HATS Newsletter Issue 5 by TypeStart Ltd

Assistive Technology Practitioner THE NEWSLETTER OF THE HEALTHCARE AND ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SOCIETY

ISSUE 5

Your Society Welcome to the latest issue of Assistive Technology Practitioner, exclusively for members of the Healthcare and Assistive Technology Society. With so many political and economic changes likely to affect our marketplace over the coming months and years, the need to define our member’s role in a sustainable health and care system has never been greater so we continue to develop a robust message about the influence of our members on the long term safe and effective delivery of care alongside AHP’s and direct to the public. Leaving the EU, DevoManc and the introduction of personal health budgets in our sector will lead to new models of care for many

CONTENTS Your Society 1 Practitioner of the Year Awards 1 New Qualification for Prosthetic, 2 Orthotic and Orthopaedic footwear technicians Update on DevoManc 3 New PMG Chair 3 Tribute to Russ Mears 3 Exhibition Round Up 4 A Manx tale... 4 The MHRA and how it affects you 5 Keeping your skills and 6 knowledge up-to-date CPD Opportunities 7 HATS Membership 8

people and we are committed to promoting the credibility of our members to this changing landscape of decision makers – commissioners and health and wellbeing boards – as well as continuing our traditional links with health & social care professionals and the public. As well as raising our profile within our marketplace, the Council and Advisory Board are delighted at the introduction of the society award to celebrate the important work of members and to gain further recognition of HATS within the various sectors of the BHTA at the annual awards dinner celebrations. I look forward to naming the winners in our winter issue. We are always keen to know what interests you on a local, national or global scale so that we can tailor our articles accordingly – training, changes to local commissioning policy and how to promote the society are some of the topics covered in this issue. If you would like to see an area of interest published in the next issue please send your thoughts and comments to Philip Woodward at Philip. woodward@hatsoc.org guaranteed if a subject is of interest to you, it will be of interest to others.

Introduction of the Society award: Practitioner of the Year 2016 We are delighted to announce that 2016 will see the creation of a Society award to celebrate and support the hugely important work of members. The award will be presented by our patron, Baroness Glenys Thornton at the annual BHTA British Healthcare Trades Awards, to be held this year in London on 1st December. Whether based in the private or public sector, we recognised that members serve a vulnerable group of customers in a variety of ways, such as; • Assessing needs – through manual handling, an assessment of needs, providing advice, listening and watching • Installing, maintaining and repairing – products that are an essential part of maintaining an independent lifestyle

Kay Purnell, Chair Society Council

• Working with others – such as OTs, physios, nurses and other healthcare professionals to ensure the best solution is found • Designing and creating products – from daily living aids through to redesigning kitchens and bathrooms • Delivering – the products to the customers door every day, week, month and year • Working ethically – whether you’re creating, supplying or selling What’s it all about? Applications are open to all members and we want to hear of instances where you have gone out of your way to find solutions. Think of the times when you, or a colleague as you may nominate others, have really gone the extra mile (out of your way) to

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help someone out. The award is for the most outstanding practitioner of the year, and we are looking to acknowledge those who provide exceptional customer service and work to a high standard of ethical best practice. What we look for There are four ways that you can evidence your commitment to best practice and ethical working: • Maintaining skills and knowledge: keeping up-to-date • Effective working with others working with OTs, Families and even the competition • Providing excellent customer service always putting the clients needs and safety first • Team working: training colleagues and working together to achieve results Entries will be considered by the Advisory Board who will be looking for a strong demonstration of at least two of the above four criteria in the application statement. An application form is available from the website at: http://www.hatsoc.org/ content/practitioner-yearaward.html. For further details and any questions please email: membership@hatsoc.org or contact Philip Woodward on 0207 702 2141.

