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Articles by Calvin Barnett
INTERVIEW: How healthcare professionals can confidently signpost clients to buy safely in the private market
BHTA team (from left): Calvin Barnett, Head of Marketing and Communications; Sam Lewis, Marketing Campaign Manager; and Charlie Lawrence, Sales and Marketing Executive The blue and white badge of the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) is one that healthcare professionals likely come across regularly in their working day, however, often without the understanding of what the logo represents.
CES providers Cefndy-Medequip step up to store and supply millions of items of PPE
Calvin Barnett 15th May 2020 CES providers Cefndy-Medequip step up to store and supply millions of items of PPE2020-05-15T13:37:39+00:00 AT Services News, Private sector news, Public sector news Joint services providers Cefndy-Medequip have used its logistical expertise to help support the care sector in South Wales get hold of vitally-needed personal protective equipment (PPE).
Assistive tech to help Norway deliver largest ever crowdsourced “Thank You” to a British WW2 vet
A Norwegian startup is helping the residents of the Scandinavian country say thank you to WWII veteran Kenneth Foster (pictured in 1945 & 2017) who helped liberate it from the nazis with an innovative assistive tech device In response to the cancellation of events on Friday 8th May commemorating the 75th anniversary of Norway’s liberation from Nazi occupation, the Scandinavian country is using technology in a bid to create the largest-ever (crowdsourced) expression of gratitude to a British...
Newlife pleads for emergency government grant as specialist equipment runs low
Calvin Barnett 27th April 2020 Newlife pleads for emergency government grant as specialist equipment runs low2020-04-27T12:30:47+00:00 AT Services News, Third sector news Newlife the Charity for Disabled Children has written to chancellor Rishi Sunak in an open letter to appeal for financial support after it says it was blocked from government funding allocated to help charities provide services throughout the pandemic.
Charity creating assistive technology for parents in wheelchairs seeks input from wheelchair users and healthcare professionals
Calvin Barnett 6th February 2019 Charity creating assistive technology for parents in wheelchairs seeks input from wheelchair users and healthcare professionals2019-02-06T11:33:44+00:00 Charities & organisations, Innovative tech, Newsroom Designability, a Bath-based charity aiming to create life-changing assistive technology, is looking for thoughts and feedback to help develop a new wheelchair baby carrier for parents in wheelchairs.
New training centre set to boost expertise in prosthetics and orthotics
Calvin Barnett 4th February 2019 New training centre set to boost expertise in prosthetics and orthotics2019-02-04T12:09:10+00:00 Charities & organisations, Newsroom The UK is set to train more highly-skilled prosthetists and orthotists after the announcement of a new global centre of excellence at the University of Salford.
New study shows that wearable electronic device could reduce mobility problems in Parkinson’s
Calvin Barnett 28th January 2019 New study shows that wearable electronic device could reduce mobility problems in Parkinson’s2019-01-28T14:08:13+00:00 Charities & organisations, Innovative tech, Newsroom, NHS A wearable electronic device called ‘cueStim’, designed by researchers at the National University of Ireland (NUI) Galway, could help prevent and reduce freezing of gait, a new study has found.
Government releases new guide about what PIP means for carers
Calvin Barnett December 21, 2018 Government releases new guide about what PIP means for carers2018-12-21T09:04:56+00:00 Government, Guides & advice, Newsroom A new guide, released by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), explains how Personal Independence Payment (PIP) affects carers. PIP began replacing the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in April 2013 for disabled people aged 16 to 64. Entitled ‘What PIP means for carers,’ the guide discusses Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Credit.
New research reveals employees with early onset dementia are receiving a lack of support in the workplace and early dismissal
Employees with early onset dementia face a lack of support at work and early dismissal, with those working in low paid employment losing their jobs earlier than those working in high paid roles, a large study has found. Published in the scientific journal Occupational Medicine, the research pulls together 44 journal papers and articles which explore the management of employees who developed dementia between the ages of 30 and 65 years.
