY • Identical orthography of medical terms throughout all documents.

• No disruption through lost or damaged tapes.

TRANSPARENCY • Job list identifies backlogs and free capacity.

• In-house and home-based staff on one central system.

SERVICE • Fast and reliable quality of patient care.

• Reduced waiting times for patients.

Volume 12.4 | HEALTH BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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25 Year Warranty.

Peace of mind is assured with our 25 year product and applications warranty, available as standard when your cabling system is installed by an Excel Partner. No small print, no legal jargon, no get out clauses, just a cast iron quality assurance.

Find out more at www.excel-networking.com.

USING TECHNOLOGY TO SHIFT TO A LEARNING CULTURE

Healthcare IT

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS – www.healthbusinessuk.net

Gael’s quality management technology is helping NHS organisations advance from a reporting to a learning culture within healthcare quality There is a fundamental shift happening within the healthcare sector in that the approach to quality is no longer about just reporting quality issues and incidents, and being able to meet targets, but about learning what needs to be implemented in order to prevent these issues from reoccurring.

This shift is happening due to a number of reasons - two significant areas being greater requirements from regulators and a drive for better patient choice, with the belief that organisations achieving greater quality would be the first choice to deliver services.

This might seem like a new way of thinking, however it can be seen that other industries, such as manufacturing and aviation, have already adopted this approach.

While there are ideas that we can learn from in those sectors, the same principles of learning and improving from issues are already in place within certain disciplines in healthcare itself.

Pathology, Pharmacy, Radiology and Haematology already have to take this approach due to the strict compliance requirements by regulators such as the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The principles, such as having standard processes in place, logging issues and concerns, identifying areas of improvement, measuring how well those processes are being followed, ensuring staff are correctly trained and qualified to carry out those tasks, are the same principles as adopted in other quality and safety driven sectors, such as manufacturing and aviation, and fundamentally drive a culture of learning.

In these disciplines and sectors, it isn’t acceptable to just have an issue or incident reporting system in place - you have to clearly demonstrate what you are doing in order to improve, or learn, from your mistakes.

LEARNING CULTURE CHALLENGES To advance to a learning culture of quality gives two major challenges, the first being the sheer amount of time and resource required to implement an organisationwide quality improvement and learning approach. Using traditional ‘manual quality

systems’, such as paper documentation, spreadsheets and large scale auditing, can be expensive, as well as incredibly difficult to manage. Also, this approach often leads to ‘islands of information’ with little communication - and more importantly, intelligence - being shared between them.

These reasons alone have been enough to stop healthcare organisations looking at adopting a learning approach to quality.

However with the right technology, it is possible to move to this culture as well as reducing the resources required to do so.

RESPONSIBILITIES The second challenge is in making everyone in the organisation aware of their individual responsibilities and actions, as well as being able to easily demonstrate, from a management perspective, that these actions are being carried out. As has been demonstrated with Aviation, and even with Pathology, Pharmacy and Haematology within healthcare, the right technology can make it simple not only for individuals to log issues, but to give those same individuals valuable feedback as to how it has been addressed and what has been learnt to prevent them from reoccurring.

With technology it is also possible to make individuals aware of their specific actions required to address any other concerns or issues raised. If they are responsible for a certain process, task, piece of equipment - or must improve their skills in order to carry out

their individual role - then technology can easily assign an action against that person.

Plus, the system can give simple reporting mechanisms to demonstrate when and how this has been addressed, helping them to move to a learning way of thinking.

REMOVING ISLANDS OF INFORMATION When choosing the right system to help you to advance to a learning culture of quality, it is key to choose one that integrates all of the above functions into a single solution in order to remove the ‘islands of information’ as well as giving the ability to integrate into additional technology solutions, such as your intranet, email and Active Directory server. After all, there is a move away from the traditional “islands of technology” within healthcare to more open systems- giving much better value for money, as well as protecting your existing technology.

So if you are currently looking at how you can move from an incident reporting culture, where there is little engagement and individuals having little understanding of their requirements in order to improve quality- you can could certainly look at what approaches, and technology, the aviation and manufacturing sectors have adopted.

You could even look a little closer to home and speak to your Pathology, Pharmacy or Haematology department to see how they manage their quality system. The chances are they will have already gone through the challenges you are experiencing!

