Health Business volume 9.7 by Public Sector Publishing

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CONTENTS HEALTH BUSINESS VOLUME 9.7

7 NEWS 11 LIFE SCIENCES Lord Darzi explains the importance of an active and vibrant life sciences industry in the UK

12 HEALTHCARE IT Intellect discusses the many benefits of using wireless technologies in healthcare, today and in the future NHS IT is alive and ready to grow, argues Victor Almeida, senior health analyst for Kable

21 INFORMATION SECURITY The National Assiociation for Healthcare Security discusses what causes information security breaches

27 FINANCE The FLA argues the case for leasing new medical equipment

31 FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Is there a potential conflict between environmental sustainability and business sustainability? We preview The Surface Design Show 2010, taking place 16-18 February

40 AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION The New Year brings in the final stages in the phase-out of ozone depleting substances

43 ENERGY The Carbon Trust explains how organisations can benefit from early preparation for the CRC efficiency scheme

49 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Envirowise discusses current issues surrounding environmental management

53 TRANSLATION & INTERPRETING The Institute of Translating and Interpreting looks at the vital role translation and interpreting plays in a healthcare setting

57 RECRUITMENT Despite pressures to save money, the NHS needs to retain a skilled workforce, writes NHS Employers

61 STAFF TRAINING Dr Steve Boorman summarises his NHS Health and Well-being Review’s Final Report

73 COMPLEMENTARY & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE The Institute for Complementary and Natural Medicine looks at the current picture of complementary/alternative medicine in the NHS, and the pros and cons of it being more readily available

75 CATERING Malnutrition continues to be present, under-recognised and under-treated within the NHS

79 PARKING The British Parking Association discusses proposals in its Hospital Parking Charter

85 CONFERENCES & EVENTS Confex is the UK’s leading event for event organisers

91 ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT Asbestos is the single greatest cause of work-related deaths in the UK, responsible for an estimated 4,000 deaths each year

65 PATIENT SAFETY Hands are one of the main ways that infections can be spread, so keeping them clean is essential, says the National Patient Safety Agency

70 NEONATAL CARE A look at how neonatal care can be more family-centred

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Film to lift patients’ spirits and create friendly environment ocal people are being asked to suggest their favourite areas of Ilkeston and other local areas for a short film that will be used to create a more uplifting, patient-friendly environment at Ilkeston Community Hospital. The film will be broadcast across eight new LCD screens in patient waiting rooms throughout the hospital and will give patients and families something interesting to watch while waiting for advice or treatment as well as enabling them to enjoy a more relaxed, stress-reducing environment.

Tim Broadley, director of service delivery at Derbyshire Community Health Services, said: “This film is all about celebrating Ilkeston and the local area and lifting patients’ spirits, so if there’s a special place you’d like to share with someone who might be feeling a bit down or anxious after they’ve broken a knee or fractured a hip, please do get in touch.” If you are interested in suggesting a favourite Ilkeston place for the film, please contact Kay Bradley on bradley.kay@derbyshirecountypct. nhs.uk by the 24 December.

GPs untrained in sick note writing Ps need more guidance and education in filling out sick notes, research reveals. Published in the scientific journal Occupational Medicine, the research shows that almost two thirds of GPs had not received any training in sickness certification and the average amount of training for those who had was only four hours. The study showed the amount of

time off given for the same illness in “straightforward cases” varies considerably. Only a third of the GPs surveyed were aware that the government had guidelines on sickness certification and even fewer (20 per cent) actually used them. Occupational Health doctors are helping the Royal College of General Practitioners to roll out training days for General Practitioners and so far over 1,000 GPS have signed up.

Videos promote importance of swine flu vaccination HS Tower Hamlets has produced a video promoting the importance of getting vaccinated against swine flu. The short film hears about the importance of community protection and community responsibility from Father Alan Green of the Tower Hamlets Inter Faith Forum and local Imam Hafiz Mulana Shafiqur Rahman. Local health professionals talk about protecting their patients, their families and colleagues with NHS managers

explaining how vaccination of frontline staff will help protect essential services. Local people add to the conversation and give their views on how best to protect themselves against swine flu and also give a “big thumbs up” to the vaccination programme. NHS West Midlands has also produced a short video for members of the public, highlighting why people should take-up the swine flu vaccine if they are offered it.

NEWSINBRIEF Women in Lewisham to get direct access to community midwives NHS Lewisham and University Hospital Lewisham now operate a direct access service for expectant mothers or women who think they may be pregnant. Women can choose whether to get in touch directly with the community midwife without seeing a GP first when they find out they may be pregnant. To see a midwife, you can call or text 07554 115649 or e-mail them to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you. NHS Lewisham also runs a number of community-based drop-in clinics around the borough where you can turn up on the day to see a midwife or a maternity support worker for information and advice.

New phone number for NHS Careers NHS Careers has changed its helpline number to 0345 60 60 655 to make it cheaper for customers to call the contact centre for careers’ information. The change is in line with the recent government announcement about the use of 0845 numbers for people contacting the NHS.

Summary Care Records to improve patient care Patients in West Sussex will receive faster, more effective healthcare services with the introduction of NHS Summary Care Records. NHS West Sussex is first creating Summary Care Records for patients registered at GP practices in the Worthing area, and over the coming year aims to create records across West Sussex. The Summary Care Record (SCR) is a secure electronic record that allows doctors and nurses to see patients’ vital health information, such as medication and allergies. The information can be shared between healthcare staff involved in a patient’s care, ensuring key data is at hand during treatment, and could save lives in some cases. SCRs have been successfully created in other parts of the country but this will be among the first in the south.

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PARKING PROBLEMS? PEACE OF MIND PARKING SOLUTIONS & PRODUCTS ✓ Car Park Management ✓ ANPR ✓ Car Park Products Car park management and enforcement has had many changes over the last few years, many of which has involved the industry becoming more transparent and not just to penalise motorists. It now a legal requirement for any wheel clamping operatives to be licensed by the Security Industry Authority, this involves BTec courses and a annual CRB check, this helps to ensure the old aggressive image of clamping operatives should no longer be valid. In addition to this all parking companies that issue any parking fines to motorists must now be members of the British Parking Association in order to be able to access the DVLA database in order to enforce any parking fines.

✓ Car Park Wardens ✓ Pay & Display ✓ Wheel clamping We at Parking Control Services carry out many car park management services, ranging from car park wardens, wheel clamping operatives and the latest technology ANPR, a camera based enforcement system which can also be linked to Pay & Display machines so to ensure every motorist pays for their parking, we also offer many car park related products at very competitive prices. We also can now also offer all landowners or landowners representatives a service that gives them total control over car park enforcement, whereby they issue the vehicle a PCN and simply upload the details on to our Client Web System, where we take care of the enforcement of the PCN and upon payment the landowner receives a £10.00 compensation payment, therefore making the whole service self financing.

0800 970 5109 Info@parkingcontrolservices.co.uk

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New specification for hospital cleanliness new specification for cleanliness in healthcare facilities is in development by the Department of Health, National Patient Safety Agency and BSI – the global standards, certification and assessment provider. The specification, expected to be published in March 2010, will assist in the provision of cleanliness in support of infection prevention and improved patient, public and staff confidence. PAS 5748 (Publicly Available Specification), will specify requirements for the provision of cleanliness in acute, community and mental health hospitals. PAS 5748 is intended to be endorsed at board level, and implemented by those employed to maintain cleanliness in hospitals including dedicated cleaning

staff, nursing and departmental staff and facilities management staff. Health Minister Ann Keen said: “The delivery of clean, safe, care is a priority for this government. The NHS has made great strides in improving cleanliness in hospitals, which is important for both patients and staff. This specification will drive further progress in this area and so we are delighted to be working with our partners and stakeholders in developing it.”

NEWSINBRIEF Track your festive drinking with your mobile To coincide with the start of the Christmas period, the Department of Health has released the first official alcohol tracker application for mobile phones. Available from iTunes and the NHS Choices website it helps people to work out how many alcoholic units there are in their drink, see how much alcohol they have consumed over a set period, get personalised feedback on their drinking habits, and find local NHS clinics and advice centres. Public Health Minister Gillian Merron said: “It is all too easy to lose track of how much you drink. So as the festive parties start to build up, this innovative tool will help people keep tabs on their drinking – wherever they are.” For those that do not have a smartphone, they can text the word ‘UNIT’ to 64746 to receive information on NHS Choices alcohol units calculator. Alcohol misuse costs the NHS £2.7 billion each year.

New website offers one-stop guide to local health and social care amilies who haven't worked for years will be helped into employment through a new £40 million government drive. Many of the families who have been unemployed for years become trapped in a culture of worklessness. The government will give people the right support they need to get a job, but equally will expect them to take up the offer or risk financial sanctions like losing benefits. The extra Working Neighbourhood funding will allow 61 councils to do more, including directly stepping in to help the lives of some of the poorest people to get them in shape for work and off long term benefits,

Partygoers in Newcastle urged to pee in a pot

providing the support and skills they need. Councils could use the funding to bring in qualified job counsellors or use trusted people, like social landlords, to convince people they can be better off financially in work.

Health advisers and peer educators were recently encouraging young people attending a music event in Newcastle to take a simple ‘pee in the pot’ test as part of a campaign to promote awareness of the sexual transmitted infection chlamydia. Michelle Stamp, chlamydia screening programme manager, said: “This is a really good way of engaging with young people to help raise awareness about chlamydia. We want to offer as many young people as possible the opportunity to have a free, confidential chlamydia test.”

we listen, we discuss, we design, we deliver

we understand Bedhead Services • Nurse Call Patient Entertainment staticsystems.co.uk

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Because we know the ‘paperless office’ doesn’t exist… “Leaders” sector Gartner Magic Quadrant for Information Technology 2007 and 2008

ZyLAB provides reliable, usable-friendly solutions to digitally archive millions of pages of paper and electronic documents, making your information fully accessible 24 hours a day from any networked station, with no need for expensive paper storage facilities. ZyLAB’s signature product, ZyIMAGE, offers comprehensive functionalities including the best search engine available, to ensure that your documents are fully searchable online and formatted so that content can be found simply by using key fields. Solutions for: • Document, records, contract and email management • Workflow and Advanced back-office management • ZyLAB has over 9,000 installations worldwide. UK customers include Bromley Hospitals NHS Trust, Health Protection Agency, Northern General Hospital and the University Hospital of Wales NHS Trust - A&E. ZyLAB UK Limited, 4 The Deans, Bridge Road, Bagshot, Surrey GU19 5AT Tel: 01276 850970; info@zylab.co.uk; www.zylab.co.uk

Written by Professor the Lord Darzi of Denham KBE, UK Health and Life Sciences Ambassador

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LIFE SCIENCES

DRIVING INNOVATION As the new Health and Life Sciences Ambassador for the UK Government, I was delighted to be flying the flag for the UK and the NHS at Medica, the world’s largest medical show, taking place in Dusseldorf, Germany IN LIFE SCIENCES WE HAVE A LOT TO be proud of in the UK. At the heart of the industry is the NHS, which is unique and internationally recognised for healthcare development and delivery, and we have an amazing array of Life Sciences companies that support it, including some of the fantastically innovative companies exhibiting at Medica. OFFICE FOR LIFE SCIENCES From an economic perspective, the Life Sciences industry is hugely important to the UK producing high value products and services that are or have the potential to be global in scale. In the UK, over 4,000 companies (pharmaceuticals, medical technology and biotechnology) employ around 120,000 people. The pharmaceutical and medical technology sectors invested £4.8bn in R&D in the UK in 2008 and had combined exports of £23.4bn with a positive trade surplus of £6.3bn. The medical technology industry is growing rapidly with the largest share in Europe at around 2,000 companies, the majority of which are small and medium enterprises (SMEs) Recognising this, the government set up the Office for Life Sciences (OLS) earlier this year. It brought together the efforts of three different government departments – the Department of Health, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and HM Treasury – to look at both the immediate and long-term actions needed to support this crucial sector of our economy. The OLS demonstrates the government’s commitment to the Life Sciences industry and its determination to help ensure that the UK remains a world leader in Life Sciences. It is an example of how ministers and business representatives can work together for the benefit of our economy and our society. OLS has had extensive discussions across the public and private sector and set out a package of measures to maintain and strengthen the Life Sciences industry in the UK and market it internationally. The OLS and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) – along with other government departments, industry, the NHS and academia – are currently working hard to deliver these commitments, which have the potential to make a real, tangible and lasting difference to the industry. Developments such as the Innovation Pass (to drive innovation and increase the uptake of new innovative medicine in the NHS) and the Industry and Higher Education Forum (to ensure a continued flow of highly skilled

graduates) will address some of the real needs of businesses in the Life Sciences industry. UKTI is also investing considerable resource in international marketing. Significant work has already been put into building the UK’s life science brand overseas through the industry-led Life Sciences Marketing Board. Through trade events such as Medica, we are enhancing the reputation of the UK Life Sciences industry to a global audience. All UK companies at Medica are effective ambassadors for the Life Sciences industry and we were delighted to see so many of them, such as Bedfont Scientific who showcased their new NObreath mouthpiece which is set to revolutionise management of asthma, and Inov8 Science, a world leader in airborne infection prevention. INNOVATION IN THE NHS Innovation is a real strength in the UK and a particular passion of mine. In June 2009 the UK held an extremely successful Innovation

From an economic perspective, the Life Sciences industry is hugely important to the UK producing high value products and services that are or have the potential to be global in scale Expo at ExCel, which showcased cutting-edge international technologies from the private, public, academic and scientific communities to over 3,500 delegates. We are planning a further Expo in June 2010 with a parallel international business facing Life Sciences event. My NHS Next Stage Review had innovation as one of its cornerstones, along with quality and patients rights. Acting on my review, the government is now working to make sure that there is a culture within the NHS that supports innovation. Among the recommendations in the Next Stage Review are a £220 million regional innovation fund, which will provide more training and development for frontline staff on innovation in health and wellbeing. Academic health science centres will support better planning and uptake of pharmaceuticals so that new medical technologies pass from development to application more quickly. Finally, there will be a legal duty on every Strategic Health Authority to promote innovation. This will be the first time any health organisation has had such a legal requirement placed upon them.

However, the new agreement is also much better geared towards encouraging and rewarding innovation. For the first time, the agreement will include measures to promote the uptake of cost-effective, innovative new treatments. The use of flexible pricing and patient access schemes will help increase access to medicines at prices that better reflect value. Still many challenges remain. From 2011 the NHS is facing significantly reduced funding and will have difficult choices to make. However, this offers an opportunity for the Life Sciences industry to provide innovative medicines and technologies to help reduce costs, as well as leading to improved patient care. During these times, it will be important that we do not cut back on innovative technology. These are just some of the commitments designed to improve collaborative working across the UK Life Sciences industry. By strengthening investment in innovation, we can ensure that the UK maintains its position as a global centre of Life Sciences excellence and expertise.

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HEALTHCARE IT

A MOBILE WORKFORCE Many healthcare professionals are using mobile digital equipment to help them deliver better patient care. But the potential of wireless technologies goes a whole lot further, argues Melissa Frewin, head of healthcare at Intellect WALK IN TO A HOSPITAL TODAY AND chances are you’re likely to be amazed by the technology that’s in use. Poorly-equipped hospitals housed in imposing Victorian buildings are rapidly becoming a thing of the past. Clinicians today are not only supported by high speed broadband but are increasingly using digital devices that are portable, lightweight and powerful. Most health practitioners are effectively mobile workers even within the confines of a hospital. It is no surprise therefore, that we’re seeing the rise of personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet PCs and SmartPhones supporting them in an array of different care settings. SUPPORTING COLLABORATION Healthcare is rarely a straightforward transaction between doctor and patient. More often than not it’s a collaborative process; one that involves a whole range of other health and social care specialists including phlebotomists, anaesthetists, physiotherapists and many more besides. By enabling more efficient and effective collaboration, wireless technologies are driving up the quality of healthcare, and perhaps most importantly of all improving patient safety. Wireless connectivity is becoming absolutely essential in the clinical environment, allowing people to share important information in new and meaningful ways. And with new software applications supporting the convergence of e-mail, messaging, audio and teleconferencing and telephony on to single devices and platforms, health workers have more control than ever before about when, where and how they are communicating. Like something straight out of Star Trek, staff at Kings Mill Hospital in Sutton-in-Ashfield in Nottinghamshire were among the first in the country to use a new communications system that allowed them to use small voicecontrolled badges to talk to one another. To be automatically connected to a colleague all they need to do is simply say a person’s name, department or role into their lapel badge. The solution from BT operates over a wireless local area network (WLAN) and has numerous benefits; for example, nurses can alert colleagues to the need for a second opinion without leaving the patient’s side. With healthcare professionals beginning to embrace wireless technologies we are seeing the emergence of a growing and complex mix of services. Historically healthcare has been constrained by the physical architecture of hospital buildings themselves as well as the

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professional interests of practitioners. But wireless technologies are helping to change this, enabling multi-disciplinary teams to work together in new and sometimes virtual ways to deliver care that’s truly centred on the needs of the patient. And this is helping to drive up patient satisfaction, by making things more convenient for them, and ensuring that they get the right healthcare when they need it. IMPROVING PATIENT SAFETY Patient safety is a major driver for hospitals that are building up their wireless capabilities. Wireless technologies are becoming part automated systems, with bar coding helping to improve the safety of the administration

specialist transplant medics in the liver transplant department have been trialling encrypted wireless technology to ensure that they can identify suitable patients on the transplant waiting list. A specially developed application allows surgeons to see the most up to date information about potential patients on their Blackberries, which is held on a secure website. The solution, which does away with the need for the surgeons to carry paper copies of the waiting lists, enhances patient confidentiality but more importantly ensures that patients with critically ill conditions receive the lifesaving operation they need. GENERATING EFFICIENCIES Now more than ever before hospitals are under pressure to find smarter ways of delivering healthcare that create efficiencies and generate savings, and wireless has an important role to play. As well as the compelling safety benefits, patient tracking systems can help to make the theatre process more efficient by helping clinicians and managers understand exactly where patients are within

With healthcare professionals beginning to embrace wireless technologies we are seeing the emergence of a growing and complex mix of services of medication at the patient’s bedside as just one example. But it’s also being used to track patients during their stay in hospital. The National Patient Safety Agency has cited patient misidentification as a major risk within the NHS, and the consequences of errors can be very serious. A recent report cited 493 cases of patient misidentification among 45 Trusts, around 40 per cent of which were the result of inadequacies on patients’ wrist bands, and eight of those cases were operated on. Wireless patient tracking solutions can help by giving clinicians a much higher degree of certainty about the link between a patient and patient data. Ultimately this reduces the chances of performing operations on the wrong people, on the wrong parts of the body (which some people call ‘wrong side surgery’) or the prescription of unsuitable drugs. Recently shortlisted for a British Computer Society award, the John Radcliffe Hospital has deployed an electronic prescribing system for blood products that improves patient safety and cuts out inappropriate blood prescribing. Hospital staff use bar codes and hand-held computers to improve the safety of blood transfusions and ensure that the right blood is transfused to the right patient; and the inbuilt safety check has dramatically reduced the number of nurses needed to conduct a transfusion. And at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Edgbaston

the process and by predicting the availability of beds by monitoring how patients are moving throughout the treatment process. As well as tracking patients, wireless technologies can help track physical assets within hospitals. Knowing exactly where medical equipment is can mean that hospital staff don’t waste their time scouring the hospital for a defibrillator or phoning colleagues in an attempt to locate one. It can also mean that the equipment itself is used more efficiently reducing the need to purchase additional equipment thereby savings hospitals much needed cash. By helping to ensure resources are deployed strategically and used more efficiently wireless solutions are helping to save money that can be reinvested back in the front line of patient care. UNLEASHING THE POTENTIAL While wireless technology in hospitals is being mainstreamed the development of new and innovative solutions doesn’t look set to slow down yet. A new generation of wearable wireless sensors is helping doctors monitor heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation levels, respiration, fluid status etc, by communicating data to remote central systems in real-time. We are also beginning to see the development of digestible pills that patients can swallow and which then monitor core body temperature and relay the information

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HEALTHCARE IT

back from the stomach to a waist unit via RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). A Silicon Valley company is said to be testing digestible chips that attach to conventional medication and send signals to clinicians confirming whether patients have taken their prescribed medication. THE FUTURE To support the next generation of wireless technologies hospitals will need to ensure they make a decent invest in their core IT infrastructure and platforms. At the moment many hospitals are trying to install their own wireless infrastructures and have encountered numerous problems including ‘blackspots’, areas that don’t have sufficient coverage which can be caused by the fabric of the building itself amongst other things; professional installations by suppliers with expertise in this field can help to overcome these issues. And while there are good examples of medical applications that can be used on mobile or tablet devices, the vast majority are simply not mobile ready just yet. But perhaps the biggest challenge of all is not technical, it’s about the people. Hospitals need to look at their workflows and practices to identify which could benefit most from wireless technologies and ensure the staff are fully consulted and can see the benefits of any proposed changes – benefits to the patients and to themselves. Simply handing out mobile devices to clinicians won’t work there needs to be adequate training and buy-in from all the relevant parties. Wireless needs to be taken seriously. These solutions need to be seen as part of a hospital’s central business strategy – as important to their future success as imaging or intervention capabilities. But ultimately hospitals are expensive and there is increasing pressure for components of the care process to be pushed out into primary care and the community. Wireless technology will help to make this a reality.

BYTSYS e-Learning for health and social care YTSYZ E-LEARNING is one of the UK’s leading providers of online training courses for the health, social, domiciliary and childcare sectors. Courses are developed and written by educationalists with health and social care expertise. Course-embedded exercises and trial assessments enable learners to relate their studies to the job role and contextualise learning. BYTSYZ enhances staff development with minimum disruption to the business via an online, high quality training and assessment solution that is current, accessible and cost-effective. Staff can remain in the workplace whilst learning, making staff cover a thing of the past. BYTSYZ learners study on the Internet at a pace, time and location convenient both to them and the organisation. Courses are comprised of smaller bite-sized modules, allowing learners to study for periods of time that best meet their learning needs and ability.

Each course is assessed online using multiple choice questions with instant notification of results. This gives managers the confidence that real learning has taken place. Managers are able to track learner progress and learning time online. Transcripts of learning can be printed for staff files and retained as inspection evidence. BYTSYZ courses enable organisations to develop effective employees. BYTSYZ – e-Learning that works.

FOR MORE INFORMATION BYTSYZ e-Learning Freephone: 0800 567 7107 E-mail: support@bytsyz.co.uk Web: www.bytsyz.co.uk

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Communications solutions for healthcare on the move. Community Carer. Community Carer is a new paperless solution for managing the nursing care of patients in the community. Available on a choice of discreet hand-held mobile devices, it enables simple, secure capture and sharing of patient notes, more efficient scheduling of appointments and simplified reporting. Community Care organisations will benefit from delivering better patient care in the communities in which they serve. And nursesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; working lives will be made easier.

Find out more To find out how your Community Nursing team could benefit contact our experts on: T: 08000 113399 E: health@airwavesolutions.co.uk W: www.airwavesolutions.co.uk

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MOBILISING FOR EFFICIENCIES Justin Paul, Head of Market Development at Airwave, looks at how the mobilisation of healthcare data will be key to driving efficiencies in community care IF THERE IS ONE THING WORRYING every healthcare organisation today it is the need to deliver efficiencies, both in terms of costs and working processes. In part this is driven by an ageing population. Over the next few years the healthcare sector will need to treat more people with chronic disorders for a longer period of time than ever before. This is not helped by the fact that there will be fewer tax payers and wage earners proportionately to fund this care. The issue has not gone unnoticed by political parties and has led to a flood of key-note speeches and policy announcements on the issue. While there are differences in the details of how the various political parties would approach the challenge, there is a level of consensus on certain points. Firstly, the bureaucratic burden on nurses should be reduced so they can spend more time with their patients. Secondly, more focus should be placed on community care both for the cost reductions such a move would engender – hospitals can be very expensive for long-

to the clinic. These processes allow for errors to creep in to the reports, reports to be mislaid or stolen, or reports forgotten at the clinic, wasting the time of not only the nurse but the patient too. The care of the patient is of prime concern for any healthcare organisation, but the current approach to paperwork is to the detriment of this, at worst delaying the treatment of patients. Some steps have been taken to remedy this, but to date they have been piecemeal and inadequate. For example, in some regions community nurses have been equipped with a laptop and 3G mobile broadband connection, in theory allowing them to access all case notes online, and update notes digitally over the broadband connection. The problem with this approach is that 3G only receives coverage in fewer than 50 per cent of buildings, meaning that nurses can only access the systems in around 50 per cent of their patients’ homes. What is called for is a mobile approach that will work regardless of location and with assured coverage.

By automating data, a much more rigorously analytical approach to nursing can be achieved. Managers can gather detailed information on how nurses are working to ensure they are as efficient as possible. This improves working processes, but more importantly, improves the quality of care being provided to the patient term care – as well as for the benefits to the patient, who would be able to convalesce in familiar and comfortable surroundings. These are admirable aims and ones that will clearly be of benefit to patients and healthcare organisations alike. The question remains, however, about how this will be achieved. The solution needs to allow nurses to be more self-sufficient in the community while at the same time reducing their paperwork. Even five years ago this problem would have seemed intractable, but today, with advances in mobile technology, it is achievable. The first move is to tackle inefficiencies caused by outdated systems of information storage and retrieval. In many cases these are still rooted in the 20th century. Community nurses need to ensure they carry, in paper form, all the case documents they need for a shift. All notes taken during a case review must be handwritten on site and then typed up once the nurse returns

PDA-based services offer the best means of doing this. With a PDA that can be loaded with all the records, tasks and schedules required by a nurse, so that they rarely need to return to the clinic, leaving them with more time to spend in the community caring for their patients. They have all the patient files they need, when they need them, and they can fill in contact reports and treatment details as they happen. When nurses do return to the clinic, the hours saved through a rationalised approach to record keeping mean that they can use the time in the office more effectively – discussing difficult cases, for example. For managers, mobilised and automated schedules allow them to monitor the workload of their staff more accurately. Rotas can be easily changed in the event of, for example, absences due to ill health and automatically updated, over the air, to all PDAs in use. By automating data, a much more rigorously

analytical approach to nursing can be achieved. Managers can gather detailed information on how nurses are working to ensure they are as efficient as possible. This improves working processes, but more importantly, improves the quality of care being provided to the patient. At present there is no central agency developing a coordinated strategy for mobility within community care and individual organisations are largely left with the responsibility themselves. It is clear that the approaches available to mobile community care need to be understood better and trials established to prove their efficacy. Once this is done we are confident that the efficiencies generated will improve the quality of treatment offered to patients as well as saving money for healthcare organisations.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Airwave Solutions Ltd. Charter Court 50 Windsor Road Slough Berkshire SL1 2EJ Tel: +44 (0) 8000 11 33 99 Web: www.airwavesolutions.co.uk

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HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT THE UPTURN? Predictions of the death of NHS IT are wrong. The industry is alive and ready to grow, argues Victor Almeida, senior health analyst for Kable IT MAY COME AS A SURPRISE TO MANY, but despite recessionary pressures, Kable is forecasting that the ICT healthcare industry in the UK will grow from £2,342m in 2007-08 to £3,488m by 2013-14, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9 per cent. These findings contradict many gloomy market predictions. For example, the report ‘How cold will it be? Prospects for NHS funding: 20112017’, published by the Kings Fund in July 2009, says that high funding increases in the NHS between 2011 and 2017 will range from ‘tepid’ (annual increases of just 2-3 per cent) to ‘arctic’ (annual reductions of 1-2 per cent). But the naysayers have failed to consider a number of factors which are still driving growth in the industry. NATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR IT Firstly, the National Programme for IT (NPfIT) has reached a make or break point, where further investments are inevitable. NHS Connecting for Health (CfH) and trusts have already spent large sums of money on the Care Record Service and it is likely that they will continue to do so until they fully realise the benefits, which it and various other software solutions can offer. As a testament of this, Christine Connelly – the chief information officer for the Department of Health – is exercising a lot of pressure on the NPfIT software suppliers iSoft and Cerner to deliver tangible benefits. If they do not succeed, it is more than likely that new vendors will be invited to join the initiative, rendering the marketplace more competitive and dynamic, and inevitably fostering growth and innovation. Secondly, there is enormous pressure on the health system caused by an ageing population and on an increase in those suffering from chronic disease – and both will only increase. Early investments are inevitable if the government wants to avoid the so called “age bomb” going off in 15 to 20 years. This phenomenon is not confined to the UK, with many developed countries are experiencing exactly the same. Finally, Kable research has demonstrated that local NHS trusts do not expect to make cuts to their ICT investment in the next few years. Many are quite sophisticated and realise that technology is not a burden: it can actually help them to save costs by achieving efficiency targets, reducing patient pathways, improving patient care, improving quality and clearing their waiting list backlogs. The impact of back office budget cuts on

ICT spend would be double-edged. Some would see IT and telecoms as a luxury and hence fair game for the axe. But there is a strong argument that technology can help trusts to meet efficiency targets and hence to reduce their patient backlogs. And with most trusts funded on a payment-by-results basis, this would help them to save money. NOT A CUTTING REMARK There is a concern that an eventual Conservative government could reverse this by making massive cuts to the NHS, but this is unlikely to happen. It is true that the last two Tory governments promoted deep

structural changes to the NHS. Thatcher inserted various mid-management layers of bureaucracy in order to measure profitability – the internal market principle – while Major fragmented a monolithic NHS into trusts. But the Conservative Party has changed a lot in the past 12 years. Shadow health secretary Andrew Lansley promised at the party conference in October to remove bureaucracy in the NHS by cutting £1.5bn in administrative costs and moving the funding to the frontline. These back-office cuts will probably translate into cuts in administrative staff and more opportunities for technology vendors, which can offer low-cost, innovative

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Health Business | Volume 9.7

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HEALTHCARE IT

technology and outsourcing in order to achieve efficiency savings and to do the job of staff who are made redundant. The Tories commissioned an independent review of the NHS and social care IT, which was published last August. The research was conducted Dr Glyn Hayes, the former chair of the British Computer Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health informatics forum. The document failed to make any groundbreaking revelations and instead confirmed much of the current governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thinking. Never have the Labour and the Conservative health modernisation agendas been so similar. Both understand and agree that the NPfIT has achieved a lot and should not be scrapped, that decentralisation is required and that health services should become more patient-centric. Neither recession nor the Conservative Party will stop the bandwagon of NHS modernisation. It is the key to coping with the requirements of the 21st century, and keeping healthcare free to all at the point of delivery.

