BHTA The Bulletin (issue 16)

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Issue 16 - February/March 2009

Director General’s Diary New logo ATP Society update

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Minivator wins award 4 Code related matters 4 60 second interview David Thompson 5 Parliamentary Corner 5 Training Update 6 Section Meetings Year Planner 2009 6-7

Section chairmen 2009 Naidex 2009 NBJ Insurance update Who’s Who at the BHTA Welcome new members All together better and stronger

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Director General’s diary

Looking good, feeling good BHTA dg Ray Hodgkinson explains the rationale behind the new look logo, unveiled for the first time at the AGM and Awards dinner in December.

In times like these it really helps to remain positive – although I fully appreciate that sometimes it can be hard.

The media glories in stories of doom and despondency – after all, good news has never sold newspapers. No wonder consumer confidence is so low. So it’s up to us to find the inner resources to counter all that gloom.

Personally I find it helps to focus on some of the good things that are happening. Here are my reasons to be cheerful…

Reason Number One: spring is in the air!

It’s true – we’re now in February, which means the days are getting longer and spring is around the corner. It always lifts my spirits, as does getting up and coming home from work in daylight.

Reason Number Two: the strong will survive!

The future is uncertain but what is certain is that successful companies will survive and thrive, being well placed when the economy upturn happens.

Our industry is protected somewhat by the nature of the market, and our products and services are needed: public funding is also assured for the time being, but this is no excuse for complacency.

The BHTA section meetings offer members the opportunity to meet on a regular basis, network, discuss and debate ideas, proactively identify opportunities and market opportunities.

Reason Number Three: we’re overflowing with innovative ideas!

Innovation and invention are alive and well in our industry. The Independent Living Design Awards 2008 attracted three times the number of eligible entries from start-ups as well as established companies with a long tradition of innovation; and from both BHTA members and non members.

It was great to see an increasing user involvement in developing these products. It can be a long and difficult journey from concept to commercial availability; to see so many products completing that journey is heart-warming indeed.

Naidex, at the end of April, will showcase more of our industry’s successes (read more about this year’s show on page 8).

Now is also the time to invest in research and development and you can read more about the BHTA’s exclusive partnership with the University of Oxford and R & D Funding Advisory Service on page 3 – two exciting new services which will really give your R & D efforts a boost.

As Steve Job, co-founder of Apple, said: "Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower."

This really is the BHTA in action – we really are better and stronger all together.

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“As the BHTA evolves into a more moder n, dynamic organisation, we felt it was time also to look at our overall brand image and ensure it reflected those values.

Some of you will recall that our logo was updated about eight or nine years ago but was looking a little tired and dated both in colour and style.

The Reflex Blue was also quite difficult to reproduce correctly and required a fifth colour process, thus adding to print costs.

We are acutely aware of the fact that our logo is very much the public face of the organisation. As it is also widely used by members on everything from letterheads to shop windows, from brochures to websites, it was important that it should be clean, neat and smart – visible but also unobtrusive, so it will sit well alongside all our members’ different corporate identities: quite a tall order!

We hope you agree that the resulting new logo is both smart and versatile, conveys a professional image and is easy to reproduce in any size.

The blue and white asymmetric circles and a softer, more moder n blue give it freshness and movement, reflecting the dynamism of both our organisation and our industry.

The new look will be rolled out over the next few months, so expect to see it gradually replacing the old logo on all our publications and the website, our suite of Get Wise leaflets, other BHTA publicity leaflets, roundals, posters and point of sale materials.”

A guide on how and where to use the logo as members will be available as a download on the BHTA website or from the Secretariat.

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ATP Society appoints management executive The autumn of 2008 saw the inaugural meeting of the Assistive Technology Practitioners’ (ATP) Society and Julian Cobbledick, md of Assistive Partner, was appointed its first chair.

Said Julian: “My belief in the society and its aims made it impossible for me to ‘sit back and watch’. I was keen to be involved to drive it forward towards its goals.”

