Category Archives: Healthcare News

Healthcare News, Mergers & Acquisitions, News

MCG Group acquires StaffAid

The MCG Group is pleased to announce the acquisition of nursing agency StaffAid, a specialist agency providing nurses and carers to care homes, hospices and hospitals across the Midlands.

The MCG Group, which has just been listed as one of the UK’s Top 100 mid-sized companies to work for for the third time, is a forward-thinking collection of companies providing people-focused services. As well as expertise in the healthcare sector it also operates in the aerospace & aviation, construction, education, and technology sectors.

The acquisition completed on 28 May and supports the Group’s continuing expansion. StaffAid will sit alongside the MCG Group’s existing healthcare brand – MCG Healthcare, which specialises in placing primary & secondary care professionals; including nursing, doctors & allied health professionals (AHP) to public and private sector healthcare settings. The Group also recently acquired Poppy Nursing and Care Services Ltd in November 2020.

Colm McGinley, CEO of The MCG Group, said of the acquisition: “We warmly welcome StaffAid into our Group and we’re excited to see what this new acquisition will bring to our business. This is our second healthcare acquisition in the last 7 months and will further strengthen our prescence in the healthcare market. Whilst we continue to grow organically, this acquisition further supports our 5-year growth plans and our vision to be recognised as a Group of companies people love to work for and with.”

Nick Carroll, Managing Director at StaffAid said: “This acquisition has come at the right time for both parties. Since our inception in 2016 StaffAid has successfully built an enviable reputation for providing a high quality service supported by competent and reliable agency staff. Without doubt, The MCG Group is the right organisation to further develop our success story and I wish everyone involved the very best of luck.”

Ash Higgs, Director of MCG Healthcare, added: “This is a fantastic opportunity to further broaden the reach and range of the services we can offer, both to our existing and future client base. Our priority is to maintain the high levels of service and patient care that StaffAid are known for, while introducing some of the benefits our Group can offer.”

StaffAid will retain its branding and well established trading name, working alongside MCG Healthcare to provide suitably experienced agency staff for both regular and ad hoc staffing requirements. The business operates out of offices in Lincoln and Leicester offering a 24/7 all-year-round service. Built on consistently delivering a high quality service, StaffAid has a clinical lead ensuring all agency nurses meet the highest possible clinical competence standards.

Education, Health Tech, Healthcare, Healthcare News, Wales News

Educ8 launches first Welsh Healthcare Science Apprenticeship Programme

Wales based training provider Educ8, are the first in Wales to launch the new Level 4 Health Care Science Associate Apprenticeship qualification, working in partnership with NHS Wales Health Boards.

Leading private training provider Educ8 are supporting the National Health Service (NHS) to address skill shortages and develop key skills within the health sector, where capacity is directly related to the number of skilled staff.

A year that has seen unprecedented demand on the NHS, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, has also seen rising levels of appreciation for health care workers and front-line services. In January this year, the Health Foundation reported that there had been a substantial increase in the number of people wanting to work for the NHS.

In recent months it has been highlighted that apprentices working for the NHS have been of significant help during the most challenging times of the Coronavirus pandemic, with Ken Skates, Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales, acknowledging that there is a need to ensure the next generation of NHS workers are skilled, adaptable and work-ready in order to support our economic recovery.

Liz Hargest, Education Development Manager with Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) said: “This Framework is an exciting development that will be part of a suite of resources available to support the development of staff and build on the high-quality services already delivered. Offering transferable knowledge and skills in over 50 disciplines, the accredited scheme will not only upskill individuals but will provide a sustainable solution that will benefit everyone.”

The apprenticeship programme is a hybrid process enabling NHS staff to learn while they work, with much of the course being processed online.  A significant advantage of the programme being delivered in this format is the benefit of being able to ‘earn while you learn’ while also being able to remain in the areas that they live, through working with their local health boards.