Retailer Spotlight: Rise Furniture and Mobility
The rise of customer service For many, the idea of opening a new bricks and mortar store would be a worrying prospect in the current climate, with stores small and large facing the pressures of a shifting retail landscape. This was not the case for husband and wife team Carl and Angel Drake however, who decided to open Rise Furniture and Mobility in Autumn 2017.
Innovative new mattress aims to reduce burden of pressure ulcers for clinicians, caregivers and patients
Hill-Rom UK, in coordination with Select Medical, is launching the Flexi by Pure Air advanced crossover mattress to help reduce the issue of pressure ulcers for clients and healthcare professionals. Treating pressure ulcers costs the NHS over £1.4 million every day, equating to four percent of the total NHS budget, and represents a major burden of sickness and reduced quality of life for patients.
New online learning platform for self-management of arthritis launched
UK charity Arthritis Action has launched a free online self-management learning platform to help improve the quality of daily life for those living with arthritis. The resource, available on the Arthritis Action website, features 16 evidence-based educational videos, broken down into physical and mental aspects of living with arthritis. Participants will hear directly from a rheumatologist, physiotherapist, osteopath, dietitian, clinical hypnotherapist and a self-management trainer.
Retailer Spotlight: Aid and Enable
In June, THIIS covered the story of Sarah Boys, a medical professional who hung up her scrubs after working on the BBC’s popular drama Holby City and decided to open a new retail store in Ireland. Speaking with Sarah, THIIS revisited the fledgeling retailer to learn more about a series of surprising events that have taken place over the last six months.
Retailer Spotlight: Lifestyle and Mobility
A common issue for retailers, both inside and outside the mobility industry, is that of internet sellers undercutting prices and eroding margins from bricks and mortar stores. The situation has left many retailers questioning the best course of action as the trend in consumers to turn online continues to increase. For southern-based Lifestyle and Mobility, the key is carefully selected products.
Retailer Spotlight: Thistle Help
Scottish-based retailer Thistle Help has recently celebrated a special anniversary, reaching the impressive milestone of 10 years in business. THIIS caught up Laura Hays, Business Development Manager, to find out how a five-minute chat resulted in a decade of retail success. Founded in 2007 by George Ruddick and Laura Hays, Thistle Help provides a comprehensive range of specialist mobility and assisted living products for elderly and disabled customers.
Permobil expands custom seating business in North America
In January 2018, Permobil entered into an agreement to acquire Ottobock’s OBSS and NUTEC custom seating business assets in the United States and Canada, further expanding Permobil’s offering of Seating and Positioning. The acquisition will expand Permobil’s offering in the North American markets and to complement the move, has recently established a dedicated and clinically-focused commercial team in the U.S. to support customers with seating and positioning needs.
BraunAbility expands presence in Europe with acquisition of Autoadapt
BraunAbility, the U.S. market leader in wheelchair accessible vehicles and wheelchair lifts, has acquired the remaining shares of European mobility manufacturer Autoadapt AB, along with its wholly-owned subsidiaries Unwin, based in the UK and Martech, based in Denmark.
Direct Healthcare Group acquires Qbitus Products
Direct Healthcare Group (DHG), a leading manufacturer of pressure care solutions, has completed the acquisition of Qbitus Products; it is the fourth acquisition for the company in two years. Founded over 30 years ago, Qbitus has built a formidable reputation as the number one supplier of bespoke, pressure-relieving cushions to the NHS and Wheelchair Services.
New footwear range launched for people with extra wide and swollen feet to meet a range of specific needs
Anna bootee Specially designed to fit and flatter extra wide and swollen feet, Cosyfeet has launched two new footwear lines: the Markle boot and the Anna bootee. Designed to take pressure of bunions and swelling, the Markle boot is comfortable and stretchy due to its elastane panel and comes in a 6E width as standard. It also incorporates underfoot cushioning and padding in the tongue and collar for added comfort for clients.
