Uncategorized Archives - British Healthcare Trades Association

Lifetime Service Award

The Lifetime Service Award is designed to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of those whose lifelong dedication has made a tangible and lasting difference in the healthcare and assistive technology field. 

The finalists:

Product of the Year Award

The Product of the Year Award celebrates the remarkable contributions of companies that go above and beyond. Whether it’s a revolutionary device or a life-changing application, the Product of the Year Award recognises and applauds developments that positively impact the lives of individuals within the healthcare and assistive technology sectors.

The finalists:

Glove Convenience Max

The Rollz Motion Electric

Sponsored by

Best UK Trade Show Award

The Best UK Trade Show Award honours exceptional events dedicated to the advancement of the healthcare and assistive technology industry.

The finalists:

Sponsored by

Retailer of the Year Award

The Retailer of the Year Award recognises and celebrates outstanding achievements within the healthcare and assistive technology retail sector in the UK. This award is designed to showcase and applaud companies with retailer operations that have demonstrated exceptional performance and excellence over the past 12 months.

The finalists:

Rising Star Award

The Rising Star Award will recognise and celebrate individuals who have brought a fresh perspective to the healthcare and assistive technology industry. This award seeks to shine a spotlight on those outstanding individuals who have joined their company through apprenticeships, university graduateships, or internal trainee programs, and have gone on to make a significant impact on their organisation.

The finalists:

Sponsored by

Manufacturer of the Year Award

The Manufacturer of the Year Award honours companies with healthcare and assistive technology manufacturing operations in the UK that have demonstrated exceptional performance over the past 12 months.

The finalists:

Sponsored by

Innovation in Sustainability Award

The Innovation in Sustainability Award recognises organisations at the forefront of genuine innovation in the pursuit of environmental goals, making significant strides in the past year towards creating a more sustainable future.

The finalists:

Sponsored by

Outstanding Community Outreach Award

The Outstanding Community Outreach Award pays tribute to individuals or teams who go above and beyond in making significant and sustained contributions to the healthcare and assistive technology in their community. This award is designed to spotlight and celebrate those whose unwavering dedication, time investment, and impactful actions have created a positive and lasting difference in the lives of community members. 

The finalists will be announced on the night!

View the categories below

Do you think you’ve got the Best UK Trade Show? Or maybe you know someone in the industry who deserves a Lifetime Service Award?

Whether you’re a healthcare professional working with assistive technology every day and have come across a truly innovative product, or want to shine a spotlight on an exceptional retailer providing excellent customer service, the British Healthcare Trades Industry Awards 2024 celebrate excellence within the healthcare and assistive technology sector.

Lifetime Service Award

The Lifetime Service Award is designed to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of those whose lifelong dedication has made a tangible and lasting difference in the healthcare and assistive technology field. 

Best UK Trade Show Award

The Best UK Trade Show Award honours exceptional events dedicated to the advancement of the healthcare and assistive technology industry.

Product of the Year Award

The Product of the Year Award celebrates the remarkable contributions of companies that go above and beyond. Whether it’s a revolutionary device or a life-changing application, the Product of the Year Award recognises and applauds developments that positively impact the lives of individuals within the healthcare and assistive technology sectors.

Sponsored by

Retailer of the Year Award

The Retailer of the Year Award recognises and celebrates outstanding achievements within the healthcare and assistive technology retail sector in the UK. This award is designed to showcase and applaud companies with retailer operations that have demonstrated exceptional performance and excellence over the past 12 months. 

Sponsored by

Rising Star Award

The Rising Star Award will recognise and celebrate individuals who have brought a fresh perspective to the healthcare and assistive technology industry. This award seeks to shine a spotlight on those outstanding individuals who have joined their company through apprenticeships, university graduateships, or internal trainee programs, and have gone on to make a significant impact on their organisation.

Sponsored by

Manufacturer of the Year Award

The Manufacturer of the Year Award honours companies with healthcare and assistive technology manufacturing operations in the UK that have demonstrated exceptional performance over the past 12 months.