Sarah Kent, a RTT Co-Ordinator in the ECG Department for the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, shared her experience of the qualification: “I have worked in the Cardio-Respiratory department for a long time and always found my interests and heart belong here. Having this qualification will mean that I can achieve my dream and develop my skills and knowledge in the cardiac diagnostic testing and be able to assist my colleagues in a more competent manner. This means the department will benefit from more experienced members of staff relieving them of a very heavy workload thus using my transferrable to the best of my ability.”

The Level 4 qualification will support learners into assistant audiology, blood science and clinical engineering roles to name but a few, with learners being able to enrol from NHS organisations right across Wales.   While the programme is running across the whole of Wales, the project has been led by Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (CTM UHB).

Rhian Lewis, Assistant Learning & Development Manager at CTM UHB said: “It is great to see recognition for the staff who are already working hard and developing their skills.  The qualification will create further development opportunities and make them available to staff where they live, in their local area and through their local Health Board. This is a hugely exciting development. ”

Educ8 are the first training provider in Wales to deliver the innovative Level 4 Apprenticeship Framework, combining the vocational learning expertise at Educ8 with subject experts in the health service.

Speaking on the launch of the qualification, Ann Nicholas, Customer Account Director at Educ8 added: “We are delighted to be the first provider to bring this much needed Apprenticeship Programme to Wales.  We are committed to supporting the Welsh Government’s aim of increasing the number of apprentices employed in Wales and preventing a future skills shortage in the NHS. This year has been challenging for us all, but not least our incredible healthcare and frontline workers.”

Applying for the qualification starts with registering online, with more information available on the Educ8 website.

Healthcare News, Healthcare Tech, News, Science

BBI Solutions facilitating fast action to tackle legionella risk

BBI Solutions has created a bespoke mobile solution for the world’s first and quickest on-site Legionella test.

The rapid Hydrosense test comes at a critical time as many buildings such as offices, schools and commercial properties reopen in accordance with the easing of restrictions.

Using its patented Novarum™ technology, BBI Solutions has developed a mobile app-based test reader and customisable data storage system solution for Hydrosense Ltd, a pioneer in the rapid testing industry committed to making widely available, fast, easy to use, accurate testing for Legionella SG1, the most dangerous strain of Legionella bacteria.

Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially deadly lung infection caused by the inhalation of Legionella contaminated water droplets. A growing problem in the built environment, Europe and the USA have seen more and more cases of Legionnaires’ disease every year since 2013.

Long term closures have encouraged system stagnation and low flow on a mass scale, leading to factors which promote the growth of Legionella bacteria in water systems, such as biofilm formation and thermal gain, as well as the resuscitation of Legionella bacteria in its dormant state.

BBI Solutions’ tailored mobile solution, built on Hydrosense’s existing test technology, is an accurate rapid platform which can be used as part of a superior facilities water management program or in a small scale or domestic setting.

The pioneering Novarum™️ technology transforms a smartphone into a highly functional test reader, allowing users to read, store and share results quickly with minimal training. The Hydrosense test can be conducted and interpreted in 25 minutes, ensuring that spaces are safe for employees and customers to return or prompting action where necessary.

Dr Neil Polwart, Head of Mobile at BBI, said: “Creating this bespoke platform to support Hydrosense’s ground-breaking Legionella test was an exciting opportunity. We’re delighted to have delivered this effective, holistic solution.

“Novarum creates innovative, tailored solutions to support individual clients’ needs; every app we create is unique – delivering effective, intuitive mobile eco-systems that enable complex tests to be easily and accurately read with results shared from any location.”

Greg Rankin, CEO at Hydrosense, said: “Our test is the fastest in the world, with results in as little as 25 minutes. We have ensured that we have the fastest possible solution to get information into the hands of duty holders who can decide to shut or clean facilities to protect people immediately, minimising exposure to potentially deadly bacteria and the risk of disease.

“Thanks to our innovative test and our partnership with BBI, Hydrosense has been able to help fast track the reopening of the economy safely when our susceptibility to Legionella is actually at an all-time high.”