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Enhancing workflow, delivering efficiency and cost savings Transform the way you dictate, transcribe and create documents with the latest stand-alone digital dictation solutions from Olympus - generating efficiency savings, delivering cost savings and improving productivity. Olympus Medical Professional Solutions. Enhancing your workflow whilst seamlessly integrating digital dictation and transcription. DS-5000 / DS-5000iD Digital Voice Recorder

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Job no.: 0899-01 Client: Olympus Product: Audio products Publication: Health Business Size: 178 (w) x 125 (h) mm with NO bleed Supply: Hi-res Pass4Press pdf Date of prep: November 2009

Victor Almeida writes regularly for SmartHealthcare.com, which publishes analysis, comment and news on health and 01 Audio_Medical ad_Health Business:Layout 1 social care informatics. Sign up for its regular e-mail at www.tinyurl.com/shupdate

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INFORMATION SECURITY

COMPROMISING DATA Is it carelessness or a lack of security awareness that’s a major cause of information security breaches? Nick van der Bijl BEM, from the National Assiociation for Healthcare Security, investigates

Recently a television investigation claimed that the patient records held by a private sector hospital had been offered to undercover investigators for £4 each by foreign sales representatives. The hospital had contracted the digitalisation of patient notes to a UK-based company. This supplier then passed the work to a sub-contractor, who, in turn, transferred the work to a third UK-based company. It was then contracted to a foreign sub-contractor and it was at this stage that human frailities stepped in when some files were offered for sale by two men with access to the information at the transcription centre. No NHS patient notes appear not to have been compromised although some files contained GP referral letters. DATA PROTECTION UK data protection is governed by eight principles contained within the 1998 Data Protection Act, thus: • Information must be processed fairly and lawfully. • Information must be processed for one or more specified or lawful purpose, and

Service users have a right to know their personal information is kept secure and not disclosded without their permission unless by duty of law” – Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Confidentiality of Service User Information not further processed in any way that is incompatible with the original purpose. • Information must be adequate, relevant and not excessive. • Information must be accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date. • Information must be kept for no longer than is necessary for the purpose for which it is being used. • Information must be processed in line with the rights of the individual. • Information must be kept secure with appropriate technical and organisational measures taken to protect the information. • Information must not be transferred

outside the European Economic Area (the European Union member states plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) unless there is adequate protection for the information Section 55 (1a) of the Act also states that ‘A person must not knowingly or recklessly, without consent of the data controller obtain or disclose personal data or the information contained in the personal data’ During its convoluted passage, the information was technically in breach of: • Principle 6 – Information must be processed in line with the rights of the individual. • Principle 8 – Data shall not be transferred outside of the EEA (European Economic Area.

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Keeping your feet on the ground Cloud computing offers organisations multiple benefits in terms of cutting costs and improving efficiency but presents new challenges for CIOs in controlling the flow of and access to data beyond the corporate network. As result, IT teams have less visibility than ever into how sensitive data is used and shared within and beyond their organisation. Today, written management and security procedures are not enough. Without consistent policy enforcement, organisations are still at risk for data loss, productivity disruption and costly regulatory fines. With over 6,000 successful customer deployments and counting, Novell delivers network security you can trust. Novell’s technologies automate identity and security management so organisations can conduct business as usual 24x7x365. As a longstanding leader in identity and security solutions, Novell helps ensure policies and regulations are always correctly and consistently enforced across the enterprise. Whether it be managing identities, provisioning or ensuring regulatory compliance Novell puts today’s CIOs back in control.

For more information visit: http://www.novell.com/solutions/identity-and-security

1st Class – outsourced transcription and typing STABLISHED IN 1999, 1st Class Secretarial Services is a national organisation providing outsourced transcription of recordings from a wide range of clients. With a portfolio of leading market research companies, academic research institutions and public sector organisations, 1st Class has developed a reputation based on a robust model of high quality, rapid turnaround and utmost professionalism. Located 8 miles from Edinburgh City Centre, our management team heads our team of typists who transcribe complex telephone recordings, enquiries and interviews from a wide array of media types. A majority of the source media is uploaded via our secure file upload facility, which is the hub for communication between the team and the client administrator. All transmissions are encrypted to provide the highest security and are located on our dedicated web server.

Secure dictation Improved workflow Zero annual licencing costs

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Confidentiality and a professional approach to our clients are paramount and we routinely enter into nondisclosure agreements with clients requiring such assurances. All our typists operate within the constraints of our companywide confidentiality policy. As an organisation dedicated to the highest quality of transcription, 1st Class also takes great pride in the very highest standards of quality management and we have internal quality standards to which all our typists must adhere.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: +44 (0)131 510 5105 Fax: +44 (0) 131 663 0990 E-mail: enquiries@1stclass.uk.com Web: www.1stclass.uk.com

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INFORMATION SECURITY

authorised staff, there was little chance that patient details could be compromised. The hospital seemed not to accept that personal information is part of the supermarket mentioned by Sir Duncan and that, given time, every security meaure can be breached. The Trust then went on the defensive by announcing that staff had been advised not to store such information on laptops. So what principal lesson do we draw from this statement – Buy a pencil! This is backward step in an electronic age. A single lightweight laptop has replaced bundles of heavy files. They are vital components in the target-driven and evidence-gathering business culture of the 21st century NHS. It therefore follows that mature protective security measures should be adopted.

• Principle 2 – Information must be processed for one or more specified or lawful purpose, and not further processed in any way that is incompatible with the original purpose. HIGH RISK BY NATURE By its very nature, electronic information runs a high risk of being compromised, particularly in an age in which it can be manipulated with sometimes careless abandon. Some nations have acquired reputations as costeffective outsourced IT labour, but not all have the same stringent data protection culture evident in the UK. Accepting that the hospital transferred the work in good faith, in risk management terms, it was responsible for the information until the contract conclusion. This can be difficult to achieve in some distant countries where there are thriving entrepreneurs with aspirations of wealth. There are always lessons to be learned from every breach of security. In 1993, the then chief executive Sir Duncan Nicholls commented in a report on healthcare security: “Hospital exits and entrances were open much of the time, allowing anyone to walk in unchallenged. The lack of adequate security measures in hospitals is making them a paradise for opportunist thieves and vandals. One manager commented that hospitals were supermarkets without tills.” Concerns had been raised about the theft of NHS and public property from NHS Trusts and, while this has not disappeared, by any

means, the advent of convenient electronic information equipment, such as laptops, memory sticks and mobile communications, has escalated opportunities for data compromise. Electronic correspondence has made communications easier but it is evident from the losses that organisations are failing to develop defences to protect information. One application was the use by some medical fraternities of using Facebook to discuss patient treatment. This resulted in the 1990s in the recruitment of security managers by forward-thinking hospitals to advise on the protection of hospitals and their assets. PROTECTING INFORMATION Accepting that NHS Connecting for Health is rolling out protective software, this is about 25 per cent part of the answer. The other 75 per cent revolves around practices that, at first sight, have little to do with computers – security awareness, physical security measures, investigation, accountability and common sense – but are critical. Defending electronic information solely with software is naïve. A hospital manager managed to lose a laptop from his car by breaking a basic crime prevention principle of never leaving property in a view in a vehicle. Statistics suggest that it is at very high risk of theft. In offering the inevitable apology, a spokesman said that since the information had been encrypted and the laptop password could be accessed only by

UNDERSTANDING THE PROBLEM Careless handling of laptops has drawn stern warnings from the Information Commissioner’s Office, and rightly so, that compromise by public bodies is unacceptable. But that it still happens suggests that those responsible for information security either are not taking the matter seriously or, more likely, do not understand how information security fits into the overall security strategy. The problem that the ease in which information is gained is replicated by the lax manner in which it is protected. A fundamental problem is that finance departments are often entrusted with information security and governance. Essentially, the guardian of the most important asset that a hospital has, namely information, is divorced from the department employed to protect the organisation, namely the security department. The conclusion must be that until such time as all security issues, such as security awareness, are placed under a single umbrella of security managers qualified in all aspects of protective security, then avoidable breaches of information will continue. An alternative is to employ information security specialists working directly with the security manager to develop electronic security strategies, enhance security awareness, training and education and investigate breaches of information security. CONCLUSIONS No organisation can claim to be 100 per cent infallible and the actions of deliberate or accidental rogues will always overide corporate codes. The use of offshore contractors to manipulate information is fraught with the risk of security controls being breached. When formulating contracts, think the unthinkable, guard against the unexpected and challenge assumptions. Responses to breaches of IT security need to be mature and focused on learning lessons. Cost effective protection of information can be achieved by a sensible, co-ordinated security organisational structure using security systems working from the centre outwards.

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Data recovery – data availability assured

Protect patient data with Dictate IT

LTIRIUM PROVIDES data recovery and data migration services for all types of data storage media including hard disk, RAID and backup tape. When a laptop fails and access is needed to spreadsheets or business plans. If a restore from a tape archive terminates with an error, or a RAID system goes offline and cannot be accessed. These are the times when Altirium’s data recovery service can help. Maintaining a tape archive involves more than just storage. How do you read tapes if the drives or systems are no longer available as will eventually be the case? Altirium’s data migration and data conversion service can assist you with ad-hoc data restores or bulk transfers of

W broadcasted data from the

complete archives, even from long obsolete archival systems. When the time comes to retire a computer system how do you ensure that patient records don’t end up leaving with it? Altirium knows how to recover data so can check your disks to give you the confidence that those confidential records no longer exist. For any data recovery, data migration or data removal requirement Altirium can provide you with the fast professional service and sound advice that you need.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Altirium Ltd Tel: 01296 658737 Fax: 01296 658286 E-mail: info@altirium.com Web: www.altirium.com

HEN A NATIONAL program

‘London Clinic’ being sold in India we all realised how big a breach in patient security this was because the data contained patient names, contact numbers and all sorts of things that should not be in India. The reason the data was leaked was that an Indian company had the patient notes – these were scanned in India. A complete letter has all the data on it which is totally identifiable. This breach no doubt occurred because confidential patient records, containing identifiable patient data, were shipped to India to be processed by an offshore medical notes scanning company. Sending identifiable patient data to India is not, in our opinion, compliant with the UK Data Protection Act. Outsourcing business processes to India is a perfectly acceptable and highly cost effective way in which to manage patient records. This is particularly relevant for outsourced transcription of medical notes in the context of a growing shortage of medical

Mark Miller, managing director of Dictate IT

secretaries in Britain. However, organisations that offer these services should be following best practice guidelines, in which the data is completely anonymous, identified only by patient numbers. If the system is managed in this way it is watertight as patients’ names, demographics and contact information remain at the hospital and never leave the UK. This is how Dictate IT’s outsourced transcription service works, enabling us to transcribe millions of lines of patient data for five years without a single leak.

FOR MORE INFORMATION E-mail: sales@dictate.it Web: www.dictate.it

UK Transcriptions – words are our business CGOWAN

M TRANSCRIPTIONS has

Creating bespoke personal attack systems DISON HAS BEEN IN the hospital communications business for over 20 years and its main strength is recognising, especially in the mental health field. That not all clients needs are the same. Edison has completed many projects embracing infra red, wireless and hardwired technology for nurse call and more recently personal attack alarm systems including infra red belt clip triggers. We can perform to most specifications and enhance standard equipment to fit specific needs. Indeed, we have created special anti-ligature mushroom buttons and

surface back boxes for our wall call points for installation in vulnerable persons’ units. We encourage that the wall call button is combined with an infra red window. This means that the client has a call button and so do the staff (if they do not have their infra red trigger with them). When the specification allows Edison tries to keep the functionality simple to suit the abilities and needs of the user.

FOR MORE INFORMATION If you would like to find out more visit: www.edisontelecom.co.uk

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been a digital transcription specialist since 1993 providing professional, confidential, accurate transcriptions to a variety of industries. We are the leaders in digital transcription. Our dedicated team of medical transcribers comprises experienced transcribers who have come directly from the UK medical sector and are all UK nationals. Our combined transcription experience in the medical, healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors exceeds 44 years and covers conditions such as cancer, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis and glaucoma to name but a few, and research into ultrasound, nuclear medicine, CT and mammography. Our medical transcribers have experience of transcribing

everything from doctor’s notes to telephone interviews to conferences, and we have a flexible approach to ensure that you get the type of transcript that you are looking for. Digital audio recordings can be securely uploaded to our easy to use Sharefile system. All recordings are transcribed and quality checked by UK based medical transcription specialists. Uniquely, we never subcontract digital transcription projects to third parties, home or abroad, and as members of the MRS we abide by the MRS Code of Conduct regarding confidentiality.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 07000 893215 Fax: 0203 292 1833 e-mail: joe@ mcgowantranscriptions.co.uk Web: www.mcgowan transcriptions.co.uk

Visit the website to view the categorised product finder

New technologies help to reduce stress on new systems ULS UK IS A subsidiary of PULS GmBH, based in Münich Germany, with manufacturing in both Europe and China. As a market specialist in DIN Rail power supplies for the process control and automation industry, and the second largest producer of DIN rail power supplies in the world, they have developed many advanced technologies for use within power supplies. These developments have allowed them to offer unique features, high efficiency, (so negligible heat generation), ultra wide input voltage range, (generators and UPS systems catered for), starting temperatures as low as -40 degrees, and no inrush current (allowing the operator to use lower fusing and smaller UPS systems). These features have caused the products to be adopted by a wide range of markets and are currently being used in a many new applications. Included

in this is building automation, where the efficiencies and long life expectancy can drastically reduce energy costs for lighting and control circuits. Further development is now being done to offer these features to other markets where recent applications have included LED systems, for information, control and safety installations, which has also lead to the development of DC UPS systems to offer secure (no single point failure) systems in fire control and door entry systems.

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Scanning saves time, space and money UANTOR SCANNING is a leading provider of document management services and solutions, helping organisations to become more efficient, reducing paperwork and storage space and saving money. Set up in 2000, the specialist scanning company works with all types of businesses, the public sector and charities, across the whole of the country. It scans a variety of documents from accounts, payroll and human resources, to customer services, contracts and logistics. The images are then viewed either through the customers’ own software or that provided by Quantor. With full training and technical support, customers know that everything is dealt with in the strictest confidence by Quantor’s experienced, trustworthy staff. Earlier this year Quantor

completed a major project to ease the workload of finance staff at The Charing Cross, Hammersmith and Queen Charlotte’s Hospitals’ Charitable Fund in London, by scanning, indexing and archiving 116,967 pages onto CDs, with back-up security. Russell Shea, deputy finance director, was delighted with Quantor’s achievement. “It’s made a tremendous difference to our work,” he said. “All the information is now easily at hand without the need for massive storage or sifting through files. “It’s made our work quicker, easier and the records are more transparent for auditing purposes”.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01543 377266 Fax: 01543 377811 E-mail: info@quantor.biz Web: www.quantor.biz

Tel: 03309 999988 Fax: 01525 841291 E-mail: sales@puls.co.uk Web: www.puls.co.uk

The storm’s coming: are you prepared? AS YOUR INVESTMENT in IT security and risk management paid off? Are you confident or just “hoping for the best” that your vendors have prepared you for the day trouble comes your way? An IT consultant with nearly 25 years industry experience, I provide independent IT security and disaster preparedness evaluation. Years spent developing large-scale distributed military simulations, secure e-business systems, and corporate network security and anti-virus technology have prepared me for these troubled times. During my working life, I have had to deal with all manner of disasters and unexpected situations; equipment and/ or premises failure, security compromises, virus outbreaks (computer and biological), illness and death of key personnel, changes in market conditions, legal attacks, and many others. Are you ready for these? I am completely independent, meaning I can assess systems

Take A Letter typing and transcription bureau AKE A LETTER LTD IS a UK based typing and transcription company dedicated to providing the highest quality of transcription services to companies and individuals. All typing is undertaken by British staff whose first language is English (unlike many competitors who may conduct transcription work overseas). If you are considering outsourcing your typing, particularly in the medical and healthcare fields, it is important to consider the following points: What competence and experience does the company have? Will your work ever be outsourced overseas? Can the company explain their pricing structure simply and clearly? Take A Letter has been

without bias, work with your existing staff and suppliers, and call in additional expertise as required. I maintain a network of tried and trusted experts that can be called on as necessary, in areas such as network and equipment monitoring, antivirus and internet security, data recovery. But I am tied to no-one, meaning that whatever is best for your needs is what is used.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Dr James CC Darling, Salvation Ltd. Tel: 0845 472 6181 E-mail: salvation@drdarling.com Web: www.salvation.ltd.uk

providing transcription services to organisations since 2001; we have a diverse range of clients but have particular strength in medical transcription. Digital recordings (in any format) can be securely uploaded to our computers, and the resulting transcriptions, in the format of your choice, will usually be returned within forty eight hours. We charge a flat rate of just £1.25 (+VAT) per minute of audio for all transcription.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements. Tel: 08456 341835 Fax: 0844 5861314 E-mail: office@takealetter.co.uk Web: www.takealetter.co.uk

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on us...

...to add value to leasing NHS Supply Chain is delivering outstanding benefits since taking over the leasing of medical equipment from NHS PASA. faster initial costs can be provided within 48 hours easier evaluation and administration prepared for you further driving efficiencies and helping your budgets go further

For further information please contact Cheryl Cordon on tel 07850 931583 or email Cheryl.Cordon@supplychain.nhs.uk

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Health Business | Volume 9.7

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FINANCE

TO BUY OR TO LEASE? In today’s difficult economy, and at a time when technology is moving so fast, leasing new equipment makes good business sense, argues Louise Hamilton, Chair of the Finance and Leasing Association’s Healthcare Group

HAVING THE LATEST MEDICAL equipment doesn’t guarantee a high quality of affordable healthcare. But it often helps. And having to make do with unreliable, inefficient or outdated equipment can curb the provision of good healthcare. It’s clear meanwhile that the NHS is likely to face very difficult and extremely challenging financial pressures in the next few years. There are likely to be modest or no cash increases in NHS spending – increasing demand, and inflationary cost pressures. Efficiency improvements are supposed to generate £20 billion in savings over four years. Maintaining and improving high quality healthcare services will depend increasingly on cutting waste and boosting efficiency. According to the NHS Confederation, the quality and efficiency gains are most likely to come from large-scale redesign of clinical services. Not all changes to clinical services will need new equipment, but many will. But it is often difficult for clinicians to get hold of the equipment they need. The NHS Confederation had reported that the process of introducing new technologies is tortuous. It requires clinicians to have the determination to take on a system that often appears designed to stop innovation. According to the policy institute Reform there is a fear of capital spending in the NHS, even though capital projects can be a driver of change. Medical equipment investment in the UK is lower per head than in many other countries, including Germany, France, USA and Canada. The Finance and Leasing Association has proposed that it should be easier for those leading changes to clinical services to obtain new medical equipment.

NEW EQUIPMENT Many in the NHS assume that new equipment has to be purchased. Leasing equipment from the private sector is often seen as too expensive or too difficult. But is this assumption right? Probably the most significant objection to leasing in the public sector is that the cost of government borrowing is less than that of banks and other leasing companies. But because the government stands behind NHS borrowing, interest rates charged by leasing companies are usually competitive with the costs of public funds. And increasingly, buying equipment outright just isn’t going to be realistic as less money is made available for investment. More fundamentally, it’s only by comparing the total costs and risks of equipment purchase, operation and disposal can a proper comparison between owning and leasing be made. In particular, with leasing the private sector can take the risk that the equipment might not be needed after a few years. In the industry jargon, this is called the residual value risk. As the pace of change of developments in many types of equipment – such as radiology or remote monitoring units – increases, it makes sense not to commit to the same equipment until it breaks down. ACCOUNTING RULES Unfortunately the introduction of new accounting rules in the NHS is causing a lot of confusion. Accounted for one way, the only cost of leasing is the rental payments. Accounted for another way, there are extra costs called depreciation and capital charges. You will be relieved to hear that the details belong in ‘Accounting Standards Bulletin’ not ‘Health Business’! But the bottom line

is that accountants’ judgements can make all the difference between essential medical equipment being affordable or not. This makes no sense at all and we are calling for the rules and guidance on accounting to be improved. Leasing agreements with the private sector provider can also be off-putting. The NHS Procurement and Supply Agency (PASA) has, over recent years, tried to help by preparing some standard agreements, simplified procedures and a list of approved suppliers. Although well-intentioned, take-up hasn’t been high. Sometimes the guidance seemed to make using leasing more, rather than less, complicated. The leasing industry has welcomed the recent announcement that NHS Supply Chain will take over responsibility for leasing in the NHS. Supply Chain plans to provide more practical assistance than PASA did, and should help to simplify the use of leasing. It really should be simple, because for all the jargon involved, leasing is simply about renting equipment and often about having that equipment maintained. LEASING AGREEMENTS A successful leasing agreement needs more than a good legal agreement. Users need to be confident that they will be treated fairly and responsibly by their leasing company. The Finance & Leasing Association’s (FLA) code of practice helps to achieve and maintain the essential level of trust needed between NHS users and their leasing company partners. In today’s economy and at a time when technology is moving so fast, leasing new equipment is more likely than ever to make sense. Leasing has always been about making smarter use of limited resources, keeping options open by having the flexibility to change equipment after a few years, facilitating efficiency improvements and improved patient care. As financial pressures grow on the NHS, large-scale redesign of core medical processes in hospitals will need upfront investment, including new medical technology. Changes to NHS financial and procurement processes are needed to make it easier for clinical teams to get hold of the equipment they judge that they need. In particular, the processes for obtaining equipment leased from, and sometimes maintained and managed by, the private sector need to be streamlined. If this can be achieved, as well as leading to efficiency savings from more reliable equipment, it will help support clinical teams deliver the process improvements needed to maintain and improve healthcare services – the ultimate goal for all Trusts.

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Get the results you need, without leaving your equipment on the waiting list. Leasing solutions for NHS Trusts from Singers Healthcare Finance.

Leasing is not and does not need to be complex. Singers Healthcare Finance has been providing leasing solutions to NHS Trusts since 1996. Our team, dedicated solely to healthcare finance, find innovative ways to help Trusts use leasing to hit targets, keep pace with technology and improve patient care. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why over 70% of NHS Trusts lease with Singers. Visit: www.singersaf.co.uk/healthcarefinance to download or request a brochure, or call us on: 01306 647 188 for a no-obligation meeting.

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FINANCE

THE SINGERS APPROACH Leasing with Singers allows you to have the use of up to date equipment without having to make the capital outlay when purchasing

SINGERS HEALTHCARE FINANCE Limited is one of the UK’s leading providers of on/off-balance sheet healthcare leasing solutions to the NHS. Originally established in 1996, we now have over £150 million of equipment under management with more than 70 per cent of NHS Trusts. As a trusted financial partner for the NHS, we put our expertise at your disposal to help drive savings through efficiency and maximise uptime and earning potential through PbR from your equipment. Our experience in lifecycle management and flexible upgrade terms mean revenue budgets can be reviewed, then efficiently utilised and technology obsolescence avoided. When working within fixed capital and revenue budgets, we can bring our expertise to bear in helping you convert existing revenue payments committed to maintaining ageing equipment into revenue payments for leasing brand new state of the art equipment. In many cases manufacturers offer a period of warranty on new equipment, so your same payment is now being used to hire new models of latest technology, which include a period of cost inclusive maintenance. Under the PbR system, an investment in new equipment can not only dramatically improve patient care pathways, but can ultimately pay for itself, effectively becoming “revenue-neutral”, as it earns its keep through consistent, income earning high performance. Smart budgetary and procurement planning such as this really can help make a difference to the performance of the trust in the new competitive healthcare environment of a patient-led NHS. Our business revolves around a true partnership with NHS Trusts. We believe that the only way to support an organisation as complex

as the NHS is to offer bespoke solutions. At Singers you will meet a team dedicated solely to healthcare finance, including experts who understand IFRS accounting rules and have a track record of seeing tenders, no matter how long or complex, through to completion. WHY LEASE? Leasing allows you to have the use of up to date equipment without having to make the capital outlay when purchasing. With Singers there are also a number of practical benefits, put simply: • leasing grows with your needs • costs are fixed, no hidden surprises • hedged against inflation • off balance sheet (where circumstances allow) • Flexible payment profiles Don’t fall behind in the race to deliver patient care that is needed right now. We offer a range of payment structures which can be tailored to match your financial constraints. Examples of this include deferred or escalating payments on monthly, quarterly and annual payment options. WHY SINGERS? Specialist – we have provided innovative finance solutions to the NHS since operating lease was enabled by the PFI Act. When facing a problem, we might just have seen it before and can offer a solution. Approachable and Engaging – our team is dedicated solely to healthcare finance with a deep understanding of the budgetary issues and changing legislation facing NHS Trusts. Fast and Flexible – from a simple lease to equipment lifecycle management, we have the consultancy capability to assist in your financial planning, backed by support staff that can help you react quickly to changing circumstances.

An eye for detail – when we first meet a Trust we look beyond the short term gains from just introducing new equipment. We prefer to be involved at the earliest possible stage of the process so we can present any opportunities that exist and may not have been considered. Our consultation can include reviewing revenue budgets before the tender stage to ensure optimum use of funds. Then, we will work with you to develop strategic, long term finance plans for the entire life of your equipment. We call this equipment lifecycle management. Equipment Lifecycle Management – to achieve the maximum efficiency and cost control, we can manage your equipment and provide upgrades. The Trust will see an increase in productivity, keep pace with technology and be able to drive improved patient care. Upgrades – by adapting the terms of the lease mid or end of term, you get the equipment you need when patient demand increases. These flexible upgrades help ensure PbR targets are met. Service and Maintenance – this option will safeguard your equipment against faults and maintain maximum uptime. As a simple bolt-on to the lease it helps with your administration and ensures a flatline cost over the life of the equipment. Performance Targets – by securing a stable funding platform for your equipment now, for the future, we help ensure government targets for waiting lists and patient care are met. Without compromising on budget cuts. THE LONG-TERM VIEW Part of our aim to build long-term relationships with NHS Trusts includes consulting on market conditions and legislation. In the face of enormous budget cuts, now, perhaps more than ever, Trusts have the opportunity to lock into historically low interest rates whilst still retaining the control and flexibility of our equipment lifecycle management. In a target-driven world, with uncertainty around funding and massive savings pressure, we will help you meet your target of delivering excellent patient care in an affordable manner

FOR MORE INFORMATION Get the results you need by contacting Singers Healthcare Finance. Address: Singers Healthcare Finance Limited Singers House, Dorking Business Park, Station Road, Dorking RH4 1HJ Tel: 01306 647 188 E-mail: healthcare@singersaf.co.uk Web: www.singersaf.co.uk

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Written by Keith Sammonds, managing director of the Healthcare Facilities Consortium

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

SUPPORTING A SUSTAINABLE NHS THROUGH SUSTAINABLE FACILITIES As we look towards a time of probable budget reductions in all areas of public sector activity the potential conflict between environmental sustainability and business sustainability becomes all the more evident WITHIN OUR OFFICES WE HAVE recently heard (but not yet been able to verify) of a large acute Trust in England that has successfully reduced its electricity consumption to the point where they were moved down a tariff band and as a result now have larger bills. The supposed solution to this problem is to leave lights on in certain buildings overnight to increase consumption just enough to move back into the lower tariff band. As always, non verified stories like this circulate freely and are hard to confirm but do serve to highlight the potential for conflict between the energy reduction programmes and the need to save money. The recent Health Facilities Scotland Conference1 was entitled Developing a Sustainable Care Environment and as you would expect there was much spoken on this topic. In the welcome session Paul Kingsmore, director, Health Facilities Scotland (HFS), introduced a short video that highlighted key areas. Some of the phrases that stuck in my mind are very meaningful: “In difficult times innovation is essential for continual development.” “Technology does not always mean the use of more energy.” “Together

The true meaning of sustainability is not just the ‘green’ issues but also includes: procurement; travel to, from and between our premises; using influence to assist in regeneration; and, for all of us involved in healthcare, improving the health of our population. – Dr Kevin Woods, director General Health and chief executive NHSScotland from his talk ‘How to produce a sustainable Health Service’ we CAN make a sustainable NHSScotland.” As chair of the opening Plenary Session Rob Smith, head of Estates and Facilities at the English Department of Health, noted that the above points are as relevant around the world as they are in Scotland. BUSINESS CONTINUITY So as we look at sustainability we must consider all of the relevant areas. It is pointless as a business (or as health provider organisations)

to address all the key environmental issues only to load the organisation with ‘green’ overheads so large that the core activity is no longer viable. Once we bring business sustainability (or continuity – a phrase that is perhaps more recognisable in this context) into the equation we start to realise the breadth of what is really before us. We can only do any of this if we plan to keep the ‘business’ running into the future. This highlights the need for Board Level

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FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

Leadership especially as we are â&#x20AC;&#x153;entering a period where public expenditure will be constrained. We will all have to work very hard to continue to provide facilities appropriate for healthcare delivery in the futureâ&#x20AC;?. Much of this serves to point us back to the basics of good management. While boards quite rightly focus on the core activities of the NHS, healthcare service delivery, there has to be board level recognition that without the facilities to delivery from the core cannot function. Properly resourced, managed, maintained and cleaned premises are absolutely essential for correct and effective delivery of healthcare. We have battled long and hard to have the importance of facilities management within healthcare recognised. The improvements (reduction) in HAIs are in no small part due to the work of local domestic services teams and managers supported by the Association of Healthcare Cleaning Professionals (AHCP) whose importance was recognised through their involvement in the revised NHS Cleaning Manuals launched at their conference earlier this year in Glasgow. It will be a great shame if we start to lose this kind of benefit and improvement through

short sighted cost saving measures brought about because of the UK government measures to address poor management and profligacy in the banking industry. Getting off my high horse, which in fairness I was actively helped onto by facilities folk from all over the NHS in the UK, there are some very real issues here. LOOKING AT SPEND In round figures facilities management (FM) accounts for about a third of the healthcare spend and a third of that is the utilities bill. This means that one ninth of the overall budget is taken by an area that shows costs increasing because of climate levies and the like. While the politicians have been very keen to tell us about how they have increased the healthcare spend year on year (around 5-8 per cent) at the same time the FM teams have been in an efficiency savings budget downturn year on year of between 3-5 per cent. No complaints here as we have become leaner and more efficient and some technology developments have helped with savings in both staff time (cost) and energy use (cost). It appears that the NHS may be asked to

save something around 25 per cent of the overall budget from 2011 through to 2015. With political promises of no reduction in front line services2 the obvious question is where will this come from without reducing the improved standards recently so hard won and without putting patients in harms way? REVOLUTIONS IN HEALTHCARE One possible area of savings comes from the use of evidence based design and this was highlighted by Blair Sadler, senior fellow, Institute for Healthcare Improvement, as he noted that there are three current revolutions in healthcare: 1.Quality and safety: Reduce mortality; e.g. coronary and HAI 2.Reimbursement: Not so relevant in the UK but still applicable as we look at outcome based methods of payment 3.Built environment: The impact this has on healthcare outcomes Focusing specifically on 1 and 3 above we should be able to identify areas where small modifications to the built environment (the facilities or premises) or to the way in which we use them can influence quality and safety issues to the betterment of

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From strategic consultancy to regular maintenance schedules GSG can help

SG IS AN INTEGRATED facilities maintenance company, managing assets, properties and workspaces within the private and public sectors. Delivering all the day to day services required to ensure working environments run seamlessly. Adrian Gilbert, FM contracts manager, highlights the GSG promise whereby “everything we do makes our clients day-to-day operations smooth and as worry free as possible.” Adrian states: “Our presence is nationwide, this enables our customers with buildings or assets to centralise all their maintenance in one trusted partner. This provides our customers reassurance that everything is being maintained to the same high standards.” GSG has experience within the healthcare FM sector, working with a portfolio of clients including partnerships with InHealth, Alliance Medical and Euromedic. GSG are also recognised as UK agent, dealer and after sales provider for Dutch based Lamboo Mobile Medical (provider of mobile medical trailers such as mobile MRIs, mobile X-ray units, mobile PET/CT and relocatable clinics). GSG has built a reputation within the healthcare sector as mobile trailer maintenance specialists. The recognition as provider of mobile trailer maintenance for InHealth was recently

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highlighted as finalist within the 2009 PFM Awards within the Partners In Healthcare FM category (runner up to eventual winner, Interserve). Managing director, Duncan Jones highlighted: “Recognition within the industry proves the quality service we deliver and our overall performance. Our expertise within the mobile medical sector

enables us to add value and support to our clients and more importantly peace of mind that a project is being taken care by the right people with the right expertise.” GSG’s forward looking approach also enables a team of energy experts who clients can call on to help reduce their carbon footprint and improve ways of sustainability. GSG always works to promote energy conservation, reduce waste and protect the environment. This makes it easy to introduce building log books, building energy metering and inspection of air conditioning systems to comply with current building regulations. From a depth of knowledge in key areas such as power supply and air conditioning to high quality general maintenance and consultancy, clients can rely on GSG’s professional attitude. To sum up the GSG delivery, Adrian comments: “With our ability to deliver the widest remit of FM activity, clients can select a full 360 degree service or cherry pick the areas of support they require. It’s our reliable approach that takes our clients forward.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01202 331605 Fax: 01202 331606 E-mail: adrian@thegsgroup.co.uk Web: www.thegsgroup.co.uk

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FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

patients and visitors as well as the staff team. If we could reduce staff injuries (say lifting injuries) by installing ceiling mounted hoists we could reduce Nurse Bank or overtime budgets and also improve staff morale. Alongside this we have the potential to reduce patient falls (as they will be more inclined to ask for help once they see they are not a burden to the nurses) with the obvious knock on benefits for bed occupancy and associated costs. Blair cited the potential cost reductions achievable by expending an additional 5 per cent on new build to provide 100 per cent single room occupancy based on the Fable Hospital3. While this exercise was based in America in 2004 it would be useful to see if the assumptions are borne out in practice at the newly commissioned Aneurin Bevan Hospital in Gwent. Notes: 1.The Health Facilities Scotland Conference was held at the Crieff Hydro on the 12th and 13th November 2009 and attended by some 411 delegates with 33 speakers supported by 47 exhibitors 2.Gordon Brown TV interview 17 September 2009 (from memory) 3.http://www.ihi.org/IHI/Results/WhitePapers UsingEvidenceBasedEnvironmentalDesignWhite Paper.htm quoted in address at the above conference

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If a hand dryer doesn’t have this logo on it – it’s not certified hygienic. Other hand dryers are unhygienic. They recycle dirty washroom air, blowing it onto your hands. So we developed the Dyson AirbladeTM hand dryer. A HEPA filter removes 99.9% of bacteria from the air it uses. An anti-microbial coating inhibits surface bacteria growth by 99.9%. It’s the only hand dryer certified hygienic by independent public health specialists NSF International.