ABOUT GAEL Gael has been developing quality management solutions since 1992, with Gael’s flagship quality management software solution, Q-Pulse, being used in over 75% of NHS organisations - as well as over 2,500 organisations worldwide in markets such as Life Sciences, Logistics, Manufacturing and Aviation. L FOR MORE INFORMATION www.gaelquality.com/healthcare

Volume 12.4 | HEALTH BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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TELECOMS

It was recently revealed that over 70 emergency calls were missed by the London Ambulance Service (LAS) last year because of technical glitches in its 20 year old telephone system. Peter Gradwell, who built £5 million telecoms and internet service provider Gradwell, explains that flexible communications systems and backup services are not expensive luxuries.

LAS recently admitted that when the clocks changed back to Greenwich Mean Time in October 2011, 71 calls ‘disappeared’ from its call-taking (CTAK) system and calls were missed for at least 25 minutes. The problem was put down to faulty call handling rules. A LAS spokesperson stated that all the calls were responded to once the system was back on track and that a clinical review found none of the callers were in life-threatening situations, although a few may have ‘benefitted from an earlier response’.

It is not the first time CTAK, which was introduced in 1992, has caused trouble for the emergency services. The system was due to be replaced last summer but problems during the upgrade process meant that LAS had to revert to taking notes on scrap paper, before passing details to ambulance staff via radio.

Such issues highlight the need for comprehensive technology, with failsafe backup plans across the UK’s health system.

It would be foolish to suggest that technology never fails, and this story only goes to highlight that it can happen all too easily, so any organisation, whether in the public or

private sector, which relies so heavily on vital communication channels needs to have a backup plan in place for internet connections and telephone systems.

IMPORTANCE OF BACKUP Most people will agree about the importance of having backup communication channels, but we recently conducted research that found that, across the UK’s private sector, around 70 per cent of businesses do not have such systems in place.

It is vitally important that these calls are answered 100 per cent of the time. The callers are not looking for technical support or to change their account, but because they need urgent medical attention. That means that health services like LAS need a telecoms system that will always be there for the caller.

Over the past 10 years Gradwell has strived to provide this type of service. A phone system that can be easily implemented, easily changed and easily used, but with safety nets in place for when things go wrong. It’s designed to be flexible enough to suit the needs of many types of businesses, especially

VOICE OVER IP The time has come where internet technologies have matured enough to support emergency services and other public sector areas, with Voice over IP (VoIP) telephone systems promising the most in terms of operational efficiencies, cost savings and ease of implementation.

Where traditional telephony systems can match VoIP in terms of features, VoIP wins hands-down when it comes to flexibility and cost. If a major event is coming up, for example London 2012, with an above average number of calls expected, a traditional line needs time and money to add more users – plus time to lay the extra lines and physically plug them into the system.

VoIP can add more users in as little as 15 minutes, all from a web-based interface. This avoids messy installation, telecoms engineers and extra charges. In addition, VoIP allows a call centre to add and remove users almost at will, as and when the demand arises. Using internet technologies also allows quick, cheap and easy backup systems to be put in place.

Written by Peter Gradwell

BACKING UP WITH A FLEXIBLE FRIEND

those who provide vital services by telephone and absolutely cannot miss calls.

While it is easy to identify the problems with an existing system, changing that system can be quite hard in an organisation. People don’t accept change well, preferring to stick with what they are used to, no matter how inefficient these systems may be. However, transition can be eased by adopting a solution that is quick and easy to implement, as well as easy to use. Making it easier for employees to use makes it easier for them to adapt to.

Telecoms

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS – www.healthbusinessuk.net

HYBRID Using a hybrid of the internet and Three UK’s mobile network, my business has created the innovative Gradwell Mobile service, allowing mobile devices to operate as a landline. The service gives organisations a landline on the move, but also allows the mobile to become part of a call group. This makes it an excellent service for backup services. If the regular call centre encounters a problem, the incoming calls can divert to a backup routing which includes remote operators who are using the Gradwell Mobile service to answer the calls.

If combined with services such as remote desktop and cloud data storage, the backup call centre can be a low-cost duplicate service, held completely offsite. So if a problem such as a power cut or internet downtime hits the main call centre, calls are not missed as the duplicate setup can take over without suffering from the same problems and with no inconvenience to the caller.