Healthcare Careers, Healthcare News, News

Ahead of International Nurses Day on 12th May, NHS Trusts in Northamptonshire highlight varied opportunities as nursing becomes a popular career choice

In the run up to International Nurses Day on 12th May[i] four leading NHS Trusts in Northamptonshire, who are part of the Best of Both Worlds recruitment campaign focused on attracting nurses to live and work in Northamptonshire, are highlighting nursing career opportunities, as nursing grows in popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic.

In February, it was reported that the pandemic has inspired people to become nurses with UCAS figures showing that a third more were applying to study nursing at university with applications for nursing degrees reaching more than 60,000[ii]. The following NHS Trusts in Northamptonshire have nursing vacancies for experienced nurses looking for their next new career move.

Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT), rated ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, provides mental health and physical support in the community and in hospital settings for adults and children. They are recruiting a Community Health Nurse to provide care for patients and support for family members to encourage patients to receive the care they need in their own home. The closing date for applications is 2nd May 2021.

Kettering General Hospital covers a large part of the Northamptonshire area, with outpatient clinics in Corby, Wellingborough and Rushden, and Kettering General itself. The hospital employs around 4,000 staff and is one of the largest employers in Northamptonshire.  They are recruiting a Band 5 Registered Nurse to work in the clinical operations team as a transfer nurse supporting the safe transfer and movement of patients through the hospital. The closing date for applications is 5th May 2021.

Northampton General Hospital provides acute care services and has two gynaecology theatres and two obstetric theatres that are open 24/7. The hospital recently invested in new facilities, including an emergency centre and a new chemotherapy suite. They are recruiting a Band 5 Staff Nurse to join the emergency department, which offers a wide range of education and development opportunities and excellent support from a mentor and senior nursing team. The closing date for applications is 5th May 2021.

St Andrew’s Healthcare is a charity providing specialist mental healthcare for patients with some of the most challenging mental health needs in the UK, with their headquarters and largest site in Northampton. They are recruiting a Senior Staff Nurse with in-depth experience of working with challenging patients in a mental health service. The closing date for applications is the 30th May 2021.

It’s also International Day of the Midwife on 5th May[iii]. Northampton General Hospital (NGH) is recruiting for Band 5/6 Midwives to work with a caseload of 36 women per year in a flexible role that enables them to have protected days off and make a difference to the outcomes of women in their care. There is also a role for a midwife in the maternity day unit to play an active role in the day to day running of the unit.

The current delivery rate at NGH is 4,700 births and the hospital has ambitious plans for transforming maternity services to be better aligned with the Better Births recommendations made in an NHS England maternity review in 2016[iv]. Now is an excellent time to join the Maternity Service and to work within a dedicated team, delivering high quality care to women in Northamptonshire.

For students considering nursing or existing nurses looking to upskill or return to practice the University of Northampton offers a wide range of pre-registration and post-registration programmes in nursing and midwifery, which are accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

The ‘Best of Both Worlds’ recruitment campaign brings together the University of Northampton, Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Northampton General Hospital, Kettering General Hospital (KGH), St Andrew’s Healthcare and Northants GP and aims to recruit nurses, doctors and healthcare professionals to live and work in Northamptonshire.

 

To find out about other nursing vacancies across Northamptonshire visit http://bestofbothworlds.uk.net/

[i] https://www.icn.ch/what-we-do/campaigns/international-nurses-day

[ii] https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/feb/18/demand-for-uk-nursing-degrees-rises-by-a-third-in-pandemic

[iii] https://www.internationalmidwives.org/icm-events/international-day-of-the-midwife-2021.html

[iv] https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/national-maternity-review-report.pdf

