Last Updated on 02/12/2021 by Samantha Lewis
Across the two-day show, the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) highlighted the importance of consumer protection, and working with its code-accredited members, to occupational therapists at the OT Show 2021.
Held on the 24th and 25th November at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, the show brought occupational therapists and industry together to showcase new products, share new information and resources, and reconnect the OT community for the first time since 2019.
The BHTA team met occupational therapists from all levels and a range of disciplines and explained how member companies go above and beyond for their customers by voluntarily committing to the BHTA Code of Practice, the only industry approved code under the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI)’s Consumer Codes Approval Scheme. The Code affords extra consumer protection, including free mediation and independent arbitration, providing peace of mind for healthcare professionals and their clients when engaging with the private market.
Alongside highlighting the protection afforded to healthcare professionals’ clients by working with BHTA members, the team also handed out insightful information and advice for occupational therapists, their colleagues and their clients.
In particular, the BHTA launched its new Consumer Guide at the event, providing copies to healthcare professionals to share with their clients. Handing out over 200 copies at the event, the guide provides everything consumers’ needs to know about the BHTA, including why to buy from our members, how the code protects consumers, as well as the five easy steps consumers should follow to raise a complaint about a member.
Numerous BHTA code-accredited member companies were also at the exhibition, proudly displaying their products and services designed to help clients regain their mobility, independence and freedom.
Calvin Barnett, Head of Marketing and Communications for the British Healthcare Trades Association, commented:
“After such a long hiatus, it was wonderful to be back at the OT Show to meet occupational therapists and members. It was striking from the conversations we had with OTs of their concerns of not being sure where to signpost their clients to when buying privately. The BHTA’s Code of Practice and the mission of the association really resonated with OTs, who were delighted that there is an organisation that they can confidently point the clients and the families to.”
Following the event, Calvin was interviewed by leading title AT Today about how the BHTA and its Code of Practice can support healthcare professionals. Read the full interview here
Published: 1st December 2021