Either way, we are now at a point where the technology is there to ensure that the emergency services are there – and always there. L FOR MORE INFORMATION www.gradwell.com

Volume 12.4 | HEALTH BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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HOW WILL YOU EVACUATE SAFELY?

If you don’t know the answer then Evac+Chair can supply you with the right solution.

Evac+Chair is a universal evacuation solution for smooth stairway descent during an emergency. Single user operation ensures no heavy lifting or manual handling is required during emergency evacuation procedures.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/evacchair

T: 0845 230 2253

Evac+Chair International Ltd

E: enquiry@evacchair.co.uk

ParAid House Weston Lane

W: www.evacchair.co.uk

Birmingham

B11 3RS

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS – www.healthbusinessuk.net

Britannia’s wide range of canopies and ventilated ceilings incorporate some of the latest technology Britannia specialises in providing kitchen ventilation solutions throughout the UK and Ireland. The company offers a complete service from design through to installation, calling on a wide range of custom manufactured products and incorporating some of the latest technology.

Canopies available includes extract, supply air, induction and dishwash units.

These are complimented by a wide range of accessories including high efficiency grease filters, recessed light fittings, splashback wall cladding, services distribution units (to house the mechanical services that feed the cooking equipment) and integral fire suppression systems.

Britannia also supplies two types of ventilated ceiling which provide a clean line of sight across the kitchen and offer flexibility of the cooking equipment layout.

Ultrastream is an ultraviolet filtration system which provides secondary grease removal and odour destruction before the air is discharged to atmosphere. The system significantly reduces ductwork cleaning and reduces the fire risk within the extract system. As the system also removes odours, kitchens can be located in areas where low level discharge is not normally possible. Ultrastream is more efficient and cost effective than conventional

carbon treatments, with greatly reduced maintenance costs.

Another exciting product from Britannia is Refresh, a self contained kitchen ventilation system that does not require direct ductwork into the atmosphere.

Designed for use over electrically powered cooking equipment, the standalone system consists of a ventilation canopy with its own services tower. The tower filters out grease and odours before recirculating the air back into the kitchen. Each unit is supplied with a controls package that continually monitors filter performance, giving a clear indication when filter elements need to be changed.

Quite often in large kitchens canopies are not a cost effective option, and a ventilated ceiling would be required. Britannia offer two types of ceiling: Heydal is a cassette type ceiling which is made up of 500mm square tiles, some of which are grease filters and some of which supply air modules for

introducing makeup air back to the kitchen.

These tiles are arranged across the whole kitchen, giving a clean line of sight when compared with conventional canopies.

The second ceiling system, Silverline, is based on shallow conventional canopies and the remaining areas are infilled with stainless steel tiles again to provide a more aesthetically pleasing solution, ideal if the kitchen is on view to diners.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01926 463540 pete.t@kitchen-ventilation.co.uk www.kitchen-ventilation.co.uk

Britannia specialise in commercial kitchen ventilation and offer a wide range of canopies and ventilated ceilings, using the latest UV filtration to reduce fire risk and odour nuisance. Welcome to the refreshing world of Britannia.

Tel: 01926 463540 www.kitchen-ventilation.co.uk sales@kitchen-ventilation.co.uk Volume 12.4 | HEALTH BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS – www.healthbusinessuk.net

Green Line – metal free protective footwear FOR HIGH VISIBILITY VEHICLE LIVERY & MARKINGS Chevron Kits and Markings

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Be Seen, Be Safe... that’s the chevronshop.com motto – and that’s why all our kits are purpose-designed for a perfect fit on the UK’s most popular cars and vans. We only use fully approved materials and colours that conform to the latest industry guidelines and standards covering vehicle conspicuity.

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sales Manager UK and Ireland: wayne.marsden@ejendals.com Mobile +44 (0) 770 296 4851

www.ejendals.com | info@ejendals.com | order@ejendals.com

54

HEALTH BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 12.4

Green Line is a shoe range which has been produced with as much respect for the environment as possible.

Ejendals, Sweden’s largest supplier of shoes, gloves and skin care products for skilled workers, has made Green Line as the first protective shoes to be labelled with the EU Ecolabel. This means manufacturers must prove that their products meet the environmental, health and functional criteria which have been set carefully, through different types of tests and documentation.

The Green Line range does not contain any metals. Instead of using metal in the nail protection and toe-cap, Ejendals has used a material which takes extra care of the environment throughout its entire life cycle.