To find out more or to arrange a demonstration, please call UK: 0800 345 7788 ROI: 01-401-8300 or visit us at www.dysonairblade.com

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New concrete floor system for healthcare buildings

Kaba Door Systems works with Colchester General Hospital

REMIER INTERLINK (Waco UK) announces a new concrete floor option for healthcare buildings. By utilising modern methods of construction, the PremierPlus Building System can now offer the option of a healthcare building with factory installed concrete floor. PremierPlus is a high quality, permanent building which offers a clean, modern and comfortable healthcare environment at a competitive price. This can be provided in a much shorter timeframe compared to a traditional building. Acoustics are very important in hospitals. The new concrete floor increases the acoustic dampening qualities of the building and also reduces vibration in high traffic, high equipment load areas, such as plant rooms or MRI and X-ray. The concrete floor option is ideal for use in hospital theatres. Premier Interlink (Waco UK) has a wealth of knowledge and experience of providing healthcare buildings and working to HTM and HBN regulations, having worked with major NHS Trusts such as Addenbrooke’s in Cambridge. Off-site construction significantly reduces disruption to staff and

ABA DOOR SYSTEMS is working with Colchester General Hospital to facilitate its commitment to treating all patients with privacy and dignity In May 2007, the chief nursing officer issued a report entitled ‘Privacy and Dignity – mixed sex accommodation in hospitals’, highlighting the Healthcare Commission’s annual survey which showed that most patients feel that being treated with respect and dignity is more important than being in single sex wards. The report highlights the provision of bay doors, confidential discussion areas, improved screening and welcoming entrances as ways that privacy and dignity can be increased. Colchester General Hospital’s commitment to ensuring all patients are treated with privacy and dignity in a safe, clean and comfortable hospital not only includes the fitting of

visitors, reduces traffic to site, offers improved site safety and increased cleanliness. Modern methods of construction are fast becoming the preferred solution for hospitals and healthcare buildings. Premier Interlink (Waco UK) is a market leader in the design, manufacture and installation of healthcare buildings using modern methods of construction. With over six decades of experience in off-site construction and being part of a large, established international parent company, we are in a strong position to meet the most stringent and demanding healthcare building requirements, now and into the future.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

automatic doors with privacy bands, but also new clearer signage and ward divisions. Kaba designed 19 sets of bespoke single slide automatic doors with fixed side screens for ward bays across Colchester General Hospital. Each side screen incorporates a dry wipe board providing a practical solution for recording patient information. Fitted with frosted manifestations, the doors ensure privacy in sensitive areas. Each door is activated by a touch-less sensor which not only helps to prevent the spread of germs but also provides unhindered access for both staff and patients.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.kabadoorsystems.co.uk

For further details please contact Premier Interlink (Waco UK Ltd) on 0800 316 0888 Web: www.waco.co.uk.

Premier Facilities Maintenance Ltd REMIER FACILITIES Maintenance Ltd is a property and building services maintenance provider, based in the East Midlands. We have established ourselves as a multi trade provider offering comprehensive planned preventative/reactive maintenance for total building services. Since the business was established we have grown from local to regional and national provision. During our growth we are pleased to be associated with East Midlands Ambulance Service for the provision of facilities management and maintenance. We employ skilled and experienced operatives who are trained to current nationally agreed standards, we are Gas Safe, F-gas registered and are affiliated to the HVCA. We strive to supply our clients with the best possible service provision with

individual maintenance packages tailored to suit your specific maintenance requirements. Our helpdesk is provided as a 24/7 call out facility offering a fast response with professional support and back up of our management, administration and technical team, ensuring that a comprehensive level of customer care is maintained at all times.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01159 303026 Fax: 01159 445595 E-mail: admin@premier-fm.co.uk Web: premier-fm.co.uk

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INSPIRED BY FERROFLUID

Ferrofluids are tiny magnetically re-active particles suspended in a liquid that when exposed to magnetic fields create fascinating 3-dimensional shapes and patterns. Just one of the innovations you will discover at The Surface Design Show 2010.

VISIT THE SURFACE DESIGN SHOW AND DISCOVER A BRAVE NEW WORLD OF INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR INTERIOR, EXTERIOR AND SUSTAINABLE SURFACES.

In association with

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FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

THE SURFACE DESIGN SHOW 2010 Discover the latest in surface innovation, sustainability and technology at the surface design show 2010 NEXT YEAR’S SURFACE DESIGN Show (16–18 February, Business Design Centre, London) with its new, intelligent and green surface materials, hundreds of interior and exterior products, thought provoking talks and seminars from the leading names in the architectural industry will be an event not to be missed. NEW AND EXCITING PRODUCTS Over 100 companies will be participating, showing a wide range of new and existing products. Clients, architects, designers and contractors will be able to compare the materials and systems that will keep their projects at

in the show’s central hub will profile landmark projects in the capital by both Grimshaw Architects and S333 Architects. KEY FOCUS A key focus for the 2010 show is the Green Surfaces area dedicated to suppliers of sustainable, recyclable and renewable materials. It will showcase materials that can be both environmentally responsible and visually inspiring. This area will include a sustainable materials feature by the London-based materials sourcing advisory company, SCIN. Another highlight of The Surface Design Show will be the Inspiration Centre – an area

Over 100 companies will be participating, showing a wide range of new and existing products. Clients, architects, designers and contractors will be able to compare the materials and systems that will keep their projects at the forefront of contemporary design. The Surface Design show is more than just a product showcase, it is a one stop opportunity to listen and learn. It mixes debates with seminars and topical features with interesting lectures the forefront of contemporary design. But The Surface Design show is more than just a product showcase, it is a one stop opportunity to listen and learn. It mixes debates with seminars and topical features with interesting lectures. The show will open with a Preview Evening of Tuesday 16 February featuring a live debate held by the Royal Institute of British Architects Building Futures. ‘This house believes the road to recovery is paved with . . .’ is the topic that former London Mayor Ken Livingstone, economist Will Hutton, engineer and technologist Mark Whitby and the Imperial College’s Prof. David Fisk will be presenting. Other show highlights include the insightful RIBA London Lunchtime Portraits which will bring together some of the best schemes from its 2009 award year. Starting at 13.00 on both Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 February, these hour long sessions presented

where companies new to the show will inspire you with their ideas and innovations. These are often smaller companies relying upon inspiration to grow in a competitive world. Want cutting edge…this one’s for you! EDUCATION Education is key. The CPD lectures provide professional visitors with opportunities to gain points from their attendance at any of a series of hard hitting programmes. The BRE (Building Research Establishment) will be running a comprehensive seminar programme to provide useful guidance for specification of responsibly sourced materials and particular surfaces, examining in detail their environmental performance. The Construction Products Association will host two seminars entitled ‘The New Energy Efficiency Regulations’ and Responsible Sourcing’ focusing on sustainability and energy efficiency. These seminars will provide visitors

with a valuable insight into the new energy efficiency regulations to be implemented in April 2010 as well as explore the subject of responsible sourcing of building materials along with a workshop dedicated to the latest innovations in surface materials. The Surface Design Show 2010 is an ideal place for the industry’s key decision makers to explore the latest developments on the market. It brings together some of the most inspiring materials from wall coverings, carpets, fabrics, cladding, glass, coatings, work surfaces and much more. NEW EXHIBITORS New exhibitors include decorative glass manufacturers Villa Glass, American sustainable carpet producer Quadrant Modular and exterior metal grating experts Elefant Gratings. Exciting product launches include Graniti Fiandre’s revolutionary technology ActiveTM Clean Air and Antibacterial Ceramic, British Gypsum’s new range of perforated acoustic boards and artificial leather manufacturer Hornschuch will showcase a collection of sustainable fabrics. The show’s international presence has significantly grown over the years. This year will feature several international pavilions, including UBI France and the BelgianLuxembourg Chamber of Commerce, along with an ever increasing Italian and Spanish presence with leading brands such as Ceramiche Ceasar, Mirage, Silestone and Grespania. The Surface Design Show also provides a comprehensive, informative selection of CPD seminars from exhibitors. With an extensive range of suppliers exhibiting, inspiring features and eminent speakers, the Surface Design Show is an event to put into your diary now. Visitors can pre-register to attend the event for free by visiting www.surfacedesignshow.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION The Surface Design Show takes place at the Business Design Centre Islington London from Tuesday 16 February – Thursday 18 February 2010. Opening times are: Tues 18.00-21.00 (Preview Evening); Wed 11.00-21.00 (Gala Evening 18.00-21.00); Thurs 11.00-17.00. Free entry to the show and its events are available through registering at www.surfacedesignshow.com

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AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION

TIME TO PHASE OUT F gas support looks at the future for HCFCS in refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment THE NEW YEAR BRINGS in the final stages in the phase-out of ozone depleting substances (ODS), for those using hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) as refrigerants, including the commonly used refrigerant R22. The phase-out of ODS was first initiated by The Montreal Protocol back in 1987. This international treaty brought together nations that were concerned about the thinning of the ozone layer. These nations agreed to take action to try to reverse this impact especially as concern was increasing over the levels of ultraviolet radiation that were being monitored and links to significant health and environmental effects. In 2000 the European Regulation on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (EC/2037/2000) came into force. This European Regulation introduced bans on substances that were well known as ozone-depleting chemicals, such as CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons). It also put in place the phase-out plan for HCFCs. HCFCs are commonly used as refrigerants and were developed as replacements for CFCs. They have ended up with a transitional role moving users from CFCs that had ozone depleting potentials (ODPs) of 0.6-1.0 to HCFCs with ODPs of 0.02-0.1. Many users of HCFCs have moved to hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) that are implicated in global warming but not ozone depletion. It was reported in 2006 that “The Montreal Protocol is working: There is clear evidence of a decrease in the atmospheric burden of ozone-depleting substances and some early signs of stratospheric ozone recovery.”1. This improvement only strengthens the need to continue the efforts to reduce the use of ozone-depleting substances. NEW REGULATION With the New Year comes a new regulation. The Ozone Regulation that has been around for ten years will be revoked and replaced by a recast Ozone Regulation (EC/1005/2009) on 1 January 2010. The new regulation strengthens the emission controls on HCFCs in use and clarifies some of the requirements in relation to their use in servicing and maintenance of refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) equipment, which is the main use still allowed. From 1 January 2010 the use of virgin HCFCs is banned. The Regulation only allows the use of reclaimed or recycled HCFCs. It is quite clear that it is not possible to stockpile virgin HCFCs before the ban for use after the ban comes into place. Those relying on equipment that uses HCFCs for their cooling requirements should urgently consider their imminent and future needs. The definitions of the terms used by the Regulation should be noted as these terms are used interchangeably by the industry

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and it is important to be clear that those working with HCFCs understand and use the terminology correctly. The following are three important definitions: • Recovery – means the collection and the storage of controlled substances from products and equipment or containers during maintenance or servicing or before disposal. • Recycling – means the reuse of a recovered controlled substance following a basic cleaning process. • Reclamation – means the reprocessing of a recovered controlled substance in order to meet the equivalent performance of a virgin substance, taking into account its intended use. Given that most RAC systems leak to a certain degree, all users of HCFC equipment must plan to manage their operations without virgin refrigerant after December 2009. Doing nothing is not a sustainable option. The potential consequences if mission-critical equipment

service or maintain equipment. Labelling: When recycled or reclaimed HCFCs have been added to equipment this equipment should then be labelled to show the type of refrigerant and the total refrigerant charge contained in that equipment. Record keeping: When recycled or reclaimed HCFC refrigerants are added to a system a record needs to be kept which should show: • What refrigerant has been added, in what quantity and who (name of person or company) did this servicing or maintenance. • Who supplied the reclaimed HCFCs and of the source of recycled HCFCs. Reclaimed HCFCs: Any reclaimed HCFCs that are placed on the market, i.e. that are available to buy, should be labelled to show the HCFCs have been reclaimed and have information on the batch number showing the name and address of the reclamation facility. Recycled HCFCs: No recycled HCFCs may be placed on the market – so these may not be sold. Recycled

With the New Year comes a new regulation. The Ozone Regulation that has been around for ten years will be revoked and replaced by a recast Ozone Regulation (EC/1005/2009) on 1 January 2010 fails, without sufficient refrigerant on-hand to enable an effective repair, are very serious. The Regulation provides end users with a window of five years to use reclaimed and recycled HCFC refrigerants. After which time the follow-on ban comes into place that closes the door on further maintenance of equipment that relies on HCFCs. As from 1 January 2015 the use of recycled and reclaimed HCFCs is banned. This means that no further maintenance of the refrigeration circuit can be undertaken using HCFCs. The definition of “use” in the regulation should be noted at this point. Use means the utilisation of controlled substances or new substances in the production, maintenance or servicing, including refilling, of products and equipment or in other processes. RECLAIMED OR RECYCLED HCFCS In the five year window from January 2010 until the end December 2014, when the use of reclaimed and recycled HCFCs is allowed, those using this refrigerant to service and maintain equipment should be aware that there are new rules that need to be followed: Virgin HCFCs: Use of virgin HCFCs is banned from 1 January 2010. Only use recycled or reclaimed HCFCs to

HCFCs may only be used by either the undertaking, which carried out the recovery (in most cases the refrigeration contractor), or the undertaking for which the recovery was carried out (the owner). For example, the owner could use the recycled HCFC in RAC equipment at other sites they operate from, but they cannot sell recycled HCFC to a third party. “Placing on the market” means the supplying or making available to third persons within the Community for payment or free of charge. USING HCFC CONTAINING EQUIPMENT For operators of equipment that contains HCFCs the following requirements apply (regardless of whether they are doing any servicing or maintenance that requires recycled or reclaimed HCFC to be added to the refrigerant circuit): Leak checks. Equipment containing 3kg or more of an HCFC refrigerant must be checked for leakage. The leak checking regime has now been amended to mirror that required for HFCs; see Table for leak testing frequencies. “Checked for leakage” means that the equipment or system is examined for leakage using direct or indirect measuring methods, focusing on those parts of the equipment or system most likely to leak. The frequency of testing depends on the refrigerant charge and system type. Leak repairs. Leaks identified must

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AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION

be repaired within 14 days using all measures that are technically feasible and do not entail disproportionate cost. Record keeping. Records must be kept for all systems containing an HCFC refrigerant charge of 3kg or more. These records should show the quantity and type of refrigerant added and the quantity recovered during maintenance, servicing and final disposal of the equipment. Records also need to show other relevant information including the identification of the company or technician performing the maintenance or servicing, as well as the dates and results of the leakage checks carried out. Records shall be made available on request to the competent authority of a Member State and to the Commission. Training and certification. All HCFC refrigerant handling activities (installation, recovery during servicing, maintenance, and leak checks) must be carried out by suitably certified personnel. To work with HCFCs the required qualifications are City and Guilds 2078 or Construction Skills CITB J01 or, alternatively, one of the new qualifications gained to comply with the EC F gas Regulation (e.g. City and Guilds 2079 or Construction Skills CITB J11). F-Gas Support is a Government funded team set up to help organisations understand their obligations under these Regulations. It is being run on behalf of Defra and the devolved administrations.

FREQUENCY

NORMAL SYSTEMS

HERMETICALLY SEALED SYSTEMS

None

Less than 3 kg

Less than 6 kg

Annual

3 kg to 30 kg

6 kg to 30 kg

6-monthly

30 kg to 300 kg

Quarterly

Greater than 300 kg

Notes 1. Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion: 2006, www.esrl.noaa.gov/ csd/assessments/2006/report.html

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0161 874 3663 Web: www.defra.gov.uk/fgas E-mail: fgas-support@enviros.com

Air conditioning and electrical services from DX Electrica X ELECTRICA provides air conditioning and electrical services in the London area. We offer an integrated service across the services giving our customers peace of mind and enjoying support post installation. DX Electrica can ensure that you are covered for your F Gas regulations. We are also Low Carbon Consultants so we can advise you on the current energy legislation as well as carrying out air conditioning and chiller inspections. We are associates of Cavendish Engineers, a building services company that has been running for over 15 years. Earlier this year they reached the finals for both ‘M and E Contractor of the Year’ award 2009 and ‘Best Service and Maintenance Provider,’ which highlighted our level of

professionalism and dedication to clients. We offer the full contracting service to include; air conditioning, comfort cooling, chiller inspections, heat pumps, air conditioning maintenance, VRF and all aspects of refrigeration. DX Electrica has various accreditations (including HVCA and ECA) which demonstrate our high quality of work and sustainable ethos. We also take pride in delivering quality work, on time and to budget.

FOR MORE INFORMATION DX Electrica Ltd Tel: 020 7375 7145 E-mail: info@dxelectrica.net Web: www.dxelectrica.net

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Looking for answers to your energy questions? Find out how to reduce energy costs by: • Using existing, economic technology • Improving site management, operations, maintenance • Using legislation like Carbon Reduction Commitment to your advantage • Gaining funding for good projects

Ask ESTA how to identify approaches that will work on your sites and reduce costs now.

Do something positive today visit www.esta.org.uk and get the answers

www.esta.org.uk FOR THE HELP AND ADVICE THAT YOU NEED VISIT

CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme We can help you with your Carbon Reduction Commitment * * * * * *

How are you affected? - Impact Assessment Compliance - Annual and Footprint Reports Preparation of your Evidence Pack Carbon Monitoring & Targeting Software Outsourced Energy Management AMR Installations and Carbon Trust Standard preparation for your Early Action Metrics

Public sector organisations can appoint TEAM Bureau and Consultancy including our CRC Services through the Buying Solutions framework agreement.

Quality Data is fundamental to comply with CRC legislation. TEAM’s unique Sigma M&T Software, outsourced Bureau and Consultancy Services can provide you with a cost effective solution.

Energy Management Solutions TEAM (EAA Ltd) Tel. 01908 690018 enquiries@teamenergy.com www.teamenergy.com

Written by Harry Morrison, general manager, the Carbon Trust Standard Company

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ENERGY

PROFIT FROM EARLY ACTION With only six months to go until the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC) gets underway, how can the Carbon Trust Standard help businesses rise up the rankings and cut the costs of compliance? DUE TO START IN APRIL 2010, THE CRC is a vital tool for cutting carbon emissions from large, non-energy intensive organisations. By 2020, it is expected to deliver annual reductions of at least 4.4 million tonnes of carbon emissions and save participants around £1 billion a year in reduced energy costs. The CRC will require organisations that consumed more than 6,000MWh of electricity through half hourly meters in 2008 to participate in the scheme from April 2010 onwards. Around 5,000 public and private sector organisations will be included, ranging from retail, leisure and manufacturing companies through to local authorities, universities and NHS Trusts. From April 2011 onwards these qualifying organisations will have to buy and surrender carbon allowances to cover their annual emissions, with revenue from the sale of allowances being recycled back to participants based on their carbon cutting performance. LEAGUE TABLE A Carbon Reduction Commitment League Table will rank organisations and those who are highly ranked will receive a bonus payment whilst poor performers will be penalised. In its first year the league table will rely exclusively on “early action metrics” to determine the bonus/penalty amount organisations receive. Recent changes announced by government have introduced greater flexibility in terms of gaining recognition for early action, but certification against the Carbon Trust Standard remains a key early action metric, alongside voluntary automatic metering. The government’s changes to the CRC are designed to clarify the policy and address some of the main concerns of stakeholders, particularly businesses. Key changes include: • Option for subsidiaries to participate separately from parent companies • 2010/11 will be a reporting year only, so the April 2011 sale of allowances will be for 2011/12 only • Greater flexibility has been introduced in terms of gaining recognition for early action, and the early action weighting will be reduced more gradually • Information on onsite renewables generation

will be published but it will not alter an organisation’s position in the league table. MEETING THE STANDARD To claim the Carbon Trust Standard as an early action benefit, organisations must hold a valid certificate at the end of the first year of the scheme (31 March 2011). This means that any organisation likely to be covered by the CRC should act now to prepare for registration, starting by assessing their carbon emissions. Achieving the Carbon Trust Standard will not only reduce the cost of participation in the CRC but it also provides a clear demonstration of an organisation’s commitment to measurable carbon reduction. Based on a rigorous certification process the Carbon Trust Standard measures actual results. To achieve it, organisations must have measured, managed and reduced their carbon emissions over time. This provides sceptical stakeholders with reassurance that an organisation’s environmental claims are more than just “greenwashing” – important as 70 per cent of consumers and nearly a third of businesses say they are more likely to buy from companies who are working to reduce their carbon emissions. Since its launch in 2008, over 150 of the UK’s most recognisable brands and organisations have already achieved the Standard. HSBC, Asda, B&Q, the London Fire Brigade and Marks & Spencer are just a few of the organisations to have marked themselves out as leaders, taking early action to tackle their environmental impact and listening to the needs of their stakeholders. In the process they have become more energy-efficient and saved hundreds of thousands of pounds. Collectively, companies achieving the Standard have cut their annual emissions by 1.5 MtCO2 and made an average reduction per annum of six per cent. This is ahead of the overall trajectory required to meet the UK’s carbon reduction targets. The total footprint certified by the Carbon Trust Standard accounts for three per cent of the UK’s total carbon footprint from businesses and transport. Turn the page to find out how Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust achieved the Carbon Trust Standard in 2009.

From April 2011 onwards, qualifying organisations will have to buy and surrender carbon allowances to cover their annual emissions, with revenue from the sale of allowances being recycled back to participants based on their carbon cutting performance

TOP TIPS FOR MEASURING AND MONITORING ENERGY USE • Measure and monitor your energy use – this will help you understand your energy costs and carbon emissions, and will help flag up energy wastage. Alongside the Carbon Trust Standard, it is also an early action metric under the Carbon Reduction Commitment • Check your heating - ensure your system operating hours meet the times when heating, ventilation and cooling are required, as needs vary throughout the day. Also check that building energy management systems are operating properly • Take advantage of natural ventilation – it may be possible to use windows or doors to provide good natural ventilation in some areas within a hospital, allowing mechanical ventilation to be switched off or turned down to save money • Avoid waste – place ‘switch off’ stickers above light switches, or install occupancy sensors for lighting, and to control water use in toilets. These are a particularly good idea because they reduce the opportunity for the spread of infection • Get your staff involved – run an awareness campaign to encourage staff to report any issues, such as dripping taps or overflowing cisterns, so they can be tackled before the problem escalates • Install occupancy sensors – tap and toilet mechanisms fitted with infrared controllers are a particularly good idea because they reduce the opportunity for the spread of infection

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Visit the website to view the categorised product finder

Induced Energy launches its invisible keep hot iPlate

Transform energy costs and CO2 emissions

K Induction hob manufacturers Induced Energy, has introduced a new induction keep hot system, the iPlate. Invisible under a Swanstone counter, a food preparation area can become a hot servery at the flick of a switch when using inductionfriendly containers. Ideal for small kitchens or long servery counters, the iPlate remains cool except where the container is in contact with the surface. Patients and staff alike are at much less risk of burns and scalds compared with traditional keep hot systems. With seven power settings there is no problem in keeping food hot. At the end of service the iPlate is easy to clean and once again can revert to a food preparation area. The iPlate is also available as a visible keep hot unit under Ceran glass or Swanstone.

power engineers help hospitals across the UK save energy and lower emissions with their unique Wilson e2 transformer. Today’s plant and operations managers are under increased pressure to achieve energy savings and lower CO2 emissions of their sites. Though most professionals are aware of energy saving measures on the low Voltage (LV) side such as improved lighting systems, most people are still completely unaware of potential energy savings on the medium Voltage [MV] side. However, every site that receives power directly from the grid [11kV supply] can benefit from substantial energy savings through a Wilson e2 distribution transformer. Douglass Ward from Whipps

This new addition continues Induced Energy’s commitment to energy saving technology. With no waiting for the surface to heat up and power only used when the hot food container is placed on the iPlate, energy use is kept to a minimum. Keeping hot while keeping cool, iPlate is the green alternative to traditional keep hot systems.

ilson Power Solutions,

W the UK’s first carbon neutral

Cross hospital recently specified Wilson e2 transformers for the east London site: “Installing Wilson e2 transformers at Whipps Cross hospital will save £10,250.00 in energy costs per annum and reduce our CO2 emissions by 7.2t – an effortless way of driving down costs and lower emissions”. The Wilson e2 is the UK’s only super low loss amorphous distribution transformer. A typical 1000kVA unit at 70 per cent load saves £60,000.00 in energy costs and 370t of associated CO2 emissions during its lifetime.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0113 2717588 Fax: 0113 2775124 E-mail: info@wilsonpower solutions.co.uk Web: www.wilsonpower solutions.co.uk

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01280 705900 Fax: 01280 705270 E-mail: rosie@inducenergy.com Web: www.inducedenergy.com

Elmo Health Business Advert:Layout 1 25/11/2009 14:45 Page 1

Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) starting April 2010, don’t let the grass grow, be prepared with Elmo-IT utility monitoring

• Low cost, wireless/GPRS monitoring for gas, water and electricity • Experience savings within weeks of installation! • Easy installation • Immediate breakdown of energy use

T: 0844 815 6227 W: hanwell.com

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04/12/2009 12:30

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ENERGY

ACHIEVING THE CARBON TRUST STANDARD Raymond Peach, director of estates, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, explains how the Trust achieved the Carbon Trust Standard BRADFORD TEACHING HOSPITALS NHS Foundation Trust is responsible for providing acute hospital care services for the people of Bradford and neighbouring communities. It has around 1,000 beds serving a community of over a million people, has an annual budget of £230 million and employs 5,000 staff. Foundation trusts are new flagship hospitals in England and awarded to high performing organisations. Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was approved to be a foundation trust on 1st April 2004, one of the first in the country. In 2009 Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was awarded the Carbon Trust Standard for its commitment to managing and reducing its carbon footprint. Q. Why did you apply for the Carbon Trust Standard? A. Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has always been pro-active with engaging in new technologies and at the forefront of innovation. When we first began to contemplate our environmental impact, it was quite clear from the beginning that if we reduced our energy usage and carbon emissions, not only would we be saving money, the environment would benefit also. We worked with the Carbon Trust as they were really good at advising us on how we could best reduce our carbon emissions and we believed that working with them would ensure success. As it happens it did and in 2009 we applied for the Carbon Trust Standard to demonstrate the excellent work we had done so far and our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint further. Q. How have you prepared for when CRC comes into force in April next year? The Trust has been preparing for the CRC for some time now, which is why we have been able to achieve the Carbon Trust Standard as recognition for our early action. We have set up an in-house environmental sustainability group that the Trust Chairman leads and we are also pro-actively taking part in the Carbon Trust’s NHS Carbon Management programme. The scheme provides us with technical and change management support to help us achieve significant savings in energy costs and carbon emissions across the whole of the hospital.

Q. Are you aware of the financial implications of CRC on your business? A. We are fully aware of the financial implications of the CRC when it comes into force next year and our objective is to be as close to the top of the league table as possible. Not only will this further showcase our commitment to reducing our impact on the environment, it will also result in the Trust receiving financial reward through a carbon credit refund. Q. How has the finance department been involved in preparation for the CRC? The finance department is very much involved in the environmental sustainability group and the carbon reduction strategy. They have also taken the lead on procurement issues such as using local suppliers and life cycle costing. However, the role of our finance director is critical to assure the successful outcome of our environmental practices and preparation for the CRC. He is the one who has had to work closely with the Trust’s Chairman to drive the board’s involvement and commitment towards making the schemes and initiatives we have established for the hospital a success. Q. What reporting and auditing procedures does your financial department have in place to build an accurate understanding of energy costs/carbon footprint? The environmental and sustainability estates staff manage an energy software monitoring and reporting programme into which all of our energy costs are inputted. We then set targets and monitor our progress to ensure value for money. In addition the software is used for budget predictions. Regular analysis of this information is used to prioritise areas for future energy saving opportunities. What savings to energy costs have you made as a result of working towards the Carbon Trust Standard and the CRC? We have made some significant savings to date. Most have been through de-steaming at St Luke’s Hospital and the installation of combined heat and power units, which we also put in place at Bradford Royal Infirmary. Our Carbon Champions and energy awareness campaigns have also done much

to empower the employees and patients to think about their day-to-day carbon footprint and make little changes to help reduce it. What has been the most successful carbon saving initiative you have undertaken to date? We are expecting the de-steaming at St Luke’s Hospital and the installation of combined heat and power units to be our largest carbon saving initiative and to deliver a yearly carbon reduction of 1200kg CO2. We have also appointed voluntary environmental champions at ward and department level to be the eyes and ears of the strategy, for which we have high hopes for significant savings also. What are the key benefits in preparing for the CRC ahead of April 2010? By preparing for the CRC early, as you work towards reducing your emissions you become aware of the budgetary pressures in advance. Therefore any financial impact can be minimised. Also, as we are one of the larger employers of Bradford city, the Trust can demonstrate that it is taking its corporate and social responsibility seriously. Another benefit is being able to apply for the Carbon Trust Standard as recognition for our early action, which has additional reputational benefits and has provided independent credibility when marketing our green credentials. What advice would you give to anyone preparing for the CRC? Our advice to those hospitals preparing for the CRC is to make sure that you pro-actively participate in the Carbon Trust’s NHS Carbon Management programme. This will ensure that you have an accurate carbon footprint for your sites. This will then guide you to focus on reducing your baseline emissions and investigating further opportunities. Also, you should consider taking professional advice to ascertain the preparations required for the CRC. Do not underestimate the amount of work involved. If you are able to show real carbon reduction in advance of the scheme, applying for the Carbon Trust Standard will improve your league table rating and also reward staff for their carbon reduction efforts.

