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Medical News

Genesis Biosciences reformulates Evogen concentrates

Genesis Biosciences has modernised the formulas of its Evogen concentrates, making the range 100% bio-based.

The company’s Evogen products combine innovative eco-benign® chemistry and application-specific beneficial bacteria to offer effective cleaning across a wide range of industries including facilities management and wastewater treatment.

The range’s performance-driven and environmentally-responsible microbial and antimicrobial technologies are designed to provide sustainable alternatives to the traditional harsh chemicals often used in cleaning products.

The reformulated products include the Evogen General Purpose Bio-cleaner Concentrate, Evogen Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner Concentrate, Evogen Exterior Hard Surface Cleaner Concentrate and the Evogen Odour Neutraliser Concentrate.

The project to revamp the Evogen formulas began in 2023, with testing and quality checks on compatibility, performance and stability concluding in Q1 of 2024.

The reformulated concentrates are now fully plant-derived by using co-formulants and fully biodegradable raw materials including bio-based alcohol ethoxylates and application-specific Bacillus consortia, thus ensuring compliance with current eco-accreditations such as ECOCERT’s European Ecolabel and recognised international standards for quality.

The improved concentrates can be diluted by formulators within the supply chain to produce 100% bio-based probiotic cleaning products for the end-user.

Dr Emma Saunders, General Manager at Genesis Biosciences, said: “We’ve always been proud to lead the way with products that are effective yet safe for the user and the environment, and our team is committed to continually improving our solutions such as our Evogen concentrates range.

“This is incredibly important as according to A.I.S.E (the International Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance Products), just over half (53%) of pan-European consumers believe that cleaning products like detergents are safe for the people who use them and 28% believe they are safe for the environment. By providing alternatives to products derived from petrochemicals with harmful by-products, we can encourage consumers that there are safer options with low toxicity that deliver a superior cleaning performance.

“This is our greenest formula; our new Evogen concentrates use 100% bio-based ingredients which minimise the impact on the environment without compromising on the successful degradation of organic and malodorous compounds found on surfaces.”

Healthcare, News

Colchester is home to new eye hospital

New SpaMedica hospital will help reduce waiting times for local NHS cataract and YAG laser capsulotomy patients

Residents of North East Essex and Suffolk can now access NHS cataract surgery and YAG laser capsulotomy closer to home, thanks to a new, state-of-the-art eye hospital opened by SpaMedica in Colchester.

The newest addition to the SpaMedica family – the country’s leading independent provider of NHS eye services – is located at Colchester Business Park.

It will help cut waiting times for NHS patients requiring treatment to improve their vision by offering appointments in just four to eight weeks, compared to a national target of 18 weeks.

SpaMedica’s hospitals number more than 50 nationwide and have successfully treated thousands of NHS patients. A total of 35 inspections by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) have resulted in 13 hospitals being rated as ‘Outstanding’ and 22 rated as ‘Good’, with SpaMedica’s hospitals in Poole and Gloucester described as “an exemplar of best practice which others can, and should, learn from”.

Over 15,000 patients have awarded SpaMedica a 5-star rating on NHS.UK.

In addition to offering access to high quality healthcare in a comfortable, welcoming environment, SpaMedica Colchester also provides a free transport service for those who may struggle to travel.

Hospital manager Natalie Gregory said: “Cataracts can make day-to-day activities like reading, driving and watching television more difficult, and some patients find themselves struggling to get out and about too. That’s why we’re delighted to be working in partnership with the NHS to ensure patients in our region receive rapid access to high quality treatment, so they can get back to life as usual as quickly as possible. We can’t wait to welcome our first patients.”

NHS patients who have been diagnosed with cataracts or posterior capsule opacification can ask for a referral to SpaMedica Colchester through their local optician or GP.

Cataracts Symptoms

 You may experience one or more of the following symptoms if you have cataracts:

  • Blurred vision
  • Difficulty driving at night
  • Difficulty watching television and reading
  • Being dazzled by sunlight and/or bright lights such as the headlights of an oncoming car
  • Fading of colours
  • Frequent changes to your spectacle or contact lens prescription

It’s best to see an optician if you think you have cataracts. They will perform a thorough eye check and will be able to refer you for treatment if needed. In England patients can choose which provider they have cataract surgery with.