The establishment of a professional body will enable, for the first time, AT workers who are not state-registered to sign up to a programme of professional development.

With the market currently expanding and changing rapidly it’s an ideal time to launch ATPSoc. Until now the market has been too small and fragmented for the scheme to succeed, but now the consumers of healthcare equipment will be more reliant on the private sector, it is critical to ensure they can identify a genuine and capable assistive technology (AT) worker.

Says Julian: “The ATP Society will go a lot further than the BHTA Registrants Scheme, which was perhaps before its time. Now however, the climate is right for a professional body for our industry and every effort will be taken to ensure it is correctly resourced and funded.”

Ray Hodgkinson, director general of BHTA says: “I am delighted that the ATPSoc will be led by a group of such widely experienced and dedicated ‘Registrants’ and that they have secured the leadership of Julian Cobbledick, who has played such a forward thinking role in the trade association’s recent past.

“People who work in the AT industry now have an official home to belong to and the inauguration of the new society will prove to be a significant stepping stone to improved standards and personal development for the industry as a whole.”

The potential services that the society will set out to offer will include professional indemnity and continuing professional development as well as a tiered

programme of training and qualifications from entry level to degree and post graduate level.

The first tasks of the ATP society will be to develop a mission statement, corporate ID and full business plan to develop and promote its proposed activities. The society has set a target to achieve up to 6,000 registrants.

Says Julian: “It’s not going to be easy to break through inevitable inertia and get people motivated to join the ATP Society and improve their skills. But I’m absolutely convinced this is what we need as an industry and I’m delighted to be supported by an equally dedicated and enthusiastic team of people on the society board of management.

“Collectively they bring together a wealth of experience and skills which will be invaluable. I hope that one day, it will be unacceptable for people in the practical side of healthcare equipment (providing support, advice, service etc) to interface with consumers without showing that they have taken the time to qualify”.

Apart from chair Julian Cobbledick the inaugural management executive team comprises of the following existing BHTA registrants:

Julian Cobbledick Richard Handley (Spectra Care) Geoff Harbach (LEPMIS) Bob Hudspith (Theraposture) Myrddin James (3R Mobility) Tony Mercer (Minivator Ltd) Gerald Simonds (Gerald Simonds Healthcare Ltd) Added Julian: “I’m sure we’ll be able to demonstrate the benefits of the society to individuals, to their companies and to their customers, the end consumers.”

First aid kits in the workplace consultation It has been over 10 years since first aid kit contents were reviewed.

The BHTA First Aid Medical Equipment sector is undertaking a national consultation in an effort to ensure that businesses in the UK have up to date first aid kits in the workplace; and that technical advances made in recent years are adopted to meet current workforce needs.

The aim is to create a new National Standard for first aid kits in the

workplace and our objectives are: To ensure quality standards of contents.

To ensure contents, range and selection are fit for purpose.

To take advantage of latest product innovations and materials technology.

To improve and simplify selection for employers and specifiers.

The consultation documents are available as a download on the BHTA website (www.bhta.com) and the consultation closes on 27 February.

Two cutting edge R&D initiatives launched The BHTA is launching two exciting new initiatives designed to support members working on innovative new products.

In the first of these new schemes, BHTA members are being given a unique opportunity to avail themselves of specialist PhD assistance in problem-solving

and start-up innovation work, in an exclusive partnership with the University of Oxford.

phase of co-operation will lead to an extensive programme of assistance for a wide range of Assistive Technologies product areas,” says BHTA dg Ray Hodgkinson.

Secondly, the BHTA is setting up a Research & Development Funding Advisory Service for

Some 20 BHTA companies have already expressed an interest and work is currently underway to consolidate a number of prospects for members.

“We are hoping that this initial 3

members.

This programme enables all size of business to examine funding options available from the UK public sector and EU in an effort to stimulate the sectors.

More information on both these initiatives is available from the Secretariat.