The Green Line shoe range is ideal for those who want a comfortable protective shoe which, at the same time,

safeguards the environment.

The shoes fulfil all the requirements of a protective shoe and meet the EN requirements of EN 23045:2004 as well as IEC 61340-5-1.

Green Line shoes have quickly become a favourite amongst Ejendals’ customer base and users.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.ejendals.com

Routes to fully-accredited health and safety training SecuriCare has been delivering training since the early 90s.

One of its specialist areas of provision is in the prevention and management of challenging, disruptive and violent behaviour, including breakaway/ disengagement skills, and physical intervention.

The business delivers the NHS National Conflict Resolution Programme to staff throughout the UK – training that is accredited by several awarding bodies, including: Edexcel; the Institute of Conflict Management (ICM); and the British Institute of Learning Disabilities (Bild).

It is also ISO9001 compliant.

Additionally, the SecuriCare Online Academy provides a flexible, cost effective training option which supports the company’s classroombased training and other organisational training needs.

The training courses can be

accessed 24/7 from home or work, and include: occupational health and safety; common induction training; safe handling of medicines; equality and diversity; food hygiene; palliative care, and many others.

Its online and classroombased training programmes provide a high quality, blended approach to meeting customers’ training needs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01904 492 442 trainers@securicare.com www.securicare.com

Learn the tools you need to manage and overcome stress for good

Specialist bariatric lifting and handling equipment from Dolphin Mobility

HeartMath’s programmes have become the gold standard in stress intervention and performance enhancing solutions for individuals, corporate clients and in healthcare systems.

Based on 20 years of research, The Institute of HeartMath® has shown that emotions have a powerful impact on the body.

Typical negative emotions we feel when stressed like anger, frustration and anxiety lead to increased disorder in the heart’s rhythms and in the nervous system. In contrast, positive emotions like joy, appreciation and care create harmony.

HeartMath® tools teach you how to consciously regulate your heart rhythms, leading to increased harmony within the body enabling you to function at your optimum.

Other bodily systems sync up to this rhythm creating a state which scientists call coherence.

This state boosts the immune

Dolphin Mobility specialises in the supply, installation and maintenance of all types of hoist and lifting equipment, including stairlifts and through floor lifts, for sick, elderly or disabled patients. Clients include hospitals, architects, construction companies, healthcare clinics, local authorities, housing associations and thousands of people in their own homes.

The company has an extensive product portfolio, which enables it to provide a safe patient handling environment for the carer and the person being lifted. Dolphin also offers a rapid response in order to help patients back into their own homes, freeing up valuable hospital bed space.

The company supplies mobile floor hoists, wall lifts, gantry systems; its overhead hoists can be ceiling fixed, wall fixed or freestanding depending on fixing constraints and room sizes.

system, balances hormones and leads to increased mental clarity, creativity and better problem solving abilities.

Delivered in the form of oneon-one coaching and supported

by HeartMath’s highly effective stress reduction technology, the system can help transform stress whilst strengthening the body and mind, leading to an increased quality of life.

Contact Nicola - a licensed HeartMath® provider who will be happy to identify how HeartMath’s programmes can help.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.HeartIQ.co.uk Nicola.HeartIQ@gmail.com

Technology for every line on your business card How many suppliers does a business in the health sector need for their communications?

Think of the services you use to contact and be contacted.

You put them on your business card. Email address, telephone number, fax number, website address. Imagine if you could get them all with just one supplier.

You can with Gradwell - a leading independent provider of internet services to small business, providing them with the tools needed to communicate in the most efficient, flexible and cost-effective ways possible.

Established by entrepreneur Dr Peter Gradwell in his second year of university, the business provides cost-effective, awardwinning technology for every line on a business card: internet telephony (VoIP) and fax-toemail, business grade broadband (including 100Mbps superfast fibre broadband), website hosting and email management, amongst other services.

Driven by a team of experts who have built the services from

the ground up, Gradwell was listed in the Deloitte Technology Fast500 EMEA 2011, has been a finalist or a winner in the last four Internet Telephony Service Provider Association (ITSPA) awards, as well as winning several other industry and sector prizes for innovation and service.

Get in touch to find out how Gradwell can help change your business.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01225 800 808 sales@gradwell.com www.gradwell.com

Products & Services

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS – www.healthbusinessuk.net

Its range of bariatric hoists are capable of lifting a person who weighs 455kg (or 71 stone).