To find out more visit www.spamedica.co.uk

Investment News, News

$100 Million Financing from LEGO Owner KIRKBI and Others values Medical-Fish-Skin Company Kerecis at $620 million

The investment in environmentally sustainable technology will help thousands more patients with burned or damaged skin tissue

Reykjavik, Iceland, Billund, Denmark and Arlington, Virginia — August 1, 2022 — Kerecis® today announced that it completed its $100 million Series D financing that was led by KIRKBI, the family holding and investment company behind the LEGO Group. Kerecis is the company pioneering the use of sustainably sourced fish skin and fatty acids in cellular therapy and tissue regeneration and protection globally. The funding round was supported by several existing shareholders, including Silicon Valley’s Emerson Collective and the Icelandic pension funds BRU and LSV. The funding round also included conversion of existing convertible debt to equity and new and extended debt facilities.

The funding round will accelerate the company’s growth and development of the next generations of its patented medical-fish-skin products sourced from sustainable fishing grounds near the Arctic Circle. KIRKBI, a first-time investor in Kerecis, invested $40 million in cash in exchange for newly issued Kerecis shares. Co-investors contributed an additional $20 million in cash for newly issued shares; $10 million of existing convertible promissory notes were converted into equity; and Silicon Valley Bank provided an extension and increase of the company´s existing revolving credit facility to $30 million. Following the investment round, the valuation of Kerecis is US$620 million.

“Kerecis is a highly innovative company that has built a successful business transforming waste material into unique medical products,” said Niklas Sjöblom, Senior Director, Long-Term Equity, KIRKBI. “We are particularly inspired by the company’s approach to sustainability, as we are responsible investors and owners. We are excited to support the company’s continued growth and strategic objectives to improve patient outcomes”.

“This funding and new partnership with KIRKBI is a great step forward for Kerecis, and we are truly motivated by the investment KIRKBI and the other participants are making,” said Fertram Sigurjonsson, Founder and CEO of Kerecis. “As we continue to grow, we will be able to help thousands more patients around the world with our sustainably sourced products. It is our mission to become the world leader in tissue regeneration by sustainably harnessing nature’s own remedies,” he added.

Kerecis’s year-over-year growth has been exceptional in recent years, with revenues doubling annually. The company’s revenue in calendar year 2021 was $35 million, and this year’s revenue is expected to be more than twice that. The company’s medical-fish-skin products have proven crucial in improving patients’ well-being and quality of life. Revenue derives mainly from sales in three distinct market segments: private offices and wound centers that treat diabetic and other chronic wounds, burn centers, and hospital operating rooms. Sales across all three segments have increased over the past year with new product offerings, increased demand, and strategic sales efforts.

Healthcare, News

PervasID to Present Solution for Tracking Medical Equipment and Surgical Instruments at Electronic and Biomedical Engineering Expo 2022

Company to exhibit and deliver presentation on solution which enhances decontamination, increases sterilisation processes, ensures mission-critical medical devices are available at the right place and time, for robust and efficient care saving billions of pounds across the NHS

Cambridge, UK – Friday 24th June 2022 – PervasID, the company providing best-in-class battery-free Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) reader systems for automating inventory and asset tracking, will be exhibiting and presenting its solution for the healthcare sector at the EBME Expo 2022. The company’s technology is being deployed in a number of NHS trusts as well as EU hospitals and is predicted to save billions of pounds and lives with a solution that delivers an ROI in under 12 months.

At the event PervasID founder and CEO, Dr Sabesan Sithamparanathan, and Steris Chief Digital Officer, Mark Capel will be delivering a paper titled: Next Generation Medical & Surgical equipment Tracking – RFID which will detail the opportunities for healthcare providers for tracking medical equipment as well as surgical instruments (tray level) across hospitals, all with a battery-less RFID system. The presentation is at 12:30 on Wednesday 29th June 2022 as part of the Operating Theatre Conference Programme, the company will also be exhibiting at the event on stand D12.

Based on pioneering research carried out at the University of Cambridge, PervasID’s unique passive (battery-less) RFID technology achieves unrivalled detection accuracy (near 100%) and responsiveness over all other existing solutions in the market. As such hospitals are able to track medical devices, medical records, surgical instruments (tray level) and patient flow with the highest degree of accuracy. This in turn reduces waiting times and heightens patient care through more efficient asset management.