New qualification for prosthetic, orthotic and orthopaedic footwear technicians A much needed, and long awaited, training course specifically for Orthotic and Prosthetic Technicians was launched at the 2016 BAPO conference. The Professional Development Award in Rehabilitation Technologies offers a flexible way of learning to fit in with a candidate’s own pace of learning and to accommodate work related timescales. The course has received national accreditation through the Scottish Qualifications Authority. At the conference Ian Adam, Orthotic Rehabilitation Technician at Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children, presented the format of the course with the designers of the online modules (Glasgow Clyde College) and representatives from the Scottish Qualifications Authority were on hand to answer questions from the audience. Technicians have long been recognised as an integral part of the patient care pathway but with no formal recognition of the work carried out behind the scenes in the workshop, so this course aims to support those with many years’ experience as well as those who have become technicians in more recent years. The format for learning is very much ‘on the job’ with mandatory online modules providing a sound background in topics such as anatomy, biomechanics and materials alongside workplace based, practical modules covering orthotic and prosthetic manufacturing techniques. The project to set up the course

has been supported by the British Healthcare Trades Association and Orthotic Education and Training Trust and we hope to see the first students enrolling this summer. In addition to lan’s involvement from the public sector, the course has been supported by industry throughout the development process. Kay Purnell, Business Development Manager at Blatchford’s Clinical Services was appointed a member of the working group and says: “Ian has done a fantastic job in tying together all elements of the course, we knew what we wanted to achieve and Ian has helped us to get to the finish line with a very comprehensive course that can be delivered in a way which least affects the daily work routine of candidates. It was essential to ensure that the course could be delivered in the workplace which meant translating lectures to online learning modules as well as formalising a way to recognise the essential practical skills employed by technicians. Importantly, the course will offer recognition of skills for those already working as technicians as well as appealing to those who may be considering a role as a technician in the future, and is long overdue.” Sam Gallop CBE says: “Our Cross Party Group takes a keen interest in all aspects of education and training and career development. This further recognition of the importance of the Technician often under sung in their backrooms – is therefore to be welcomed. The Group’s Officers are further pursuing national and international opportunities.”

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New PMG Chair

Combined Social and Healthcare Budgets ...the way forward? February 2015 marked the start of the revolutionary DevoManc (Devolution Manchester) agreement with the government, for Greater Manchester to take charge of the decisions of health and social care spending in the region. Following the last ten years of reforming and growing the region, the next five years present a positive outlook for Manchester’s changing healthcare system and the DevoManc program. “The Plan”, published in December 2015, and endorsed by the Health and Social Care Strategic Partnership Board, lays out the targets that DevoManc hopes to achieve. Now, just over one year into implementation, we begin the nation’s pilot program – Making people healthier and more independent for longer. Through the synchronised partnership of Greater Manchester’s Health and Social Care facilities, DevoManc is aiming to – within the next five years – reduce the number of people dying from cancer and cardiovascular or respiratory disease, and having more children reaching a good level of social development. Ultimately culminating in having our aging population able to stay well and living at home for as long as possible, with fewer people suffering serious falls.

The Health and Social Care Partnership Board – consisting of NHS organisations, the voluntary sector, patient groups, and regulatory bodies – is pooling and redistributing the £6 billion funds to result in the best outcome for the Greater Manchester population. They are reflowing the money around the system to develop new ways of working, to beat the £2 billion gap we are currently going to see emerge over the next five years. There are many reasons why pooling resources and combining Health and Social Care should reduce costs and improve communication and patient outcomes and potentially also reduce referral and discharge lead times which would also deliver positive benefits financially. As yet it is too soon to know how successful this initiative will prove and we look forward to receiving an update from the partnership board in due course. If you are involved in the DevoManc initiative or work in the catchment area and want to let us know how you feel it is going we would be really interested to hear from you, please email us at: membership@hatsoc.org. Learn more about DevoManc https:// www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/ homepage/59/devolution

Posture & Mobility Group (PMG) is very pleased to announce that Diane Hargrove, Sales and Marketing Director at Sumed International UK, has taken over as Chair of PMG as of Wednesday 20th July 2016. Diane takes over from Clare Canale, an Occupational Therapist and Leckey & Firefly Clinical Manager at James Leckey Design, who has stepped down as Chair after six successful years in the role. Diane looks forward to taking over the new streamlined Executive Committee implemented under Clare’s leadership. Diane believes that although the NHS and healthcare delivery field is going through some challenging times, PMG is stronger than ever, and in a great position to help shape the future of the field. She hopes to engage members more, in all aspects of PMG, to continue to build the organisation’s strengths. During her term as chair, Diane also plans to build on PMG’s collaborative work with other organisations and fields of relevance to help increase our membership further amongst professionals working across other healthcare sectors.