Cybersecurity, Healthcare News, Healthcare Tech, News

Health Trust Gets New Cyber Security System

One of the largest NHS trusts in the Midlands has signed up to an innovative new security system to improve patient safety.
Bosses at the University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, which runs the Royal Stoke University Hospital, in Stoke-on-Trent, and the County Hospital, in Stafford, say the new security measures will improve safety and bring peace of mind for staff and patients, by reducing the impact of a cyber-attack.
The Trust has linked up with M8 Solutions to have the Ordr Systems Control Engine implemented. It means that all hospital equipment, medical and non-medical, connected to the Trust’s network can be protected and monitored under one umbrella system, which can detect any abnormal activity.
Mark Bostock, information management and technology director at the UHNM Trust, said: “This is a huge step forward in our cyber security capabilities. These are positive steps to give us a level of assurance that our hospitals are as safe as possible for our UHNM team and our patients.”
Dr Zia Din, the Trust’s chief clinical information officer, added: “Saving time for staff and reassuring patients that they and their information are safe is always a priority for us.
“This system is invaluable, allowing our staff to care for our patients safe in the knowledge that cyber security is being taken care of. It is reassuring that we are less likely to have disruption to our systems necessary for delivery of patient care.”
M8 Solutions co-founder and lead consultant Tracy Scriven said dealing with cyber-security is an ever-changing challenge, made more complicated with the increasing number of devices being linked to networks.
Tracy, who has worked with UHNM previously, said a cyber-attack can affect hospitals and GP surgeries, with devastating effect, resulting in cancelled appointments and operations.
“When you compare the risk of fire or flood or disaster, those risks are quantifiable,” she said. “It is easy to understand the causes, how to deal with them and the extent of the damage they can cause. Cyber is not like that; it is constantly changing, and you have no idea how big, small, or sinister the risk might be.
“The increasing number of medical devices in a hospital which are connected to the network present an ever-growing risk. Non-medical devices like CCTV cameras are also connected. This is known as the Internet of Things, or IoT. IoT Security is increasingly complex – and NHS trusts need to be able to discover, secure and monitor the IoT devices that are connected to their networks. 
“For example, when installed, the camera is connected to the trust network. There is a risk that someone could hack into the cameras and the wider network – there have been examples of this happening in other places around the world.”
She said the Ordr system had improved patient safety in many ways.
“The deployment of the Ordr system helps protect the hospital infrastructure from breaches of cyber security which could result in patient information being stolen and/or medical equipment being unavailable due to cyber-attack, ” she said.
“In addition, it can help save time by providing accurate information on what equipment is where on the network. It also helps staff by ensuring that any vulnerability is highlighted in a single dashboard and saves time by automating the mitigation of a cyber-attack. Another benefit that indirectly aids patient care – through saving the hospital money – is the medical device utilisation functionality.This enables the hospital to save money by not having to invest in equipment when it is not needed by utilising under-deployed assets. This feature helps to ensure patient access to medical equipment is available as much as possible.”
Paul Hinchy, Tracy’s fellow M8 Solutions co-founder and lead consultant, added: “Medical devices such as blood infusion pumps, MRI scanners, ultrasound machines as well as estates and facilities devices are great examples of existing critical areas of the day-to-day running of any hospital, that can now be further protected and more efficient.
“Ordr is helping secure the Trust’s network and previous vulnerabilities have been highlighted and remedied. This positively impacts all areas of the hospital as each and every device is now understood.
“It saves time by identifying vulnerable devices; creating a register of assets and giving managers an overview of the devices and their status.”
To find out more, visit https://www.m8solutions.co.uk/
Benefits, Healthcare News

World Cancer Day – PMI will be a key focus for employers in 2021 looking to access cancer services faster, says benefits expert

On World Cancer Day (4th Feb), Cheryl Brennan, Executive Director for Health and Benefits at Howden Employee Benefits & Wellbeing, says that the latest lockdown is causing growing concern about the potential disruption to cancer services, leading more employers to consider Private Medical Insurance (PMI) for their employees.

The Prince of Wales[i] who is a patron of Macmillan Cancer Support, recently warned that cancer risks being the ‘forgotten C’ during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the charity estimating that 50,000 people could be living with undiagnosed cancer because of delays to NHS services.

One NHS Trust in London has put potentially life-saving cancer operations on hold because of the number of beds taken by COVID-19 patients[ii]. Cancer operations have also been put on hold in Greater Manchester[iii].  Other Trusts across the UK may follow suit if COVID hospitalisations increase.