“The need to keep track of assets and resources is never more critical than in a hospital setting, with the need for highly accurate traceability of medical devices and surgical instruments having become particularly prominent since the COVID-19 pandemic begun. PervasID solutions are being deployed at a number of hospitals across the UK as well as EU for tracking medical devices and surgical instruments,” said Dr Sabesan Sithamparanathan, PervasID founder and CEO. “The use of our tracking technology enhances decontamination and sterilisation processes and allows hospitals to track their assets to ensure that mission-critical medical devices are available at the right place and time, to support delivering robust and efficient care.”

To learn more or book a meeting at the event please contact info@pervasid.com

News

MPS Chooses Keysource for Critical Upgrade

Keysource, the data centre and critical environment specialist has successfully completed a critical upgrade for The Medical Protection Society (MPS) at its on-premise data centre in Leeds. This latest project builds on a 17-year relationship between the two businesses during which Keysource has provided full support across MPS’s technical estate.

Initially, MPS engaged Keysource to review its end-of-life UPS requirement for both its immediate needs and future capacity. Other key factors were the need to reduce cost, minimise carbon footprint and avoid disruption. Keysource carried out a feasibility study incorporating options for replacing with a like-for-like system (a smaller UPS system to support reduced load) and upgrading the existing UPS system with critical components and batteries to prolong the UPS lifespan and manufacturer support for a further 5 years. A report of Keysource findings was provided to Medical Protection Society, taking into consideration costs, risks and downtime.

Keysource advised the upgrade to the existing system as the best solution providing reduced CAPEX, risk and embodied carbon – offering the most sustainable option, reducing the need for additional manufacturing and extending the life of the system. The upgrade was successfully completed during a weekday evening.

Commenting on the project, Ian McLean at MPS, said: “Keysource was a natural fit for this project due to our long history and the trust built over this time. Their ability to articulate the options with clear benefits was key, so that we could make a fully informed decision, as well as outlining the clear benefits of this more sustainable approach when considering the embodied carbon.“

Richard Clifford, Head of Solutions at Keysource, said: “We successfully upgraded this live system out of hours, without disruption and with zero downtime.  Our solution has the added benefit of minimising embodied carbon associated with the system by extending its useable life.”

 

Charity & CSR, Law, News

Law firm Bromleys backs Reuben’s Retreat as its charity of the year

Staff at Tameside law firm Bromleys have chosen Reuben’s Retreat, which provides support to families bereaved of a child and those with complexly poorly children, as their charity of the year for 2022.

Reuben’s Retreat is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and is raising funds to meet its ongoing costs as well as for its multi-million pound Forever Home in Glossop.

The charity was founded in August 2012 by the family of Reuben Michael Graham, who died at just 23 months from an inoperable brain tumour.

His family launched Reuben’s Retreat just two days after his death to provide a safe place for families to ‘relax, recharge, remember and rebuild’.

Initially based in Ashton-under-Lyne, the charity purchased the former Wood’s Hospital in Glossop in 2014 for its base. Bromleys did the conveyancing work relating to the transaction for no charge.

Since its inception, Reuben’s Retreat has supported over 1,300 individuals from across the UK by providing peer-led monthly support groups, meditation evenings, weekend rambles, one-to-one counselling and holistic therapy sessions for parents and siblings as well as regular music and animal therapy, bespoke memory making and memorial events.

The charity also arranges respite and bereavement breaks, allowing families bereaved of a child to remember and rebuild, and those with a complexly ill child to relax and recharge.

Reuben’s Retreat recently completed an activity wing at its HQ, which houses a hydrotherapy pool, sensory room and play room with chill zone.

When completed, the Forever Home will feature five apartments for families to come and create memories with however much time they have.

Reuben’s mum Nicola said: “We are absolutely delighted to be Bromleys’ chosen charity, especially after what has been a difficult period during the pandemic for all.

“We have grown so much more since those early days of receiving Bromleys’ support when we purchased our Retreat nearly eight years ago.

“We are excited to share how far we have come, and are even more thrilled to have their talented team to be a part of #reubensjourney once more.

“Our vision is to continue to offer emotional and practical support to families bereaved of a child, and those families facing an uncertain future with their medically complexed child, to offer up unique space, a place where families can relax, recharge, remember and rebuild.