Russell Mears We are very saddened to report that Society member Russell Mears, who was the Managing Director at Simple Stuff Works, tragically passed away earlier this year. He leaves his wife Polly, and three children: Toni, Ben and Kate. Russell was a great supporter of the Society, having been a member of it’s forerunner the Assistive Technology Practitioner Society (ATPS) for many years. When we re-branded and transferred over to the current Society Russell was one of the first to sign up. In addition to being a Society Member, Russell was also an active member of the Posture Mobility Group (PMG) and contributed regularly to their work. He will be missed within the industry and on behalf of all our members the Society extends it’s deepest sympathy to Russell’s family and friends.

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EXHIBITION ROUNDUP

PMG Posture and Mobility Group Conference 20th July 2016 Ray Hodgkinson MBE Director of Public affairs for BHTA delivered a lecture on “Making a Difference….” At the Posture and Mobility Conference (PMG) in Birmingham. Ray spoke about some of the milestones that have affected the industry which we all participate in today, and how we all make a difference. He reviewed the importance of demographic change, life expectancy, and the importance and unique role of assistance technology to society, the breadth of skills required, and its impact on society, not just in enabling but in its cost effectiveness. He discussed its future and the future of those now working in the sector, and of those setting off on a career with us. Ray also reviewed the current model of provision, and commented on the future prospects with all the issues currently surrounding the health service, giving the potential for consumers to drive a new way forward, as well as how choice can be stimulated, and why we need change. Ray also spoke about the aims and agenda for PMG and BHTA to explore together to help ensure we continue to make a difference.

A Manx tale... Where we live has a bearing on the Health and Social Care facilities available to us. I live on a little island in the middle of the Irish Sea called the Isle of Man and here is a little background for those that have never been or perhaps don’t know where it is. The Isle of Man is a selfgoverning British Crown dependency in the Irish Sea between England and Ireland. The population of the island fluctuates slightly however is fairly consistent at 85,000 and although most people speak English the Isle of Man does have its own Manx language, spoken by a few. Although not part of the United Kingdom it does have a National Health Service and there is a reciprocal agreement between the UK and IOM so specialist healthcare not available on the island is made available in the UK. Health and Social Care makes up one department on the Isle of Man with the current Government expenditure in 2014/15 of £235m. Just because we are a small island it does not mean that we do not have an excellent service and quality of care. However, it does not mean that things can not be improved and therefore the integrated health and social care department are looking at various ways to deliver a better and more efficient service.

“Just because we are a small island it does not mean that we do not have an excellent service and quality of care.”

“Although not part of the United Kingdom it does have a National Health Service and there is a reciprocal agreement between the UK and IOM.” Currently the Department of Health and Social Care are delivering Roadshows to the public in various locations on the island. This is to report on the current position and lay out the strategy for the next five years. The key areas which fall within the strategic plan are: 1. Greater responsibility of individuals own health 2. Help people stay well in their own homes and communities 3. Improve hospital services 4. Safeguarding for those people who can not protect themselves 5. Ensure good value health and social care is delivered to all Running a business on the island that sells mobility and disability equipment I often hear people’s stories of their experiences of the services offered to them and I must say that some people have felt very let down at times. Of course there are recognised flaws with any service but I am very hopeful that the Isle of Man Government are now starting to understand where improvements can be made so everyone gets the duty of care they Tracey Hellowell deserve but at the Managing Director same time balance Just Care Products the books.