Educational videos aimed at healthcare professionals launched ahead of COPD month
A new set of advisory and educational healthcare videos aimed at helping healthcare professionals care with patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a condition affecting millions in the UK, has been launched by health educators The Sound Doctor. The valuable tools to help people manage the condition have been launched ahead of November’s National COPD Month – which includes World COPD Awareness Day on November 21st, 2018.
Could this innovative new prototype be the future for wheelchairs?
A new conceptual wheelchair prototype turned heads at this year’s Rehacare exhibition in Germany with the innovative ability to be able to follow users around, encouraging people to remain as active as possible. Created by Mobotics Lab (the research & development team at Karma Medical in Taiwan), the iBuddy is a unique new mobility solution that uses a series of patent electronics to sense its surroundings in real-time and be closely follow the person using the device.
Gainsborough to showcase total assisted bathroom solutions at dedicated healthcare event
Alongside its specialist Gentona and Coriel baths, Gainsborough Specialist Bathing will be showcasing its complete assisted bathroom services at Healthcare Estates 2018. Taking place on the 9th and 10th of October, Healthcare Estates is a show for healthcare professionals to network and look at a variety of healthcare products and services.
Smart Ageing Prize awards £44,000 to three innovative solutions for active and healthy ageing
The 2018 global Smart Ageing Prize, aimed to improve older people’s lives using accessible digital technologies, has announced three winners of the challenge. Winners include KOMP, a one button computer connecting generations, Refresh by How Do I?, a video app that supports people with memory loss with day-to-day tasks, and PlaceCal, a social network that brings communities together.
Get Going Live! returns for disabled drivers after the closure of the Mobility Roadshow
Get Going Live!, a popular feature from the now-closed Mobility Roadshow, is being relaunched this October at the Leeds William Merritt Centre’s annual AccessAbility exhibition, giving disabled people of all ages the chance to experience adapted driving.
New bathroom accessories range to make bathrooms both accessible and stylish
A specialist in accessibility solutions, AKW has launched its new Onyx range of bathroom accessories, designed to be stylish, safe and accessible. The company says that it is bringing style to inclusive bathroom solutions, with contemporary designs, tactile finishes, and chrome, black and white colour options.
Ethical trading needed amidst rising scooter accidents, suggests retailer
Following recent Department of Transport figures highlighting an increase in the number of reported mobility scooter accidents and calls for tighter laws surrounding the vehicles, Ableworld has emphasised the need for ethical mobility retailing. According to figures released by the Department of Transport in 2017, there were 260 reported accidents involving mobility scooters in 2016, equating to a 17 percent increase on the previous year and standing in stark contrast to the 84 reported in 2012.
The OT’s Perspective: Are you sitting comfortably?
As an Occupational Therapist, issues around seating and furniture arise daily. Whether I’m recommending seating or suggesting the right furniture for a client who needs considerable homecare, there’s no magic wand or quick solution – serious consideration needs to go into it. And the more that OTs and retailers know about the needs of their customers, the more likely they are to provide the right solution.
Call on healthcare professionals to nominate the best mobility retailer
Healthcare professionals from across the UK are being asked to nominate who they believe to be the best local retailer of mobility, healthcare and independent living equipment by the British Healthcare Trades Association. Healthcare professionals that submit a nomination could win the chance for themselves and a partner or colleague to attend the prestigious BHTA Awards Dinner if their nominee is successful, including a champagne drinks reception and a luxury three-course meal.
Area Sales Manager - Symmetrikit - East Anglia and East London
Do you enjoy variety in your daily work? Do you enjoy helping people? Do you have experience of working with the NHS, Charities or in the Education Sector? Would you like to work for an innovative British manufacturer who has been delivering innovative, ‘game changing’ products to the healthcare sector for over 50 years? This will be a career move that will be both challenging but rewarding on a daily basis and is a career move for the long term.