“Bromleys’ support will be key to building on these many milestones as we commit to the next building project so that we are able to reach more families.

“We’re so grateful to Bromleys for choosing to support our cause.”

Bromleys partner Paul Westwell said: “It is great to once again be involved with supporting this worthwhile cause, from the early days of seeing the plans for the Retreat on paper, through completion of the acquisition of the site and then windy walkarounds during the construction phase. Seeing it now in use and the plans to go even further is phenomenal.

“The support offered by the team at Reuben’s Retreat to all of its users is exemplary in so many respects, and everyone at Bromleys is proud to continue our long association with the charity.”

News

Groundbreaking health therapy arrives in Horley

Celebrity chiropractor from ‘Horley Spinal Health’ expands his services with a revolutionary cell regeneration machine

 

Surrey-based chiropractic clinic, Horley Spinal Health, established by Dr. Philip Mitchell, who has been practising for 15 years and has had the privilege of working with world famous actors, has invested in the new cutting-edge Molecular Bio-Physical Stimulation (MBST) machine.

 

The machine has been in situ for several weeks, and Dr. Philip Mitchell has seen enormous interest: “We have been amazed by the initial interest and results from the MBST machine. There are so many people that can benefit from this treatment. The first couple of patients who have completed courses for chronic knee osteoarthritis have already noted reduction in pain and better mobility”.

 

Established in 2001, Horley Spinal Clinic has treated over 5000 patients in the past two decades, from babies to ninety-year olds, including one of England’s finest actors. The clinic specialises in helping patients to achieve their wellness goals, treating conditions including; back pain, neck pain, headaches, accident and injury recovery, stress, and mobility issues. 

 

It is the latest of just 12 centres in the UK to offer the groundbreaking therapy which stimulates cell repair and regrowth using non-invasive technology. When combined with traditional chiropractic  techniques, MBST can offer potentially life-changing results. 

 

Dr. Mitchell, who has been practising for 15 years and treated over 10,000 patients,  describes; “one of my frustrations as a Chiropractor is that there are some patients who have damaged joints that just don’t get better, or don’t get the results that we would like. When my father underwent MBST therapy to successfully treat his chronic back pain, I investigated further.” 

 

Philip’s father, Dr. Tim Mitchell relays his positive experience: “When Cura suggested that I try MBST for my back pain due to degenerative discs I decided to give it a go. It was a really easy experience and quite mindful just lying down for each of the 7 sessions. It also worked! I do feel it could be a game changer for the NHS if its value is recognised.” 

 

MBST is not widely known in the UK but it has transformed the lives of thousands of people across the world over the past 20 years. It is a completely pain-free and non-invasive therapy.

 

Success stories of MBST include David Flatman, former England rugby player, who credits the treatment after a career in rugby that left him battered, with his joints now “feeling like new” and he that “can’t actually believe the power of it [MBST]”.

 

Philip has been amazed by the technology and the results it provides for people with such a range of conditions. He adds: “It has persuaded me this was something I needed to offer my patients, so I’m very excited to announce that our MBST machine has been installed this month.”

 

Horley Spinal Health will use the pioneering MBST technology in tandem with chiropractic practices to treat pain, injuries and musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis, sciatica, and spinal degeneration, as well as medical conditions including; pinched nerves, nerve spasms, slipped disks, and tennis elbow.

 

The technology works by stimulating damaged and degenerated cartilage, bone, ligament, tendon and muscle cells to encourage repair and regrowth. 

 

Once the cells of the affected area or injury have been sufficiently stimulated from MBST therapy, the cells will continue to grow and develop by themselves, reducing pain and enabling greater mobility. 

 

To find out more or to book an appointment please visit http://www.chiropractic-uk.com or call 01293 823444.

Health, News

Need for medical reports will spiral as a result of Covid

Written by Richard Freeman, managing director of Medi2data

The insurance industry is under pressure as a result of Covid, and it’s set to increase. As the job retention scheme ends, there will be increases in unemployment, those on universal credit and income protection claims. This will mean an increase in requests for medical reports as people need to demonstrate if they have a health condition or disability that prevents them from working.