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The MHRA and how it affects you The Medicines and Healthcare product Regulatory Agency is the Government Agency that regulates our industry. They are part of the Department of Health and are responsible for ensuring that medicines and medical devices work as they should, and are acceptably safe. As a HATS member you are almost certainly working with medical devices in one way or another, so it is probably in your interest to understand how your industry is regulated. Let’s start with the MHRA definition of a medical device: “Medical devices are all products, except medicines, used in healthcare for the diagnosis, prevention, monitoring or treatment of illness or disability. Examples include X-ray and other imaging equipment, pacemakers, artificial joints, anaesthetic equipment, pregnancy test kits, infusion equipment, beds, wheelchairs, condoms, and surgical dressings”. The MHRA also regulate the market for e-cigarettes. Manufacturers of Medical Devices in the EU must be registered with a Competent Authority, in the UK the MHRA is the designated Competent Authority. Following an appropriate assessment, the MHRA will issue relevant certification allowing manufacturers to put CE-marks on their products and put them on the market anywhere in the EU. This marketing

freedom may change post Brexit, but the requirements to manufacturers and HATS members are likely to stay similar. Devices are categorised into four classes with Class 1 being the most basic. Classes 2a, 2b and 3 all require the products to be certified by a notified body before the CE mark can be applied. Beds, wheelchairs, hoists are examples of Class 1 devices. Because of the comparative low risk nature of most Class 1 devices, manufacturers registered with the MHRA can, when satisfied that the medical device complies with the

The MHRA investigate harmful incidents. Together with reports coming in from manufacturers the MHRA also encourages healthcare professionals to report “adverse incidents”. requirements in the Medical Device Directive, apply the CE mark themselves. The manufacturer must write a statement to declare this, known as the Declaration of Conformity. Manufacturers of devices that includes sterile products or a measuring function will need a notified body to approve and certify the parts of

their manufacturing process that relates to sterility or metrology. The MHRA acknowledge that no product is risk free. They have a responsibility to keep watch over medicines and medical devices and can take action to protect the public if there is a problem. To support them in keeping watch, they expect manufacturers to implement and maintain corrective action and vigilance procedures. This involves a requirement that manufacturers immediately report any incident that had or might have led to death, serious injury or serious deterioration in health. Also the MHRA must be notified of any technical or medical reason leading to the systemic recall of a device. As well as reactive vigilance, manufacturers must conduct “post market surveillance”. This involves implementing and maintaining a documented procedure to review experience gained from devices on the market and to implement any necessary corrective action. The MHRA investigate harmful incidents. Together with reports coming in from manufacturers the MHRA also encourages healthcare professionals to report “adverse incidents”. They define an adverse incident as an event that causes, or has the potential to cause, unexpected or unwanted effects involving the safety

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of device users (including patients) or other persons. Depending on the outcome of an incident investigation by the MHRA, they may instruct the manufacturer to publish a Field Safety Notice (FSN) to communicate awareness of the issue. For more serious incidents the MHRA may publish a Medical Device Alert (MDA). These are sent out to all NHS Trusts, Local Authorities, CCG’s, etc. The MHRA can also take other action from instructing device recalls to instigating prosecutions. Examples of adverse incidents include: • a patient, user, carer or professional is injured as a result of a medical device failure or its misuse • a patient’s treatment is interrupted or compromised by a medical device failure • a misdiagnosis due to a medical device failure leads to inappropriate treatment • a patient’s health deteriorates due to medical device failure. Causes of incidents may include: design; poor user instructions or training; inappropriate modifications; inadequate maintenance; unsuitable storage and use conditions or an inappropriate device provided for a patient. Clearly, depending on a HATS member’s role relating to the cause of an incident, there could be major implications regarding their competency. If this article concerns you, that’s good. Awareness of a problem is the first step towards a solution. Further information about the MHRA can be found on their web site: https:// www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ medicines-and-healthcare-productsregulatory-agency