Sponsored by

Outstanding Community Outreach Award

The Outstanding Community Outreach Award pays tribute to individuals or teams who go above and beyond in making significant and sustained contributions to the healthcare and assistive technology in their community. This award is designed to spotlight and celebrate those whose unwavering dedication, time investment, and impactful actions have created a positive and lasting difference in the lives of community members. 

Innovation in Sustainability Award

The Innovation in Sustainability Award recognises organisations at the forefront of genuine innovation in the pursuit of environmental goals, making significant strides in the past year towards creating a more sustainable future.

Sponsored by

The British Healthcare Trades Association partners with companies across the industry to produce guidance documents, promote exhibitions and shows, and provide support and training for our members. Partners receive a range of promotional, networking and commercial opportunities.

BHTA PARTNERS

The Wheelchair Alliance champion national accountability for wheelchair users and their carers. Their mission is to be an umbrella organisation that represents all things related to wheelchairs and postural support, providing a louder voice and greater influence.

Learn more at https://www.wheelchair-alliance.co.uk/

Make UK champions and celebrates British manufacturing and manufacturers, building a platform for the evolution of UK manufacturing. They enable manufacturers to connect, share, solve problems and create opportunities together through regional and national meetings, groups, events and advisory boards. They work at every level to ensure UK Manufacturing performs and grows, now and in the future.

Learn more at https://www.makeuk.org/

TACT was established in 2022 by its founder Clare Barber. Trusted Assessing and Care Training’s vision is to provide comprehensive programmes for health, social care and housing professionals involved in enabling older and disabled people to live independently. In 2023 TACT launched a range of training courses devised and run by the team that created the leading Trusted Assessor programme in the industry. Offering both Trusted Assessor, Trusted Advisor and related courses UK-wide.

Learn more at https://trustedassessing.com/

Living Made Easy is the charity previously known as the Disabled Living Foundation.

Since 1969 the DLF has been providing free impartial advice and information on solutions, gadgets, adaptations and aids to make life easier.

Living Made Easy is part of Shaw Trust, one of the largest charities in the UK and together they believe in fairness, equality and opportunity. They believe everyone has the right to live a decent and dignified life.

Learn more about Living Made Easy at https://livingmadeeasy.org.uk

Foundations was established to support the growth and development of Home Improvement Agencies (HIAs) across England. The team is committed to handling a wide array of adaptation requests with a deep understanding of the personal stories they represent. They blend technical expertise with a real passion for bringing innovative solutions to the table, aiming to make they work both efficient and rewarding.

Learn more about Foundations at https://www.foundations.uk.com/

CloserStill run high-quality, industry-specific exhibitions, conferences, publications and communities around the world. They are passionate about facilitating B2B networking, knowledge-sharing and excellence. Their award-winning brands play a vital role in connecting businesses and professionals, fostering growth and innovation.

CloserStill run the OT Show.

Learn more about CloserStill at https://www.closerstillmedia.com/

ROARB2B focuses on sectors that are critical to how we live, communicate and work, both now and in the future. From effective management of the aging population and large scale commercial recycling, to the technology of tomorrow.

ROARB2B run Naidex.

Learn more about ROARB2B at https://www.roarb2b.com/

Become a Partner

To become a BHTA Partner, please contact us on 020 7702 2141.

Med Tech Regulation – Open-source for Maximum Gain

10/07/2024 No Comments

Three Steps to Better Med Tech Procurement and Innovation Adoption

10/07/2024 No Comments

Better Industry Partnership for a Faster, More Valuable NHS

10/07/2024 No Comments

Import and Export – Untapped Growth Potential

10/07/2024 No Comments

Regularise Sustainability and Social Value

10/07/2024 No Comments

For over 100 years, the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) has brought together hundreds of healthcare and assistive technologies organisations to facilitate business, raise industry standards, and protect consumers. The BHTA seeks to bring the industry together to support and improve the health and care of the nation. The BHTA and its members continue to come together to help the industry overcome its challenges.

BHTA’s Code of Practice is approved under the Chartered Trading Standards Institute Consumer Codes Approval Scheme. This means Code Members have the right to display the combined BHTA CTSI logos and customers can be confident they will be treated fairly. The BHTA Code is the only Trading Standards approved code in the healthcare sector.

The Code is reviewed regularly, with input from external organisations.