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ENERGY

STAFF ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS SURVEYS Sustainability and the NHS MOST NHS ORGANISATIONS IN THE UK are aware of the challenges of climate change and the need to reduce carbon emissions. The NHS carbon footprint is 18 million tonnes CO2 per year and its buildings consume over £420 million every year for electricity, gas and oil. The NHS Sustainable Development Unit this year produced their report ‘Reducing CarbonImproving Health’ which included the initiative of running effective energy/environmental awareness campaigns to engage all healthcare staff. Running these campaigns in NHS organisations requires careful planning and resources. But the results can be effective. ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS SURVEYS A properly designed staff awareness/motivation survey can help to design a successful campaign. NIFES has pioneered the design and use of these surveys for energy/environmental awareness campaigns and have been using them in NHS organisations for the last 12 years. It is important to measure two key elements: • Awareness – what people know (knowledge) • Motivation – what moves people (internal drivers) NIFES tailors surveys to individual organisations. The questions are mostly ‘drop and click’ multiple choice but some questions require respondents to enter their views. The survey quantitatively measures levels of awareness and motivation. The survey gives each respondent two scores: one for awareness and one for motivation. Each respondent can be plotted on a NIFES Awareness and Motivation Matrix. This maps out where staff are in terms of their awareness and motivation. The results shown on the graph are for NHS staff in an NHS organisation who responded to a survey earlier this year. Each dot represents a respondent. The yellow dot shows the average. Different matrices can easily be generated to show variations by site, job function, age, gender and experience. Clearly the desired quadrant is top right “High Awareness and High Motivation”. There are already a number of staff in this quadrant. These people make excellent Environmental Representatives or Champions as they are already aware and motivated. Those in the top left quadrant are relatively high on motivation but lacking in awareness. These people generally want to help but often lack knowledge and are unsure exactly how they can help. So they simply need some awareness raising to move them to the top right quadrant. Those in the bottom right quadrant are a difficult category: they know what to do but lack motivation. This lack of motivation can

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be totally unrelated to sustainability issues. Fortunately for the Trust shown above only three respondents are in this quadrant. Some questions in the survey do not measure awareness or motivation but simply ask employees to identify barriers to saving energy, effective incentives and their view of the best methods of communicating the energy saving message. Other questions seek to garner specific ideas on saving energy and improving environmental performance. These can elicit a number of carbon/money saving suggestions related to operational issues which may otherwise not be registered. All this data can be analysed and provide valuable information for crafting a campaign strategy. BENEFITS OF A SURVEY There are a number of benefits from using an online survey. The survey: • Quickly identifies and recruits volunteer Environmental Representatives • Quantitatively measures staff awareness/motivation levels • Different types of staff can be analysed on the matrix • By repeating the survey at a later date, shifts in awareness/motivation can be plotted • Helps tailor a campaign strategy based on facts • Identifies quick win opportunities • Identifies barriers to improved environmental performance The survey itself has an awareness raising effect.

The surveys are developed for online use ensuring ease of completion and accuracy. The link to a survey is provided by NIFES but the organisation needs to make it known via a global email from a senior manager. Often the link is sent out by the chief executive in a normal weekly communication to all staff. Typically for an NHS organisation with over 5,000 staff a response rate of around 8 or 9 per cent can be expected which is sufficient to have a representative sample. The surveys are fully W3C compliant and a generic survey can be viewed at http://155.212.3.182/survey/229868/2377/ In a number of NHS organisations typically 20 per cent of staff would not have regular access to a computer as a normal part of their work. These staff are often working in catering, laundry or portering roles but can make a very useful contribution. So it is usual to supply managers with hard copy versions of the survey for staff to complete at a staff meeting. NIFES will then enter this data electronically. Once the data has been analysed, NIFES will produce a report containing recommendations on the shaping of an appropriate campaign strategy tailored to the organisation.

FOR MORE INFORMATION NIFES Consulting Group Tel: +44 (0)115 984 4944 Fax: +44 (0)115 984 4933 E-mail: training@nifes.co.uk Web: www.nifes.co.uk/energy09

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ENERGY

SMARTER AUTOMATIC METER READING Smarter AMR can provide real benefits, including increased efficiency, carbon reduction and reduced labour costs AMR IS NOW A TOPIC THAT HAS reached even the furthest corners of the UK plc. The main driver of recent months has been the Carbon Reduction Commitment or CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme as it is now to be known. As recently as last month the Environment Agency has had a climb down on the requirement to buy two years carbon allowances in July 2011, essentially halving the cash flow impact of the CRC energy efficiency scheme on qualifying businesses, at the same time doubling the benefit in the second and third years of the scheme of installing AMR.. IMPACT The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme’s impact on your business (should it qualify) will in 2011 entirely depend upon what are called the Early Action Metrics, whereby a league table is drawn up and your companies relative performance to others is gauged by these metrics. In the first year, a successful installation of AMR across 90 per cent of your portfolio should see you avoid the associated financial penalties as AMR accounts for 50 per cent of these metrics in the first year. The other metric is to achieve the Carbon Trust Standard or other similar scheme. In the second and third year the impact of AMR has doubled now delivering 20 per cent in the second year and 10 per cent in the third year. This now gives higher emphasis to Early Action changes and reducing more slowly to better recognise your investment in AMR. Of course your companies’ ability to reduce its consumption weighs heaviest after the first year, with the difficulties of doing this from estimated invoices; AMR is the best way to prove exactly what you have used. It is also worth noting that if your consumption submission for CRC is based upon estimated readings then they will be increased by 10 per cent, offering further incentive for the installation of AMR. SIMPLE SOLUTION In case you have missed the whole smart meter AMR thing, AMR stands for Automated Meter Reading. It covers a range of technologies all of which provide users with timely and accurate access to their utility usage. AMR is available for electricity, gas and water meters, however, in the case of gas and water an additional item, data logger or other similar device, needs to be connected to your existing meter via a pulse output, should a working pulse output be present on your meter. This is easier said than done as depending

upon the age and size of your meters you should expect up to 40 per cent of your gas meters and even 70 per cent of your water meters may not have a working pulse output therefore requiring a full meter exchange (and then fitting your data logger to it). Requesting your gas or water supplier to change your meter has until recently proved either difficult or costly and this would often result in either the installation of another intermediate device (OCR devices which obscure the view of the gas meter dial and often end up being removed by a meter reading agent reducing their longevity of use) or changing your Meter Asset Provider to an alternative to National Grid

produce bills without estimated readings, both of which are a benefit to the end consumer. However, some electricity meters can be remotely disconnected by your energy supplier for non payment of invoices, for this reason due consideration should be given to owning your own meter asset and appointing your own maintainers and data collectors. All electricity meters and gas and water data loggers have to be installed by accredited parties. Jonathan Akers, head of Technical Energy Services BIU, says: ”The incentives for getting AMR right are being created by both the government and suppliers. The penalties from the board room for getting it wrong are also, due to changing legislation and lack of transparency.

Some electricity meters of the Smarter variety have the ability to be remotely configured to optimise your billing tariffs and suppliers also use AMR to obtain readings remotely and produce bills without estimated readings, both of which are a benefit to the end consumer. However, some electricity meters can be remotely disconnected by your energy supplier for non payment of invoices, for this reason due consideration should be given to owning your own meter asset and appointing your own maintainers and data collectors Metering (formally known as Transco). Recent changes have seen that National Grid are committed to providing working pulse outputs on their gas meters for you to use. Similarly in the case of electricity AMR it is often neglected to consider the costs and implications of having to turn the power off to a building in order to change an electricity meter as typically around 60 per cent of your sites will require just that. The cost to have a representative present at your site, or potential loss of revenue of interrupting supply during trading hours, along with the IT and systems costs to turn the power back on is often overlooked. All electricity meters and gas and water data loggers have to be installed by accredited parties. REMOTE ACCESS Some electricity meters of the Smarter variety have the ability to be remotely configured to optimise your billing tariffs and suppliers also use AMR to obtain readings remotely and

It is important that your AMR solution is independently verified, financial and consumption benefits clearly detailed, and that the same company will support you in a year or two’s time when you are asked to prove the results” BIU has provided metering services to RBS, Tesco, One Stop Stores, NCP, Pets at Home, Café Rouge, Poundland, Pret-a-Manger and the 2012 Olympics’ Athletes Village.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01253 789 816 Fax: 01253 714 131 E-mail: amr@biu.com Web: www.biu.com

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Disposal & Destruction of all types of Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment, W.E.E.E WEEE London was founded in 2006 after a partnership was formed between a Computer recycling company and a precious metal recovery company. Back then there were only a handful of companies dealing with WEEE (Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment) recycling. During the last 3 years we have noticed that many of the AATF or WEEE treatment facilities were actually using smaller companies to carry out the dirty side of the recycling process while charging the end user and producers a small fortune and in some cases up to ÂŁ99 per item. It was with this in mind that WEEE London was born. Our aim now is the same as it was back when we first started, to reduce the amount of WEEE which ends up in landfill and to lower the cost of processing to companies home users and producers. Although we have a pricing structure we can always negotiate a price depending on quantity and quality of the product to be recycled. From initial contact to final destination everything is handled in house and by our staff , we do not use third party contractors and where possible 100% of the product remains in the UK once recycled & refined. Asset Tracking All items collected are first of all booked into our warehouse, and are tracked from start to finish, the make model description and asset number and serial number of all items are logged and can be traced from collection to final destination. Data Removal For data protection reason all equipment which contains magnetic media such as computer hard drives will be sent through the process of data removal, using specialist software all Hard drives are wiped regardless of the customer requesting this service, for a certificate of data removal a charge of ÂŁ5 per hard disk drive is payable

Shredding & Production Recall 100% peace of mind what ever the product, we can shred almost any item of WEEE in house this service is excellent for production recalls and manufacturer end of line products as this ensures that these items are never again going to be seen or even used by the public. Prices for this service vary from product to product and the quantity to be shredded. Recommended for Hard Drive shredding. Disposal Certificates Disposal certificates can be issued on request, these will list amounts of items, weight of items and final destination of items once processed

Tel: 0845 644 6466 Email: info@weeelondon.co.uk Web: www.weeelondon.co.uk

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ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT

EMBEDDING RESOURCE EFFICIENCY Sustainable practices result in sustainable profits, say Envirowise While there have been few positive sides to the current recession, for many businesses it is only during this period of particular economic challenge that they have truly come to recognise the power of resource efficiency. But what do we mean by the phrase ‘resource efficiency’? Well, effectively it refers to a programme of activity designed to reduce the amount of raw materials or consumables being used by an organisation, as well as minimising water and energy use wherever possible. It is encapsulated in the three ‘R’s’ of the ‘waste hierarchy’ which many readers will be familiar with – Reduce, Re-use, Recycle. Envirowise experience has shown that companies taking action to implement the three Rs and improve their resource efficiency can save up to £1,000 per employee. In this way, resource efficiency can offer a practical way for organisations to help protect the bottom line during difficult economic conditions. COSTS GOING UP During 2009, many organisations had a wakeup call regarding the true cost of waste when

landfill tax increased to £40 per tonne. Further annual increases of £8 per tonne are scheduled until at least 2011 – meaning businesses who have not yet taken action to reduce their waste should act now in the face of these rising costs. Waste regulations in force since 2005 expanded the list of waste materials classified as hazardous and introduced new controls for their movement. As a result, many businesses became handlers of hazardous waste for the first time because the revised regulations can also apply to common items such as fluorescent tubes, batteries and computer monitors. Therefore any programme of waste management must take this list into account. And since the end of October 2007. businesses also need to treat their nonhazardous waste before disposal to landfill, which includes anything from food waste, paper and plastic, to bricks, wood and soil. Treatment can be as simple as collecting wastes in separate streams and arranging for the recycling of one or more of the separated components.

The regulations represented the next step in the Europe-wide Landfill Directive and the main objective is to encourage companies to consider options for elimination, minimisation, re-use, recycling and recovery of their wastes. WEEE DIRECTIVE Also on the agenda from a compliance perspective is the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive which makes B2B producers of electrical and electronic items responsible for financing the collection and treatment of their products at their ‘end of life’ to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. This means that companies can expect WEEE – such as a PC or photocopier – to be collected direct from their business premises using a licensed waste carrier paid for by the producer. This applies to all new products placed on the market since August 2005 unless, as the customer, you accept contractual responsibility for end of life treatment and disposal of the product.

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Specialist WEEE recycling Energy and carbon and data destruction challenges in 2010 B

RUCE RID RECYCLING Ltd is a specialist processing and recycling facility for all commercial and industrial Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) such as IT and medical equipment. Based in Sheffield near Junction 34 off the M1, we are able to offer the nationwide collection of loose and palletised equipment, or supply containers to customers so that they can store up redundant equipment and have their bin exchanged once full. For any shipments that contain CRT monitors or UPS equipment, a Hazardous Waste Consignment Note is issued as these items are classified as being hazardous under the European Waste Catalogue. Bruce RID Recycling has also recently invested over £100,000 into the security of our recycling plant which has given

our customers the complete reassurance that the confidential data on their end-of-life electronic media will stay confidential. The data destruction options available include, shredding the electronic media at our specialist recycling plant, crushing them with a Mobile Spiking Machine at our customer’s own premises, degaussing them or wiping them clean with specialist software. Additional services include asset tracking, witness destruction and the use of our webcam at www.corporatedatadestruction. co.uk. A Certificate of destruction can also be provided at the end of processing if required.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Please call Bruce RID Recycling on 0114 2433637 now for further information.

Telephone systems for the health sector OOTPRINT SUPPLIES telephone systems to medical practices. As they only deal with medical practices they have gained a deep understanding of their requirements and practices all across the UK now look to Footprint for advice, support, products and services. If you are looking to upgrade or change your telephone system you can draw upon the experience they’ve gained. The MediCall telephone system supplied by Footprint comprises of uniquely designed features such as M-Call. M-Call is the facility for staff to immediately notify colleagues when they are in need of assistance. Footprint also supplies a range of specialist call recording solutions. These range from a simple on-demand system (a button on the handset) to a system that captures all inbound and outbound calls. Footprint’s products include: • Telephone systems start at just £3,995

• Call recording systems start at just £1,495 All products are designed to assist medical practices in dealing with high volumes of calls. The MediCall telephone system will integrate directly in to clinical databases. The automated appointment booking system will reduce DNA levels by allowing patients to book, amend and cancel appointments 24 hours a day.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01903 531567 E-mail: info@footprint-tele.com Web: www.footprint-tele.com

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010 WILL BE A challenging year for the health sector particularly with the introduction of the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) combined with the tightening of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). As many hospitals have been actively managing their energy consumption for many years it is going to be important that the CRC’s Early Action Metrics are embraced as much as possible during the coming months in order to prevent a poor league table position in the early years of the CRC. The EPBD re-cast is to change the requirements for both EPC’s and DEC’s. Whereas these are broadly understood, many healthcare premises are already failing to comply with the requirement for air-conditioning

inspections. Initially only the larger systems (>250kW) need assessment but by the beginning of 2011 all systems over 12kW cooling capacity will need to be assessed for compliance. ENVIRON staff have an extensive track record of working within the health sector and are well placed to provide both strategic direction and advice to senior management and boards, as well as detailed technical support to more front line staff. With our help, the proactive management of energy and carbon challenges presents a real opportunity to achieve a more sustainable healthcare business.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01884 842 010 Fax: 01884 842 011 E-mail: dcovell@ uk.environcorp.com Web: www.environcorp.com

Scotchkote liquid coatings from 3M CQUIRED BY 3M in 2007, the Copon and Thortex brand names are synonymous with high performance coatings in aggressive operating environments. Now integrated into the Scotchkote range from 3M, the track record of these products, combined with the brand of 3M within the healthcare profession means that specifiers and users can trust the technology they are using to provide the solutions they need. 3M’s Northallerton plant manufactures a range of specialist liquid coatings. In the fire protection arena the company’s expertise in polymer technology has led to a range of protective coatings incorporating highly effective intumescence, minimal flame spread and reduced levels of heat, smoke and toxic fume emissions. The company is a member of the ASFP and the Intumescent Coatings Forum. The Scotchkote Pyrotech SPX waterborne intumescent product range offers fully tested and approved coatings for the timed protection of structural steel used within the construction of

buildings. The range of products is available through our national distribution channel. Scotchkote liquid applied walling coatings provide the benefits of seamless, hygienic and easy to clean surfaces, with the intrinsic low smoke and flame spread properties associated with systems used within underground areas, thus contributing to the ongoing safety of building users. 3M and Scotchkote are trademarks of 3M Company.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01609 780170 Fax: 01609 780438 E-mail: enquiries. cpp@mmm.com Web: www.3m.co.uk/ scotchkote

Health Business | Volume 9.7

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ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT

REDUCING WATER USE However, legislative compliance isn’t the only driver for resource efficiency. As we mentioned earlier, there is also significant potential for cost savings that will go straight to the bottom line. For example, a business that implements simple and effective water management measures could cut their water and effluent bills by around 30 per cent, helping protect themselves against both rising costs and dwindling supplies. Free, online water tools available at www. envirowise.gov.uk/water allow companies to record and keep track of how much water is being used, benchmark themselves against competitors and find practical guidance on reducing consumption. A good awareness of innovative, water efficient solutions could identify new opportunities to save both water and money. In particular, it is important to consider the specification and use of water saving products, including appliances such as toilets, taps and showers as well as more complex systems such as rainwater harvesting. Organisations running large-scale kitchens, laundries or shower areas offer good examples of commercial water use with a high potential for improving water efficiency. Any area where food is washed, prepared and cooked is vulnerable to water wastage, including waste disposal channels and dishwashers. For example, if a large tap is left to run fully open while rinsing fruit and vegetables as much as 40 litres could be lost each minute. In many cases water reduction can be achieved by installing simple retrofit devices such as spray taps, flow restrictors or trigger-operated spray guns to existing fittings. There are also opportunities to re-use previouslyused ‘greywater’ in other ways, by collecting water which has been used for cleaning purposes and using it for external cleaning or toilet flushing. Also when replacing devices, it is important to bear in mind that many water efficient technologies cost no more than less efficient models. In less water intensive office-based businesses, there are still a number of low-cost or no-cost options to save water and money – such as placing ‘hippo bag’ displacement devices in toilet cisterns on the premises to reduce the amount of water used per flush. Making changes in these more ‘domestic’ areas can produce great results.

management team who can help ensure the necessary resources are made available. An environmental ‘champion’ at this senior level will also help to motivate other employees to get involved and help ensure the success of the initiative. Company directors are also legally responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance, so it is vital they are involved from the outset. The ideal starting point in getting senior support is to carry out a simple cost benefit analysis, which will help to identify the potential cost savings of adopting an EMS. For example, calculate the costs of main raw materials, water, gas, electricity and waste disposal for the company over the previous 12 months. Then identify steps to reduce these costs and estimate the savings. Once senior management buy-in has been achieved, the initial environmental review can begin. The objective of this is to revise or prepare an environmental policy; compile a register of environmental aspects (which refers to any area where a company’s activities interact with the environment); identify money saving opportunities and set objectives and targets for improvement. So looking to the future, it is those organisations who can effectively win the support of staff and suppliers in placing sustainability at the heart of business practice that could have the most to gain in the long term.

FOR MORE INFORMATION To help organisations address some of these issues, Envirowise has launched a new online tool, which provides advice on developing a plan of action to help embed sustainability and improve environmental performance. For more information please visit www.envirowise.gov.uk/ change or call the Envirowise Advice Line on 0800 585 794.

MAKING MODERN LIVING POSSIBLE

HELP TO SAVE The Water Technology List (WTL) is developed and managed by Defra and HM Revenue & Customs in partnership with Envirowise and provides a selection of water efficient products that meet specific eligibility criteria. The web-based list, available at www.eca-water. gov.uk, is part of the Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) scheme for water efficient technologies which offers upfront tax relief on listed water efficient products. The WTL details more than 1500 technologies and products within specific categories such as efficient toilets, taps and showers which are easily searchable online. A range of free factsheets are also offered by Envirowise to help organisations achieve significant cost savings by reducing water use. They can be found by visiting www.envirowise.gov.uk/water. The factsheets focus on key areas of water use, including showers, taps and toilets, outlining short and longer term actions for reducing water consumption alongside top tips and information on possible savings. ENERGY CONSUMPTION The largest controllable outgoing in an office is often energy consumption. Experience shows that simple good practice measures can not only reduce environmental impact, but can easily reduce office energy bills by up to 50 per cent. One way for energy intensive organisations to effectively manage their consumption is through a broad Environmental Management System (EMS). An EMS is a structured framework for managing and monitoring environmental performance and ensuring compliance with environmental legislation. It is a flexible internal management tool and companies can choose to either develop their own bespoke system, or to follow the requirements of a national or international standard such as ISO14001 or EMAS. The first step will always be to secure commitment from the senior

Perfect air quality is vital in hospitals – it takes experts to optimise it

Not too humid, not too dry, not too cold and not too hot. Pressure should be higher in some rooms – but doors should be easily opened. Laboratories and surgery rooms should be clean and contagious patients hygienically isolated.

Reliability is essential in operation theaters. The reasons are obvious, but it takes experts to arrange it the cost and energy effective way. The VLT® HVAC Drive is the optimal choice for any application.

Danfoss VLT® Drives, Capswood, Oxford Road, Denham, Bucks UB9 4LH, Tel. 01895 617100, Ireland freephone: 1 800 946332 • e-mail: drivesuk@danfoss.com • www.danfoss.co.uk

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Health Business | Volume 9.7

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TRANSLATION & INTERPRETING

DISPELLING THE MYTH Alan Wheatley, general secretary of the Institute of Translation & Interpreting (ITI), dispels the myth that good quality translation and interpreting is an expensive luxury for healthcare providers and highlights how enlisting appropriate support can help save money and improve patient care unqualified translators and interpreters is a risk, and generally the risk is the patient’s. What I want to do is suggest some solutions to the situation. These may not be easy to digest, but speaking from a view point of someone who can appreciate the situation from both sides of the fence – healthcare providers, and translators and interpreters – it is clear to see that change – and further investment – is absolutely necessary.

When dealing with languages you do not understand it can be difficult to ascertain the quality of translation and interpreting taking place. It is therefore essential to verify the credentials of your chosen ‘professional’ I OFTEN COME ACROSS NEWS ITEMS highlighting the escalating costs of translation and interpreting services to the NHS, which concerns me as more often than not the British media tends to portray translation and interpreting for the NHS as an expensive and largely unnecessary evil. These unhelpful and inaccurate depictions of the situation can be harmful, not just to the reputation of the translation and interpreting profession as a whole, but also to the service provided by the NHS in terms of patient care. Media often fails to report that without the services of professional translators and interpreters, the NHS cannot provide a quality translation and interpreting service to those most in need of them. As the NHS is only too aware, patient care is the prime objective and not being able to communicate with patients and their families is a barrier to this success. This debate often overlooks the fact that failure to use qualified professionals can be far more damaging in terms of errors and distress and can actually end up costing far more in terms of money, time caused by diagnostic delays and problems. Care must be taken to ensure that negative media reporting of the situation does not damage the NHS’s own

perception of the benefits of professional translation and interpreting services. MORE INVESTMENT, NOT LESS Since NHS organisations are not required to report planned or actual spending on translation and interpreting services, it can be very difficult to monitor figures, but a widely accepted figure reported early in 2009 was £50 million a year, with a statement that the figure is set to rise further. As with many other areas of the NHS, more investment is needed for translation and interpreting services, not less. If the NHS is to meet targets for improving patient care the use of qualified, professional translators and interpreters must be a prime consideration in future budget planning. Many NHS professionals, no doubt, already have direct or indirect experience of the risks involved in using a patient’s family member as an intermediary for communicating complicated, sensitive and confidential medical information. At ITI we hear of cases where a young child had to tell her non-English speaking grandmother she had cancer, or how a patient’s condition was misinterpreted by a friend, resulting in the incorrect diagnosis and treatment. Using friends, family, staff and

WHAT TO LOOK FOR When working with translation companies it is important to be sure they have or are working towards a recognised certification standard such as ISO or the recently introduced European Quality Standard BS EN15038 and that they are member of a professional body such as ITI. You also need to ensure their translators and interpreters are qualified and, again, members of a professional body. Employing freelancers can be a simple process. ITI, for example, offers a free to use internet directory of UK-based, qualified members who work in a combined total of over 150 languages. Creating a relationship with locally based freelancers within your immediate ethnic communities will be a rewarding experience for all concerned. When dealing with languages you do not understand it can be difficult to ascertain the quality of translation and interpreting taking place. It is therefore essential to verify the credentials of your chosen ‘professional’. This is a challenge as there are an estimated 10,000 people in the UK who market themselves as ‘professional translators and interpreters’. Obvious checkpoints are confirming qualifications, references, and again, memberships of professional bodies. Employing a member of a professional body will provide you with a translator or interpreter who has at least met stringent admissions criteria and who signs up to a Code of Professional Conduct. A professional will always be happy to provide evidence of qualifications and memberships; interpreters, for example, will often hold the Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI). HELPFUL REMEDIES One approach could be to create regional in-house translation and interpreting departments within the NHS. A good example of where an in-house arrangement works well is Coventry Primary Care Trust, according to one ITI interpreter member who is based in the Midlands. Initially, the Primary Care Trust had its own in-house translation and interpreting service and Coventry City Council had another.

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CSI Leasing – the IT leasing specialists

Network Languages – the translation experts

SI LEASING UK is a wholly owned subsidiary of CSI Leasing Inc., which was established in 1972, and has grown to be one of the largest independent IT leasing organisations in the world. We have offices in Canada, South America, USA, UK, Europe, China, Singapore and India. In FY 2008 – 2009 CSI leased equipment from over 100 different suppliers and resellers CSI provides RV based leasing for Technology Equipment, focusing on IT equipment and Telephony. Our education leasing programme is specifically designed to help schools and colleges achieve their ICT aims and ambitions by providing cost effective means of acquisition.

STABLISHED IN 1996, Network Languages offer a translation service in overs 1,000 languages and in-house typesetting/DTP in over 2,000 languages. Our translator database exceeds 10,000 professionally qualified mother-tongue translators, listed according to their specialist knowledge and experience. In addition, our team of language experts, highly experienced in all these languages, will not only ensure that all our in-house typesetting is accurate and of the highest quality but will also offer an independent proofreading and language consultancy service. We have extensive experience within medical fields covering medical

By entering into an ICT lease with CSI, education establishments can more easily control budgets, keep cash flow flat and enjoy use of up to date equipment at all times. CSI provides ICT leases to over 30 colleges and numerous schools in the UK and references are readily available CSI UK is headquartered in Sheffield, South Yorkshire with a central London office near the City. All CSI’s contracts are flexible and equitable between the two parties and there are flexible end of lease options.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact: Chris Lloyd – UK Sales Manager chris.lloyd@csileasing.co.uk Tel: 07841677241

Learn English fast at Spinnaker College PEAKING ENGLISH fluently in a work situation is important. And understanding, writing and conversing in English should be taken for granted in the health business. But if your staff need to improve their English language skills, then Spinnaker College can help. We specialise in English language tuition. With a range of courses including General English, Intensive General English, One-to-One lessons and Business English as well as exam tuition such as IELTS, ESOL with Citizenship and TOEIC, we cater for the whole gamut of English teaching. We also run ABE management courses. Courses start every Monday and can be taken for as little as a week to a whole year. Fees are extremely competitive and a variety of accommodation

can be arranged. Our teachers are dedicated to ensuring that students achieve success rapidly; lessons are engaging and classes kept small. We are accredited by the British Council, English UK and Investors in People. We also have an ‘A’ rating with the Home Office. Located in the heart of Portsmouth, on the sunny south coast, we have excellent communication links, with London just 90 minutes away.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Special discount of 20 per cent for readers of Health Business. Tel: 023 9287 3344 Fax: 0845 833 6651 E-mail: marketing@ spinnakercollege.com Web: www. spinnakercollege.com

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devices (ICU), pharmaceuticals, white papers and assistance to professionals within worldwide disaster zones. We are a dedicated team focusing on the pursuit of quality and excellence. Our goal is to perform with pride, ownership and responsibility. Developing relationships based on trust, reliability and commitment, we provide a professional service to achieve total client satisfaction. Network Languages Ltd is a full member of the Association of Translation Companies.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01344 870700 Fax: 01344 870710 E-mail: enquiries@netlang.net Web: www.netlang.net

Translation services for the NHS &I SERVICES IS a language services company that has been present in the translation and interpreting market since 1997. The health sector procures our services to realise some efficiencies, lowering the transaction cost and make some savings as whole. All our interpreters are security vetted to police standards, and agree to abide by our code of conduct. Our training is complemented by a programme of continuing professional development. All our translators are qualified in translation to post-graduate level, have the necessary technical expertise for this work and work only into their mother tongue making a translation meaningful. Our customers are always welcome to meet us in our offices and because we are ISO 9000:2001 accredited audit

trail is our standard practice. Our services include but are not limited to: Translation, interpreters, language tuition, audio transcriptions, typesetting, website translations, british sign language interpreters, telephone interpreting and voiceovers in over 150 languages.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0845 600 8150 Fax: 01908 265461 E-mail: enquiries@tiservicesuk.com Web: www.tiservicesuk.com

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TRANSLATION & INTERPRETING

The two departments merged in 2006 under the aegis of the City Council, but with funding from both bodies, thereby guaranteeing a high degree of continuity in level of service. Another option is to create PCT language champions to become the focus for patients and staff when language may become a barrier. Such individuals can keep abreast of local community needs and new language requirements in the area. They can also improve relationships with language providers. ITI members tell me the process would work far more efficiently if the NHS were to include languages and/or dialects required on both paper and digital patient records. This would ensure healthcare providers are able to identify a suitable interpreter easily and swiftly and in some cases assistance to the patient would be provided in a timely manner. Additional information including the preferred gender of the interpreter and the nature of the request – interview, counselling, crisis or other – would also be beneficial. Another simple but effective solution would be to provide training to healthcare practitioners on how to work with interpreters. Some simple basics would help ensure the process runs smoothly. Here are some examples of best practice in a situation requiring an interpreter: • introduce everyone and define their roles • establish some ground rules to ensure communication only occurs between the interpreter and the patient • stress that the interpreter can only communicate what is said and cannot offer any additional information or advice • speak directly to the patient and not to the interpreter • maintain eye contact with the patient, if culturally appropriate • speak clearly and naturally • summarise the discussion at regular intervals to ensure the patient has understood everything • ask yourself whether you believe the patient

understands and if you have obtained all relevant information. How will you know and by what measure can you be sure? After the discussion it is good practise to obtain feedback from the interpreter – particularly regarding any difficulties in the interpretation or with any personalities – and to check that the interpreter has not been traumatised in any way. Remember that conveying sensitive information can be distressing for the interpreter as well as the patient. Translation is no less of a problem. In fact, a mistranslation of a document can have dramatic and long-term consequences. A mistranslated instruction sheet could be dangerous to patients and NHS staff, whilst mistranslated patient notes could lead to diagnostic and even patient identification problems. Duplication of translated material seems to be a growing concern with reports that PCT’s may be translating documents for their own local communities, reportedly without reference to colleagues in other areas. SMOOTHING THE PROCESS FURTHER As healthcare providers and their suppliers use more technology in both their business processes and day to day medical recording, the opportunity for unprecedented improvements in patient/carer communication will deliver efficiency without increasing costs. Face to face interpreting should always be used for complex situations or when discussions are likely to be lengthy. This ensures a more caring, personal service and creates a greater understanding of the communication process because the interpreter is able to identify and respond to cultural body language and religious beliefs that may not be obvious to NHS staff. Telephone interpreters should be considered in emergency situations for immediate assistance to help establish facts. It is also the case that some patients may actually prefer to use telephone interpreting as it is more anonymous. However, it is remote

and not recommended in all cases. With recent technological developments, the potential for video interpreting is worth exploring. Video is no substitute for face to face interpreting, but it can provide a practical compromise between face to face and telephone interpreting. Video could also work well for sign language and perhaps even lip speaking, while text to speech is advisable for the visually impaired or illiterate. THE FUTURE With increased patient mobility we could find that there are more non-British EU citizens choosing to come to the UK for their treatment, much in the same way as we are witnessing more UK residents travelling abroad for medical care. The best way forward is to consider the advice offered in this article – always use qualified professionals; train staff in how to work with interpreters; invest more, not less; identify PCT language champions to keep abreast of local community needs and new language requirements; and finally, forge strong relationships with language providers. ITI has 3,000 members, all of whom demonstrate their commitment to the profession by joining the organisation and adhering to a strict code of conduct. This is essential in an unregulated profession. There are various levels of membership ranging from fellow (FITI), qualified member (MITI) and corporate membership. To become a MITI, translators and interpreters must successfully complete the rigorous application process where only those who can prove their educational qualification, experience and commitment succeed.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For further information visit the ITI website at www.iti.org.uk. The Directory of Members offers a list of qualified members.