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Member is named the ‘Best Business in the Black Country’ BHTA member Minivator has been crowned the ‘Best Business in the Black Country’ in the annual ‘Best of the Black Country’ awards.

The stairlift company, based in Kingswinford, was awarded the title after impressing the judges with its enthusiasm and energy.

Chief executive, Mike Lord, commented: “This is the result of a big team effort – that is why we have won. This is for our entire workforce.”

It was certainly a team affair at the awards, with 20 employees present, after entering into a raffle style contest to see who would attend.

Said Mike: “We felt it was the fairest way to make sure everyone was represented, from the shop floor, sales and all other departments.”

Built on a reputation for innovative products and quality, the company has recently expanded to include offices and operations abroad, taking its workforce up to 338 people.

But its home remains firmly in the Black Country where it employs 270 people at its main headquarters and factory.

Well done to all the staff at Minivator.

The Minivator team celebrate their win

The Code: the adjudication The Code of Practice is at the heart of the BHTA. We have a proven procedure which comes into play whenever we receive a complaint.

Mostly, we can arrive at an amicable solution for the parties involved. Should this not be possible, there is the option of referring the case to an independent arbitrator.

This stage was taken last October for the first time, when a complaint was referred to Lord Martin Thomas, QC. It related to a fundamental dispute between the customer and the company’s representative about the product demonstration and sales process that took place in the customer’s home.

Lord Martin Thomas examined the information presented by both parties and his preliminary view was that the customer should be reimbursed in full.

Should the company not find this acceptable, he stated that he would require a full affidavit from the salesman concerned, as there was clear discrepancy between what each party claimed had been said. He would also seek further evidence from the customer.

The company concluded that they were unable to defend the case as the

salesman had left their employment and they therefore agreed to reimburse the customer in full.

The BHTA Secretariat advises companies to ensure that any paperwork is filled out carefully, so there can be no question after the event about whether someone had a full demonstration of a product, or what the price covers, and salesmen need to be able to evidence when they visited, how long they were there for, and should keep a brief record of what was discussed. Without this, the company can find itself open to a claim. When it comes down to one person’s word against another, with nothing to back up either person in writing, it can become impossible to resolve the matter.

There is precedent in case law, saying that a customer’s memory of a purchase involving a product they would only rarely buy, especially one of high value, is likely to be sharp and accurate, whereas a salesman’s recollection is likely to be less reliable or detailed, given the number of sales they conduct, hence the customer’s recollection will be given higher merit.

Our policing of the Code of Practice involves mystery shopping, audits, and customer satisfaction cards.

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This activity is ongoing throughout the year and we are expecting reports on mystery shopping of eighteen companies as this article is being written, so we will know soon how they have performed.

Our auditor, Geoff Seal, had a busy year in 2008 conducting audits the length and breadth of the country and the results are reassuring, with few compliance issues identified.

Responsibility for reporting adverse incidents involving medical devices (which is what the majority of products in our sector are) still needs to be highlighted, and very few companies seem to have ever given thought to what they will do if someone requests information in large format, or even in Braille. We were delighted that one company had a completely clean bill of health - well done to Wicker Mobility Shop in Sheffield!

The new requirement to give customers a cooling off period if they buy in their own home, has led to concerns about after sales activity when customers need repairs done urgently and BHTA is discussing with OFT standard wording for order forms / customer information.

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60-Second Interview: David Thompson David Thompson set up Dudley Surgical Appliances in 1965 and now aged 70 he still works one day a week looking after his regular private patients. He was awarded the BHTA Lifetime Service Award at the 2008 BHTA Awards Dinner.

1. What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the industry?

The change to in-house provision for orthotics that costs the NHS hundreds of thousands of pounds more than under the old service provision.

2. How do you get new ideas?

David Thompson

By thinking how to do things better and then trying them out.

comfortable if she wore them on the correct feet! I then marked them left and right for her.

3. What has been your biggest challenge or regret?

6. How did you get started in the industry?

Losing a contract to a rival company who was prepared to act financially underhanded.