Cancer Research estimates 50% people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime[iv] – meaning many people will be diagnosed and living with cancer during their working lives.

Cheryl Brennan says, “Cancer services have been severely disrupted since the start of the pandemic. Now we are in a third lockdown this is starting to halt services again and there is concern about what this will mean for people with undetected cancers. Early referral, diagnosis and treatment can be the difference between life and death.

“Over the past year we’ve seen more employers auditing their health and benefits packages in light of the pandemic to check they are still fit for purpose. This has led to rising numbers of companies introducing PMI for the first time or extending existing policies to include more of their workforce.”

“PMI gives employees access to critical early diagnosis and treatment faster and affords them greater choice over their preferred hospital and consultant, and even access to drugs not widely available on the NHS. Some will also include access to virtual GPs which can be speed up a diagnosis for people during the pandemic.

“This is going to be a valuable benefit for employees in the future and something that can help companies stand out as an employer of choice. Companies that look after their employees can also expect a healthier, more motivated and productive workforce, with less absenteeism due to ill health. However, its important companies don’t just opt for the first policy they find, as it’s not a one size fits all.

“Healthcare benefits can be complex. It’s not always the case that employers need to offer premium insurance policies, there are a wide range of options for every employer whatever their budget.  Often companies don’t know what to look for or are unable to access the best deals. We recommend they seek advice from a qualified broker, such as Howden, who can do all the leg work and be able to find the level of cover that is tailored to the profile of the workforce and works for their budget.”

Professor Gordon Wishart, Chief Medical Officer at Check4Cancer, a provider of early detection and genetic services in the UK and a recognised Howden partner, added: “With COVID-19 restrictions in place until later in 2021, and against the massive disruption of cancer services in 2020, we have seen increased activity across our cancer services. Many insurers now provide their members with access to our diagnostic cancer pathways but, with reduced access to NHS screening, our corporate cancer screening activity has significantly increased interest in our cancer risk questionnaire (MyCancerRisk) that identifies those employees at “higher risk” of six common cancers so that they can access company-paid screening”

 

COVID-19, Health & Safety, Healthcare News, News, PPE

A breakthrough in PPE recycling, finally!

Innovation in recycling & sterilisation technologies has resulted in a breakthrough for the recycling of PPE. Yorkshire based company ReWorked has developed a full-service operation, to process disposable face-masks, gloves, visors etc. for public & private sectors.

In collaboration with Thermal Compaction Group (TCG), testing has begun to recycle face-masks from The Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust. Previously their masks would have been incinerated; a process that releases harmful emissions such as carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Through further exploration, the joint companies hope the scheme will roll out to hospitals across the UK.

ReWorked marketing manager Izzie Glazzard tells us, “We are on the brink of launching some large scale PPE recycling schemes on the UK high-street. It provides an invaluable service for customers who want protection from Covid-19, but don’t want the environment to suffer as a consequence”.

The driving force behind the scheme is the rise in PPE usage seen worldwide due to the pandemic. Estimates say globally we are using 129 billion disposable masks & 65 billion plastic gloves every month. The WWF says “If only 1% of the worlds face masks are disposed of incorrectly, 10 million masks will still end up polluting fragile ecosystems every month.

How it works (The innovation)
The PPE waste is collected, using various methods depending on the location. After a 72 hour quarantine, the waste undergoes a lengthy process of shredding & washing.

The shredded plastic is layered onto what ReWorked call their “Stormboard Mill”, where it is heated to over 200C & pressed into a solid board. These durable plastic boards can be used as building materials or cut to become furniture, bins & other practical items.

ReWorked refers to the process as Reclaiming The Mask, as part of their ongoing #ReclaimTheMask campaign, urging companies to take control & responsibility for the growing PPE waste issue.

Healthcare News, News, Wellbeing

Programme launches to prevent workplace addiction crisis

The UK’s leading addiction treatment specialists UKAT have launched a new Addiction Awareness programme for businesses across the country.