Tongue Tied celebrate 20 years translating ONGUE TIED IS 20 years old this year and has been successfully translating and interpreting for medical and NHS clients for the last 12 years. Amongst our 500 regular clients we have 10 large medical companies we work with both in the UK and Europe and we send interpreters all over the world to attend medical conferences and deal with medical based emergencies. We pride ourselves on quality translations, delivered on time at a very competitive cost and we are quite happy to complete a small ’test piece’ for a company that is considering using

our services. Latterly we have added Typesetting (DTP) and full blown Printing, including digital to our portfolio which means we can Translate, DTP and Print from a single Source. We have five offices in the UK and are therefore able to offer a local contact if required.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01273 419999 Fax: 01273 415111 E-mail: sales@tongue-tied.co.uk Web: www.tongue-tied.co.uk

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Putting the IT into securITy and saving money in the process The Security and Risk management issues within the Health sector have always been an important part of managing the estate or campus and equally providing IT and ICT services to the many buildings across what may be a widely spread facility has also been an issue that needed to be addressed. Having addressed the latter by installing LAN (local area networks) and WAN (wide area networks) be they hard wired or wireless, it is now a much easier proposition to deal with the Security and Risk management issues. If we consider the major components from a functional point of view, we are looking at surveillance (CCTV), access management, monitoring, communications, data storage and management and PEOPLE These requirements can now be integrated into an overall security and life safety solution which will also offer intercom, video messaging, evacuation and asset management. How? By utilising the latest IP network based technologies to consolidate all of these functions onto one “Existing” infrastructure saving both time (= money) and Money providing a best of breed solution that is reliable, flexible and appropriate. What is more, the authority may not even have to invest in new hardware to achieve this. Utilising existing CCTV cameras for example and connection via a device called a Codec enables the existing investment to be part of the new system. The value of Video data is far greater than for purely security issues, we can all do with another pair of eyes, be it to monitor patients and staff, assess workflow or improve levels of competence and training.

20 SEC TEN

In truth as existing requirements migrate onto an IP network all sorts of additional benefits and savings become apparent, moving the security infrastructure from being a grudge purchase to being a valuable part of the business infrastructure and the data becoming an extremely valuable business tool. GREEN IT – here we have an issue which is all to thorny across the public sector, with legislation forcing ALL institutions to look very carefully at where cost and carbon savings can be made. Again this is an area where introducing modern techniques to an existing IT/IP infrastructure can help.

Now is the perfect time for the IT/ICT, security, HR and other services to look carefully at how these solutions can be of benefit, research what is out there, be creative and work together to provide a best of breed and integrated solution to these apparently disparate business functions.

Power over Ethernet – Provides a great platform upon which to build a highly energy efficient solution again utilising the Network. Simply, by providing power via the network cable structure to devices such as CCTV cameras, Access card and RFID readers and other peripheral devices. Combine this with a good energy management strategy and the on-gong costs fall dramatically.

Prefer to attend a short FREE seminar programme and exhibition in your area – visit one of the IP UserGroup Road shows “IP-in-Action LIVE” – there will be one in your area soon: www.ipusergroup.com/live

Another area which can help is the technique of virtualisation, this is where external server devices are used on a managed/hosted basis reducing the need for costly server rooms with all of the costs involved in maintaining, cooling and powering them. This area will be an important one moving forward.

BUT WHERE DO YOU GO TO STAY AHEAD? Like to use the web for intelligence gathering – try the IP UserGroup International Security Technology forum: www.ipusergroup.com

IP-in-Action LIVE Bedford - 3rd December 2009 Alternatively receive the only publication dedicated to network centric security technology – IPfocus Magazine and eZine: www.ipfocusonline.com And finally why not attend the three day exhibition and conference, IIPSEC 20ten in February – register now: www.iipseconline.com

An Event Focused on Network Centric Security & Life Safety Technology

www.iipseconline.com This unique event demonstrates the latest in IT and network centric technologies and their application within the physical security and life safety environment. International IP in Security Exhibition & Conference Cranmore Park, Solihull, Nr Birmingham, UK 3rd to 5th February 2010 Enquiries: +44 (0)1293 786822 - Email info@iipsec.com

Health Business | Volume 9.7

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RECRUITMENT

THE WORKFORCE OF THE FUTURE The NHS needs to take a long-term view of how it will balance budget shortfalls with recruiting and retaining a talented workforce, says Alastair Henderson, deputy director of NHS Employers IN THE LAST FEW YEARS THE NHS HAS moved out of a period of rapid workforce growth to a more steady state, with labour supply now more closely matched with demand. Despite this relative stability the global economic situation is inevitably having a big impact on current and future recruitment in the NHS. The next few years are expected to be challenging for the NHS. The emerging consensus is that the NHS is likely to have to make £20 billion savings by 2013/14, with a further significant funding gap for the subsequent three years. The current assumption is one of zero growth in the NHS budget. The NHS now employs 1.3 million people and the pay bill accounts for around 40 per cent of overall expenditure. Inevitably some of the savings must come from this budget and a number of commentators have warned that the NHS must reduce staff numbers. LOOKING AHEAD Yet the demand on NHS services will continue to increase as the population grows and ages. The NHS therefore still needs to be an employer of choice attracting and retaining the talent it needs to deliver the vision of quality healthcare for all. It makes sense to foster and retain skills and talent through these lean years, developing the solutions the NHS needs through the people who will deliver them. The NHS has a chance now to take a long term view of the challenges ahead, tackling immediate budget shortfalls alongside designing its workforce for the future. The evidence of earlier recessions is that staff who are made redundant are often re-employed either in a different part of the NHS or the wider public sector. This is a poor use of public funds. More recent experience from NHS trusts in financial turnaround has shown that ‘slash and burn’ strategies to release immediate cash savings from salary and training and learning budgets succeed only in disengaging staff in the short term and lead to skills gaps in the medium term. In these leaner times, the NHS should therefore minimise redundancies on a large scale and make the most of natural turnover, eliminate waste and increase productivity. AN AGING WORKFORCE The NHS workforce is ageing and we know that around 30,000 people retire from the NHS each year. While this does present an opportunity for reducing headcount, it will also incur a loss of knowledge and skills that NHS managers will need to replace through a mixture of recruitment and training. It

could be that the NHS faces a significant and expensive staffing shortfall in five to ten years if it does not plan ahead carefully now. All of this evidence points to the need for the NHS to work even harder to retain its skilled staff and recruit the right people in the future. Organisations worldwide now view talent management as crucial to both boosting the leadership skills they need to see them through

the current downturn and retaining much needed skills and talent in preparation for the economic recovery. The best companies and organisations are focusing on developing leaders who will not only ‘survive and thrive’ the current financial crisis, but will be well positioned for growth once the economy recovers. NHS Employers is working with the NHS to help them identify, attract and retain the talent

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Healthcare solutions to help meet your targets

Lawrence Webster Forrest – fire consultants

YOU ARE looking W HETHER for a solution to deliver HPV

AWRENCE WEBSTER Forrest Ltd is a fire safety engineering consultancy with over 20 years experience in the development of fire engineering technology and the application of fire safety standards. As the UK’s leading independent fire consultants, LWF provides building managers, owners, occupiers, developers and designers with innovative solutions to the problems of establishing an integrated premises fire safety strategy. Such solutions are individually designed to each building considering relevant constraints such as structure, occupancy, use, operation and cost. The company has been providing these service since 1986 and has built up an impressive client list which includes architects, developers, government departments, project managers, consulting engineers, building owners, facilities/ building managers and owners. Services offered include fire safety training, fire safety

or swine flu programmes or need to provide your service users with at-home complex care solutions, Advantage can help. Our national accounts team work with Primary Care Trusts, GPs, local authorities and hospitals to deliver end to end programmes which allow you to achieve your targets. We are not just providers of staff. Our service can be tailored to meet your exact requirements including advice and support to set your programme up, through to developing operational specifics to ensure it runs smoothly. Alternatively if you already have your programme arranged, we will make sure you have the correct staff to deliver it.

In terms of complex care, we have primary care specialists across the country, all of whom are very experienced in setting up and delivering adult or paediatric complex care packages, long term and end of life care, care for those with head or spinal injuries and renal care to name but a few. Your account will be individually handled with regular reviews and appraisals to ensure only the best of care is delivered.

FOR MORE INFORMATION To find out more about our range of services, contact us on 01952 278 318 or visit www.advantagehealthcare.com for further details and case studies.

The experts in specialist healthcare recruitment STABLISHED IN 1992, Firstpoint Healthcare specialise in the recruitment of theatre nurses, ODP’s, ITU/HDU nurses, RSCN’s and midwives within the NHS and private sector. With a branch network covering the UK, Firstpoint is in an excellent position to provide staff to hospitals and Primary Care Trusts nationwide. Firstpoint is exceptionally proud of its reputation in providing quality, motivated staff and we are delighted to be part of the National Framework Agreement for Nursing. Our client portfolio is impressive including

prestigious contracts with private hospitals and the NHS. Our accounts team is very efficient and errors are minimal and overall, our aim is to provide all of our staff and clients with the confidence that we are working with their best interests in mind, both professionally and financially.

FOR MORE INFORMATION If you would like to find out more about Firstpoint Healthcare and how we can help you, please contact Jane Embury, Operations Manager on 0121 643 5675 or 07795 456500.

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management and procedures, fire risk assessments, fire safety audits/surveys, fire alarm and detection system design, fire suppression system design, emergency lighting system design, fire engineering design solutions, fire strategy development, evacuation modelling, fire and smoke modelling, design review and appraisal

FOR MORE INFORMATION Peter Gyere, Marketing Manager Tel: 020 8668 8663 Fax 020 8668 8583 E-mail fire@lwf.co.uk Web: www.lwf.co.uk

Secure archive and destruction services LARKS ARCHIVE Storage offers state of the art archive services supported by our storage facility designed to allow maximum flexibility and access to your material. CAS is ISO9001 and ISO27001 certified. Using the latest technology, each archive box is bar-coded and scanned, keeping a secure audit trail of all clients’ transactions. Our retrieval and collection service has been proved and tested over many years. We are able to supply storage boxes designed specifically for the storage of document records and files, made from high quality, strong and durable board. All businesses produce documentation containing confidential and sensitive information which, under ever increasing laws, must be securely destroyed and disposed of to comply with legislation. We offer a reliable destruction service, supplying a secure waste wheelie

bins in a variety of sizes for ease of transportation. There is no contract to adhere to, only a charge on each collection when required. The bins are transported back to our premises and the documentation is then shredded and destroyed in accordance with the Data Protection Act. We provide a daily service to and from London and a pre-arranged service to the rest of mainland UK.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Clarks Archive Storage Contact: Danny Clark Address: Stour Valley Business Centre, Brundon Lane, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 7GB Tel: 0845 5050 003 Fax: 0845 5050 004 E-mail: info@archive-storage.com

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RECRUITMENT

they need to get the best from their workforce. Now is an excellent time for HR and workforce leaders, together with boards, to be putting top quality talent management systems in place that will allow individuals, teams and whole organisations to perform at their best. EFFECTIVE RECRUITMENT In order to attract the right staff for the future, the NHS also needs to have a good profile among new entrants to the workforce. NHS Jobs, the electronic recruitment service for the NHS, provides NHS organisations with a cost-effective approach to recruitment advertising, saving around £1 million a week. It is the leading online recruitment service in the UK, advertising between 8,500 and 9,500 NHS jobs at any one time, with consistently more visits than other commercial job boards such as Monster or Totaljobs. Effective recruitment requires planning. It is always useful to review workforce requirements against current and known future demand before advertising a post. It may also be appropriate to discuss requirements among local employer networks

range of careers in the NHS; work experience toolkits for employers and education; and the What can I do with my degree website aimed at students and recent graduates. Recent research has revealed the impact that NHS Careers has made to the NHS workforce. A survey of those that came into contact with the NHS Careers service revealed that 46 per cent of respondents have taken action to join the NHS, such as start a relevant training course, since contacting NHS Careers. In addition, research with 14-19 year olds registered to the Step into the NHS programme shows the positive effect it is having among the age group. Since joining the programme, 93 per cent have said that they are more likely to consider a career in the NHS, with 80 per cent saying it was because they felt they could make a difference. Backing Young Britain is a government campaign to bring businesses and the public and voluntary sectors together to ensure that the valuable skills and experience of the country’s young people aren’t being wasted during the economic downturn. NHS organisations are involved with many

The current economic downturn is inevitably having an impact on recruitment and retention in the NHS, but this shouldn’t mean large scale redundancies. Rather, it is more important than ever that the NHS attracts, retains and develops talented people who are up to the challenge or work collaboratively with other local NHS employers to recruit high quality candidates to support the wider local economy needs. Working with neighbouring organisations allows NHS organisations to become familiar with local networks and their recruitment needs, providing scope to work together to meet national and local targets. Planning workforce requirements will need to recognise the modernising career agendas and implementation of the Next Stage Review. It is widely recognised that our future workforce supply will largely come from those who are already in employment as well as those who are currently in education making choices about their future career or work pathway. NHS Careers is the careers information service for the NHS in England and supports over 350 careers in the NHS via a helpline, literature and websites. RECRUITMENT RESOURCES NHS Careers has developed a number of resources including literature that the NHS can use at open days and careers events; the Step into the NHS programme of activity targeting 14-19 year olds that aims to promote the broad

of the initiatives promoted in Backing Young Britain, which include offering apprenticeships, work experience and internships to young people and closer working with your local Jobcentre on Local Employment Partnerships. APPRENTICESHIPS Earlier this year the government announced plans to create 21,000 new apprenticeship places in the public sector from April 2009, 5,000 of which will be in the NHS. The places will deliver on the government’s pledge to create 35,000 additional apprenticeship places. The 5,000 new positions will be across the NHS and social care in areas such as customer service, dental nursing, health and social care, pharmacies and learning and development posts. NHS Employers is working with Jobcentre Plus and the government to promote the NHS as a place to access a range of job opportunities and to describe the benefits of Local Employment Partnerships (LEPs) to NHS employers. LEPs are an initiative between government and employers to help tackle the increasing recruitment and skills challenges of our labour market and economy. NHS organisations play

ABOUT NHS EMPLOYERS NHS Employers is responsible for providing advice and support to NHS organisations on the recruitment and retention of all healthcare staff from administrators to paramedics. Through its bespoke services, NHS Employers is developing innovative solutions to support both short term workforce needs and the NHS workforce of the future. From April 2010, NHS Employers will become a membership organisation offering a complete portfolio of member benefits adding value to the NHS as a whole and to individual NHS organisations. a key role in this initiative as they are often some of the most important local employers, providing job opportunities to a significant proportion of the local labour market. In April 2009, the government introduced a new subsidy of £1,000 for employers who recruit long-term unemployed people. The aim of the scheme is to provide an incentive to employers to support individuals who find it most difficult to access the labour market after having a long period of unemployment and may require additional support from their employer when re-entering employment. NHS Employers has joined partners with SOLACE Enterprises to offer a new Flexible Resourcing service which provides high calibre interim managers where needed in the NHS. The service is offering real quality and value to the health organisations that need to rapidly identify and secure additional knowledge, skills and resources in their organisation. UK AND BEYOND International recruitment has made a valuable contribution to workplace expansion in the NHS over recent years. Given the current increased availability of qualified healthcare professionals in the UK resident labour market, NHS organisations are now less reliant on overseas recruits and as such are unlikely to use international recruitment to fill vacancies. However, this position may change again in the future. The current economic downturn is inevitably having an impact on recruitment and retention in the NHS, but this shouldn’t mean large scale redundancies. Rather, it is more important than ever that the NHS attracts, retains and develops talented people who are up to the challenge. NHS Employers is working with the NHS to develop innovative solutions to make sure it has a workforce fit for both the present and future.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information see www.nhsemployers.org www.nhscareers.nhs.uk www.jobs.nhs.uk

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STAFF TRAINING

WELLNESS IN THE NHS Case Study: London Strategic Health Authority in partnership with WellKom THE VISION FOR LONDONERS IS that every Londoner can have access healthcare that is genuinely world class. Only through world class people will world class healthcare be achieved. In keeping with the thinking and financial pay backs of developing a proactive and positive wellness strategy developing a proactive and positive wellness strategy (highlighted by Dame Carol Black and now more specifically in the Boorman Review) London SHA, as an employer, has been developing a bold, innovative and integrated internal wellness strategy for all its employees. The development of this strategy has been influenced by international best practice in organisations also striving/achieving world class service; productivity and safety. The diagram below outlines the London SHA’s strategic approach based on integrating the three disciplines of health, business and people management. POSITIVE APPROACH The positive, proactive, self-enabling approach to developing personal wellness management capabilities is based on: 1) Competencies: recognising that personal wellness management is a core capability/ competence (there is a new national vocational qualification available) 2) A London SHA Online Wellness Zone (branded as Powering Up) which provides each person the opportunity to open a Personal Wellness Account The Wellness Zone, as the Boorman Review recommends, levers all the existing Public Health Resources such as Change 4 Life; Go London and NHS Plus (24/7 access to wellness advice by phone and online free) and other wellness investments (which many NHS Trusts etc also have). 3) A Personal Wellness Profile – an opportunity to compare oneself against many different wellness aspects in a holistic way (work

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and non work habits); develop therefore a clear understanding of current strengths (positive emphasis) and development areas; highly personalised advice (over 500,000 combinations) of Wellness Development Activities to improve wellness and performance. 4) Wellness Workshops: Engagement Sessions, “Maximising the Value of Your Personal Wellness Profile” workshops and other employee led wellness services/activities. MEASURING PROGRESS Leaders and HR professionals are being developed to understand and manage the inter-relations of the three disciplines (health; people and business management) – with the opportunity to acquire a national vocational leadership qualification which is action learning focussed. To balance employer and employee responsibilities there is a whole integrated set of management information generated from the Personal Wellness Profile. The great advantages of this approach are (1) the information being generated from a developmental process, not yet another survey, and (2) can be produced almost immediately anytime individuals, teams, organisational units want to re-profile and measure progress. The management information provides a deep understanding of current wellness levels; the impact on productivity; attendance; scale of change; risks to health (Type 2 diabetes; RSI; coronary related risks and mental health); the impact of people and business management practices on the wellness levels and, if required, the generation of HSE Stress Standard type reports (with improved insights due to the methodology of analysis). All of this management information can be built into a Balanced Score Card like Organisational Dashboard which the London SHA is

developing for different parts of the health service. So leaders, once developed in this three disciplined approach, will have access to multifunctional information to understand and improve all aspects of performance. As an organisation leading strategically on healthcare in London, with a vision to be world class and also facing significant demands /changes in the future, the London SHA wants to be able to understand and improve the number and ratio of Brand Ambassadors in its workforce. Therefore as part of the development of its wellness strategy it commissioned a Brand Ambassador Index. This Index is illustrated below using hypothetical numbers as illustration. RETURN ON INVESTMENT The projected pay –offs of this investment in Wellness are substantial in terms of employment £’s; service and productivity; reduction in risk/claims; capacity to manage change; and increased brand value through increasing the number and ratio of Brand Ambassadors. Then of course the win – win benefits from the employees’ points of view – their own improved personal wellness management capabilities which will enable them to not only sustain higher performance at work, but also in life in general, as well as enjoy a greater quality of life possibly for more years.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information contact: Pauline Lucas, Interim Head of HR, London Strategic Health Authority E-mail: pauline.lucas@london.nhs.uk Tel: 020 79329075 or Anthony Phillips, MD, WellKom E-mail: anthony@wellkom.co.uk Tel: 01442 876748. Alternatively, please visit www.wellkom.co.uk

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Written by Dr Steve Boorman

STAFF TRAINING

INVESTING IN STAFF It is fair to ask how, with serious funding squeezes being mooted after 2011, NHS organisations can afford to make a trust-wide investment in staff-focused support services. I would argue that they can’t afford not to Programmes and services that support staff health and well-being are a worthy investment, which will save trusts money and improve patient care. That’s the principal message set out in the NHS Health and Well-being Review’s Final Report, which we delivered to the Department of Health in November. The final report shows that the NHS loses 10.3m working days annually due to sickness absence alone, costing £1.7bn per year. With a future public spending squeeze seemingly inevitable, provider organisations cannot afford to lose so much every year as a result of staff absence, reduced productivity, and continuing bills for temporary staff. Reducing service-wide absence rates by a third would mean an extra 3.4m working days a year, and annual direct cost savings of over half a billion pounds (£555m). There is no doubt that these savings can be achieved through well constructed programmes and effectively targeted investment. Organisations which have invested strategically in health and well-being services have achieved major reductions in absence rates, with BT reducing rates by 30 per cent from 3.5 per cent to 2.43 per cent in five years, and in Royal Mail by 40 per cent from 7 per cent to 4.2 per cent over a similar period. ENGAGING STAFF The Review discovered that NHS trusts who have devoted serious resource to improving workforce health and well-being often outperformed commercial organisations in the reduction of absenteeism. Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHST, for example, saw rates fall from 4.78 per cent to 3.86 per cent in just two years, having implemented an impressive trustwide staff engagement programme. Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides an excellent example of how targeted investment in improving staff health can drive down absenteeism. As our report showed, musculoskeletal problems are the single largest cause of sickness absence in the NHS. Recognising this, the Trust introduced an OH department based Physiotherapy Musculo-Skeletal Disorders (MSD) assessment service for NHS staff. This resulted in a reduction in sickness absence from 13.6 to 6.8 days; a decrease in waiting time for MSD appointments and the majority of patients being assessed and managed by physiotherapists without the need for medical input, with

Reducing service-wide absence rates by a third would mean an extra 3.4m working days a year, and annual direct cost savings of over half a billion pounds

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Draeger – innovative Automating service equipment and solutions to reduce costs that people trust T NNOVATION IS THE theme that runs throughout Draeger, manufacturer of a wide range of respiratory protection, gas detection systems, and drugs and alcohol testing devices for use in firefighting, industrial and health service applications. Founded in 1889 and employing over 400 people in the UK, Draeger believes that innovative forward thinking and a strong customer focus are central to its success. By working closely with its customers and understanding the complexities of hundreds of very different applications, Draeger has been able to develop products that not only meet the needs of today’s users but which can be further enhanced to meet the needs of the future. Each of these products combines ergonomics and wearer comfort with user safety and a modern, practical design. They are also designed to be cost effective, durable and easy to use. Fully supported with the Draeger Total Care programme, the range includes respiratory protection

such as the Draeger X-plore 1300 and 1700 Series of half masks, as well as personal escape sets, chemical protection suits and full breathing apparatus. Portable and fixed gas detection are also included, as are drug and alcohol testing devices such as the Draeger DDT 5000 drug detection system.

HE PHONE CHANNEL remains the primary way that customers interact with customer service. The customer care industry has seen an increase in calls into the contact center as a result of customers not being able to reach a suitable resolution to their issue via email or the web. Analysts predict call volumes are growing four per cent every year, so companies must find a way to manage the volume; either hire more agents or automate calls. Nuance voice self-service solutions automate call centre customer interactions to allow customers to serve themselves, to enable customer service agents to focus on complex calls and to reduce call volumes. By automating call routing,

identifying and verifying customers using either speech recognition or voice recognition, providing self-service on a mobile device and using innovative techniques to avoid calls being made in the first place Nuance can help you improve customer satisfaction and reduce service costs. Using our voice self-service solutions customers typically see a return on investment in less than six months and can reduce costs by as much as sixty per cent.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: +44 (0)845 003 7197 Fax: +44 (0)20 7067 8495 E-mail: lisa.grantham@ nuance.com Web: www.nuance.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION Further information is available from David Fenton, Draeger Safety UK Limited, Ullswater Close, Blyth Riverside Business Park., Blyth, Northumberland, NE24 4RG. Tel: 01670 352891 Fax: 01670 356266

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STAFF TRAINING

significant cost savings for the Trust. West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust achieved similar success. The trust spent £21,000 introducing a system of priority referrals to a local physiotherapist for injured staff. The system achieved over £170,000 of savings in the direct cost of musculoskeletal injuries. Days lost as a result of sickness absence also fell by 40 per cent. Both of these trusts are sterling examples of how investment in occupational health services can be generate a significant financial return as a result of cost reduction and reduced absenteeism. However, the case for change set out in our Report is not solely a financial one. EFFECTIVE DELIVERY The Final Report also concluded that organisations with healthy, happy staff are far more effective in delivering high quality patient care. An overwhelming majority of staff we surveyed believed the state of their health directly affected the quality of the care they were providing. Our research showed that trusts who maintained and improved their staff’s health and well-being scored higher on general performance measures such as patient satisfaction and Annual Health Check Scores for ‘quality of services’ and ‘use of resources’.

Addenbrooke’s hospital, part of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NSHFT, is an example of a high performing trust that has benefited from a comprehensive, organisationwide commitment to improving staff health. The hospital received an ‘excellent’ rating for quality of services in last year’s Annual Health Check, and achieved the highest possible scores for safety and cleanliness, dignity and respect, standard of care, and waiting times. Addenbrooke’s is a shining example of the strides that can be made when hospital management commits to investing in the health and happiness of their staff. Regular staff health-check days offer employees blood pressure and BMI checks, dietary guidance and exercise and fitness advice. A health and well-being intranet site has been set up, offering information about public health initiatives like the Know Your Limits campaign. And an admirable amount has been done to motivate staff and encourage them to enjoy their work, with the hospital organising fitness focused social events like five-a-side tournaments. Organisations like Addenbrooke’s are reaping the benefits of improved occupational health provision; it’s no surprise that last year’s Annual Health Check also gave them an ‘excellent’ rating for ‘use of resources’. Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, West Suffolk

Hospitals NHS Trust, and Addenbrooke’s hospital, along with many other high performing organisations, have demonstrated what can be achieved when time and resource is devoted to supporting staff health and well-being. COMMITMENT REQUIRED Unfortunately, occupational health provision across the NHS is patchy at best. To ensure that staff and organisations are fully equipped to meet the challenges of the coming months and years, a service-wide culture change is required, placing far greater emphasis on the importance of workforce health and well-being. This increased commitment should be supported by board level responsibility for staff health and well-being, ensuring that workforce health becomes part of the core business of the organisation. Proper resourcing for occupational health and staff support services is imperative, with a clear understanding that this represents investment that will deliver both long-term savings and improved patient care. Our Review sends a clear message to the leaders of the largest workforce in Europe about the importance of occupational health. Employers have no greater resource than fit and motivated employees. This is why it is all the more important that they invest in the health and well-being of their staff.

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A Handheld Computer for Healthcare Applications The Socket Mobile SoMo® 650Rx The Socket Mobile SoMo® 650Rx is a hospital-grade handheld computer made with antimicrobial materials that provide an extra layer of protection against the multiplication and spread of potentially harmful bacteria and microbes. Software drivers and utilities are pre-loaded on to the SoMo® 650Rx making it ready to deploy straight out of the box. The SoMo® 650Rx is easy to customise with an expanding range of Socket Mobile peripherals which also feature anti-microbial protection. ®

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PATIENT SAFETY

CLEAN HANDS SAVE LIVES Hands are one of the main ways that infections can be spread, so keeping them clean is essential, says the National Patient Safety Agency

Reducing avoidable incidences of healthcare associated infection (HCAI) remains a key priority for the NHS as they cause unnecessary distress and harm to an estimated 5,000 patients each year.1, 2 However, even taking the devastating impact on patients out of the equation, it makes good business sense to prevent the spread of HCAIs. On average patients with MRSA bacteraemias stay an additional ten days in hospital. For Clostridium difficile (C.diff) it is even longer and the subsequent additional treatment costs £4,000 to £10,000 per patient.3 HAND HYGIENE One of the most effective ways of preventing the spread of HCAI is through good hand hygiene practice by healthcare staff. The cleanyourhands campaign was developed by the National Patient Safety Agency

(NPSA) to improve the hand hygiene of staff and help the NHS tackle HCAIs. The key message of the campaign is for staff to clean their hands at the point of care, which can be achieved through the use of either alcohol handrub or soap and water. The realities of healthcare delivery, however, mean that soap and water are not always easily accessible when and where care is being provided. When staff come into contact with patients, often their hands do not usually feel ‘dirty’; therefore they often do not make the effort to walk to a sink. This is where alcohol handrub comes in; alcohol handrub enables healthcare staff to quickly and effectively clean their hands at the point of care and is recommended for the multiple times each day that staff have routine contact with patients. Soap and water should always be used when

hands are visibly soiled or have had contact with body fluids; when caring for someone with vomiting or diarrhoea; or there is an outbreak of diarrhoeal diseases such as Norovirus or C.diff. APPROPRIATE CLEANING During the delivery of care, staff will often need to clean their hands when there may be no apparent reason or incentive to do so. This is not to say that staff are indifferent to those in their care or are intentionally taking risks with them. Rather, staff are often unaware of the appropriate moments for hand hygiene and the consequences of inappropriate hand cleaning may not be immediate or directly linked to the actions of an individual healthcare worker. To help staff better understand when they need to clean their hands, the World Health Organization developed

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the ‘Five Moments for Hand Hygiene.’ This concept identifies the five key ‘moments’ during patient care that healthcare staff need to clean their hands in order to keep patients and staff safe. These moments are based on risk minimisation and each incorporates a variety of indicators. The concept rationalises when hand hygiene needs to occur, thus eradicating unnecessary hand hygiene and ensuring that staff are cleaning their hands at the critical points for preventing the transmission of infection-causing microbes. The concept of the ‘five moments’ is that the patient and his or her immediate environment becomes what is defined as the ‘patient zone’. This zone can differ according to where the patient is being treated and needs to be agreed by the staff working within that environment. The idea is that staff need to clean their hands when they cross the imaginary line and enter the patient zone (moment one) and when they leave (moment four). They can then work within the patient zone without having to clean their hands every time they touch the patient unless they are doing one of two things: undertaking a clean or aseptic procedure (moment two) or may have had direct hand contact with body fluids (moment three). The fifth moment is after contact with the patient surroundings and is when a healthcare worker enters the patient zone, does not touch the patient but does touch items within the zone, such as a bed or chair. Hand hygiene needs to take place after contact with items that are considered part of the patient zone to avoid the transfer of any microbes from this environment into another patient’s zone. CAMPAIGN FOCUS The ‘five moments’ will be a key focus of the cleanyourhands campaign. Infection control teams will be trained in the concept and its application so that they are equipped and able to train frontline staff in their trusts. A series of ‘train the trainer’ style regional workshops took place from April to June 2009. This was supported by a variety of resources to support training; the main being a film that illustrates the application of the ‘five moments’ in different care settings during one patient’s journey through the NHS from ambulance to hospital and back home. The other major development regarding the cleanyourhands campaign is the reissue of the NPSA’s Patient Safety Alert: Clean hands save lives4 The updated alert, which applies to all providers of NHS care in England and Wales, outlines current best practice in hand hygiene including: • reemphasising the point of care as the critical moment for hand hygiene; • clear guidance on when alcohol handrub and when soap and water should be used; • current recognised standard for hand hygiene products; and • management of associated risks. The alert also sets out a number of actions that need to be completed. These include auditing risk management strategies to ensure that healthcare staff are able to undertake hand hygiene at the point of care and that policies and processes are appropriately focused. Action plans are then required to address any issues identified through auditing. The NPSA is currently researching the extent to which the alert has currently been implemented to help assess what further action and support may be needed.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: www.npsa.nhs.uk/cleanyourhands 1 The operating framework for the NHS in England 2009/10 2 Improving patient care by reducing the risk of Hospital Acquired Infection, National Audit Office, 2004 3 Clean Safe Care: Reducing infections and saving lives, Department of Health, 9 January 2008 4 www.npsa.nhs.uk/nrls/alerts-and- directives/alerts/clean-hands-save-lives/

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Wristband technology enhances PAS efficiency

Why talk to Lancer about decontamination?