Dolphin sources its products from the world’s leading manufacturers including BHM Medical, Handi-Move, Prism Medical and Oxford Hoists. As an independent company, it takes great pride in its ability to provide the best solution, whatever the lifting need, and its network of local branches covers the whole of the UK. FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0800 9800 126 info@dolphinlifts.co.uk www.dolphinlifts.co.uk

Medpac - the medicine storage solution that could help save lives Medpac offers the simple and innovative solution for carrying and storing emergency and prescibed medicine.

Medpacs are practical bags that have been specifically designed for storing and carrying medicines safely and securely. They come complete with a photo ID card for easy identification in any situation, and a treatment card to write all the essential information required to administer the medicine.

Medpac is the brainchild of Jayne Tarrant, a mother who saw a need for such a product when her daughter was diagnosed with a condition that required her to carry emergency medicine at all times. Not able to find an affordable product to fulfil the need, Jayne set about designing and sourcing a product that would work in many situations.

Jayne explains: “I wanted to find a solution that was durable, hardwearing, easy to find in an emergency and affordable and I believe Medpac has achieved these objectives”.

The bags come in two sizes and are ideal for asthma inhalers, adrenaline auto-injectors, epilepsy and diabetic medication, allergy medicines and more.

Please visit www.medpac. co.uk to discover the benefits.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0845 0739430 www.medpac.co.uk jayne@medpac.co.uk

Volume 12.4 | HEALTH BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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A new and revolutionary range of postural seating suitable for hospitals and care environments...

chair Aalborg chair is ideal for a wide range of applications including waiting areas,nursing stations, reception and admin use, and as bedside seating.

• Encourages an alert and upright posture, easy to get up from.

• Available in several heights, including versions with detachable upholstery and arms.

• Supplied on rails, gas lift or fixed bases.

• Strong and damage resistant.

• Moulded in antimicrobial plastics, the seat provides comfort and wipe-clean hygiene.

• Compact storage.

saddle The benefits of saddles have been recognised over many years and include: • Comfort both when in use and after long periods of use.

• Promotes a balanced and upright posture.

• Reduces back pain.

• Can be mounted on fixed height (with or without footrests), or to gas lift bases.

• Stores usefully under a desk or table.

The Aalborg saddle can be used by young or old, by large or small as a single component for simplicity, durability, low cost and hygiene.

For news and details... www.aalborgdk.com

The Aalborg range of furniture is available worldwide. Please contact us • To arrange a product demonstration • For detailed product information • For details of your nearest approved stockist.

T: +44 (0)7768 931016 or +44 (0)7800 912426 E: info@ah07.com www.ah07.com

HOSPITAL FURNITURE

Bad posture needs speedy correction to lessen the huge and costly expense to both to the lives of the population and the NHS. Today there are a number of exciting furniture ideas available Many hospitals use furniture and basic equipment designed many years ago, often bought on restricted budgets. Today there are increasing numbers of exciting ideas and innovative solutions based upon an understanding of the importance of good posture. Which is just as well since it’s clear that the consequences of bad posture are evident and need speedy correction to lessen the huge and costly expense both to the lives of the population and the health service.

HOSPITAL SEATING Seating in hospitals has to accommodate the needs of the elderly and infirm. Many find difficulty in sitting and getting up from conventional chairs without assistance and frequently softly upholstered chairs are even worse. Whilst a ‘one height suits all’ approach cannot work, nevertheless it’s much easier to rise from a higher chair, and one with arms will help the elderly.

A chair having a sloping front, called a ‘waterfall’ in the trade, will provide comfort for a much larger range of heights than one without and not restrict blood flow from the lower legs, causing the heart to work harder, which could be a disbenefit to some with heart problems. Sitting higher and upon a firm, more carefully contoured, base can also affect posture to assist lordosis, which is the hollow back seen on young children and reducing the slumped shape of the growing majority.

Movement and exercise is best for most of us, and not sitting in one posture for longer than twenty minutes. This may not be possible for the elderly or infirm, for whom support may be crucial if pain and distress is to be avoided.

Reducing the spread of infection requires seating and frames to have a bacterial resistant finish and be easy to clean. A means of swift and inexpensive replacement of detachable upholstered panels is preferred in the event of soiling or damage.