The programme is set to support employers and employees from all business types as the Government is encouraging those who can, to work from home during the current Coronavirus crisis, during which it is revealed that more people are seeking treatment for drug and alcohol misuse than ever before.

Experts at UKAT warn any dependencies to drugs or alcohol developed during the Covid-crisis could well be exacerbated as society faces uncertainty over their job security.

Eventually, this in turn could result in rising sickness and absence rates once employees are back in the workplace.

One particular substance widely associated with workplace stress is alcohol.

UKAT has revealed that between April and August this year, they’ve admitted more clients for alcohol addiction than they have in the same time period of previous years.

Between April and August 2020, a staggering 79% of all admissions were for alcohol addiction. This is compared to during the same four months of 2017, where only 56% of all admissions were for alcohol addiction.

This, they say, could present real problems for employers trying to support their staff during this difficult time. People could turn to using alcohol heavily in order to cope with the stresses derived from the recent Coronavirus crisis. Added pressure from job security and the potential fear of redundancy could turn people to alcohol as a coping strategy.

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) says that all organisations – large and small – can benefit from agreed policies on drug and alcohol misuse and they recommend that employers identify if there is a problem and then take measurable action to protect their staff.

This is where the UK Addiction Treatment Group Addiction Awareness Programme can help.

The programme is free, delivered by a Certified Drug and Alcohol Therapist on site or virtually and engages and educates staff on the signs, symptoms, and local support services available.

UKAT’s Head of Treatment, Nuno Albuquerque, explains the importance of taking preventative action in order to protect staff;

“Looking after staff’s mental wellbeing is not just beneficial for them, it’s beneficial for the business too. Employees who feel supported by management will always find it easier to stay in work or return quicker after any absences, which ultimately saves the business money.

“Those who are uncomfortable in opening up about addiction are likely to suffer in silence, which could lead to them being unable to carry out their duties, increasing the possibility of a health and safety risk.

“We understand that this is a sensitive subject and one that should be discussed with experts. That’s what we’re here to do. Together, we can help your employees and in turn, help you and your business thrive during these difficult times.”

It’s not only UKAT’s figures which suggest proactive steps need to be taken.

A survey by DrugScope and Alcohol Concern found that 27% of employers said that drug misuse was a problem at work and that 60% have experienced problems due to staff drinking alcohol.

Nuno concludes;

“We are a country of hard workers, and the Coronavirus crisis has had to change everyone’s routines and normality. During these unprecedented times, some will struggle and some will turn to substances like alcohol to cope with the fear and uncertainty brought about by the pandemic. Addiction does not discriminate and can hit anyone at anytime.

“What is important is that employers who care about the mental health and wellbeing of their employees take proactive steps to mitigate their own crisis further down the line.”

To book your free slot on the Addiction Awareness Programme, visit www.ukat.co.uk/business-addiction-awareness-programme/v55/

 

Healthcare News, Healthcare Tech

Bantham Technologies transforms Trust through innovative ways of working

The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT), one of the leading NHS Trusts in the UK, was able to use innovative mobile technology to empower its Community team to provide patient-centric care within their own home whilst helping to minimise their carbon footprint.

 

Working in partnership with Bantham Technologies, the Trust introduced an integrated Patient Information Database (PID) lookup through the application of in-the-field operational forms. This innovative data capture solution seamlessly integrated with its existing patient record system and automatically pre-populated patient information into live e-Form documents. A move which enables district nurses to spend less time on administrative duties and creating more time to care for patients.

 

In a continued effort to secure its place on the NHS Global Digital Exemplars list – a programme to enable “digitally advanced” NHS Trusts to share knowledge with other NHS Trusts on technology-related issues, the project was deployed across Windows and iOS tablets and will be able to support digital data capture on any Windows device, including tablets, laptops, and desktop PCs for broader use throughout the Trust’s mobile and in-hospital teams.

 

The success of this project comes at a time when digital transformation within the NHS is a major priority. Earlier this year, UK health secretary Matt Hancock said it will be “critical” for the NHS to work with the private sector to continue an uptake in the use of technology after the COVID-19 outbreak has subsided.