By a friend who was an orthotist.

4. How have consumer requirements changed over the years?

The public expectation is now much higher. This is a good thing because it keeps us up to the mark.

5. What’s the strangest/funniest question a consumer has ever asked?

The lady with difficult feet – for whom I made a pair of shoes. When supplied to her she stated “they are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn”.

Two weeks later she returned complaining that the shoes were crippling her. I told her they would be more

12. In public life, who do you most admire and why?

The Queen, always serene and unflappable and unlike others, leads by example.

7. What is your best holiday?

13. What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?

Cruises.

Never trust them out of your sight.

8. How do you unwind?

14. If you weren’t in the industry what would you be doing?

Golf. I imagine the ball is the NHS! 9. If you could make one recommendation to take the industry forward, what would it be?

Be more pro-active in our market place.

10. Who gave you your first break?

Remploy (Jack Rowlands, technical officer for orthotics).

11. Is there any one characteristic you need to work in this industry?

Two words: thick skin.

Everything. Under the direction of my wife.

15. What do you sing in the shower?

I don’t. I am saving my voice for La Scala Milan. Currently my wife says I sound like a coke under a door. Only folk of a certain age will understand that!

16. What makes you angry?

Folk who expect a different outcome when doing again the thing that did not work last time.

Parliamentary Corner

People power is here to stay Mark Oaten, BHTA’s parliamentary representative, discusses the implications of the proposed new NHS Constitution.

One topic seems set to dominate developments in the health sector for the foreseeable future: The NHS Constitution Just what it is, how far it will go and what it will mean to hospitals, staff, patients and suppliers is not yet clear. And I’m sure there will be many more drafts before we get the completed version. But this idea of “people power” and “choice” within the NHS is here to stay.

I received my copy in the post. The Department of Health say: “All NHS bodies and private and third-sector providers supplying NHS services will be required by law to take account of the Constitution in their decisions and actions”. Does this make BHTA members nervous? I don’t think it should.

In principle empowering patients is a good thing. People have in the past

struggled for genuine choice. They get what they are given. But now, with the growth of the internet, patients are getting greater control of both services and products.

The only danger I see here is if the Constitution empowers patients too much, letting them ‘rate’ their GP or switch between hospitals until they get the verdict they want. The internet is a powerful tool and you hear of patients walking into their local practices with a print out of what is wrong with them, presenting it to their GP and expecting the treatment they desire.

The same is true with products. Patients get to hear of all sorts of new equipment – the latest technologies – out there on the market. Not through word of mouth but from typing in their requirements to Google. I think generally this should still be seen in a positive light.

It provides companies with a platform to pitch their product and it drives 5

competition, research and innovation.

All this is beneficial to the NHS and the patients it serves in the long run. But, and there is a but, we need to ensure this doesn’t go too far. Medical personnel still need to be involved in medical decisions and it’s in every patient’s interest to have expert advice and guidance on what equipment is best for them.

We can’t get into a situation whereby someone pops to the shops to pick up the medical equipment they prefer without appropriate guidance. With medical equipment individuals need appropriate guidance before and the necessary support and training in how to use it correctly afterwards. But we can do this and provide greater choice at the same time. The NHS Constitution could be a good thing but we need to make sure we get the balance right.

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Training dates for your diary – don’t miss out!

Know Your Industry Banbury, Oxon: 25-27 March Romsey, Hants: 12-14 May Community Equipment Assessor Days Shrewsbury, Salop: 25 February Newcastle upon Tyne: 23 April Asbestos Awareness Training Day Lichfield, Staffs: 4 March

Training’s a gain with the BHTA! BHTA’s education and training manager Julia Blundell reflects on the year training really started to take off; and looks forward to building on its achievements in 2009.

2008 was the year when we really took training out to members. Seventeen courses were run in 13 different locations, attracting a record 226 delegates in all.