D BAND SOFTWARE from Colorflex, the leading innovator in colour and barcode print technology, allows medical facilities to print patient wristbands and charts automatically from Admissions data input, using any standard colour laser printer. Wristbands can include text, logos, colour coded alerts and even the patient’s photograph. ID Band allows complete control of all print elements and can produce virtually any risk/alert message or special requirement eg. blood group or allergies. ID Band helps streamline admissions, increases patient safety and reduces errors. ID Band watches for new data from the PAS system and routes it to your wristband design template. Barcodes, condition

ERE ARE JUST FIVE possible reasons why the hospital Decontamination Lead may need ‘no strings’ advice from the specialists. Want to see best practice at work in endoscope decontamination? We can show you reference sites throughout the UK where the whole process runs safely and smoothly with minimal delays in patient lists. Want to save time and costs? The latest FD8E drying and storage cabinet aseptically dries and stores scopes for seven days without need for the expense and inefficiency of repeat disinfection before use. Having to reprocess flexible endoscopes in tight spaces? The POKA-YOKE AER is compact, easy to use, hands free, has fast cycles, clean and dirty sides, track and trace, conforms to HTM and EN 15883, and more. It pays for itself! Staff need endoscope decontamination training? Whether managing, operating the AER, daily/weekly testing, Lancer Academy offers a range of affordable courses that

and medication labels can be generated with no additional work. ID Band then automatically routes print output to the correct print location and your wristband prints out automatically, ready to apply. Admissions, A&E, radiology – all departments can share the same system, whilst keeping a wristband design unique to them. Colorflex also provides leading solutions for labelling and tracking of patient files.

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are City & Guilds accredited and IDSc approved. Worried about JAG audits or compliance? Lancer can review your decontamination facilities and give advice on latest equipment, procedures, connectors, validation, training requirements – free and without commitment.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Lancer, part of the Getinge Group, world leaders in infection control. Contact us at Cambridge on 01223 861665 or e-mail enquiries@lancer.co.uk

Human factors and ergonomics consultancy Adopting an individual, logical approach UILDING WATER Solutions Ltd is an independent water treatment/water hygiene and consultation company. From works in care homes, commercial premises, hospitals, industrial manufacturing, prisons and schools we have gained and wealth of experience and knowledge. We offer a flexible and sympathetic but logical approach. Our aim is to work with our clients to ensure understanding of our mutual responsibilities. Then by adopting appropriate programmes we can together move to conform to current legislation. Services include acid de-scaling, bacteriological sampling, chemical analysis and chemical supply. Closed system no-loss filtration

and dosing equipment installation. Legionella risk assessments, interpretation and prioritisation of remedial works. Log book auditing. Production of site specific logbooks, plant surveys and site training. We can also offer the services of a heating contractor/consultancy company specialising in industrial and commercial boiler servicing, plant room refurbishments, gas pipe-work installation, commissioning, small works and boiler room maintenance.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Company Name: Building Water Solutions Ltd Tel: 07904 117 618 E-mail: jiofbws@tiscali.co.uk

PEOPLE ARE W HEN motivated and get involved, performance increases dramatically. We find ways to grab that extra performance and smooth out the barriers that cause frustration and inefficiency. We specialise in analysing systems and processes to maximise performance. We explore why processes do not deliver what is expected and rectify them. Our services are based on wide industry experience and are established on a firm foundation of quality, value and practical application. Keeping it simple works and we deliver. The results every time increase performance through understanding the problems, reducing the potential for human errors; operational improvements through systems alignment; open communication generating individual effectiveness;

operational cost savings through greater interaction and alignment; increased organisational learning through shared knowledge and experience and compliance with legislation through achieving ‘best practice’. Visit our website and take advantage of our experience.

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NEONATAL CARE

FAMILY-CENTRED CARE Recent research by POPPY, the Parents of Premature Babies Project, calls for a new approach to neonatal care in the UK THE QUALITY OF CARE FOR PREMATURE babies in neonatal units in the UK is very high, but there has been concern that in some units the medical treatment is the central focus of care and the emotional and social needs of the baby and their parents can be overlooked. New research released by POPPY (Parents of Premature Babies Project) highlights these concerns and raises the importance of family-centred care. POPPY is a collaboration between the University of Warwick, Royal College of Nursing Research Institute, NCT – National Childbirth Trust, Bliss and the National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, and was funded by the Big Lottery Fund. RECOGNISING PARENTS’ NEEDS The POPPY research identified effective ways for health professionals to communicate and provide information and support to parents of a premature baby, to meet their needs and those of their baby. Providing family-centred care means that health professionals must: • recognise and value parents as being at the centre of the care process for their baby • respond to parents’ emotional, social and information needs by communicating clearly and seeking informed consent for any treatment • show parents how they can care for their baby, and encourage them as they gradually become the main carers. The three-year POPPY research project involved a survey of UK neonatal units, interviews with pre-term parents and a systematic review of previous research findings. POPPY found that providing information and support for parents, and increasing parents’ involvement in their babies’ care, can have a significant impact on parents’ confidence, their parenting behaviour and the wellbeing of the family. THE NEED FOR SPACE Results of the neonatal survey showed that there was limited availability of separate rooms where parents can care for their baby. It was found that 25 per cent of units do not have this facility, which is particularly important for parents caring for twins, for babies needing barrier nursing and for parents to use when preparing to take their baby home. The survey also found that 10 per cent of units did not have a parent sitting room close to clinical areas. Providing a space for parents to relax in, close to their premature or sick baby is highly important for parental well-being, encouraging regular visiting and frequent contact. POPPY found that in general, informationgiving was good, with 90 per cent of units

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providing literature and photographs to parents. Most units were able to offer parents the opportunity to visit the neonatal unit in advance, when it was known that the baby would be born pre-term. A smaller percentage of units provided more in-depth, topic specific information on areas such as ventilation and tube feeding. Some units provided information about after-care although this was not consistent across all units. Different families have different needs. So a range of policies and information materials are needed, tailored to different circumstances. Less than 20 per cent of units said they had written policies about working with parents of twins, teenage parents, ethnic minority or disabled mothers, whilst two thirds had policies specifically for parents who misuse substances. The POPPY report highlights the need to bridge these gaps in care, reduce variations in policies and practice and improve quality. The survey also found that only half of the units surveyed had a parents’ group and only a third had a one-to-one parent support scheme. Moreover just 16 per cent had a specialist family care nurse. The POPPY project offers practical guidance for health professionals to identify parents’ needs and help them to be involved in their baby’s care. The project highlights a range of good practices in many neonatal units and calls for all units to review their current provision and take steps to provide comprehensive family centred care Family-centred care involves health professionals actively considering how it feels for parents to have a premature or sick baby and working within a framework to improve their experience. It can be shocking for parents to see their baby in an incubator for the first time, so they will need support on touching and holding their babies, talking, feeding, changing nappies and when they can hold their baby skin-to-skin. All units should be in a position to consider what they can do to increase parents’ involvement with their baby. INVOLVING PARENTS There is also promising evidence that improved communication and involvement of parents in their baby’s care is of benefit to babies and welcomed by parents. It promotes positive parent-child interaction and wellbeing and can reduce the length of stay of pre-term babies in the unit, the need for re-hospitalisation and long-term morbidity. Professionals can involve parents in many ways including: • showing them how to hold their baby skin-to-skin from the very earliest days,

unless specifically contra-indicated • encouraging mothers to express their breastmilk, providing an electric breastpump in pleasant, private surroundings, as close to the baby as possible and offering continuing guidance and support with breastfeeding • explaining their baby’s condition with regular written as well as verbal updates • videoing consultations and giving the parents access on-line or a DVD to keep • explaining about their baby’s developmental needs and behavioural cues. Sophie Staniszewska, principal researcher on POPPY, said: “When babies are too small or too sick it is sometimes the case that medical treatment is the central focus of care and the emotional and social needs of babies and their parents can be overlooked. Family-centred care helps to safeguard the wellbeing of the whole family in challenging circumstances, aiming to enable them to enjoy a family life from the earliest days.” Bliss chief executive Andy Cole says: “While babies are the main priority for health professionals in a neonatal unit, it is extremely important not to forget the needs of parents and the positive impact that they can have on the care of their baby too. This project highlights the importance of effective communication and support for families and that services both in hospital and at home should take full account of their individual needs at what can be a very uncertain and stressful time. Parents must feel confident and supported to provide the best possible care to their vulnerable baby.” NCT head of Research and Information, Mary Newburn, said: “The POPPY project is addressing the feelings of stress, isolation and powerlessness that so many parents of premature babies feel and it offers solutions to counteract this. “The POPPY project recommends that all neonatal units provide family-centred care and has developed a range of materials to help make this easier. In essence, POPPY wants all health professionals to recognise and value parents as being at the centre of the care process for their baby.” All neonatal units across the UK have been sent a range of materials, devised by POPPY, to help implement family-centred care including: a booklet of parents views which explores stressful experiences and emotional needs, a poster and an easy-to-read leaflet for parents promoting skin-to-skin care, available in English, Polish, Urdu, French and Portuguese.

FOR MORE INFORMATION More information on POPPY is available at www.poppy-project.org.uk

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NEONATAL CARE

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Discover the power of hypnotherapy

UK Transcriptions – words are our business

NDY DOVEY is the founder of the evive hypnotherapy practice in Berkshire. In the mid 1990’s Andy trained in NLP with Richard Bandler and Paul McKenna, and in a hypnotherapy training programme devised by Terence Watts, author of the groundbreaking ‘Warriors, Settlers and Nomads’. Andy specialises in the areas of obesity, addictions (alcohol, smoking, etc) and pain management. Studies have shown the psychological component of pain is greater than the pathological component, so effective pain management must take this into account. Patterson and Jensen (2003) concluded “Randomised controlled studies with clinical populations indicate that hypnosis has a reliable and significant impact on acute procedural pain and chronic pain conditions”. Having eliminated medical grounds, Andy works back from the client’s presenting symptoms

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FOR MORE INFORMATION More information, articles and references can be found on Andy’s website: www.evive.co.uk

Russell Wanless professional massage

Naturally promoting good health

EMEDIAL MASSAGE – for the treatment of muscular injuries, pains and other related problems. Sports massage – muscle specific massage for particular sports and the treatment of injuries. Therapeutic massage – a follow up treatment to remedial and sports massage for the maintenance of physical wellbeing. On-site massage – taking massage to the place of work or the clients home. Hot stone massage – a deep but gentle massage ideal for stress relief and treatment of deep problems where little pressure must be used. I have been practicing massage since

HERE IS A LARGE and growing interest in acupuncture and it is regularly covered by the media – for good reason too. In May this year NICE recommended that acupuncture be offered to patients presenting with a six week history of low back pain. It is a popular choice not only because it is effective for a wide range of conditions but it is also cost effective which is important for NHS referrals and private patients alike. Cost savings are calculated to include decreased use of prescribed medication, reduction in the need for expensive investigations and imaging and the avoidance of some surgical procedures. In addition, it is one of the safest forms of treatment and side effects are very rare. The two busy clinics I run within GP surgeries in Bristol attract recommendations and referrals for many conditions including musculo-skeletal problems, headaches and migraines, stress and stress related conditions

(Effect) in order to establish the Initial Sensitising Event (Cause), often an emotional ‘triggering’ event from childhood of which the client has little conscious recollection. Hypnotherapy enables the client’s sub-conscious mind to recall and analyse the event using the rational adult mind, so enabling the client to resolve the issue and eliminate the symptoms. Andy gives regular seminars offering candid insights combined with a healthy sense of humour.

1996 having studied at the Scottish School of Professional Massage. Apart from working in my own practice I have worked in Germany as a masseur in a Sanatorium Hotel. Massage is a complementary therapy that is intended to assist or supplement main stream medicine. It is not a substitute for medical treatment.

FOR MORE INFORMATION H Russell Wanless P.M.A.S. B.R.C.P 51 Meadowhouse Road Edingburgh EH 12 7HW Tel/Fax: 0131 334 5988 E-mail: hrwanless@ blueyonder.co.uk

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and gynaecological problems. Its success in increasing fertility rates is well documented and I am currently working on a project with the Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine to make acupuncture available for their patients undergoing IVF. I am a Member of the British Acupuncture Council and a practical skills tutor at the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine. I have clinics in Bristol and Chippenham.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For further information please visit www.jason davies-acupuncture.co.uk

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Written by Jo-Anne Flack, editor ICNM Journal

COMPLEMENTARY & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

TAKING THE ALTERNATIVE ROUTE Of all the public issues causing controversy at the moment, the availability, or not, of complementary and alternative medicine on the NHS is one that evokes high emotion on both sides of the debate THE TERM COMPLEMENTARY AND alternative medicine (CAM) refers to any therapy that is not provided by orthodox health professionals like doctors, nurses and dentists, although, as will be seen, many orthodox health professionals have also trained in complementary medicine in order to provide an integrated service. There are also some techniques, for example massage therapy, that are now being included in nurses’ training. Alternative medicine is understood to mean therapies that are presented as an option to conventional or Western medical treatments. For example, when cancer patients choose not to have chemotherapy or radiotherapy and instead follow special dietary regimes. On the other hand, complementary medicine or therapy describes treatments that can be used alongside conventional treatment, for example, osteopathy, Reiki healing, chiropractic and massage therapy. Where complementary therapies are used within a conventional medical setting as part of a prescribed treatment, this

is termed integrated medicine – considered the Holy Grail by many CAM practitioners. STATUTORY REGULATION CAM has been making its way up the political agenda ever since the House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology Report in November 2000. The Report represented a significant milestone in shaping government policy regarding CAM. Amongst other things, it recommended statutory regulation of acupuncture and herbal medicine in England and the Report influenced the setting up of a national register in January, the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). The CNHC was facilitated by the Prince’s Foundation for Integrated Health with a three-year Department of Health grant worth £900,000. However, the CNHC has caused some controversy because although the CAM sector conducts itself within a weak regulatory regime, many therapies, like acupuncture, homeopathy, herbalism, massage,

naturopathy and nutritional therapy already have well-established training standards and professional protocols. Therapists in these fields are encouraged to complete rigorous training programmes, belong to therapy associations and adhere to professional standards of conduct and best practice such as those adhered to by the British Register of Complementary Practitioners (BRCP) which is administered by the Institute for Complementary and Natural Medicine (ICNM). The BRCP celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, making it one of the longest running registers of its kind in this country. Its members range from acupuncturists to aromatherapists, hypnotherapists and reflexologists, to name a few. In order to qualify to be a member of the BRCP, practitioners must prove their competence to practice by either completing an approved course or through and assessment made by the BRCP Registration Panel. Complementary medicine is big business and according to a report released by market analyst Mintel in 2007, people in the UK

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COMPLEMENTARY & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

trial was launched in 2007 and run in two practices in Londonderry and Belfast. The main focus of the scheme was on anxiety and musculoskeletal problems and GPs were able to refer patients for therapies like acupuncture, homeopathy and massage. The programme revealed that 65 per cent of GPs who took part in the trial thought their patients’ health had improved. An evaluation also found that 55 per cent of patients took fewer painkillers and 45 per cent less conventional medicine. Hain continues to beat the integration drum and in May this year said patients should have access to CAM free on the NHS.

It is important for patients to be able to rely on the rigorous standards implemented by bodies like the ICNM and the BRCP to ensure that practitioners are some of the best in their field spent £191m on alternative treatments, up 32 per cent over the previous five years. Mintel also predicted that sales of alternative medicine would break the £250 million barrier by 2011. Shoppers spent nearly £120 million on herbal remedies alone in 2007. AVAILABILITY OF CAM But it is the nature of CAM and the fact that it is generally under-researched that divides opinions within the NHS. The reality is that availability of CAM within the NHS is patchy and dependant on whether a particular Primary Healthcare Trust (PCT) has the budget for it. Homeopathy and acupuncture are the two therapies that are most accessible on the NHS. For some time, acupuncture has been one of the therapies most accepted by the medical profession and there are a number of hospitals and back pain clinics that provide acupuncture as part of their treatment. It is also available in NHS and charitable clinics for drugs and alcohol addiction, on hospital labour wards, for palliative cancer care and in prison hospitals. It is estimated that around 50 per cent of UK GPs offer patients access to CAM and around 75 per cent of patients want it available on the NHS. In 2006, a speech made by the Prince of Wales to the World Health Assembly in Geneva sparked a fierce debate after he outlined his philosophy of holistic care to an audience of the world’s health ministers. He urged every

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country to develop a plan for integrating conventional and alternative medicine. This prompted a group of scientists and doctors led by Professor Michael Baum to write a letter to The Times calling on the NHS to stop providing CAM. The letter referred to the fact that the NHS is under intense pressure and that patients were best served by using the available funds for treatments based on solid evidence. This campaign in turn provoked an outcry from complementary medicine groups, led by Dr Michael Dixon, NHS Alliance chairman, and the Prince of Wales. Dr Dixon said the signatories to the letter didn’t represent GPs or anyone else in primary care and therefore were removed from having to deal with the daily suffering seen by GPs. The case for integrated medicine has support in high places – apart from the Prince of Wales. Of more use to the CAM sector is the backing of Peter Hain MP who became a fan of CAM after the birth of his son who suffered from eczema. Hain claims that after no success from creams and steroid sprays, the eczema was only successfully treated with homeopathy and a change in diet. This happened while Hain was Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in 2005 and his encouragement led to a pilot project, run by Get Well UK, to find out if complementary therapies integrated into the NHS could improve health and save money. The £200,000 Northern Ireland

SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE A number of changes need to take place before CAM becomes more consistently available on the NHS. Doubters within the NHS always site the lack of scientific evidence as the major problem against the use of CAM. Without improved evidence, greater NHS funding for CAM services is seen as undesirable or unlikely. More research seems to be the common call. The issue of scientific evidence itself is controversial with many CAM practitioners saying the therapies can’t be scientifically proven, but this does not detract from their effectiveness. The CAM community also needs to become more of a united and therefore forceful voice for integration. Standards of training and practice need to be raised across many disciplines in order for every discipline within the sector to be taken seriously. The ICNM has long championed the raising of training standards within CAM as well as an emphasis on Continued Professional Development (CPD) in order to maintain high standards. The ICNM agrees that building bridges between complementary and allopathic medicine is the key to providing patients with the best possible care. As patients become more empowered and more confident about exercising the choice that the current government has been so keen to provide, increasing numbers will demand access to CAM on the NHS. Now is the time for the CAM community to step up to the mark and prove the contribution that it has to make to the medical world. Patients, not unreasonably, want to know that when they are seeing a CAM practitioner they are in safe hands. They want to know that the practitioner is qualified to the highest levels – as one would expect when consulting someone from the medical profession. This is why it is important for patients to be able to rely on the rigorous standards implemented by bodies like the ICNM and the BRCP to ensure that practitioners are some of the best in their field. Standards in both research and training have to continue to be pushed up the agenda if CAM wants to be taken seriously. The ICNM supports any endeavours to raise the standards in both training and research, knowing that there is always more to be done.

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OPTIMISING RECOVERY THROUGH GOOD NUTRITION Poor nutritional status can complicate recovery, says Helen Stracey, dietetic services manager at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and a member of the British Dietetics Association FOR PATIENTS WHO HAVE A HOSPITAL admission looming, a fast and uncomplicated recovery is every patient’s wish. Thankfully, hospital stays have become shorter, driven by hospital targets to increase the throughput of patients and the improvement of community services. On the downside this means many discharged patients are still in the recovery phase when they arrive home and need to understand actions they can put in place to achieve optimal health and fitness. Good nutrition and hydration is vital for optimal recovery as poor nutritional status relates to poor clinical outcome and can complicate recovery. This means patients stay in hospital for longer, succumb to infections and require more home support after illness. Long term deficiencies can lead to serious illness. The launch of the NICE guideline number 32 in 2006 ‘Nutrition Support in Adults’ put nutrition on the medical agenda and promotes acute and primary care trusts, nursing homes and carers to take an active role in the management of malnutrition. Four years on from this guideline, despite improvements, it is alarming to see that malnutrition continues to be present, underrecognised and under-treated. This need for further improvement highlights that nutrition still needs to be higher on everyone’s agenda. HIGH-RISK GROUPS Prevalence of malnutrition on admission to hospital, care homes and mental health units affects up to one in three of all adults of all ages1 who are mostly in the high-risk category. Much of the malnutrition present on admission originates in the community. Knowing this, it is imperative to correct nutritional depletion by providing a diet that will ensure optimal nutritional status, prevent/minimise weight loss and increase weight if necessary prior to or on admission. This will enable the patient to obtain maximum benefit from any medical intervention. Well nourished patients should also be aware, increased metabolic stress brought on by injury, illness, high temperature, surgery coupled with pre and post operative fasting, and reduced appetite can reduce nutritional stores quickly resulting in a rapid change in nutritional status putting patients at risk of complications, infections and increased length of hospital stay. Body mass index (BMI) which is weight in kilos divided by height in metres squared (BMI= wt/ h²) results should not be considered in isolation as patients with a normal or high BMI may

have experienced significant weight loss yet remain within the normal BMI range, and just taking into account the patients weight is not sufficient. Body weight and BMI should be used in conjunction with other objective and subjective markers (subjective – loose fitting clothes and rings, visual appearance, poor appetite, recent unintentional weight loss) when classifying patient’s nutritional status. There are a variety of screening tools to make screening simple and they are in use in both the community and acute hospitals throughout the UK. The Malnutrition Universal Screening tool (MUST) is validated and promoted by the NICE guideline for Nutritional Support in Adults. It was developed by the British Association of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (BAPEN) with the support of the British Dietetic Association, The Royal College of Nursing and the Registered Nursing home association. The tool is available in downloadable form at www.bapen.org.uk/must_tool.html MUST is widely used but some trusts have their own adapted version. This screening process quickly identifies those at risk and those patients who require a referral to a dietitian. The dietitian will then tailor an appropriate individual dietetic intervention with clear nutritional aims to improve their nutritional status e.g. to encourage the patient to select high protein/calorie snack and menu items, establish a food record to monitor nutritional intake, discuss ways of improving their eating – does the patient require assistance with feeding, to prescribe fortified nutritional supplements – high calorie/protein powders, drinks, puddings. METABOLIC STRESS Metabolic stress caused by injury or disease may impair nutritional status so it’s important to strive towards good nutrition The key features of the response to metabolic stress are • Body rapidly uses glycogen stores to supply glucose • Increase in metabolic rate (hypermetabolic – which increases energy needs) • Increased energy requirements • Increased reliance on protein to supply energy and manufacture stress hormones (i.e. glucagon and cytokines) • Depletion of muscle store • During the stress response the presence of hyper metabolism sends nutrients reserves on a downhill course. As adaption occurs and/or there is a resolution of disease, nutrient

balance is gradually restored. If however, a patient is undernourished, he or she may be unable to make the uphill journey to recovery. A metabolic response is normally accompanied by a reduction of food consumption and depletion of the body’s stores of vitamins, minerals and trace elements. In the presence of any metabolically active disease (i.e. cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, Parkinson’s disease) or injury/surgery, the body mounts an immune response (characterised by the release of cytokines) and hormonal response (release of glycogen, cortisol, and catecholamines) that result in the ‘melting down’ of both lean and adipose tissue. This differs from long term starvation where there is a preservation of lean tissue. The clinical benefits of nutritional sip feeds2 are well accepted and this, in combination with an increased awareness of under nutrition and improved products, has led to an increased use of sip feeds in recent decades Studies3 looking at post operative nutritional supplementation in surgical patients (give more detail about subjects and treatment) showed that when they consumed more than 700kcals more than the control group they • maintained pre-operative weight status • voluntary dietary intake significantly greater than control group • muscle function significantly greater than the control group • significantly lower incidence of serious infections (pneumonia, wound infection) compared with control group. The patients in the study were not malnourished but would be at risk of becoming so due to their surgery and periods of nil by mouth pre and post operatively. Sip feeds are advantageous in their convenience and are promoted widely in the community through prescription for relevant patients. However, it is emphasised that assessment of clinical status should precede the prescription of sip feeds. The simplest and safest dietary measure to improve nutritional intake is veer away slightly from the healthy eating advice of low fat, high fibre and encourage patients to eat more high calorie, nutrition dense foods such as full fat milk and yogurts, ready to eat desserts, adding cheese to food and for example by encouraging patients to consume small quantities of higher energy foods at regular intervals throughout the day, or by enriching ordinary foods with other energy and/or nutrient dense foods

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AVAZZA, ITALY’S favourite coffee, has been a firm favourite for over 20 years in the UK. Choosing a Lavazza Office Coffee & Vending system, ensures that every coffee made has that authentic Italian look and taste. Catering to businesses of all sizes across the UK, Lavazza offers the Italian Espresso Experience for public spaces and the working environment with the stylish and technically advanced office coffee system – and, with the Lavazza reputation for great coffee, customer satisfaction is guaranteed. The Lavazza range is designed for convenience and features Lavazza BLUE™ capsule technology for total consistency in every cup, at the push of a button. Simple and easy to use, Lavazza’s pods produce the Italian coffee experience and enhance the coffee drinking experience with no stress, no waste and minimum mess for those making coffee for meetings, breaks and entertaining visitors.

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sure that every product we sell not only tastes good, but is of the finest quality. The Lloyds Register Quality Assurance Environmental Certification ISO14001:2004 recognises JJ Food Service and its commitment to minimise the company’s impact on the environment. All our certifications are available on request or through our website in the ‘about us’ section.