Retailer Spotlight: Lifestyle and Mobility
A common issue for retailers, both inside and outside the mobility industry, is that of internet sellers undercutting prices and eroding margins from bricks and mortar stores. The situation has left many retailers questioning the best course of action as the trend in consumers to turn online continues to increase. For southern-based Lifestyle and Mobility, the key is carefully selected products.
Retailer Spotlight: Thistle Help
Scottish-based retailer Thistle Help has recently celebrated a special anniversary, reaching the impressive milestone of 10 years in business. THIIS caught up Laura Hays, Business Development Manager, to find out how a five-minute chat resulted in a decade of retail success. Founded in 2007 by George Ruddick and Laura Hays, Thistle Help provides a comprehensive range of specialist mobility and assisted living products for elderly and disabled customers.
Returning healthcare professional bolsters retailer’s knowledge base
Kent Mobility has expanded its team of healthcare professionals with the addition of Emma Dobson, a registered occupational therapist with over two decades of experience who joins the company in a sales and advice role. Qualifying as an OT in 1994 after graduating from Oxford Brooke University, Emma worked in the NHS for three years before moving abroad to live in Malaysia with her new husband.
Permobil expands custom seating business in North America
In January 2018, Permobil entered into an agreement to acquire Ottobock’s OBSS and NUTEC custom seating business assets in the United States and Canada, further expanding Permobil’s offering of Seating and Positioning. The acquisition will expand Permobil’s offering in the North American markets and to complement the move, has recently established a dedicated and clinically-focused commercial team in the U.S. to support customers with seating and positioning needs.
BraunAbility expands presence in Europe with acquisition of Autoadapt
BraunAbility, the U.S. market leader in wheelchair accessible vehicles and wheelchair lifts, has acquired the remaining shares of European mobility manufacturer Autoadapt AB, along with its wholly-owned subsidiaries Unwin, based in the UK and Martech, based in Denmark.
Direct Healthcare Group acquires Qbitus Products
Direct Healthcare Group (DHG), a leading manufacturer of pressure care solutions, has completed the acquisition of Qbitus Products; it is the fourth acquisition for the company in two years. Founded over 30 years ago, Qbitus has built a formidable reputation as the number one supplier of bespoke, pressure-relieving cushions to the NHS and Wheelchair Services.
BREAKING: New Director-General to lead BHTA as Association looks to actively tackle industry challenges
Mandie Lavin has been appointed as the new Director-General of the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA). The Practising Barrister with a clinical background will look to lead the Association forward as it pro-actively tackles the challenges facing the healthcare industry.
New campaign to help individuals look after their own health - AT Today Magazine
A new campaign encouraging individuals to take a more active role in their own health has launched by Essex County Council, Essex Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) and a social enterprise established by ex-BBC employees. Working to help inform people of the benefits of healthy living, the Live Well initiative aims to have a positive impact on both the lives of people within the county and also reduce the strain on the NHS.
Retailer Spotlight: Rise Furniture and Mobility
For many, the idea of opening a new brick and mortar store would be a worrying prospect in the current climate, with stores small and large facing the pressures of a shifting retail landscape. This was not the case for husband and wife team Carl and Angel Drake, however, who decided to open Rise Furniture and Mobility in Autumn 2017.
Project Sales Manager - Guldmann - UK
Guldmann is a Danish-based company that specialises in the development, manufacture and sales of patient handling equipment. We are a results-oriented company with a unique working environment, in which we work diligently to comply with our company ethos. Guldmann UK is now seeking a highly motivated healthcare professional to join a small, yet successful team, to further develop the project business in the UK.
UK Sales Representative – MK Battery – North - THIIS - The Homecare Industry Information Service
MK Battery is one of the world’s largest speciality VRLA battery suppliers focused on delivering high-quality products along with unmatched customer support. MK Battery, with distribution centres throughout the world, is a subsidiary of a multi-billion-dollar battery manufacturer. We have an opening in our sales department for an experienced B2B professional that is motivated to succeed, creative and can work with limited supervision.