Our two main core courses, ‘Know Your Industry’ and ‘Special Seating Awareness’ ran six times in different locations up and down the country.

In addition, we added three new events to the programme: the one-day ‘Community Equipment Assessor Day’ training which proved so popular we ran it eight times; the topically relevant ‘Get ahead of the game with electronic invoicing’; and two ‘Your Business in Scotland’ one day conferences.

We were delighted with the feedback as it’s particularly satisfying to see delegates going away excited by what they have learnt and really enthused to get back to their jobs.

“Excellent content, very well presented”; “good fun, very interactive and easy to understand”; “an intensive but enjoyable experience” were just some of the comments we had from those who attended a course.

2009 - building on success In 2009 we intend to build on the success of 2008. The courses up to May are listed above and can be found at www.bhta.com. As the programme is finalised, we’ll post details on the website as well as circulating details via the ‘Today@BHTA’ email.

We are planning to offer further ‘Know Your Industry’ courses and ‘Community Equipment Assessor’ days, a further ‘Your Business in Scotland’ conference and a new Stoma and Continence Care training day.

We’ve made it easier to book places.

As well as faxing or posting booking forms, delegates can now download the booking form from the website, save and complete it, and email it as an attachment to bhta@bhta.com.

We look forward to seeing you gain from BHTA’s Training Programme in 2009.

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Februar Beds and Support Surfaces Dispensing Appliance Contractors Decontamination

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eCAT

3

FAME Mobility Access and Stairlifts Mobility Group Orthotics

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Pressure Care Seating & Positioning Prosthetics

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Rehabilitation Products

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Special Seating Stoma and Continence Products Manufacturers

acturers

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Section chairmen 2009 The BHTA is the largest trade body in the healthcare field in Britain representing over 370 companies, small, medium and large, organised in one or more of 13 sections covering most sectors of the industry.

This unique sectional structure provides a platform for all companies to have an effective voice within BHTA and, through the Association, to influence the development of healthcare policies in the UK. The Sections and the Section Chairmen are:

Council President: Graham Collyer, Sumed International Tel: 07836 314773

Decontamination Currently vacant eCAT Chairman: David Weatherburn, Liberator Ltd Tel: 07774 869279

Chairman: Les Lindsay, JDI Medical Tel: 07966 321001

FAME Chairman: Andy Pear, Reliance Medical Tel: 01260 297292

Beds & Support Surfaces Chairman: Mick Clancy, Frontier Medical Tel: 07793 012014

Mobility Access & Stairlifts Chairman: Angus Long, Embryonyx Limited Tel: 07968 421 428

DACs Chairman: Mike Sawers, Hollister Ltd Tel: 07711 498310

Mobility Group Chairman: Mark Hermolle, Kymco Tel: 07765 711096 Orthotics Chairman: Ian Eaves, Halo Healthcare/ County Footwear Tel: 01536 527201 Pressure Care, Seating & Positioning Chairman: Philip CharltonSmith, Sumed International Tel: 01295 270499 Prosthetics Chairman: Stephen Blatchford, Chas A Blatchford & Sons Tel: 01256 316605

Rehabilitation Products Chairman: Philip CharltonSmith, Sumed International Tel: 01295 270499 Special Seating Co-chaired by Richard Earl, Chas A Blatchford & Sons Tel: 07736 116295 and Alan Wombell, RMS Ltd Tel: 01634 578881 Stoma & Continence Products Chairman: Kevin Hodges

Your at a glance guide to section meetings February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

7

10

14

29

October

5

23

8

3

18

6

19

17

21

3

19

9

26

2 10

November

24 29

7

12

24

2

29

12

9

22

10

16 11

12 13

December

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Naidex 2009: the leading show BUILDING on the success of last year’s event, Naidex ‘09 (Birmingham NEC 2830 April) looks set to be better than ever.

With over 350 exhibitors, thousands of products and new show features, there has never been a better time to visit the UK’s leading disability, rehabilitation and homecare show.