Keeping your skills and knowledge up-to-date As a Member of the Society it is important that you keep your knowledge up-to-date and develop your skills so that you can deliver the best service possible for your customer, colleagues and employer. To help you develop your skills and knowledge, the Society requires you to keep a record (skills and training record sheet) of what training and professional development you have undertaken in a membership year. Recording what activities you have undertaken should make it easier for you to reflect on what you have learnt and identify any professional development needed. We all know what we’re good at, but sometimes identifying where we could do with some extra help or development isn’t always so easy or straight forward. James Malcolm from Ability Matters had just completed his skills and training record sheet and let us know how easy it was to complete. James said, “With all processes and forms there can be a sense

We encourage members to remain in contact with the Society as much as possible. Keeping us updated about any new jobs or promotions, a change of address or name really helps us maintain accurate details about our members ensuring

of intrepidation of how easy a system will be, but it was not rocket science. The record sheet was straight forward and ease of use is a positive factor that makes sure you will go back in to update the record/information on a regular basis” “Completing the form really made me consider what I had done and why I had done it. I had to think about what it was I had wanted to get out of the training I undertook and how successful it was”. In addition to the record sheet, the Society has published guidance to support the process and both documents can be found on the website at: http:// www.hatsoc.org/content/members.html The guidance helpfully sets out what sort of activity can lead to learning and professional development and as you will see it is a varied list. If you have specific questions about your professional development contact Philip Woodward on 0207 702 2142 or email: membership@hatsoc.org

returned mail or emails are kept to a minimum. If you have any change of details you would like to update us about please drop the Secretariat a line at: info@hatsoc.org.

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CPD OPPORTUNITIES

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2016 SEPTEMBER 2016 BHTA – Pressure Care Awareness – September 7th 2016 – Wellingborough – BHTA/H&AT member £292+VAT. Non Member £360+VAT Electric Mobility – Servicing / Maintenance & Fault finding for Rascal Mobility Products – September 7th 2016 – FOC including Lunch. Medilink – Social Media skills training – Two-day Social Media course – September 13/14 2016 – Leeds. £995 for large companies and £495 for sector SMEs. Pride Mobility – Introduction to Pride Mobility Products Technical Trouble Shooting – September 21/22 – A deposit is required for each delegate that you wish to attend the Pride training. This will be returned to you once the specific training has been attended.

JCM – Specialist Seating – September 22nd 2016 – JCM Academy, Peterborough.

Global Training by Silvalea – October 13th 2016 – Rehabilitation Aids – Interactive Online Training – FOC.

Global Training by Silvalea – September 22nd 2016 – Insitu Slings – Interactive Online Training – FOC.

BHTA – Healthcare and Assistive Technology – October 19-20 2016 – Wellingborough. BHTA/ H&AT member £465+VAT, Non Member £590+VAT

OCTOBER 2016 Global Training by Silvalea – October 5th 2016 – Toileting slings and their safe use – Interactive Online Training – FOC.

Pride Mobility – Introduction to Pride Mobility Products Technical Trouble Shooting – October 19/20 2016 – A deposit is required for each delegate that you wish to attend the Pride training. This will be returned to you once the specific training has been attended.

Global Training by Silvalea – October 6th 2016 – Understanding clip fixing slings – Interactive Online Training – FOC. JCM – Technical Training – October 6th 2016 – JCM Academy, Peterborough.

Global Training by Silvalea – October 26th 2016 – Amputee Slings – Interactive Online Training – FOC.

Medilink – Innovation strategy course – Two-day Innovation and Business strategy course – October 11-12 2016 – Leeds – £995 for large companies and £495 for sector SMEs.

Global Training by Silvalea – October 27th 2016 – Safe use of transfer aids – Interactive Online Training – FOC.

Global Training by Silvalea – October 12th 2016 – How to measure and complete the custom made form –Interactive Online Training – FOC.

