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News, deals and people
from THIIS June 2022
by THIIS
News, deals & people
Bringing patriotic pizazz to Jubilee celebrations
Online independent living aids retailer Complete Care Shop has announced the launch of a unique, limited edition mobility aid in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Festooned with Union Jacks, the retailer is hoping that the rollator – dubbed the ‘Royallator’ – will bring some ‘patriotic pizazz’ to people who want to celebrate in style but need extra support with balance, stability and mobility.
According to the retailer, the Royallator is lightweight, allowing the user to enjoy “amazing manoeuverability and support” when walking to and from the Jubilee celebrations. When a well-earned rest from all the street-partying is needed the Royallator is easy to fold down.
The Royallator has a large clip-on bag that could be perfect for taking picnic sandwiches, a Victoria sponge cake and maybe even a cheeky bottle of fizz along to the party!
For those wanting to decorate a rollator for the day themselves, the standard version of the rollator is also available. A round-up of the key trade stories for business leaders to digest
in brief...
REHACARE RETURNS After a two-year break due to Covid, the 31st edition of Rehacare International in Düsseldorf, Germany returns from 14 to 17 September 2022. Event organisers Messe Düsseldorf cancelled the world-leading trade fair for rehabilitation and care last year due to the risk of COVID-19 for vulnerable visitors. Taking place at the Düsseldorf Trade Fair Centre, Rehacare will showcase the latest innovations and trends to enable people to live an independent life, including wheelchairs, walking aids and custom-refitted vehicles. ABILITY MATTERS ACQUISITION Oxfordshire-based mobility equipment supplier Ability Matters Group is hoping to further boost its presence in the prosthetic and orthotic market after acquiring Crispin Orthotics.
Leeds-based Crispin Orthotics specialises in producing and maintaining orthotic devices, developing innovative products using digital workflows and 3D printing. Its use of Multi Jet Fushion technology by HP has enabled it to produce parts that are strong and flexible enough to be made into orthotics that can endure a human’s everyday movements.
TOPRO UK appoints new Country Manager
Walking aids manufacturer TOPRO UK has announced that its new Country Manager is Terence Clark.
Terence has been leading and developing teams within the mobility and rehabilitation industry for many years, working closely with healthcare professionals in assessment clinics, as well as on a one-toone basis.
In addition to his time as a large mobility retailer Terence has significant experience in working with the NHS, and the UK public sector.
WHILL wins prestigious design award
Advanced powerchair manufacturer WHILL, whose products are supplied by TGA Mobility in the UK, has announced that its foldable Model F mobility vehicle has won the 2022 iF Design Award.
Established in 1953, the iF Design Awards are recognised internationally as one of the most prestigious awards within the field of design.
WHILL Model F is a foldable short-distance mobility vehicle that is particularly helpful for active older people who have difficulty walking. It is lightweight, which makes it easy to load into cars, and offers a convenient option for air travel. Model F can also be folded effortlessly and quickly, providing a seamless travel experience for those who want to get out and explore.
When folded, the product can be stored upright or flat depending on its environment, while the WHILL smartphone app allows the user to drive and lock the Model F remotely, as well as check device information, such as mileage and battery level.
DERBY DRIVABILITY OPEN DAY DerbyDrivAbility, part of the Driving Mobility network, will be hosting a freemobility event for healthcare professionals, as well as approved driving instructors andthe general public on 14thJune 2022.
During the event, which will be held between 11am5pm in Kingsway, Derby, the service will offer the opportunity for visitors to explore specialist equipment for driving, wheelchair loading and passenger safety. The Open Day will showcase its services alongside a selection ofspecialist accessible vehicles and mobility products fromexperienced andprofessional suppliers. THE CENTAUR TRIUMPHS Centaur Robotics, the company which created the Centaur, a self-balancing personal electric wheelchair, has won a major trophy at the UK’s leading accessibility awards.
The two-wheeled Centaur led the field in the Inclusive Guest Innovation category at the Blue Badge Access Awards held in Manchester recently. Judge Michael Vermeersch commented: “We can see the Centaur being used to transport people to their hotel rooms or for excursions during their stay.” The Centaur won in the category for innovative products that improve the quality of visitors’ experience in hotels and hospitality.
Baffin Technology Systems has launched a three-in-one adaptive stroller for children, enabling them to join in with physical activities while ensuring they maintain a good postural position.
The Yogi has been designed for children with a wide range of conditions including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular mystrophy, as well as those who have had a spinal injury.
Featuring an integrated seat, the Yogi has an adjustable seat depth and the angle of the seat can be adjusted.
Additional support and comfort is provided by pelvic stabilisation belts, an anatomically correct headrest, three point safety belt, large rear tyres and adjustable shock absorption system.
Weighing 20kg, the Yogi has been designed for children up to a height of 130cm, with a maximum user weight capacity of 40kg.
Marzena Komisarczuk, Founder of Baffin Technology Systems, commented: “The Yogi has been designed with the user and parent/carer in mind and will help families enjoy fun days out which might otherwise not be possible.”
Centrobed launches fully profiling bed
Moving and handling specialist Centrobed has launched a new fully profiling low-start-height bed in response to feedback from clients and occupational therapists (OTs).
Centrobed creates bespoke, innovative designs as a result of feedback from its clients and OTs and states that it created the Fundy Low Start Bed after discovering that there was a need for a low-start-height bed that can still support fully with moving and handling.
The Fundy was designed with safety at its centre, according to the manufacturer. It is a height-adjustable bed with a from-the-floor start height. It can be raised to waist height to deliver personal care or can be used as a changing station.
The bed does not have a head or footboards attached to the bed and it comes in a fully padded low-level surround. There are no visible power cables and the bed is operated via a wired handset.
In addition, the Fundy as standard is manufactured to a length of 78″, however, it can be made to any bespoke specification to suit adults or children.
New BHTA CEO to champion mobility industry
The British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) has confirmed that David Stockdale will be joining the association in June as its new Chief Executive Officer.
David will join the BHTA following a 12-year period as CEO of the British Tinnitus Association (BTA), where he spearheaded the growth and transformation of the association. During his time with the BTA, David was responsible for significantly increasing its standing and visibility in the world of audiology.
He join the BHTA this month, where he will ensure the association’s members’ needs are represented during significant reforms taking place across the health and care landscape.
Andrew Stevenson, Chairman of the British Healthcare Trades Association, commented: “The Board is delighted to have David join the association.
“David will bring a wealth of experience, energy and enthusiasm to the association. We are confident he will amplify the voice of association and the profile of its members.”