By entering into their BHTA Membership Agreement, every member commits to the Code. Membership of BHTA and adherence to the Code shows customers, suppliers and employees that BHTA members’ businesses operate to higher standards of customer protection than the law requires.

Current relevant statutory and regulatory requirements referred to in the Code include, but are not limited to:

Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008

The British Codes of Advertising Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing

The Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013

Health & Safety regulations

Transport legislation governing the operation of goods vehicles  Consumer Rights Act 2015 (After 5th October 2015)

The BHTA Code of Practice – Updated 2024

Objectives of the BHTA Code of Practice

All members must ensure they are compliant with all relevant legislation (see Annexes 1-7). Members whose business places them in contact with the NHS, its divisions (e.g. NHSSC), and/or its commissioning bodies (e.g. ICS’s, NHS Trusts, NHS Hospitals) must ensure their processes and practices do not contravene the NHS Managing Conflicts of Interest in the NHS – Guidance for Staff and Organisations.

Individual persons working in the industry may be registered as competent individuals with a relevant body, such as the Health and Care Professions Council (for qualified occupational therapists, physiotherapists, orthotists, prosthetists), or Trusted Assessors (staff trained to make holistic assessments in a variety of health and social care settings – hospital-to-home discharge, home adaptations to foster independent living, mobility equipment needs analysis – of a non-clinical nature). Such registrants may be required to follow a personal Code of Conduct, which will be available on application to the relevant organisation (see Useful Contacts below).

The Directors, Senior Managers, Shareholders, Owners, Partners and other persons exercising significant controlling functions of the member shall be fit and proper persons for discharging their responsibilities under this Code of Practice.

Members are directly responsible for the behaviour and conduct of their staff. All customer-facing staff must be adequately trained to deal with consumers and act in accordance with their training at all times.

The 10 Principles of the Code of Practice

All BHTA members commit to the 10 key principles and objectives of the Code of Practice:

1) Ensure that they are compliant with all relevant legislation (see Annexes 1-7). They will comply with all relevant legislation relating to advertising and marketing, the sale of goods and services, the safety of goods, consumer rights, disability rights, and data protection.

2) Ensure that they do not offer, stipulate, infer or imply anything in their terms and conditions of contract which provides the customer with less protection or a worse deal than that provided by law.

3) Ensure that all goods are of satisfactory quality and fit for the purpose specified. Their selling techniques will be ethical and they will deliver high standards of service.

4) Be honest and truthful in all dealings with customers. Any claims made by the company and its employees will not give rise to false expectations. Information, claims and comparisons must be accurate, balanced, fair, objective and unambiguous. They must not mislead directly, by implication or omission.

5) Respect the confidentiality of information obtained and not disclose such information without the consent of the customer concerned or a person entitled to act on their behalf, except where such disclosure is required by law.

6) Products and services will only be supplied where they fulfill a genuine need.

7) All communications, verbal and/or written, will be made in plain language.

8) The vulnerable nature of the customer or that the customer is in a vulnerable situation will be respected. No customer will be coerced in any way. All customers will be given information in an appropriate format and will have their particular needs taken into account.

9) Where complaints cannot be resolved directly with the member, the customer must be made aware of the mediation and arbitration services offered under the Code and how to make use of this service.

10) Members will not disparage the products and activities of other healthcare and assistive technology companies; nor the clinical and scientific opinions of health professionals.

Advertising and Marketing

Advertisements (which include websites & leaflets/brochures) must comply with any relevant legislation and:

·       The UK Code of Non-Broadcast Advertising
·       The UK Code of Broadcast Advertising
·       The Phone-Paid Services Authority Code (for content, goods and services charged to a phone bill)

Advertisements must not give misleading indications or omissions about price, value or quality or any benefit that may be derived from the product or service offered or about the organisation placing the advertisement.

The consequence of responding to any advertisement should be clear. Clear pricing should be given for the products shown in all promotional material intended for consumers, including on websites. If VAT-exclusive prices are given, this must be made clear.

Code members must not use the logos of other organisations (such as charities, public bodies, and other businesses) without express permission of those other organisations.

Code members must ensure any gifts related to purchase of a product or service are directly relevant to that purchase and of a nature that cannot be construed as inappropriate or disproportionate.