BOOKING CONTACTS Invacare – Call Joan James on 01656 776283 or email jjames@invacare.com Global Training by Silvalea - +44(0)1626 331655 info@ silvalea-globaltraining.com or www.trainingbysilvalea.com Quantum Rehab – Call Debbie on 01869 324600 or email sales@quantumrehab.co.uk Pride Mobility – Call Dave on 01869 324600 or email service@pride-mobility. co.uk R82 UK Ltd – Call 0121 561 2222, or email Martyn Davis on mda@r82.com Electric Mobility - Call Hayley Acton on 01460 258158 or email hayley.acton@ electricmobility.co.uk JCM – Contact Rachel Davis on training@ jcmfactory.co.uk MediLink – Contact Emma Lister, Medilink Skills Coordinator, on 0114 232 9277 email e.lister@medilink.co.uk BHTA - Contact Philip Woodward on philip. woodward@bhta.com or call 0207 702 2141

If you’re aware of other CPD opportunities Society members might find useful, please let us know at info@hatsoc.org

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Healthcare and Assistive Technology Membership Many people working in assistive technology haven’t had the backing of a professional body that can help support them in developing their knowledge and skills, provide tangible membership benefits, and offer a sense of identity. The Society has been set up to support practitioners in the industry, also providing customers with additional confidence that the person they’re dealing with is a registered professional, committed to a Code of Conduct and to keeping their knowledge and skills up to date. It will also enable them to check the credentials of people coming to their door with a central database. Talk to us about how you can join the Healthcare and Assistive Technology Society by calling our membership team on 020 7702 2141 or by visiting www.hatsoc.org/joinus

CONTACT THE SECRETARIAT We want to hear from our members, whether you have questions to ask, issues to raise or some experience you want to share with other practitioners. General queries: E: info@hatsoc.org Membership queries: E: membership@ hatsoc.org You can also follow us on Twitter for the latest news and updates: @hatsoc

GOVERNANCE PATRON Baroness Glenys Thornton, Patron, became a working Labour peer in 1998. From 1998-2008 she has served on various select committees, and worked on a huge number of bills passing through the

Lords - most of the legislation concerning Children, the Disabled and Charities. In addition to her role as Patron of the Society, the Baroness is also Patron of Social Enterprise UK, a Governor of the London School of Economics and, from her appointment in 2015, the Chief Executive of the Young Foundation.

ADVISORY BOARD The Advisory Board is Chaired by our Patron, Baroness Glenys Thornton. A body of senior figures from the industry, either practising or retired, that

advise the society Council and make recommendations for long term growth and the achievement of corporate aims and objectives. The Board do not instruct the Society Council but advise it.

MEET THE ADVISORY BOARD Darren Awang Course Director of the MSc in Assistive Technology Coventry University

Dr. Sally Gosling Assistant Director for Practice & Development, The Chartered Society of Physiotherapists

Ian McCreath Personal Choice Programme Manager, The Alzheimer’s Society

Clare Canale Chair of the Posture Mobility Group

Ray Hodgkinson MBE Director of Public Affairs, British Healthcare Trades Association

Julia Scott Chief Executive The British Association of Occupational Therapists

Prof. Duncan Eaton Executive Advisor All Party Parliamentary Health Group

Alison Somek Chief Executive Officer, Somek and Associates

SOCIETY COUNCIL The Society Council is the main administrative body of the Society with the following responsibilities: • to ensure standards and the corporate aims and objectives • to oversee the achievement of membership growth, renewal and retention targets, as set out in the business plan

• debate/discuss procedural matters relating to the running of the Society • to monitor and analyse trends in membership growth, renewals and retention • to report to and advise the Advisory Board on matters concerning the management of the Society • to meet three times a year.

MEET THE COUNCIL Philip Woodward, Accreditation and Professional Development Manager T: 0207 702 2141 E: philip.woodward@ hatsoc.org

Kay Purnell (Chair) Business Development Manager, Blatchford’s Clinical Services

Diane Hargrove Sales and Marketing Director, Sumed Int’l UK (Ltd)

Kenneth Munro Managing Director, W Munro (Rehab) Ltd

Myrddin James Director, 3r Mobility

Richard Handley Managing Director, Care and Independence Systems Ltd

Tracey Hellowell Managing Director, Just Care Products

James Malcolm Ability Matters Technology Group

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