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that do not alter the volume of the meal. A prospective randomised controlled trial (ref Ravasco et al 2005; ) compared individual nutritional counselling based on ordinary foods versus giving supplements or usual diet in colorectal patients undergoing radiotherapy. Results after three months showed that the nutritional counselling group had the highest consumption of energy and protein and concluded that concurrent individualised dietary counselling based on everyday foods is the most effective means of improving patients’ nutritional status and quality of life, thereby lessening radiotherapy induced morbidity. What is often seen in the clinical setting is taste fatigue with supplements or a reduction in the patient’s motivation to keep taking them. What about lack of carer involvement so the partner feels de-motivated and that they are not doing anything to help. This was also seen in the study but patients who received dietary advice about normal foods were able to continue with the advice. Those who had maintained a better dietary intake experienced fewer symptoms from radiotherapy. A dietitian would be able to advise on an appropriate eating plan, energy dense foods and fortification. There are many factors that can affect nutritional intake for example; eating in isolation, depression, anorexia, reduced appetite, swallowing difficulties, physical ability, ill-fitting dentures. Friends and family can help patients improve their nutritional intake by simple activities to help patients improve their eating. For example: • Check position of patient at meal times – ensure they are able to get to the food, sitting up • Offer snacks between meal times • Bring around ready made/ cooked meals for them • Help with feeding patient if required • Offer adequate time to eat

• Offer suitable utensils, i.e. special cutlery if required • Check dentures and bite • Offer drinks • Make eating area attractive – take any offending items away. HEALTHY EATING PRINCIPLES For patients whose nutritional status is not compromised and their metabolic response related to the hospital admission is stable then eating a healthy diet is still a vital consideration coupled with sound dietary principles to minimise the risk of chronic disease (obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis, respiratory disease and various cancers). A healthy diet is one that provides sufficient energy and nutrients to prevent deficiency but which also helps to optimise health and reduce the risk of disease. The diet should: • have an energy (kcal) content that achieves and maintains normal body weight (being underweight or overweight increases mortality and morbidity) • provide an appropriately low intake of saturated fats. Most dietary fats should be monounsaturated fats, together with sufficient polyunsaturated fats to provide the essential omega-6 and omega-3 that cannot be made in the body • provide a relatively high proportion of energy in the form of starchy, fibre containing carbohydrates and a low intake of refined sugar • be low in sodium, rich in fruit and vegetables • be balanced in overall terms with respect to the variety, quantity and frequency that different types of food and drink are consumed. The most important food tip is to choose a wide range of foods. This is essential. No one food or food group can supply all the nutrients that our bodies need. The overall evidence

from numerous studies point towards following healthy eating guidelines, which ensures an optimal intake of all the vital nutrients for health and recovery. Moreover, a healthy balanced diet provides a rich supply of nutrients including vitamins, minerals and phyto-chemicals which can help to protect and repair the body. Enjoying a healthy balanced diet means choosing a variety of foods from each food group in appropriate amounts and eating some foods more often than others. The FSA Eatwell Plate is a great place to start for information on food balance and portion sizes. Take a look at www. eatwell.gov.uk/healthydiet/eatwellplate For most a balanced and varied diet provides all the nutrients we need for good health and to reduce the risk of disease. However, if you do choose to take a supplement, as an “insurance policy” to ensure you are getting all the nutrients you need, choose a general multi-vitamin/mineral supplement that provides at least 15 nutrients at levels at or below 150 per cent EC Recommended Daily Amount. You should avoid taking several single dose supplements alongside a multivitamin/mineral complex as you may be at risk of excessive intakes. Notes 1. BAPEN Nutrition Screening survey in the UK 2008 ISBN 978 1 899467 41 9 2. NICE 32 Nutritional Support for Adults; Milne et al: Meta-Analysis.: protein and energy supplementation in older people. Annuals of internal medicine 2006; 144: 37-48; Potter et al; Routine protein energy supplementation in adults: systematic review. British Medical Journal 1998; 317: 495-501 3. Ravesco et al: dietary counselling improves patient outcomes: A prospective, randomised controlled trial in colorectal cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy: J Clin.Oncol. 23:1431-1438

Cold food monitoring to ensure compliance ESTO LTD is pleased to announce the launch of the Saveris data monitoring system, for use in the foodstuff cold chain. The Testo Saveris data logging system continuously monitors temperature and humidity accurately and reliably. The easy-to-use system automatically measures, documents and issues alarms whenever limit values are exceeded, helping organisations to comply with EN 12830. Testo Saveris is ideal for: • Cold food monitoring to ensure HACCP compliance • Use within transportation and storage of chilled and frozen foods • Food outlets such as supermarkets, kitchens and specialist retailers • Continuous monitoring of displayed cold

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PARKING

BEST PRACTICE PARKING In response to the continued debate over hospital parking, the British Parking Association has drafted a Hospital Parking Charter which is currently out for consultation. Patrick Troy, chief executive of the BPA, discusses what the Charter proposes THE BRITISH PARKING ASSOCIATION (BPA) revealed its Hospital Parking Charter at its annual Autumn Seminar in Birmingham in October. The proposed guidelines are designed to help NHS Trusts engage parking management systems that are fair for all. As I have previously discussed in this publication, this area of hospital parking management is a hot topic, and the debate

has heightened in recent months. Many of us are aware of the pros and cons of both free and charged for hospital parking. I have also spoken many times before of the misconceptions surrounding the reason behind parking enforcement at hospitals. NHS Trusts are faced with balancing the need for parking with the cost of maintenance and management. The Trusts have a responsibility to

We believe that a Charter is the way forward â&#x20AC;&#x201C; guidelines that will help Trusts take control of their parking facilities, addressing their individual needs, and help the operators to deliver effective and efficient parking for users

ensure spaces are available for people who need them without inconveniencing those that use them. THE WAY FORWARD We believe that a Charter is the way forward â&#x20AC;&#x201C; guidelines that will help Trusts take control of their parking facilities, addressing their individual needs, and help the operators to deliver effective and efficient parking for users. Overall the Charter should encourage best practice across the country. The main focus of the Charter is to ensure a high standard of management and customer service is achieved in hospital car parks across the country. There is no one solution to fit all, as the needs vary from hospital to hospital and area to area. We are committed to making sure our members provide high standards of

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The Shape of Future Parking

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PARKING

maintenance, lighting, simple-to-use and understand payment equipment, clear and easy to understand signage and clearly marked parking bays. This should be no different in hospital car parks and, through this Charter, we are calling for all operators to ensure hospital car parks provide a safe environment for all users. The debate on whether to charge or not to charge is a tricky one. On the one hand it would be ideal to have free car parks available at hospitals. However, we have witnessed many incidents of this leading to unauthorised ‘park and rides’ and patients/visitors are left without any parking facilities when they need them most. TARIFF STRUCTURES What we are calling for is reasonable tariffs and tariff structures. The decisions on what works best for each hospital facility should be agreed in consultation with users and user groups, and set on the basis of need, supply and demand and the actual costs of providing the parking service. All pricing structures should also reflect local conditions, local tariffs and the needs of all legitimate hospital users, and may therefore need to address parking abuse by

PROPOSED HOSPITAL PARKING CHARTER • NHS Trusts and their car parking contractors will strive to provide a high standard of management and customer service in their car parks. • They will aim to provide good lighting, high standards of maintenance for structures and surfaces, simple-to-use and understand payment equipment, clear and easy to understand signage and clearly marked parking bays. Operators should strive to ensure car parks provide a safe environment for all users. • Tariffs and tariff structures will be reasonable, will be set in consultation with users and will be set on the basis of need, supply and demand and the actual costs of providing the service. Tariff structures should be set to reflect local conditions, local tariffs and the needs of all legitimate hospital users and may therefore need to address parking abuse by drivers who do not have any business at the hospital. • Consideration should be given to best practice advice available from organisations like the BPA. In particular, costs and income associated with running car parks should be transparent and

published in the Trust’s annual report. • Consideration should be given to the special needs of long-term patients and visitors (e.g. oncology, dialysis, parents visiting children). Long-term in this context is defined as a need to visit the hospital for seven days or more within a 30 day period. • Methods of car park operations should be designed to recognise the casual nature of visits to hospitals and policies and tariff structures should therefore minimise unreasonable enforcement actions. Policies should address the needs of visitors and patients separately from that of staff, where different circumstances may apply. • Enforcement is to be proportionate, with a focus on encouraging compliance. Such enforcement activities must adhere to the Approved Operator Scheme Code of Practice and Operators must be members of the Approved Operator Scheme in order to manage hospital car parks. • This Charter should be read in conjunction with the Approved Operator Scheme Code of Practice, particularly in respect of signage, customer redress and levels of charges.

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The market leaders in parking services EMROSEBOOTH manufactures, manages and distributes a comprehensive portfolio of parking related products for hospital parking operations. Our forward thinking approach, ability to deliver and the level of commitment shown to our customers has helped to make us market leaders in services to parking operators. Our offer includes: Parking tickets – we are the UK’s leading producer of machine issued tickets, with approved supplier status with all the major OEMs. On ticket advertising – offset the costs of your tickets and generate revenue via Adverticket. Parking products and enforcement stationery – a one-stop shop for all your parking and enforcement stationery needs. BemroseBooth Mobile – pay for

parking with your mobile phone for additional convenience. Print management – consolidate your print spend and leave everything to us. We could typically save up to 20 per cent on your overall print costs We provide an end-to-end service from design to delivery. We operate within a high quality, secure environment with full accreditation for ISO9001 Quality Management, ISO 27001 Data Security and ISO 14001 Environmental management, and are FSC approved.

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Zeag Wi-Fi parking solution saves Wirral Hospitals thousands HOSPITALS W IRRAL needed to upgrade and unite nine car parks over two sites at Arrowe Park and Clatterbridge Hospitals. The solution had to be within budget, cause minimal disruption and provide full audit details on each car park locally and centrally. “By using Wi-Fi we eliminated the need for costly groundworks” said Ray Hodgson, sales director, Zeag. Using the hospital’s existing Wi-Fi network Zeag installed its Orion XR Pay on Foot equipment including automated pay stations, entry, exit lanes and barriers. Equipment is monitored and controlled by ZMS software. Data is fully encrypted to prevent hacking and data transfer is within milliseconds. “Zeag’s innovative solution made it possible to implement the upgrade. Using Wi-Fi saved the Trust tens of thousands of pounds” said Bob Jones, design manager, Wirral Hospitals.

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The installation was within budget constraints and was achieved within the tight timescale required. The complete installation is working very well with parking now under full control. Bob’s final comment was: “We have seen a return on investment in a matter of weeks. We’ll be able to re-invest those saved costs in other hospital equipment. We now a have a system able to generate an alternative source of income for the Trust.”

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PARKING

ABOUT THE BPA The British Parking Association (BPA), founded in 1968, is the largest independent professional association in Europe, representing 650 member organisations in the parking and traffic management industry. Members range from technology manufacturers and car park operators to local authorities and theme parks. The BPA is dedicated to promoting and representing knowledge and standards in every type of parking facility, both on-street and off-street, and to bringing together the interests of government, local authorities and commercial organisations, providing a forum for the exchange of information and ideas concerning parking. drivers who do not have any business at the hospital. By assessing each situation individually hospitals and Trusts can make informed, fair decisions about their parking management. As a member organisation we are committed to best practice and we want to help any hospital create practices which work and help Trusts ensure transparency in finances associated with parking management. Therefore we are urging Trusts and operators of hospital car parks to use us as a resource. The proposed Charter also requests consideration for the many different users of hospital car parks, from long-term patients and visitors (e.g. oncology, dialysis, parents visiting children) to the ad-hoc nature of visits to hospitals. Policies and tariff structures should therefore minimise unreasonable enforcement actions to reflect this unique parking usage and address the needs of visitors and patients separately from that of staff. APPROVED PARKING OPERATORS We believe that in order to ensure â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;cowboyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; operators do not operate any hospital car parks in the UK, all Trusts should insist anyone carrying out parking management should be a member of an approved scheme and adhere to a Code of Practice, which is the essence of our Approved Operator Scheme. There are many ways that hospital parking can be made easier for all involved, and we feel having an agreed Charter will help Trusts make the best decisions for their patients, visitors and staff. The Charter is currently under consultation and we have cast the net wide, canvassing views and opinions of all involved and affected by hospital parking from NHS Trusts to patient groups. Through consultation the BPA will refine the guidelines, creating a robust document which will help guide hospital parking management in the future. We envisage the approved Hospital Parking Charter will be available early next year and we will issue it to all NHS Trusts.

There are many ways that hospital parking can be made easier for all involved, and we feel having an agreed Charter will help Trusts make the best decisions for their patients, visitors and staff

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CONFERENCES & EVENTS

WHY INTERNATIONAL CONFEX MATTERS As the UK’s leading event for event organisers, Confex brings together people who organise any kind of event with a colourful array of venues, destinations and event support services both in the UK and across the world

WHEREVER IN THE WORLD YOU CHOOSE to do business, you can do so much more, face to face, at an exhibition. Even in the digital age when information is easy to come by and with the rise in virtual meetings, people will always want and need to meet face to face. This is why attending International Confex from 23-25 February 2010 at Earls Court, is essential for anyone involved in the organisation of meetings, conferences, exhibitions, business travel or special events. Boasting some 1,000 venues, destinations and events services from the UK and across the globe Confex provides the perfect platform for industry professionals to come together over three days and conduct serious business. The show’s ongoing pursuit for innovative and creative marketing has positioned Confex as the premier event in the UK. The new campaign and website features the new tag line ‘Surround yourself with inspiration’ encouraging

visitors to discover the most ingenious ideas amongst the 1,000 exhibitors at the show. POSITIVE OUTLOOK “Confex has always been about creating an experience which is enjoyable, educational and inspirational. Our new marketing campaign has been developed to reinvigorate and revitalise the industry and reflects the excitement, energy, and positive outlook Confex wants to channel to the industry throughout 2010,” says Duncan Reid, portfolio director. “We’re really excited with the way in which Confex is shaping up. Visitors next year will experience imaginative show features, thought provoking educational seminars and fantastic networking functions. We’re confident Confex 2010 will set imaginations alight and our visitors will be inspired by what Confex has to offer,” adds Reid. Brand new unmissable features for 2010 include the Confex Hosted buyer programme,

Theme Factory, The Great Outdoors, Secrets Out and PA Day. And, in their on-going commitment to support and highlight the show’s growing international sector visitors to Confex will be pleased to know Taste the World Bar and Long Haul Village will return. For the first time ever Confex will host over 100 VIP buyers from the UK and Europe. As a hosted buyer a range of services will be exclusively available for organisers to enjoy from complimentary travel and accommodation to a two day programme dedicated to providing business opportunities, professional development and inspirational ideas for all types of event planning. As part of the show’s ever growing commitment in enhancing the visitor experience, The Theme Factory will showcase six different theme specialists who will transform their given area and demonstrate their talents when it comes to designing

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CONFERENCES & EVENTS

an event or area. The Theme Factory will present the best in the industry and creates the perfect atmosphere to network and get ideas for your next event. And, when it comes to ideas we all know Confex has long since recognised the importance of innovation. In partnership with De Boers, The Great Outdoors will feature six pagoda style peak roof tents encompassing the industry’s leading products and services in the world of outdoor events. So whether you’re looking to organise an event in the glorious summer or cosy winter, visiting The Great Outdoors will provide you with the most ingenious ideas for all manner of outdoor events and pursuits. EXPERTS ON HAND Also new for 2010 is PA Day. Secretaries, executives and personal assistants will benefit from investing an afternoon or the whole day to source the best venues, pursue new ideas and speak with event experts on hand. PA Day promises an outstanding line-up from Nirvana, a relaxation oasis offering free spa treatments, to fashion shows and an incredible competition to win clothing from the show’s featured collection. To complement these fun

features Confex have created an education programme addressing the core issues within the personal assistant and secretarial industry. The seminars will highlight topics that are important in the promotion, enhancement and empowerment of today’s PA. A special feature guaranteed to create a buzz at this year’s show is Secret’s Out. Inspired by the most popular and widely syndicated column in the world, Dear Abby – known for its uncommon common sense and youthful perspective, visitors are invited to Secret’s Out to post and read up on the latest industry gossip. In addition to all the unmissable features, back on the agenda for 2010 is Confex Knowledge, the show’s professional education programme. Offering 60 free seminars over three days Confex Knowledge is committed to raising industry standards, encouraging learning and professional development. The programme will feature informative keynote speakers and comprehensive content from leading industry experts. “Planning for Confex Knowledge is well underway and we are looking forward to announcing our keynote speakers and content as the show approaches. Our education

programme has always provided inspiration and motivation to visitors with thought provoking seminars and workshops tackling key issues, trends and developments of the moment. And, I’m confident visitors will find our education programme for 2010 engaging as ever,” says Kate Disley, group marketing manager. Next year’s show will also see the return of the ever popular London Bar, Live Bar, Nirvana, Advice Centre & CV Clinic. As the premier event in the UK, Confex is set to deliver a dynamic environment to do business, engage in thought provoking education and provide business networks for visitors, exhibitors and hosted buyers. NEW FOR NEXT YEAR The diverse range of venues, destinations and events services Confex continues to showcase, does not disappoint. Among the new names at next year’s show is The Westminster Collection, a group of 32 superb venues and event facilities from conference centres to private clubs and select hotels to exhibition halls. The collection is simply the best place to select a venue of quality, versatility

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CONFERENCE & EVENTS

and distinction within the Borough of Westminster. If you’re wishing to mix business with pleasure, Leicester Racecourse is an ideal place to hold your next event. In additional to the venue’s race days, Leicester Racecourse also offers a multifunctional entertainment complex with modern conferencing facilities overlooking 200 acres of beauty. If you’re looking to impress your delegates with striking surrounds then the elegant Celtic Manor Resort, set amongst 1,400 acres of breathtaking landscape is the perfect stage to set imaginations alight. Catering for everything from large conferences to meetings, exhibitions, corporate golf days and many other events, Celtic Manor is recognised as one of Europe’s finest destinations for events. Also new at International Confex and for 2010 is The Convention Centre, Dublin (The CCD). Set to open its doors on 1 September, The CCD offers the very best in conferencing facilities and the very latest in technology, and is the world’s first carbon neutral convention centre. INSPIRATION With around 1,000 exhibitors and 60 free seminars Confex is essential for anyone involved in organising meetings, conferences, exhibitions, business travel or special events. International Confex will help organisers to discover new venues, new products and event services and new inspirational ideas. Attracting 10,000 visitors and reaching a total attendance of around 15,000 at the show, there has never been a better time to visit Confex. International Confex 2010 will be held 23-25 February at Earls Court, London on Tuesday, with extended show times 10am-7pm, Wednesday and Thursday 10am-5pm. To register for your free entry visit www.international-confex.com.

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How safe are you?

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ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT

MANAGING THE HIDDEN KILLER Asbestos is the single greatest cause of work-related deaths in the UK, responsible for an estimated 4,000 deaths each year ASBESTOS IN HEALTHCARE is not a new issue. For as long as asbestos has been identified as a problem, money has been spent on removing it or remediating it in hospitals and other healthcare premises. A lot of healthcare premises are quite old. Although new hospitals are being built, the image of the Victorian Infirmary is not too far removed from most people’s memories. Large boiler houses, steam mains, subways – all packed with asbestos – are realities from not too long ago. Hospitals with entrances to roof voids or doors to underground ducts which have a padlock and a non-specific “No entry” sign are still out there. What is beyond those signs is almost certainly asbestos. From the patient’s viewpoint, however, these very large asbestos installations were not really likely to affect their health. Although hospital maintenance workers have undeniably suffered substantial exposure and died as a result, and more will suffer as a result in the future, this largely did not impinge upon the patients and

medical staff. Other asbestos did and still does. Asbestos installations in hospital wards and public areas may be in bad condition; what if it needs attention? That means loss of beddays. Hospital targets for treatment are the stuff that the NHS runs on. Can you imagine the headline in the local paper to the effect that operations have been cancelled at the local hospital because the Health & Safety Executive has closed the hospital because of the state of the asbestos? It will never happen – but in some hospitals perhaps it should. CHEAP SPECIFICATIONS Think about your local doctors’ surgery or health centre. A lot of readers’ doctors will have a surgery built between 1947, the start of the NHS and the 1980s. These buildings were built to cheap specifications and most likely were built with asbestos. In a great many cases that asbestos is still where it was installed. If you attend your local healthcare facility and find it run-down and in need of overhaul, there

is a good likelihood of there being asbestos containing materials in need of attention. The good news in this is that most of us spend only a short period of time in these buildings, unlike the equally run down education buildings where our children spend a great deal of time and as a consequence may breathe a lot more asbestos. Hospitals are places where a lot of very poor asbestos removal work has been undertaken in the past, resulting in people relying upon inadequate cleaning and being exposed as a result. Contractors were hired at unsustainably low prices and work was undertaken in appalling conditions on hot, live heating pipework and boilers because the hospital was not prepared to close parts so that work could be undertaken properly and safely. The contractors did the best they could, but the standards of cleaning were in many cases woefully inadequate. Across the country the picture does vary, however, the history of NHS Trusts changing

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Total asbestos management RSK STATS Environment Health & Safety Ltd is one of the UK’s largest environmental, health and safety consultancies, with offices nationwide and globally. We are UKAS accredited for asbestos surveying, bulk sampling, bulk analysis, air sampling, fibre counting and 4-stage clearance testing and we hold a Supervisory Licence from the HSE to supervise asbestos removals. Our extensive client base, ranging from small businesses, through local authorities, manufacturing, transport, commercial and the voluntary sector to large multi-national energy companies, is testament to our competency and experience.

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ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT

asbestos in a healthcare premises, it is the chief executive’s fault. Fortunately for chief executives, the number of times that prosecution has been directed at healthcare is very small indeed. The number of times that asbestos incidents have occurred that could possibly have been directed at the chief executive is quite large. WHAT DOES THE DUTY HOLDER NEED TO DO? The first thing that is needed is an up to date asbestos survey in order to determine what asbestos is present the premises. You may see references to the term Asbestos Register, which is no more than a list of asbestos items present and is fit for purpose. Of course if you are lucky enough to have a healthcare building built after 1999 you can presume no asbestos and not bother to read the rest of this article! The legal requirement is not to have a survey, but to manage the asbestos, but unless you know where it is you cannot manage it. If you do not have an asbestos survey, go to your NHS Trust and seek advice. Many have arrangements with UKAS Accredited Inspection Bodies for asbestos surveying and even if you have to pay for it, at least they should ensure you obtain a quality product at a reasonable price. Failing that go to an organisation called Asbestos Testing & Consultancy (ATaC) www.atac.org.uk and look for a member in your area. Once you have an asbestos survey or register, you need to understand the implications of it, if you are to properly manage the asbestos in your premises.

names and hospitals changing their relationships with other hospitals has led to lack of consistency in the long term approach to asbestos. Not all healthcare buildings have a substantial asbestos problem. For those premises of traditional construction, built up to and after World War II, the asbestos was often confined to substantial heating systems that have generally been dealt with because of the failings of the aged plant that has needed replacement. However, please do not take this to mean that a traditionally built old hospital is asbestos-free. All those years of modifications and renewals may well have imported asbestos containing materials. Between 1947 and the early 1980s a lot of healthcare premises were built, to varying specifications. The amounts of asbestos incorporated into the structures varied; at worst structures were of steel, wood and asbestos with little else. Healthcare premises built from the mid1980s onwards should contain only lower risk asbestos containing materials and any built after 1999 should have none. The real problem is that nobody, including HM Government, actually knows what the overall picture is.

DUTY TO MANAGE Since 2004 the law has required that asbestos in healthcare premises, together with all nondomestic properties, should be managed. This management is intended to ensure those that occupy the buildings are not exposed to asbestos and those that work upon the fabric of the building are informed about the asbestos that is present, so that they can avoid it. The law requires that there be a Duty Holder. In hospitals this is normally the delegated responsibility of the Estates Department, who do their best to work around the demands of the management and medical staff. In Primary Care Trusts, arrangements tend to be less organised and good examples of asbestos management are harder to find. Whilst the ’old days‘ of Health Authorities may not have suited certain operational efficiencies the chances of the old system managing asbestos was a lot greater than current regimes. It should be noted that non-compliance is a criminal not civil offence and could potentially result in a prison sentence. To spell this out: • If the patients or staff are being exposed to asbestos dust whilst in the healthcare premises, it is the chief executive’s fault. • If a workman, unknowingly disturbs

REGULATIONS AND COMPLIANCE The regulations in question are the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 (CAR 2006). CAR 2006 prescribes three categories of training – asbestos awareness training, non-licensed asbestos training, and licensed asbestos training. Asbestos Awareness training is a requirement for anyone that works on the fabric of a building, but with no intention of working with asbestos. Such training typically takes half a day. The Duty Holder should ensure that everybody – contractor, site manager etc – that works on the fabric of the building, or sends people to do such work, should have undertaken such training. It is also suitable for the Duty Holder to help in understanding the asbestos survey. Many managers send their maintenance staff for such training but ideally they should go themselves as well. Non-licensed training is for anybody that works on low risk asbestos containing materials. This is a requirement for contractors and some site managers, dependent upon what they are required to do. The scope of such work should be explained in asbestos awareness training. Licensed asbestos training is only relevant to those you employ to undertake licensed work. PRACTICAL DUTIES With a survey and a half day’s asbestos awareness training in place, you are

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At DDS we pride ourselves on our competency on which we complete each project, irrespective of magnitude, complexity or budget. Thus providing a service of high standards through all stages of Asbestos Removal, Demolition and site clearance processes whilst providing complete dedication to Health, Safety, Welfare and Environmental challenges.

PVsurveys carry out Type 2 & Type 3 Asbestos Surveys in accordance with the HSE’s Guide MDHS100. Type 2 Surveys include representative samples being taken under controlled conditions and sent for analysis. Type 3 Surveys are required when demolition or major refurbishment of a building is taking place. A full and intrusive survey, this may be used to form the basis of a tender for the removal of ACMs. Project Supervision A service much utilised by our clients of all sizes. Being totally independent of any removal company allows us to offer impartial advice to clients and ensure projects are handled correctly.

Software Management System. Achieve full compliance with our software package. As the CAWR legislation refers to the “management” of the risks, let our software create the management plan for you. Training and awareness for your staff and site visitors, is vitally important to ensure accidental exposure is avoided. Group and management training is available in your office or ours. PVsurveys Limited ‘promoting safety within asbestos’

Tel: 0845 226 5061 Fax: 0808 208 3563 E-mail: info@pvsurveys.co.uk Web: www.pvsurveys.co.uk

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ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT

prepared to manage your asbestos, although further training is desirable if you have substantial problems. If remediation or removal is indicated you need advice and likely sources of that are mentioned above. After that, what must you do? Prepare a Management Plan, as to how you will manage your asbestos. No need for a huge document; a straightforward statement of what is to be done and who will do it, highlighting problem areas if any. Ensure that whenever a person attends at your premises to work on the fabric of the building, they are shown the asbestos survey/register. If you are using suitably trained contractors, they should ask for it anyway. At least annually, have someone inspect the condition of your asbestos containing materials, record the inspections and respond to deterioration. If you have any asbestos that is of particular concern inspect it more frequently. Make sure your survey is kept up to date by recording any removals or remediation that has gone on, otherwise in five years time the survey will be distrusted and worthless. IS THIS ALL WORTHWHILE? It is extremely worthwhile. Every site manager is very wary of harm coming to the public whilst on the premises. The trouble with asbestos is that the symptoms of this harm will not appear whilst the public is on the premises. It is not the public who are most at risk, it is the people that do work upon the building that need to be of most concern. HSE has already run campaigns highlighting the dangers to tradesmen and another campaign is due in the autumn. The thrust of the campaign is directed at the tradesmen; they should ask “Where is your asbestos?” before they commence work. If they do not get a satisfactory answer they should leave the building. Mesothelioma is a cancer linked to asbestos exposure. In education, according to the HSE, 183 teachers and lecturers died from mesothelioma between 1980 and 2000. Between 2002 and 2005 the cancer killed 76. Direct comparison of the Proportional Mortality Ratio, which is a figure that makes allowance for numbers in the professions, between female teachers and female nurses, reveals that mesothelioma deaths in female nurses are half that of female teachers, though still higher than the expectation for females with no asbestos exposure. There may be differences in the career paths of the two professions in that female teachers only work inside schools whereas some nurses work in the community. There are significant differences in the occupation of the buildings, as asbestos dust becomes airborne when asbestos is disturbed. When a school or hospital is empty there is no measurable asbestos in the air. When doors are slammed, wind causes asbestos ceiling tiles to ripple in their grid, school bags knock corners off asbestos panels, asbestos dust becomes airborne and the potential for future harm is released. Asbestos in healthcare premises is clearly much less likely to suffer in the same way. Almost 25 per cent of Mesothelioma deaths cannot be traced back to a known source of exposure; asbestos exposure is accumulative. Once breathed in the tiny fibres will last your lifetime; you will die with them, or if you are unlucky you will die from them. Any means of reducing the lifetime exposure to asbestos will reduce the future human statistics. A great deal of money would be needed to rid all healthcare premises of asbestos, but good management can improve the situation. Management will not work without knowledge. Investment of a small amount of time and money with a UKATA member to learn something about asbestos could have great benefits for the future.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Information about asbestos is readily available from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos. The UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) www.ukata.org. uk is set up with the aim of setting standards in asbestos training and monitoring its members’ competency and performance.

The experts in asbestos abatement services SBESTOS ABATEMENT Services is a family owned company who has been involved in the Asbestos Abatement Industry for over 30 years. They are a licensed contractor with full asbestos specific insurance cover and are also members of A.R.C.A (Asbestos Removal Contractor Association). Asbestos Abatement were one of the first to gain the prestigious Site Audit Accreditation Scheme Award and are holders of ISO9001, ISO14001 and the Health and Safety standard OHSAS 18001. There is a legal duty to manage asbestos in buildings and requires very explicit undertakings by building owners/occupiers of non domestic premises. Asbestos Abatement Services has always taken a professional approach to the issues surrounding asbestos and has provided support and advice to many local and national companies regarding the management of asbestos in their buildings which can be an extremely daunting and legally complex

process for individuals outside of the industry to understand. They offer a full service from consultancy and advice to carrying out any required asbestos survey. After the findings of the survey have been reviewed and areas of repair/removal have been identified, Asbestos Abatement Services is able to offer estimates for any work required and provide the full risk assessment, notifications, method statements and take care of the waste disposal issues in order to carry out a complete turnkey package.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For further information please call Asbestos Abatement Services on 01922 644712 or visit our website: www.asbestosonline.co.uk

The asbestos management solution NNOVATION in asbestos management has been available to Ai Solutions’ customers since 2002. It includes a compliance register to highlight any issues in meeting the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations (CAWR 2006) from the HSE. Selected information can be web enabled for authorised third party access where required. This is the management tool for all duty holders including building & facility managers. The ToolKit™ Compliance System includes: • Management information and statistics across properties and asbestos surveys • Audited production of asbestos registers, property and survey documentation, photographs and floor plans, management plans

and reports, risk assessments, tasking and communications • Built in data exchange routines so that duty holders can link to any major survey provider’s software and other copies of ToolKit CS™ • Knowledgebase about the legislation, duties to manage and guidance on best practice

FOR MORE INFORMATION Ai Solutions Ltd Tel: 01525 850080 Web: www.aisolutions.co.uk/ asbestos-management/

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(Take it as red) Train with RoSPA, the leading voice in health and safety, and benefit from over 90 years experience & expertise. Join a RoSPA training course and return to work with skills that will really benefit your organisation. With over 70 courses in our portfolio, including workplace safety training, professional qualifications and driver training, and with options to join on an open, in-company or e-learning basis, RoSPA’s expertise ensures your training investment will always deliver results. Asbestos Awareness - Enables those responsible for the building, repair and maintenance of commercial properties and facilities management to identify and deal with asbestos and meet their legal duty to manage. • Birmingham 05 February 10 Safer People Handling Trainers - A unique fully-equipped safer people handling training centre. Realistic situations using a wide range of handling equipment. Expert trainers who fully understand the needs of the care industry. The chance to reduce injuries, save money and help staff contribute to excellence in care. • Birmingham 11 January 10, 22 February 10, 22 March 10 • Glasgow 15 March 10

Call: 0121 248 2233 Email: enquiries@rospa.com Quote: HBM/SPH

visit www.rospa.com/occupationaltraining

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Keeping your staff healthy and safe is our priority

Cordtape – helping you to meet your asbestos obligations

UR MD, RAY SMITH, has spent over 10 years developing RSP Safety Services Ltd, and his priority hasn’t changed – to make workplaces safe and keep employees healthy. It has been proven that a healthy and happy workforce is a more productive one! So, what do you think of when someone says health and safety training? Death by PowerPoint, time for a quick nap? Not if you attend an RSP course – we have a dedicated team producing enjoyable and interactive training courses ranging from manual handling to fire warden and everything between. We want people to leave our courses with the knowledge and confidence to be able to apply their new skills straight away. Our new course, ‘Asbestos Awareness’, has been developed by Ray because the thought of children losing their fathers from asbestos related diseases was

URN TO OUR HIGHLY trained and professional team of personnel for all your asbestos requirements; ask for our specialist advice on asbestos surveys and sampling, management of asbestos containing materials, asbestos removal, and asbestos waste management. We are able to work alongside your staff to help you formulate an asbestos management plan that is best for you. We are fully licensed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and are registered by Environment Agency to hold an asbestos waste transfer station license, so we can completely dispose of your asbestos in accordance with all health & safety and environmental requirements. In addition to our three year HSE license, we hold CHAS (Contractors Health and Safety), Construction line, SAFE contractor Scheme, British Safety Council and are also members of ARCA which demonstrates our commitment

keeping him awake at night. We can’t do anything to help the people who have already been exposed to asbestos, but we can help tradesmen and maintenance staff who might come into contact with asbestos in the future. Any building built before the year 2000 is likely to contain asbestos; job-specific training will give people the skills to safely carry out non-licensed tasks.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01733 807779 Fax: 08712 771603 E-mail: info@rspsafety.co.uk Web: www.rspsafety.co.uk

e-learning or face to face asbestos training ATAS PROVIDES a full range of asbestos and Health & safety related training courses for HSE licensed work, non-licensed work and awareness at all levels. Natas is a provider of BOHS P Module asbestos and other courses, including our unique eFace™ fast track courses, combining e-learning with the BOHS proficiency modules. Natas provides nationwide training at a growing number of UK venues, as well as bespoke in house courses. Natas, in partnership with HSS Training, provides a full range of industry recognised technical and health & safety courses. Asbestos Awareness courses are held at our nationwide venues, and bespoke packages can be designed. New for 2009: e-learning courses - Natas’Asbestos Awareness’ and ‘Asbestos Awareness and the Duty to Manage’ offering an online,

self paced, comprehensive and economical training platform, these courses are available in multilingual options. E-learning can be tailored to individual clients including corporate branding and licensing. NATAS Environmental provides a wide range of practical and site services, offering UKAS accredited laboratory and testing services as well as a project management, supervisory and auditing function. Our surveyors are trained and qualified to BOHS P402 or S301 standard and have extensive experience within the asbestos surveying, management and removal industry, for some going back to the early 1980’s.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0870 751 1880 Fax: 0870 751 1881 E-mail: info@natas.co.uk Web: www.natas.co.uk

to health and safety at work. Cordtape Environmental Services Ltd is a family run specialist company established over 25 years ago. We provide an efficient and effective service to our wide range of clients who include local authorities, the NHS, demolition contractors, major construction companies, property developers and consultants. Contact us for a confidential and free estimate.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0800 0937810 Fax: 0114 2444895 E-mail: asbestos@cordtape.co.uk Web: www.cordtape.co.uk

Global Environmental Consultancy Ltd UR LOGO SAYS IT ALL. We are working towards protecting the global environment and everyone on it, the tools of our trade are simple, education, knowledge and training. With regards to asbestos everyone is used to the regular materials such as lagging and cement, it’s the unfamiliar ones that catch people unaware. Our courses can be tailored to ensure you are given the right information relevant to the buildings that you occupy and the facilities you manage. Awareness followed with correct management skills is the key, which ensures not only compliance with the regulations, but also protects you, fellow employees and others who may enter your buildings. With health, safety and asbestos knowledge combined, ensures that your regulatory requirements are covered in all areas and being a member of UKATA, ensures that our company abides by strict codes of conduct and has been assessed to the highest standards.