Conduct of Staff

Staff must always clearly identify themselves to consumers and give their reason for calling. They must never claim or imply to have medical training where this is not the case, nor claim that the product is endorsed by a trusted body unless this can be evidenced

Training of Staff / Ongoing Development

All staff must be made aware of any legislation pertinent to their role, especially in relation to health and safety, equality and consumer rights.

They must give due regard to infection prevention where relevant.

They must also be informed of any regulations to which they must give due regard in the course of their work, such as building regulations and Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998.

Staff should not work unsupervised until considered competent to do so nor carry out tasks for which they have not received training. Regular refresher sessions are advised.

Registered professionals, such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists, nurses, orthotists and prosthetists, and any individuals registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and/or as a Trusted Assessor are required to receive on-going training to keep their knowledge up-to-date and such registration is an indicator of competence. On-going training must be facilitated.

Staff must have the appropriate product knowledge to advise and assist purchasers. Where
clinical advice is given by staff, they must be appropriately qualified.

All staff, in particular those in direct contact with the customer, trained in the content of this Code and be aware that the member is required to adhere to the provisions.

Members must maintain a record of training for each member of staff.

Publicising Code Membership to Consumers

Members must make a copy of this Code available free of charge to customers on request.

A copy of the BHTA leaflet How to Buy Healthcare Equipment Safely should also be given to consumers, particularly during a home visit.

Retailers must display the BHTA Code of Practice poster and the BHTA and the CTSI Approved Code logo (these are supplied when joining; members may ask for additional copies any time).

All Code members must display their BHTA membership certificate in an accessible location.

All members should display the BHTA Code logo and the CTSI Approved Code logo on their websites; member websites should carry the “Click to Verify” version of the BHTA/CTSI Approved Code logo to enable independent, 3^rd-party verification of BHTA membership.

Pre-contractual and Point of Sale Information

Inappropriate or high pressure selling tactics must not be used by members. Examples of high
pressure selling techniques include:

Subjecting a consumer to a lengthy presentation in their own home
Contacting a consumer after they have indicated that they do not want the goods or services on offer
High initial price followed by the offer of a discount (often followed by a telephone call to the “manager”)
Discount on the condition that the consumer agrees to the sale that day (when the discount will actually continue to be available)
Withholding price information until the end of the sales discussion/visit
Claiming limited availability of a product when this is not correct

Refusing to leave a consumer’s home when asked to do so and claiming that the salesperson faces financial difficulty or will lose their job if they don’t achieve a sale are Banned Practices under consumer protection regulations (see Annex 2 for more detail).

Members and their staff must not misrepresent the product, its price or any contractual details.

Where a customer’s ability, well-being, environment, and/or activities have an effect on the safe use and suitability of a product for the customer’s stated purpose, a full assessment of a customer’s ability, well-being, environment, and/or activities and the suitability of a product for the customer’s stated purpose (e.g. use on public transport, or use in their home) must be carried out prior to a sale. It is recommended that a record of this assessment be retained and a copy be made available to the customer on request. This applies to all sales, in store, off premises (e.g. at the customer’s home), online, via mail order catalogue or by telephone. Any clear disparity between a customer’s stated requirements and the nature of the goods and/or services to be purchased must be pointed out and detailed in writing.

Potential customers should be made aware, where appropriate, of services offered by Local Authorities, NHS, the Employment Service, major charities and other agencies. Where professional / medical advice should be considered by the customer before purchasing, details of where this assistance might be obtained should be given. If a practitioner is recommended who is contracted to the advising vendor/salesperson, this should be made explicit.

Where VAT relief or reduced rate VAT can apply, it should be brought to the attention of the customer, along with details of how this can be obtained.

Terms and conditions of members’ contracts must be available in writing and must be legible, comprehensive and written in plain language. BHTA recommends larger bold print for important terms such as cancellation rights and instructions.

Also see Annex 6 for the details of what information must be provided to consumers in relation to cancellation rights.