Seating for a range of size and age of persons, with or without disabilities, must be available in waiting areas where both patients and carers may have to wait for long periods at a time.

A different but urgent need is for new mothers to be able to breast feed in comfort,

embracing a new born child in the most comfortable position without the chair or support restricting essential bonding. Most wards have precious little space for most of special chairs currently available, many of which have no alternative role. Seats with adjustable supports could provide a very simple and inexpensive solution accommodating both normal sitting and the more relaxed posture for breast feeding.

Use of many currently-used chairs can and does interfere with proper bonding, and at worst can cause pain

and lasting discomfort to the mother who may well be discouraged from breast feeding altogether. There’s also a propensity for psychological damage to the child, resulting from a lack of initial child/mother bonding.

This is clearly seen as a difference between children with the same mother whose post natal routine has differed. There is an obvious and widespread need for an innovative, low cost solution for a suitable chair, as most midwives will attest.

Toilet seats are not always associated with postural requirements. Most of us have no problems with the majority. In hospitals or for the elderly however most toilet seats are too low to sit upon or get up from in comfort. Postural needs are the same as for regular sitting with the additional need for the user to be able to strain. This is not possible when seated higher.

The solution is to have footrests located at the point of balance which is the norm, and often beneficial to enable a lower squatting posture, used in ‘the wild’, in camping and commonly in French toilets.

This can be accommodated in hospitals but alternatives are usually needed in homes for the elderly where an over toilet seat is needed to swiftly fit onto or around a standard toilet seat. Again, simple low-cost solutions are possible but not often seen in the marketplace.

INNOVATIVE APPROACH There are so many more hospital furniture needs. One design organisation having worked upon a large range of innovative and elegant solutions is the Renfrew Group of Leicester which has recently been awarded a prestigious design award by the MoH. And there are so many more areas in need of an innovative approach to provide elegant, safe and immensely beneficial results. Design and production technology, using new materials, are available. In the UK we produce world class designers and have both the companies and the understanding to make immense strides and cost savings. As has been so commonly the case we lack the courage of supportive banks and investment agencies. The reason why so many brilliant UK companies are now owned by outside beneficiaries. L

Written by Anthony Hill DesRCA FRSA Managing director, AH07.com

HOSPITAL FURNITURE CAN AFFECT WELLBEING

Hospital Furniture

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS – www.healthbusinessuk.net

FOR MORE INFORMATION To find out more please visit: www.ah07.com www.aalborgdk.com www.renfrewgroup.com

Volume 12.4 | HEALTH BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Advertisers Index

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS – www.healthbusinessuk.net DDC_HealthBus_1-2p_Layout 1 05/09/2011 12:28 Page 1

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ADVERTISERS INDEX

The publishers accept no responsibility for errors or omissions in this free service A1 Window Cleaners Aalborg

Drake Window Cleaning

31

Mayflex

48

DuctBusters

36

Metric Group

23

Amber Gel

30

Ejendals

54

Mindshare

Ambulex

50

Electrolux

34

MIS Environmental

10

Aqua Pointe

16

Energenie

20

MLPS

18

Asckey Data Services

Evac + Chair

52

Nedap

38

16

Fathom

12

Noah – Italian Vegan Shoes

36

Britannia Kitchen Ventilation

53

G2 Speech

47

Phoenix Buildings Systems

24

Business Furniture Online

36

Gael Quality

47

Phoenix Private Ambulance Services

14

Call Systems Technology

42

Gradwell

Reflex

20

Chevron Shop

54

Graphic Mail

46

Sealwise

26

Clean and Easy

28

Hamiliton Rentals

42

SMP Security

40

HD Services

30

Specialist Vehicles

14

CSC

6

4

BAFE

CR Swift

58

30 56, 57

8

HeartIQ

55

Surevale

37

Dallmeier UK

40

Ingenius Products

55

T.E.C Services

31

David Annand

16

Intaview

18

Tender Loving Cleaning

31

DEB UK

35

Invicta Storage

18

The Mconie Agency

14

Debenhams Rental

IFC

Kingston University

20

The Open University

OBC

Decoba

32

Lateral Design Concepts

Digitalid

40

Lynn Webster Consultants

30

Dolphin Mobility

55

Managed Water Consultants

36

HEALTH BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 12.4

44, 45

51, 55

IBC

Variable Message Signs

22

Wardray-Premise

18

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