 

“Working in partnership with Bantham and our team, we hope to maintain our status on the digital maturity index and deliver a greener NHS,” said Simon Parton, Head of ICT Systems & Applications Services & Divisional Lead for Sustainability, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust.

 

“This project, and others like it, are all about creating more time to care”, said Edward Belgeonne, founder, Bantham Technologies. “We’ve reached a stage where technology is recognised as far more than an assistant to medical procedures. It’s something that is integral to the day to day Trust processes, helping to manage staff workload and ultimately delivering better outcomes for patients. All the while helping to deliver a cleaner, greener and more efficient NHS that is equipped for the 21st Century.”

 

It is not just on the administrative side where technology is playing a transformative role in the NHS. It is also behind a concerted drive to become more environmentally conscious and sustainable. Something highlighted earlier this month with the announcement that the NHS has adopted a multi-year plan to become the world’s first carbon net-zero national health system.

 

In addition to creating operational efficiency for staff and better outcomes for patients, the use of the Bantham Technologies solution also saved RWT over a million pages of A4 paper, which conserved ten million litres of water, enough to meet the annual recommended drinking water requirement for some 8,500 people.

 

Mr Parton concluded, “We are constantly looking to maximise patient care and staff satisfaction and our investment in technology is a key part of that strategy. Over the past eight years, Bantham has helped transform our operational processes and succeeded in implementing innovative technologies in the pursuit of on-going patient-centric care at the same time helping to improve the frontline service we can offer patients.”

 

Cleaning & Facilities Management, COVID-19, Healthcare News, News

Virus-killing coating offers a revolutionary solution for businesses in the fight against coronavirus

A revolutionary protective coating that is proven to kill bacteria and viruses – including some forms of coronavirus – for up to a year is now available for businesses across the UK.

Liquid Guard®, a single-application spray unlike anything currently available on the UK market, is easy to apply and will provide 12 months of protection on surfaces in just 6 hours.

Approved UK retailer, Protection Zone has brought the award-winning antimicrobial solution to the UK SME market to provide an effective and simple solution that will help people protect workplaces from the spread of common, and potentially life-threatening illnesses.

Liquid Guard®, works by creating an antimicrobial nano-coating on surfaces that will rupture germs cell walls, killing any bacteria, virus and fungi that come into contact with it.

The spray has passed more than 30 independent, internationally recognised tests and has been proven to kill some forms of coronavirus, Influenza A and E. coli. It is also currently undergoing tests against SARS-CoV-2 (commonly known as COVID-19) at one of Europe’s leading test laboratories.

Piran Littleton, Managing Director at Protection Zone said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has forced everyone to prioritise their health and safety in a way we’ve not seen in generations.

“Whilst Liquid Guard was developed in 2018, and has been used in larger commercial settings, the product was inaccessible for most people, which is why we felt it was important to bring this revolutionary product to a wider UK market in a form that can be easily applied within workplaces to create highly sanitised and disinfected environments. It’s ideal for offices, cafes, hairdressers and many other SME’s.

“Touchpoints, such as door handles, light switches or even toilets, are some of the most common ways that coronavirus and other common bacteria and viruses are spread, and with Liquid Guard you are able to eliminate this risk for a year in just one easy application.

“The spray is completely odourless and safe for human use and can be used on any non-porous surface. It’s simple to apply, long-lasting and can withstand everyday cleaning, continuing to protect for 12-months.”

Liquid Guard is a German Product Innovation award winner of 2019 and is manufactured by Nano-Care UK.

Piran continued: “What really sets Liquid Guard apart from anything else is the scientifically proven long-term results. The product has been independently tested to illustrate at least three years weathering resistance and high-level abrasion resistance.

“We’re really excited about the impact this could have and truly believe it could be a game changer in the fight against the spread of viruses and bacteria, including coronavirus.”

To find out more about Liquid Guard, or to purchase the product, visit: https://protectionzone.co.uk/