If it appears that a customer is visually impaired or are confused by paperwork, the salesperson should go through the paperwork with them. A version in large print, Braille, or on audio tape must be provided if requested, within a reasonable timescale. Members should consider whether these customers should consider having a relative, friend or other advisor/carer with them. See Annex 1 for more detail.

Deposits

Cancellation Rights / Protection of Deposits (see Annex 6 for more detail)

Where cancellation rights apply or are offered, the customer must be informed under what circumstances they may cancel and these instructions should be plainly visible in the paperwork given to the customer, for example next to the signature box, and be in large bold type. Where a customer has indicated they have poor eyesight or are confused by paperwork, the salesperson should go through the paperwork with them.

If a member chooses to offer a cancellation period longer than required by the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 (14 days) or to offer other/additional cancellation rights to a customer, these rights should be clearly detailed by the member on their website and in their paperwork; any other/additional rights offered do not undermine a customer’s statutory rights.

Where cancellation rights apply, to comply with the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 a cancellation form must be provided setting out:
That a cancellation period applies and the date from which it starts
The length of the cancellation period
How to cancel

Deposits

If a deposit will not be refundable, or will be only part-refundable, this must be made clear when the customer places the order and the reasons for this must be laid out in writing.

Where an order cannot be fulfilled and the customer does not wish to accept substitute goods or services, refund of any deposit must be made speedily.

Where deposits or advance payments are taken, members must use a payment protection mechanism to ensure that consumers are returned their money without undue delay should the member be unable to fulfil the contract to supply goods or a service.

Adverse Incident Reporting

Incidents must be reported to the manufacturer of the product, and where a company becomes aware of an incident involving a product that resulted in, or could have resulted in, serious injury or death of a customer, they must report that incident to the appropriate authority – either the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), or (if the product is a medical device) the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Authority (MHRA); please see Useful Contacts below. It is advisable to quarantine the item for inspection by the manufacturer.

Product Recalls and Safety Warnings

Each company must maintain records sufficient to identify to whom they have sold a product, to ensure it can be traced and recovered in the event of a recall for safety purposes, or given appropriate attention if a safety warning is issued necessitating preventive action. Distributors and retailers must comply with manufacturer instructions for product recalls and safety work and must act on these without delay.

Companies selling to agencies such as the NHS and local authorities should advise them of the need to track products, to ensure this can occur.

Clauses Relating to Commercial Business / Relationships

Sponsorship
Where a company sponsors part or all of the salary of a professional employed by the NHS or Social Services, they must have due regard to the employing body’s rules regarding sponsorship. No pressure must be exerted on the sponsored individual to favour the sponsoring company’s products over any other. At all times, the product supplied should be that which a clinical professional considersis best suited to the needs of a patient or client.

Sub-Contractors / Third Parties
Companies must ensure any sub-contractor, third party, or person carrying out work or representation on the company’s behalf upholds the same standards as required herein.

Service/Product Support
Retailers who sell into an area of the country where they cannot service/support the product themselves in a prompt and adequate manner, must have in place a third party agreement with an organisation in that area, which meets comparable standards, or there must be a return to manufacturer provision for the product concerned (ie there must be consistent support for the product / customer, whether the customer is local or geographically distant from the seller).

Members Responsible for Placing Products on the Market in the UK and EU

Members are reminded that they are responsible for the quality, performance and safety of the products they place on the market and consider whethercompliance with relevant safety and testing standards is appropriate. Statements and claimson performance and safety contained in their published literature must comply with anystandards they claim to meet.

Members that are manufacturers must be able to evidence to the Code Administrator, on request, thatany of their products carrying a CE and/or UKCA mark to indicate compliance with EU or UK regulation[s], domeet the essential requirements of the relevant regulation[s]. They must be able to provide (access to) a technical file for inspection.

Members that manufacture and/or import medical devices should ensure spare parts are available for at least five years from date of final manufacture. For all other products, companies must be mindful of their obligation to stock spare parts for a reasonable period of time from date of final manufacture.

Members must provide technical training, spare parts lists, and preventative maintenance schedules to anyone requesting them, providing they are satisfied that the enquirer meets any objective criteria they have set for such provision.

Selling Training

Where training is booked by telephone via administrative staff, those staff must be given a checklist of the minimum information the trainer will require to proceed.