Thousands of key buyers from around the UK including healthcare professionals, mobility dealers and retailers, as well as members of the public with disabilities or disabled relatives will be attending the event.

From new product launches and lifestyle demos to the KideQuip zone and CPD seminars, there promises to be something for everyone.

Complementing all these will be the new Naidex Trade Lounge, which is being sponsored by Amilly International and Otto Bock, and the Naidex / BHTA Dealer Conference.

The New Product Gallery will incorporate the New Product Demonstration Area where there will be a product demo every 30 minutes.

Every new product being launched will

also be entered for the prestigious Naidex New Product of the Year Award, so if something catches your eye, be sure to cast your vote.

The Naidex Living Spaces will feature the latest in inclusive design for the less able, new technology and telecare products demonstrated by specialists in a realistic setting split into two living areas.

Interconnected by an exclusively designed bathroom, the space will demonstrate the benefit of state-of-the-art technology for both young and old people alike.

For healthcare professionals, physiotherapists and OTs, a comprehensive CPD seminar organised

by Kate Sheehan will be taking place each day.

Attendees will have the opportunity to add to their CPD portfolio, and receive advice on a range of issues including the forthcoming random CPD audits to be launched in August. Also at Naidex this year is KideQuip, an area dedicated to children’s equipment and services.

Aimed at parents of children with disabilities and paediatric healthcare

professionals, within the zone visitors can find unrivalled levels of products, services, and advice available.

Parents and therapists can view a wide range of products and equipment on show including children’s wheelchairs, buggies, walkers, communication aids, clothes, soft play and sensory products.

“As Naidex ’09 approaches, myself and the rest of the management team look forward to welcoming BHTA members, their colleagues and friends to another successful Naidex,” says event manager Liz Virgo. “We hope visitors will enjoy the show elements such as the Naidex Trade Lounge which will offer a great location to relax and network with colleagues both old and new, and of course the Naidex/ BHTA Dealer Conference where the latest industry news is bound to be a hot topic.”

If you are exhibiting and have any exciting news to spread, contact the Naidex ’09 PR agency C.A.S Marketing Communications on 01491 578888 or email: naidexpr@cas-marketing.com For more information on Naidex ‘09 visit www.naidex.co.uk

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Who’s who at the BHTA

Sarah Lepak - Assistant Director

Ray Hodgkinson - Director General

Julia Blundell - Education and training manager

Sue Curtis - Business development manager

Karen Lord - Committee secretary

Susan Burberry - Finance and member services administrator

Ali Hussain - General administrator and secretary

Stephen Rigg - Marketing administrator

Karim Uddin - Administrator

Focus on cover not cost Whilst the cost of insurance is important, it is critical to ensure that the price comparison is on a like for like basis.

Many organisations concentrate purely on the cost of their insurance rather than what cover the premium buys.

At a time when costs are under close scrutiny, it pays to undertake a review of your insurance portfolio to ensure that the cover is: Competitively priced.

Correct.

Accurate.

Complete.

Fully meets the needs of the business.

A small investment of your time could provide greater peace of mind knowing that your business is properly insured at a competitive premium.

For a comprehensive review of your current arrangements please contact Christian Kaye at NBJ on 020 8282 8670 or 07990 508720 or email him at christiankaye@nbj.co.uk 9

WELCOME TO NEW BHTA MEMBERS

10&11 UK MAP

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HEALTHCARE 1. GLEBE SERVICES & SUPPLIES LTD The Workshop, Home Farm Business Centre, Minety, Malmesbury, Wiltshire SN16 9PL Tel: 01666 860140 Contact: Duncan Lamb (MD) Email: enquiries@glebehealthcare.com www.glebehealthcare.com “...As our business expands we feel that membership adds weight and an additional air of quality to the work we carry out.”