We are not industry linked to removal companies we are for training purposes and have no hidden agenda, which ensures discreetness and impartiality. Please do not hesitate to contact us, not only for your asbestos requirements, as we also specialise in the construction, demolition and scaffolding industries.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01268 753 680 Fax: 01268 753 680 E-mail: jason@gecsafety.com Web: www.globalenvironmental consultancy.co.uk

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The Perfect Solution to ALL your Asbestos Problems DID YOU KNOW â&#x20AC;Ś ???

If you manage or work in any premises constructed before 1999, you could be at risk of exposure to asbestos, you may also have legal obligations to manage the risks associated with asbestos! KAD Environmental Consultancy Ltd have been providing cost effective professional asbestos management services to UK Central Government Organisations for many years, ensuring the risks associated with asbestos are minimised. KAD specialise in managing Asbestos Risks on behalf of our clients, supporting and assisting you in every aspect of legally compliant asbestos management using cost effective solutions.

Are you at risk of Asbestos Exposure? Are you really Properly Protected? Are you currently Legally Compliant? Contact KAD for a FREE; NO OBLIGATION and strictly CONFIDENTIAL

FREE Asbestos Management Health Check! Its completely free and provides and instant assessment of your current Asbestos Management status, as well as any necessary actions in line with current regulations, and its all completely FREE !

Other KAD Professional Services Include :Asbestos Awareness Training MDHS100 Survey Inspections (Type 1,2&3) Asbestos Management Plans Regulatory Management Services

Non-Licensable Asbestos Work Asbestos Registers Asbestos Consultation Complete Project Management

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re here to help so for the right advice and more information contact : KAD ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANCY LTD Mr Kevin Graham on

01702 308438 or 07736 887483 kevingraham@kadec.co.uk or www.kadec.co.uk 365 Hamstel Road, Southend on Sea, Essex, SS2 4LE

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Bespoke training from Gully Howard

Asbestos – are you managing safely?

SIGNIFICANT change in the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 was the inclusion of mandatory training for those liable to come into contact with asbestos. Regulation 10 states that “Every employer shall ensure that adequate information, instruction and training is given to those of his employees who are or who are liable to be exposed to asbestos, or who supervise such employees…” Asbestos awareness training is required, amongst others, for: • General maintenance staff • Electricians • Plumbers • Gas fitters • Demolition/construction workers • Roofers • Heating and ventilation engineers • Building surveyors and other such professionals We are pleased to offer a three hour training course covering the four key areas: • Properties, uses and

M Ltd has been established

ALROD INSULATIONS

risk to health • Use of asbestos in the construction industry • Risk of exposure and control methods • Legislation Gully Howard Technical Ltd is run by qualified scientists, occupational hygienists and surveyors who have extensive experience in providing training in all aspects of asbestos work. Training can be delivered in our dedicated training facilities or we can organise course training at your own premises.

since 1975 and specialise in asbestos removal, asbestos surveys, project management and consultancy. Malrod provides highly trained technical staff to operate on projects for our clients to achieve their workplace safety and environmental goals. Malrod aspires to delivering a quality service at an affordable price with emphasis on customer service by developing an understanding of our client’s requirements. We aim to work alongside our clients by advising the most appropriate course of action to succeed in conforming to the current legislation and future demands the

environment will make on us all. Effective and professional standards of service, tailor made to suit the needs of all whether we work in conjunction with your management team or by handling a project from start to finish. Malrod offers effective solutions to your health, safety and environmental needs. Positive and practical, our staff will inspire confidence in your environmental performance and ensure you are equipped with answers to meet your legal responsibilities.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01942 811 591 Fax: 01942 814 411 Email: admin@malrod.co.uk Web: www.malrod.co.uk

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.gullyhowardtechnical.com

The importance of asbestos awareness SBESTOS IS THE greatest single cause of workplace deaths in the UK, so high on the agenda of consultancy and training company Medway Safety. “It has become one of the worst occupational illnesses this country has ever known,” says principal consultant and director Steve Gerring. ”The sad truth is that many, if not all of these deaths, could have been prevented.” Medway Safety has been approved by UKATA to deliver asbestos awareness training to assist employers with their requirement to train employees that may come into contact with asbestos. Designed to be informative and interactive, the course puts across a serious message to those attending. A recent audit by UKATA stated that “the course was of a high standard and covered the relevant requirements of the regulations”. Established just over five years ago, Medway Safety is a fastgrowing company, with the corporate aspiration to ‘exceed expectations’. From its base in Rainham, Kent, Medway Safety provides national coverage in

Rhodar asbestos removal ‘SAFEguard’ initiative HODAR, THE LEADING national HSE licensed asbestos removal contractor, has launched a brand new and highly commendable H&S initiative – ‘SAFEguard’. The ‘SAFEguard’ theme is seen as ‘Step Change’ in asbestos removal by raising site standards; it’s designed to ensure that Rhodar works in a safe manner in all that they do. It also ensures that the key elements of their health and safety framework are effectively communicated throughout the organisation in a clear and concise manner and key messages are kept at the forefront of everyone’s mind. “‘SAFEguard’ is about behaving in a way that keeps everyone who comes in to contact with Rhodar safe. It therefore covers ourselves; our colleagues; our partners; our customers; our neighbours; the public, and our environment and is being used as a great assistance

both consultancy and training for the management of health and safety, food safety and environmental issues. “We employ highly qualified trainers and consultants and keep our fees and costs at a competitive rate, which has allowed us to grow the business locally whilst also attracting business from elsewhere,” says Mr Gerring.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01634 365555 E-mail: info@medwaysafety.co.uk Web: www.medwaysafety.co.uk

to many of our healthcare clients” says Andy Thornber, Rhodar’s managing director. He goes on to say: “We’ve worked on many PFI/P21 schemes such as Walsgrave Hospital at Coventry, The Leeds Teaching Hospitals and our current work with the Mid-Yorkshire NHS trust amongst many others has seen us demonstrating how to be a diligent and committed collaborative partner where we can share our vast asbestos removal knowledge.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0113 270 0775 (Head Office) Fax: 0113 270 4124 E-mail: info@rhodar.co.uk Web: www.rhodar.co.uk

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Make training your staff the best investment your business will make this year. C&C Training offers a comprehensive range of services ensuring you have everything at your fingertips to develop the skills and knowledge of your employees.

• Asbestos Removal • Waste Collections • Asbestos Surveys • Licence Scaffolding • Domestic & Commercial

Ark Environmental (UK) LTD Additional services include: Unit 8b Gatehouse, Trading Estate,

• Business Coaching Lichfield Road, Brownhills, Walsall WS8 6JZ T: 01543 378317

• Course development and tailoring F: 05602 047849 E: arkenvironmental@btconnect.com

• Accredited courses and qualifications

• Access to an extensive network of trainers over many disciplines • Access to funding schemes throughout the UK • Advice and guidance on bespoke training • Course evaluation and effectiveness For further information please call us on 01525 851752 or visit our website at www.cctraining.uk.com

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Unrivalled expertise in asbestos removal OBYLAND ENVIRONMENTAL Ltd is part of Robyland Ltd who is a very successful construction and building company for the past 33 years. Robyland Environmental Ltd has been operating for eight years. The management and the workforce have a vast knowledge in all aspects of the asbestos removal industry. Robyland Environmental Ltd has unrivalled experience and expertise in the specialised field of asbestos removal works. Over the past years we have undertaken contracts of every size and scope across a broad spectrum of commercial and domestic buildings from theatres to factories to the private housing sector. We have vast experience working for and along side of local councils and housing associations. We operate our asbestos removal works using the latest plant and equipment all plant

Absolute Asbestos – innovative solutions for your asbestos problems BSOLUTE ASBESTOS is a progressive company that has new solutions to our customers’ asbestos issues. There is a lot of fear and misinformation surrounding asbestos and we provide open and free advice to anyone that contacts us. We would rather reassure than scare people about asbestos. We believe that to give the correct information helps our customers to make the right decision and so save lives and keep costs down. “Do they need to remove?” ‘What are their responsibilities as the Duty Holder?’ ‘What type of survey best suits them, Type 1, Type 2 or a Type 3?’ Our unique approach means that our pricing structure make our rates the most competitive within the industry. Our client base is wide and varied from single domestic dwellings

and equipment are fully serviced and tested as to the Health and Safety executive requirements. All management and staff are fully trained, holding certificates on the experience of asbestos removal and safety on site. Robyland Environmental Ltd carry out Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 asbestos content surveys in buildings. Depending on the outcome of the survey we will undertake encapsulation, or carry out asbestos removal work efficiently, effectively and most importantly safely.

FOR MORE INFORMATION 65 High Road, Wormley, Herts, EN10 6JJ Tel: 01992 451 767 Fax: 01992 451 596

ACAD: On the front line against asbestos ORGANISATIONS M OST are aware of the dangers of asbestos thanks to various ‘hidden killer’ campaigns put forward by the HSE, however, ACAD feels that the public sector may be at the forefront of the dangers without really knowing. The number of people dying each year of illnesses resulting from exposure to asbestos currently stands at several thousand and still rising, making asbestos the single largest cause of death due to a work related illness. This is partly due to the fact that when someone is exposed to asbestos; there are no immediate effects. It takes many years, often decades, for the symptoms of exposure to become apparent. Once the asbestos fibres have penetrated the body, over time, the damage is gradual but once there; irreversible. The Asbestos Control & Abatement Division (ACAD) formed in 1994 as a division of the Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) and a UKATA Asbestos Removal Training Provider representing specialists in asbestos removal. ACAD provides

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to large construction companies, from small shop units to large industrial warehouses. Our team have extensive experience in surveying, managing and removing asbestos from NHS Trusts. We understand the sensitivity required to operate in a working hospital. Just like our greatest foe we aim to be invisible but at the same time be 100 per cent effective.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 08000 14 18 19 E-mail: info@absolute asbestosltd.co.uk Web: www.absolute asbestosltd.co.uk

Allan Dyson Asbestos Services achieves BS OHSAS 18001 LLAN DYSON Asbestos Services is one of the UK’s leading providers of asbestos services. Since our inception in 1996, we have earned a reputation for quality, professionalism and excellent customer service. With a wealth of specialist experience within asbestos management and two offices strategically located in Lincoln and Stevenage, we are ideally placed to deliver a professional asbestos removal service throughout the UK. We pride ourselves on our rapid response to client requirements and safe work practices across all aspects of our asbestos services. We have provided quality and reliable asbestos services for local authorities, and are no stranger to delivering effective asbestos services within the retail, pharmaceutical and NHS Trusts. From site surveys and management planning to safe and efficient asbestos removal and disposal, as a full contracting ARCA member we ensure that quality control and best practice procedures are upheld at all

first class asbestos removal training and free advice to any organisation whether involved in the private or public sectors. We believe the public sector may be somewhat neglected, therefore, for more information on membership or training, contact us today; save a life.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01325 734133 Fax: 01325 487691 E-mail: georginakey@ tica-acad.co.uk Web: www.tica-acad.co.uk

times, in line with Health & Safety Executive guidelines as appropriate. With credentials including ISO 9001:2000, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 quality assurance, CHAS accreditation for Health and Safety, plus Constructionline and Safecontractor registration, Allan Dyson Asbestos Services is your ideal asbestos services partner. We are committed to delivering safe, effective and cost-effective asbestos removal and surveying services and are extremely proud of our flawless Health & Safety record.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01438 360656 Fax: 01438 721973 E-mail: mark@allandysonasbestos.co.uk Web: www.allandysonasbestos.co.uk

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Asbestos surveying and management advice E ARE A COMPANY

W that understands the

problems involved in working in a care home or nursing home. Therefore when we work we take care to put others first and allow time for people to be moved if that is necessary. We work in co operation and in harmony with your staff and try to phase our work into their working day. We carry asbestos surveying, fire risk assessments, asbestos awareness training and also the removal of asbestos to ensure you comply with all the asbestos regulations. If you wish to give me, Andrew Evans, a call and discuss your concerns

or problems do so on 01633 224422 or you can look us up on www.asmltd.net. We look forward to hearing from you. You have a legal requirement to keep an asbestos register on your site to locate any asbestos and your staff and any potential workmen have asbestos awareness training.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Centre for Business, 12 Devon Place, Newport NP20 4NN Tel: 01633 224422 Mobile: 07740 543 514 E-mail info@asmltd.net Web: www.asmltd.net

Asbestos awareness training from ARCA HE ASBESTOS Removal Contractors Association (ARCA), committed to promoting standards within the UK asbestos abatement industry for its member companies, joined forces with the Health and Safety executive (HSE) and other prominent stakeholders to support the campaign ‘Asbestos: The hidden killer’, which is aimed at making tradesmen aware of asbestos and the damage it can cause to their health and lives. The HSE’s Approved Code of Practice states that asbestos awareness training is the appropriate information instruction and training for persons who are

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liable to disturb asbestos during their everyday work. ARCA is the leading supplier of asbestos awareness training aimed at building and maintenance workers. The range of courses which ARCA have available is comprehensive. Each has been designed to ensure that your staff acquire a real depth of knowledge and capability.

FOR MORE INFORMATION To find out more or to arrange a no obligation meeting to discuss your employees asbestos awareness training needs please contact ARCA on 01283 531126.

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Flexible asbestos training UKATA registered asbestos awareness from CES (Wales) Ltd training provider C

ES (WALES) LTD offers a range of training and surveying options for those whose work activities might involve the disturbance of materials containing asbestos, and for anyone who influences such work – for example, architects, building surveyors and other professionals. They also give delegates an in-depth understanding of the regulations concerning the management of asbestos in non-domestic premises. We provide asbestos courses on two levels: Awareness training and level 2 training (giving delegates a qualification to work on non-licensable asbestos). Each course is tailored to meet the specific needs of the delegates, covering the following areas in appropriate detail: • What is asbestos? • Where and when was it used? • How to avoid the risks • The legal position • Asbestos surveys • The role of dutyholders A range of options are available, and we are flexible

SBESTOS TRAINING PROVIDERS is a newly established organisation, formed from a nucleus of senior professionals from the UKAS accredited asbestos laboratory and consulting industry. The ATP instructors are a group of mature, knowledgeable, and experienced individuals, based in the northern home counties. All members of the team are BOHS Certified Competent Persons (asbestos), with nearly 60 years combined practical experience in the asbestos industry. Individually, the trainers have been presenting asbestos awareness training courses for between five and fifteen years. At ATP we provide training for clients ranging from multinationals, national corporations and government bodies all the way through to small companies and the self employed. Our aim is to raise levels of awareness of the hazards

in our approach to the needs of each client. We also carry out all types of asbestos surveys, being accredited by UKAS to ISO/IEC 17020

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information, and an individual quotation, please contact us on 01633 613882 or by e-mail to admin@ceswales.com

and risks associated with asbestos, the implications for management, requirements of the law, identification within the workplace and appropriate actions in the event of incidents. Our objective is for delegates to gain a sound understanding of the full range of asbestos issues and to develop a balanced approach to dealing with it, leaving employers safe in the knowledge that their personnel are equipped to keep themselves, and others, protected from exposure to ‘the hidden killer’.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01582 866800 or 07973 830190 E-mail: asbestos-tp@tiscali.co.uk Web: www.asbestos-tp.co.uk

Elite Environmental – Asbestos awareness asbestos removal and training from ForeFront environmental contractor H LITE ENVIRONMENTAL (UK) Ltd is a complete environmental contractor, offering a range of services including asbestos removal, demolition and civil engineering. The company’s unique business model offers a complete pre-development work package, which allows its clients to hand over a contaminated brownfield site, and Elite hands back a clean, validated and serviced development platform for them to build-out. No interfaces, minimised risk and significant commercial benefits. Elite has a committed approach in anticipating the needs of its clients and their environmental demands without comprising on safety or quality, which is vital in today’s construction environment where evolving work practices, customer demands and the growing need for sustainable solutions are constantly changing. Elite Environmental is licensed by the HSE to safely remove and

dispose of all types of asbestos in all building environments. The company has an extensive corporate CV, with clients from both the private and public sectors, including schools, universities, hospitals, developers, main contractors, housing associations and many more. Elite’s business culture and management team have been commended for their professionalism, which is further reflected by accreditations including ARCA and ISO9001. Elite also offer Type 2 and Type 3 Asbestos Surveys carried out by qualified Professional Surveyors.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: www.elite-enviro.co.uk

SE FIGURES STATE that over 4,000 people die every year from asbestos related illness. In response to this Health & Safety specialist ForeFront Training is offering asbestos awareness courses aimed at those employees who may come into contact with asbestos containing materials. Delivered in a dynamic and informative style this course covers likely locations, current legislation and the health effects which may result from exposure. The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2006 places a duty to manage the presence of asbestos on managers and those in charge of non-domestic properties. Any property built before 31st December 1999 may contain asbestos. The message is clear, asbestos is a hidden killer – Be aware. ForeFront Training continues to gain an enviable reputation amongst its clients for their creative and cost effective Health & Safety training solutions. Able

to offer a wide variety of IOSH and CIEH accredited training, as well as specialist bespoke courses such as Asbestos Awareness, allows ForeFront to further enhance this reputation. This is achieved by the enthusiastic delivery of subject matter; detail involved in their course presentations and the affinity the course tutors have with the candidates present.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ForeFront Training Tel: 01472 348800 Fax: 01472 348866 E-mail: admin@ forefronttraining.co.uk Web: www.forefronttraining.co.uk

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UKATA asbestos training special offer

C&C Training – investing in your business

MTS LTD IS A UK based Health & Safety training consultancy operating internationally. SMTS offers a range of accredited and bespoke H&S training courses. Courses recognised/accredited by NEBOSH, IOSH, HSE, CIEH and UKATA. H&S consultancy services include supply-chain control, audits and Fire Risk Assessments. In-house, half day UKATA recognised asbestos awareness training from as little as £13.13 plus VAT per person (based on 2 x courses of 20 people on one day). Open courses at locations throughout the UK (£55+VAT per person) in: Birmingham, Dartford, Heathrow, Leicester, Manchester, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes, Sheffield and Tewkesbury.

T C&C TRAINING WE believe the key to any successful business lies within its people having the right knowledge and skills to deliver results. In today’s fast pace environment this has never been more important. So for companies wanting to stand head and shoulders above the rest, training has become an integral part of achieving success. Our passion and commitment in supporting companies to source, develop and deliver first class training is as strong as ever. Quality is at the heart of everything we do and the level of service you will receive is no exception. What you can expect to receive from C&C Training when you choose us to deliver your training is: • A company that works hard to understand your business and its challenges • A long term working partnership • Consistent outstanding levels of service and quality of training • Unique training programmes that are truly fit for purpose • For us to care for your success, your business and your people

For a full list of dates please visit www.SMTSgroup.com. For a limited period we are offering a 20 per cent discount on our open course price. Book by 5pm January 29th 2010 (quote: HealthBusiness09) to pay just £44+VAT per person.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: +44 (0)1642 438509 Fax: +44 (0)1642 438510 E-mail: info@smtsltd.com Web: www.smtsgroup.com

CIPFA’s asbestos management module HE CIPFA AssetManager.NET Asbestos Audit Management Module permits the reporting of asbestos material, identifying the risks to the building users. The module recognises the present codes of practice and British Standards e.g. HSG227, MDHS100; logs test results; produces a comprehensive risk matrix across the property portfolio including extensive analysis features; tracks asbestos removal; provides the facility to monitor the changes of rooms or spaces in the Condition Survey and other modules; provides year on year records for health monitoring and insurance purposes and allows users to identify asbestos locations for inclusion in a programme for the safe and controlled removal of hazardous material. Data is gathered using hand

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held electronic gathering tools (PDA’s) that provide data consistency between surveyors and have in-built checking and productivity functionality. The tools follow a standard pro-forma style and are used to record the condition of each sample. The format allows surveyors to follow the recommended approach to surveys using a logical sequence to progress through the building recording samples together with any comments. Data is collected at Room, Block and Site levels and reports can be generated from a single sample within a room to the entire property portfolio.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01244 399 699 Fax: 01244 399 601 E-mail: chester@cipfa.org.uk Web: www.cipfaproperty.net

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as though they were our own Our comprehensive range of services have been specifically developed to make your life as easy as possible when it comes to accessing quality and affordable training services.

FOR MORE INFORMATION C&C Training Ltd Head Office PO Box 6296 Leighton Buzzard Bedfordshire LU7 2WP Head Office: 01525 851752 Suffolk Office: 01449 672500 Fax: 05601 260936 E-mail: enquiries@ cctraining.uk.com Web: www.cctraining.uk.com

Antec – the specialists in asbestos removal NTEC CONTRACTING Services (Anglia) Ltd was established in 1991. We offer a fully licensed and insured, safety conscious service in asbestos removal and surveying. With a wealth of knowledge gained from extensive experience and training. Antec is able to advise and assist in all phases of the control and elimination of asbestos from the identification of problem areas to the completion of remedial measures. Antec holds a full licence (4910603507) to remove asbestos issued and regulated by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) under the Asbestos (Licensing) Regulations 1983. Alongside the remedial services

provided by Antec, our surveying team offer extensive knowledge and experience in locating and identifying asbestos containing materials (ACMs). All our surveyors have been trained to BHOS P402 standard depending on the need of the client. Clients range from RAF sites, councils, building/demolition contractors and numerous commercial premises both large and small.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Unit 2 Ashwellthorpe Industrial Est, Ashwellthorpe, Norfolk, NR16 1ER Tel: 01508 481630 Fax: 01508 481631 E-mail: antec@antecasbestos.co.uk

Visit the website to view the categorised product finder

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Asbestos in buildings the ‘hidden killer’

Everything you need to know about asbestos

HE CONTROL OF Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2006 places an explicit duty on all duty holders to manage the risk of exposure to asbestos fibre in their workplace and to formulate an asbestos management plan. The starting point of the asbestos management process is a survey, which aims to locate and identify any asbestos containing materials (ACMs). Proven ACMs are risk-assessed and prioritised within the report, which may then be used as a basis for a site specific management plan. Survey reports are accessible via our web enabled database, giving you or other approved persons secure access to all asbestos information held on your property portfolio. Survey reports are easy to use and provide you with the information you need to remain compliant. Precise asbestos type and location details can be extracted quickly allowing

OVER 28 years’ handsW ITH on experience in asbestos

you to carry out work in the area safe in the knowledge that all ACMs have been identified. Part of the requirement of CAR 2006 is that you inform your staff of the presence of any asbestos materials and train them in how to recognise and manage the risk from exposure to asbestos. Asbestos awareness is a vital part of compliance. Being a UKAS accredited consultancy and an approved training provider Tersus can help you defeat the ‘Hidden Killer’.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0121 270 2550 Fax: 0121 707 2060 E-mail: sales@tersusgroup.co.uk Web: www.tersusgroup.co.uk

Definitive asbestos solutions from Amity MITY SPECIALISES IN providing bespoke asbestos solutions to organisations including local authorities and hospitals throughout the UK. With our extensive experience and depth of knowledge surpassing over 600 years Amity is ideally suited to fulfil any asbestos contract. Offering licensed asbestos removal, asbestos surveys, awareness training, environmental cleaning, reinstatement works and much more Amity is proud to provide high quality solutions. We offer complete peace of mind, assurance, extensively trained operatives and an excellent customer

service experience throughout all of which is proven by our varied awards and accreditations along with our established customer base. Amity offers practical solutions to meet your specific needs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION We offer a free of charge estimating and consultancy service which can be booked on 0800 877 8310 or by e-mailing enquiries@amitygroup.co.uk. For written enquiries please send all correspondence to: Amicus House, Lynch Hill, Stanton Harcourt, Witney, Oxon, OX29 5BB

management and remedial work Yani Montoya brings a wealth of relevant anecdotes and real-life experiences to his asbestos awareness seminars. Having acquired solid experience as an analyst, surveyor, surveying manager, quality manager, technical manager and training manager and auditor a broad perspective is brought to the training seminars and even the most searching of questions can be dealt with on the day! No ‘stone’ is left unturned in presenting the required syllabus. Yani’s engaging personality and style ensures that even the most cynical and reluctant delegates leave the training seminars with commitment and a clearer understanding of their responsibilities. Yani tells it like it is – warts and all! Over the last three years Yani has presented asbestos awareness seminars throughout the UK and Ireland, Europe, Australia

and New Zealand and is widely regarded as a ‘safe pair of hands’. Training can be customised, where required, to clients’ particular needs, times, policies and circumstances and can be delivered 24 – seven!

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 07590 455941 Fax: 0115 9191050 E-mail: ymconsultants@live.co.uk Web: www.ymconsultants.co.uk

registers, property and survey documentation, photographs and floor plans, management plans and reports, risk assessments, tasking and communications • Built in data exchange routines so that duty holders can link to any major survey provider’s software and other copies of ToolKit CS™ • Knowledgebase about the legislation, duties to manage and guidance on best practice

FOR MORE INFORMATION Ai Solutions Ltd Tel: 01525 850080 Web: www.aisolutions.co.uk/ asbestos-management/

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Health Business | Volume 9.7

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ADVERTISERS INDEX The publishers accept no responsibility for errors or omissions in this free service 1st Class Secretarial

Environ

Plansafe Solutions

3ME Wood

Barcode Warehouse

Power and Distribution Transformers

Absolute Asbestos

101

EVAC Chair

Premier Facilities Maintenance

ACAD

101

Evive

Premier Life Skills

Acando

Excel Parking Services

Progress Through People

Advantage Healthcare Group

Firstpoint Healthcare

PULS

Ai Solutions

Floral Pavillion Theatre & Conference Centre

PV Surveys

Airwave Solutions

Footprint

Quantor Scanning

Forbes Rental

Radio-Tech

Allan Dyson Asbestos Services Altirium Amity Insulation Services

24 105

ForeFront Recruitment & Training

103

Rhodar

Forshaw Management

Robyland Environmental

Amputees in Action

Fujitsu

Another Level Car Parks

Gent by Honeywell

99 101

Rosetta Translation

RoSPA

Antec Contracting Services (Anglia)

104

Static Systems Group

RSK Environment

Ark Environmental UK

100

Glamorgan Conference Services

RSP Safety Services

Asbestos Abatement Services Asbestos Management Module

Global Environmental Consultancy

Russell Wanless

104

GSG

Salvation

Asbestos Removal Contractors Associations

102

Gully Howard Technical

Shelter UK

Asbestos Safety Management

102

HC2010

Singers Healthcare Finance

Asbestos Training Providers

103

Holiday Inn London Kensington Forum

SMTS

104

BemroseBooth

Huhtamaki (UK)

Space Saving Beds

BIFM

Induced Energy

Spinnaker College

102

IP UserGroup

Studiobusca Servizi

IBC, 47

Jason Davies

Surface Design Show

Bradley Environmental Consultants British Independent Utilities Bruce RID Recycling

JJ Food Service

Sykes Waterfield Taylor

Building Water Solutions

Kaba Door Systems

Symtrax

KAD Environmental Consultancy

T&I Services UK

Labcold

Take A Letter

25 42

BYTSYZ C&C Training

100

102

Cavendish Engineers

Lancer UK

Team Energy

Cheltenham Racecourse

Lavazza Coffee

Tersus Consultancy

Malrod Insulations

Testo

CitroĂŤn City Environmental Services

ESTA

The IMC Group

McGowan Transcriptions

Tounge Tied

Cordtape Environmental Services

Medway Safety

UK Mediation

Courtney-Thorne

Mind Your IT

UKPC

CSI Leasing UK

MIS Environmental

University of Essex

Danfoss

Monodraught

WACO

Data Supplies

Network Languages

Water Efficiency Solutions

DDS Demolition

ngNINE

Weee London

Delta Controls

NHS Supply Chain

Wellcom Corporation Services

Dictate IT

NIFES Consulting Group

WPS UK

Draeger Safety UK

Novell

Yani Montoya Consultancy

Edison Telecom

Nuance Communications

Zeag UK

EDP Europe

Olympus UK

Parking Control Services

Elite Environmental (UK)

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105

Clarks Archive Storage

Education Essentials

106

101

103

Peak Development

2 54 100

8 64

80 105 82

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A healthy future Premier Life Skills Ltd is dedicated to promoting wellbeing and managing stress. We help managers and employees to respond positively to challenges, building resilience to enable staff to perform effectively and productively. We can help to build and sustain a healthy future for organisations and their employees. We have more than 12 years’ experience of dealing with stress related problems and issues affecting either individuals or organisations. All our trainers are stress management experts from relevant professional backgrounds, including health and education. We run a range of public and in-house programmes designed specifically to tackle issues of stress in the workplace and to support the work of stress professionals working on a one-to-one basis with clients. Bespoke in-house training can be provided for all staff at all levels, along with consultancy, advice and training in healthy living and lifestyles.

thus enabling them to build healthier lifestyles CPCAB – Level 5 Diploma in stress management The diploma gives you a formal qualification to demonstrate your competence in delivering the training programme in stress and wellbeing to groups or on a one-to-one basis with individuals. CPCAB – Level 5 Diploma in stress coaching The diploma gives you a formal qualification to demonstrate your competence to coach clients regarding work or personal stress. Measuring and managing stress – the risk assessment approach This programme enables employers and external consultants to develop and demonstrate competence in risk assessment for stress at an organisational level. Premier Life Skills can also provide other training programmes for manager and employee development.

We are the only stress training company offering the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB) accredited training courses in stress management and stress coaching.

Courses Tackling stress at work for managers An essential workshop for managers – everything managers need to know about preventing and managing stress in the workplace Developing wellbeing and performance at work A workshop for employees to provide individuals with techniques and skills to combat the impact of stress,

Premier Life Skills Ltd 13 Woodlinken Close Verwood Dorset BH31 6BP Tel: +44 (0)7808 215674 +44 (0)1202 821751 info@premierlifeskills.co.uk jane@premierlifeskills.co.uk www.premierlifeskills.co.uk