Selling / Providing Services to Authorities (e.g. NHS, social care, the Employment Agency)

Companies must give due respect to any codes, regulations, procedures operated by the
Authority and to those adhered to by members of the health and care professionals with whom they interact.

They should be aware of complaints procedures in these organisations, so they can advise customers accordingly should there be a problem.

Due regard must be given to the Bribery Act 2010, ie care must be taken to ensure no bribe of any kind (including for example, and without limitation, a facilitation payment, a donation, or excessive hospitality or commission payments) is offered, given to, or placed upon any public servant (e.g. Local Authority or NHS staff member), or their employer, as an inducement to prescribe, supply, administer, recommend or buy any product or service.

Gifts in the form of promotional aids and prizes, whether related to a particular product or of general utility, may be distributed to members of the health professions and to appropriate administrative staff, provided that the gift or prize is inexpensive and relevant to the practice of their profession or employment. All activity involving sponsorship and hospitality must be considered carefully and steps be taken to ensure it is legal, relevant, proportionate and reasonable. Code members must abide by any guidance issued by the UK public sector on these matters, plus the guidelines on “Interactions with Healthcare Professionals and Healthcare Organisations” set out in Part 1 of the Medtech Europe Code of Ethical Business Practice. (If these conflict with each other, the UK guidance will take precedence for activity in the UK.)

Dispensing of Prescription Appliances via FP10 (England and Wales) or GP10 (Scotland)

In addition to giving due regard to the Pharmaceutical Services Regulations and the current arrangements in each country, BHTA members involved in the supply and/or dispensing of appliances are required to abide by the Patients Industry Professionals (PIPs) Forum Collaborative Standards (which complement both the service requirements and this Code of Practice); to give due regard to BHTA’s Guidance for DACs on advertisements, competitions and marketing; and to adhere to the DAC Code of Ethical Business Practice.

Complaint Handling

All Code members must have in place a speedy, responsive and user-friendly procedure for the resolution of complaints. Code members should strive to resolve complaints within one calendar month. Information should be readily available about where to sendcomplaints, what information should be provided and the timescales that will apply to dealing with the complaint.

The procedure must include targets for initial acknowledgement of a complaint:
Phone call = 2 working days
Letter or email = 5 working days

If a satisfactory resolution is not reached within 56 calendar days (i.e. two months), the complainant should be informed that they have the right to contact the BHTA who will assist in resolving the issue. See Annex 7 for more detail.

Code members should offer maximum co-operation with consumer advisers or any other intermediary acting on behalf of the complainant, such as a Citizens Advice Bureau, or Trading Standards Officer.

Staff must be professional, courteous, prompt and fair when dealing with a complainant.

If a Code member has a claim against a consumer and wishes to institute court proceedings, the consumer should be given the opportunity to choose to bring the matter to BHTA for resolution.

Sanctions / Disciplinary Action

BHTA will investigate all alleged breaches of this Code.

An independent Disciplinary Committee ensures that matters relating to breaches of Code are enforced effectively and disciplinary procedures are fair and impartial. In addition the Committee deals with serious cases of noncompliance with the Code. Where a potential breach of the Code has been identified during the course of investigating a consumer complaint, BHTA will normally endeavour to resolve the complaint before addressing the alleged breach.

Where an identified breach of the Code is minor, the BHTA will issue a warning and suggest action, if appropriate, to prevent repetition.

Any serious, or repeated, breaches of the Code may result in the Code member to appear before the Disciplinary Committee.

Disciplinary Committee

This will consist of a panel of three people, one drawn from the relevant industry sector and two from appropriate external organisations, with a Chair drawn from the external organisations. The Chair will have the casting vote in the event of a hung decision.

If BHTA is notified that a Code member has been convicted of an offence (or signed a formal caution) under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, they will be referred to the Disciplinary Committee.

The nature of the alleged breach will be identified to the Code member in writing and they will be given the opportunity to offer any evidence in writing in advance of the hearing. The hearing will be on a date arranged with the Code member.