7. DOLPHIN LIFTS MIDLANDS LTD Unit 7, All Saints Ind. Estate, All Saints Street, Birmingham B18 7RJ Tel: 0121 554 8988 Contact: Angela Sims Email: angela.sims@dolphinlifts.co.uk www.dolphinstairlifts.com

2. LINET UK LTD

8. FREELIFT LTD

Linet House, 17 Murrills Estate, Portchester, Hampshire PO16 9RD Tel: 02392 322130 Contact: Rob Main Email: info@linet.uk.com www.linet.uk.com “The BHTA is a symbol of best practise which matches our belief in delivering effective and efficient solutions for the healthcare market with honesty and integrity.”

2 Kings Court, Kingsway, Team Valley, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear NE11 0SH Tel: 0845 330 0950 Contact: Kevin O’Neil Email: uksales@freelift.co.uk www.freelift.co.uk “There is an obvious synergy between the principles behind the BHTA Code of Practice and our ethical approach towards our end-users... joining was quite simply a ‘no brainer’”.

3. SHELDEN HEALTHCARE

9. FORR MOBILITY

Unit 1a, The Wharf, Stretton Under Fosse, Rugby, Warwickshire CV23 0PR Tel: 01788 833989 Contact: Dean Greenwood Email: sales@sheldon-healthcare.co.uk www.shelden-healthcare.co.uk

Frithfield Farm, Aldington, Ashford, Kent TN25 7HH Tel: 01233 721589 Contact: Andrew Forrester Email: info@forrmobility.co.uk www.forrmobility.co.uk “We have joined the BHTA to help reinforce the quality of service that we offer our customers.”

4. SHREDDIES LTD 38 Jubilee Drive, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 5XS Tel: 01509 610610 Contact: Katie Crease Email: enquiries@myshreddies.com www.myshreddies.com “We joined the BHTA to reassure our customers that we are a reputable business with a serious healthcare product.’’

10. IRM MOBILITY & HEALTHCARE LTD Unit 2, Armstrong Court, Armstrong Way, Great Western Business Park, Yate, Bristol BS37 5NG Tel: 01454 326655 Contact: Ann Hyett Email: info@irmhealthcare.co.uk www.mobilitystore.co.uk

ADVANCED STAIRLIFTS 5. (SCOTLAND) LTD

11. MOBILE MOBILITY LTD

Units 2/3 Burnside Business Court, North Road, Inverkeithing, Dunfermline KY11 1NZ

Unit B4, Winchester Avenue Ind. Estate, Blaby, Leicester LE8 4GZ

Tel: 01383 411400 Contact: Michelle Machray Email: info@advancedstairlift.co.uk www.advancedstairlift.co.uk

Tel: 0116 278 4422 Contact: Richard Hall Email: richard@mobile-mobility.co.uk www.mobile-mobility.co.uk

CENTRAL MOBILITY 6. (& ISLAND STAIRLIFTS)

12. UGO LIMITED (AKA BYNTO LTD)

Unit 3, Station Road Ind. Estate, Market Bosworth, Nuneaton CV13 0PE

28 Newton Road, Kingskerswell, Devon TQ12 5AA

Tel: 08454 305 405 Contact: Wayne Rogers Email: info@centralmobility.co.uk www.centralmobility.co.uk

Tel: 01803 872020 Contact: Gary Marsh (Director) Email: sales@bin-to.co.uk www.bin-to.co.uk

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ANDERSON MEDICAL & 13. MOBILITY Unit 39, Imex Business Centre, Bilston Glen Ind. Estate, Loanhead, Midlothian EH20 9LZ Tel: 0131 440 3929 Contact: Mark Anderson Email: andersonmedmob@btconnect.com www.andersonmedical.co.uk “We are delighted to re-join the BHTA (previously a member through Shiloh Mobility Plc) and look forward to the benefits of being part of a growing professional organisation.”