New lightweight scooter aims to grab dealers’ attention at Naidex
At this year’s Naidex, Motion Healthcare has unveiled a new addition to its portfolio, the Lithilite. The manufacturer is now looking for dealers across the UK to adopt the new lightweight boot scooter. Tim Mills, Head of Business Development at Motion Healthcare, says the scooter is able to split into various light parts, with the heaviest part weighing just 15kg. The boot scooter also features a 5kg lithium battery pack capable of achieving a 26-mile range.
New games controller aimed at people with disabilities
Following a report that claims one in three people are unable to play video games because of their disability, a new games controller has been released, aiming to make video games more accessible. Designed for Microsoft’s Xbox games console, the Xbox Adaptive Controller considers those who might not be able to reach all the buttons or hold a controller for a long period of time.
Unmet disabled children’s needs must be prioritised say organisations following new data
After new figures from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) revealed it had been using significantly out-of-date data regarding the number of disabled children in the UK, Newlife and the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) have called on the Government to prioritise meeting the unmet needs of disabled children.
Area Sales Manager – Symmetrikit Postural Care - Surrey and London - AT Today Magazine
Do you enjoy variety in your daily work? Do you enjoy helping people? Do you have experience of working with the NHS, Charities or in the Education Sector? Would you like to work for an Innovative British Manufacturer who has been delivering Innovative, ‘Game Changing’ products to the Healthcare sector for over 50 years? This will be a career move that will be both challenging but rewarding on a daily basis and is a career move for the long term.
Retailer Spotlight: Aid and Enable
In June, THIIS covered the story of Sarah Boys, a medical professional who hung up her scrubs after working on the BBC’s popular drama Holby City and decided to open a new retail store in Ireland. Speaking with Sarah, THIIS revisited the fledgeling retailer to learn more about a series of surprising events that have taken place over the last six months.
New group to lead fight against dementia in Edinburgh
A group of passionate volunteers whose lives have been touched by dementia have launched a fundraising group to support Alzheimer’s Research UK. The seven founding members of the Edinburgh fundraising group – which includes Dr Jill Fowler, Alzheimer’s Research UK Senior Research Fellow at the University of Edinburgh, and Catarina Dias, a PhD student funded by the charity – have plans underway for fundraising events and activities.
Pressure ulcers at an all-time low
Hospital-acquired pressure ulcers, also known as bed sores, on the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust’s inpatient wards are now at an all-time low. In 2010, pressure ulcers were reported at the rate of one nearly every day. Just seven years later, one occurs every two weeks (in 2017 there were just 31 cases reported across the whole 12 months). It has been six years since the Trust recorded the most severe form of pressure ulcer – called a grade four.
New handbook for teenagers living with brain injury
A new handbook for teenagers living with brain injury has been launched by The Children’s Trust. Me and My Brain gives advice and guidance on topics such as independence, bullying, driving and education. It also includes real life experiences of young people living with the condition. Created by The Children’s Trust’s team of medical professionals and teenagers affected by brain injury, Me and My Brain helps explain the lifelong condition.
Tinnitus Affects Millions of Brits According to New Research
Hearing loss survey reveals that 1 in 5 is suffering from the most common tinnitus symptoms. It’s time to raise awareness of this prevalent condition: #TinnitusWeek 5th-11th February 2018 Copenhagen, Denmark, February 1, 2018 – A survey of 2,000 adults commissioned by Oticon, a leader in advanced audiology and hearing aid technology, has unveiled that tinnitus is affecting millions of Brits.
£4 million project to make virtual reality treatment available in NHS mental health services
A £4 million National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) award aims to enable state-of-the-art psychological therapy to be delivered via virtual reality (VR) in the NHS. The ground-breaking project brings together a unique team of NHS trusts, universities, a mental health charity, the Royal College of Art, and a University of Oxford tech start-up.
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