The Committee’s decision may include one or more of the following:

·       No further action
·       The Code member be required to undertake a specified course of remedial action
(e.g. re-training of a particular salesperson)
·       The Code member be issued with a formal warning
·       A financial penalty, relating tothe amount of work incurred by BHTA and the Independent Arbitrator regarding a complaint, the cost of the Disciplinary hearing, and/or the nature of the breach
·       Suspension for a stated period from BHTA (and the register of companies signed up to the Code)
·       Expulsion of the Code member from BHTA

Where expulsion occurs, a period of twelve months must pass before any application to re-join BHTA, and the register of companies signed up to the Code, will be considered. If any complaints against the company have been made to BHTA during that time, such application may be rejected for a further period.

From establishing that a breach has occurred through to final decision of the Disciplinary Committee and instigation of any action should take no more than 90 days. A summary of the decision will be published on the BHTA website and may also be published in other member communications (e.g. newsletters).

Monitoring

Every Code member selling goods and/or providing services to consumers will be monitored periodically by at least one of the following means:

·       Regular compliance checks
·       Independent retail experience assessments
·       Customer satisfaction surveys

All other Code members will be monitored by regular compliance checks.

BHTA will keep Code members apprised of Code operations, including the number and nature of complaints received, the remedies recommended and implemented, and the results of any referrals to the Disciplinary Committee.

Useful Contacts

To find an Approved Code member: https://www.tradingstandards.uk/consumers

To check the status / credentials of a health professional or individual working in the industry:
Health and Care Professions Council
Tel: 0300 500 6184 or visit www.hpc-uk.org

Nursing & Midwifery Council
Tel: 020 7631 7181 or visit www.nmc-uk.org

To find out more about Trusted Assessors:
Foundations UK
Tel: 0300 124 0315 or visit https://www.foundations.uk.com/guides/trusted-assessors/

Trusted Assessing and Care Training (TACT)
Tel: 01626 879 528 or visit https://trustedassessing.com

To source a product:
Disabled Living Foundation
Tel: 0300 999 0004 or visit www.dlf.org.uk

To access driving advice and assessment:
Driving Mobility
Tel: 01872 672520 or visit www.drivingmobility.org.uk

For assistance relating to consumer rights:
The Citizens Advice Consumer Service
Tel: 03454 04 05 06 or visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/

Equality and Human Rights Commission
Tel: 0808 800 0082 or visit www.equalityhumanrights.com

Disability Law Service (DLS)
Tel: 020 7791 9800 (10am-1pm then 2pm-5pm Mon-Fri) or visit www.dls.org.uk

Trading Standards
Look in your Yellow Pages under “local authority” or visit https://www.tradingstandards.uk/consumers/support-advice

To make an adverse incident report:
For medical devices: Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Authority (MHRA)
Tel: 020 3080 6000 (switchboard) or visit
https://www.gov.uk/report-problem-medicine-medical-device

For machinery: Health & Safety Executive
Tel: 0845 300 9923 or visit www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/index.htm

Definitions

Healthcare Industry – Companies in the healthcare industry, as defined for the purposes of this Code of Practice, will be involved in one or more of the following:

·        Supply of assistive technologies, particularly those for elderly and/or disabled consumers

·        Supply of externally applied medical devices, and/or services relating to the fitting of those devices

·        Supply of equipment and related services necessary for medical and health professionals to carry out their various specialist functions

·        Training in the use of assistive technologies

·        Training relating to health and safety, such as first aid at work, and manual handling.

For the purposes of this Code of Practice this does notinclude:
·        Pharmaceuticals
·        Alternative medicines or therapies
·        Dentistry
·        GP practice
·        Ophthalmology
·        Implants

Assistive Technology – An assistive technology is a product or service that enhances independent living.

Company – The term “company” includes organisations or firms with a commercial, profit-making, interest i.e.
·        Limited companies
·        Partnerships
·        Sole traders
·        Franchises
·        Wholly-owned subsidiaries
·        Community interest companies
·        Trading arms of charities

Customer – Customers may be private individuals, businesses, charities or authorities/agencies such as the NHS as well as private consumers.

Code Member – Any BHTA member company undertaking to abide by this Code of Practice.