14. CEFNDY HEALTHCARE Cefndy Road, Rhyl, Denbighshire LL18 2HG Tel: 01745 343877 Contact: Deborah Holmes-Langstone Email: cefndy.sales@denbighshire.gov.uk www.cefndy.com

IDEAS IN ACTION 15. (MIDLANDS) LTD Unit 4, Old Station Road, Stechford, Birmingham B33 9AQ Tel: 0121 783 6868 Contact: Brian Gibb Email: ideasinaction4@msn.com www.stechfordmobility.co.uk

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All together better and stronger When you join the BHTA, you become a member of the UK’s largest dedicated healthcare association, run democratically for the members by the members: you can have your say with the BHTA! The BHTA represents large and small companies, organised in one or more of 13 sections covering most sectors of the industry.

This unique sectional structure provides a platform for all companies to have an effective voice within BHTA and, through the Association, to influence the development of healthcare policies in the UK. At the heart of our Association is the Code of Practice, which sets out the standards that all members must meet to demonstrate best practice in their business dealings.

The Code of Practice is recognised as the UK industry standard and means that member companies trade ethically and professionally. The Code has achieved Stage One of the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) Consumer Codes Approval Scheme and we are providing evidence that the Code is working in practice to achieve the Stage Two approval.

Better Information Every week, we’ll send you by email (or post if you prefer) ‘Today @ BHTA’, an update of what is happening within the industry and the Association.

You will also receive the BHTA Digest, reporting on topics of interest on healthcare raised in parliament and produced by the office of the BHTA Parliamentary representative.

Six times a year, you’ll get ‘The Bulletin’, a lively glossy magazine of photos and articles: news, views, opinions, updates, industry and parliamentary issues.

Better Advocacy and Advice Should you have a complaint made against you, we will act as mediator to achieve an amicable resolution to the dispute. We provide access to a legal helpline and offer information about legislative and legal issues that can affect your business.

Stronger Influence

Better Networking As a section member, you will have access to other members throughout the country and build up worthwhile contacts in the industry.

Better Value Thanks to our group purchasing power, you will be able save on a whole range of goods and services.

You will be able to directly affect policy as an active member of the section(s) to which you subscribe. The sections, each chaired by an eminent member from the healthcare industry, are:

Remember, the more you use the BHTA, the more you’ll save!

You’ll qualify for a discount on our range of publications, including the popular ‘Get Wise’ leaflets and posters.

Beds & Support Surfaces.

Dispensing Appliance Contractors.

Decontamination.

Electronic Communication and Assistive Technology (eCAT).

First Aid Medical Equipment.

Mobility Access and Stair Lifts.

Mobility Group.

Orthotics.

Pressure Care Seating and Positioning.

Prosthetics.

Rehabilitation Products.

Special Seating.

Stoma and Continence Products.

Better Training You and your staff will benefit from discounted prices on the highly regarded BHTA training courses. Every year we offer a mix of firm favourites and exciting new topics.

Our intensive ‘Know Your Industry’ three day course can qualify you for a BTEC in Healthcare and Assistive Technology.

Better Marketing

As a member of the BHTA, you can feature the BHTA logo on your letter headings and publicity materials and we’ll supply point of sale items relating to your membership and the Code of Practice free-of-charge.

Enhanced Credibility As well as being a company member, you and your staff can apply to become Registrants of BHTA. For a modest annual fee, it clearly demonstrates that you have evidenced your personal competency to us and undertake to abide by a personal Code of Conduct.

The BHTA has been around in various guises since 1917, and over the years has demonstrated resilience and adaptability.

We hope you will join us and enjoy the benefits of being part of the British Healthcare Trades Association.

For more information and details on how your company or you as an individual can join the BHTA, just fill out your details on the form below. Postage is pre-paid, so all you have to do is cut out this form along the dotted line, pop it in an envelope and send it to the freepost address below.

Name..........................................Position.........................................

Company.....................................Address......................................... .........................................................................Postcode................

Phone.........................................Mobile...........................................

Email...............................................................................................

FREEPOST RLXL-UTAH-CKKC, British Healthcare Trades Association, Suite 4.06, 101 Back Church Lane, London E1 1LU

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