With GPs dealing with the vaccination roll-out, logistical restrictions on the number of patients they can see in surgeries, and increased remote consultations, this is a pressure to their workload they could well do without. The result is likely to be increased delays in medical reports being processed which is bad news for all, not least patients who will face delays to payments. Insurers will be impacted too as they deal with the administrative burden of chasing, processing and managing patient data.

Richard Freeman, managing director of Medi2data says: ‘Sharing patient medical data, with patients’ consent, efficiently and quickly, is in the interests of everyone involved, from insurers to GP surgeries to patients. That need is about to increase and it’s vital that a solution is in place.’

It’s paramount that any electronic transfer of medical information is GDPR-compliant, swift, secure and trusted. Just as structured medical data reports make it easier to review and sign-off by GP practices, it also makes it easier for insurers to review for underwriting and claims assessment. The majority of GP surgeries are now able to transfer medical information that has patient approval in this manner and insurers need to be ready to work with them.

There are approximately 3 million Subject to Access Requests (SARS) every year and 2.8 million requests for medical reports (AMRA). The industry has been used to an average turnaround time for SARS of 30-40 days, and 25 days for AMRAs. However, the latest technology platform now makes it a reality to turn around SARS requests within 10-14 days, and AMRAs in just five days.

Richard Freeman continued, ‘The technology exists to make this impending increased demand much more manageable, and it’s vital for GPs, patients and insurers that it’s utilised. Now is the time for insurers to ensure they are fully aware of the latest platforms to fulfil AMRAs and to incorporate them into their administration of underwriting and claims processes and procedures.

‘GP surgeries have saved significant time using such technology, and this has proved a great incentive for them to use it – which of course is key in the insurance process – and the resulting five-day turnaround brings clear advantages for insurers: benefitting their customers, ie patients, too.’

Awards, Health, Healthcare News, News

Winners of 2020 HSJ Partnership Awards revealed

The 14 high-calibre winners of the 2020 HSJ Partnership Awards were announced during an awards ceremony at Park Plaza Westminster last week.

The HSJ Partnership Awards – now in their 3rd year – are independently judged by experts from across the healthcare sector, looking specifically for organisations from the private and charitable sectors that clearly strive to improve collaboration and innovation within the NHS.

A great variety of different sectors and industries from all over the country were represented throughout the evening. The diversity on display – both in terms of the projects undertaken and the teamwork showcased – demonstrated a growing dedication to work efficiently and effectively with the NHS.

The awards ceremony was hosted by the lively and engaging Ellie Taylor who led the evening with the passion and respect that the finalists and winners rightly deserved.

Of the 14 winners, Best Pharmaceutical Partnership with the NHS was awarded to Kite Pharma, a Gilead Company, NHS England and NHS Partners for its work on an innovative treatment that has offered the hope of disease-free years to people suffering from lymphoma.

The judges saw this as transformational treatment which couldn’t have been done by the NHS alone. It demonstrated a passionate and ambitious approach to transformational medicine.

Further winners from the evening were:

  • The Perinatal Institute was awarded Best Not For Profit Working in Partnership with the NHS for the low-cost – 50p per birth – of their work on the Growth Assessment Protocol (GAP). GAP was able to demonstrate that most unexplained stillbirths were associated with growth restriction. For its work, judges praised the institute for the excellent nation-wide reach of the initiative and for the team’s consistent commitment to low costs whilst putting saving lives first.
  • Most Effective Contribution to Clinical Redesign was won by Lloyds Pharmacy Clinical Homecare which has redesigned how patients receive oncology drugs by moving many routine treatments to a centre run by Lloyds Pharmacy. This helped Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Foundation Trust to improve services allowing them to cope with the increasing demand for outpatient appointments. Judges praised the project for making a really good use of data and clearly articulating benefits for patients and for the NHS provider, highlighting the elevated level of patient engagement and improved patient experience.

HSJ Editor Alastair McLellan said,

“The HSJ Partnership Awards are always a wonderful showcase for the outstanding work across healthcare today. I am always extremely honoured to be involved in recognising high standards in healthcare. Congratulations to all our winners and nominees at this year’s awards.”

“It is always inspiring to hear of how organisations work together to help improve and continually contribute to innovation in the healthcare sector.”

The full list of award winners and those highly commended can be found on the HSJ Partnership Awards website.