Annex 1 – Consumer Vulnerability: Two Types

17/06/2024 No Comments

Dealing with vulnerable customers

Annex 2 – Off-Premises Sales

17/06/2024 No Comments

Sales conducted in a customer’s home

Annex 3 – Consumer Rights Act 2015

17/06/2024 No Comments

Standards for the sale and supply of goods

Annex 4 – Consumer Fairness

17/06/2024 No Comments

Clear communication with the customer

Annex 5 – After Sales Services

17/06/2024 No Comments

Supporting the customer after the sale

Annex 6 – Cancellation Rights

17/06/2024 No Comments

A customers’ right to cancel

Annex 7 – BHTA Complaints Procedure

17/06/2024 No Comments

The BHTA complaints process

An all-new course designed to enable organisations to upskill their frontline staff in recognising, assessing for and prescribing minor aids and adaptations to reduce risk and promote independent living.

Date and time:
4 June 2024 from 8am-5.00pm

Location:
Warwick
UK

Event organiser:
TACT Trusted Assessing & Care Training

To book your place on the course, or to find out more, click here.

Courses for retail professionals

TACT are delighted to offer a calendar of courses designed for booking by individual learners who prefer learning face-to-face.

The venues are great spaces for learning, with the benefit of getting hands-on with a range of equipment.

At these courses, you will enjoy the blend of theory and practice and you can take advantage of the chance to network with peers during interactive sessions and in the refreshment breaks.

BHTA and TACT

The course has been created by TACT; an OT (Occupational Therapy) led organisation in collaboration with the BHTA. This new course is
designed for retailers of independent living equipment who wish to align their staff’s knowledge and abilities to the national Trusted Assessor qualification.

As learners will already have an in-depth knowledge of the equipment and adaptations they are selling, this course will give the learners confidence to conduct a basic assessment of need in order to recommend appropriate solutions to meet their customers’ needs.

Learning outcomes

Understand the basics of person-centred assessment
Be able to describe the ethical sale of goods
Have knowledge of the health and social care sector and the services they provide
Be able to understand the impact of long-term conditions on a person’s health
Understand the movements and basic ergonomics of the person
Understand communication factors when assisting vulnerable people

Who should book?

Sales and Account Managers
Customer facing staff
Phone-based roles customer roles
Aftercare staff
Marketing and product management staff

*POSTPONED*
New date coming soon…

Join us for a members-only opportunity to hear directly from a panel of key members of our leadership, including:

CEO David Stockdale
Head of Policy & Compliance William Lee
Head of Marketing & Communications Sam Lewis
Membership Engagement Manager Kevin Hodges.

During this session, the panel will provide insights into the organisation’s current projects, recent successes, ongoing challenges, and ways in which our members can support our efforts. We’ll also delve into the core values of BHTA, empowering members to engage with their networks and advocate for our mission.

This is your chance to engage directly with our leadership team by asking questions and participating in the discussion.

Please note that this session will not be recorded, so be sure to attend live to stay informed and up-to-date on the latest developments within BHTA. We look forward to seeing you there!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Click here to register for free for the upcoming webinar

*Please note: Registration to this webinar is only available to members of the BHTA

If you are unable to attend, be sure to register anyway to receive a copy of the slides and recording after the event.

The Current Political Landscape & Political Engagement in Med Tech

Join Daniel Laing, Senior Account Director at Tendo Consulting Limited, on Wednesday 15 May 2024 from 1-2pm to discuss the current political landscape and political engagement in Med Tech.

Daniel will be leading a session delving into the current political landscape and what this means for BHTA members and the wider Med Tech sector. With a General Election on the horizon and important local elections taking place on May the 2nd, Daniel will be sharing his experience from his work in public affairs, and what to expect in politics over the coming months.

The session is aimed at all BHTA members who are interested in the intricacies of political engagement, especially at such an important time in the election cycle. We will also cover how BHTA members can take part in BHTA public affairs and government engagement over the coming year.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Click here to register for free for the upcoming webinar

*Please note: Registration to this webinar is only available to members of the BHTA

If you are unable to attend, be sure to register anyway to receive a copy of the slides and recording after the event.

About the speaker

Daniel Laing
Tendo Consulting Limited

Daniel provides strategic advice and expertise to a range of clients at Tendo utilising his ten years in public affairs, research and campaigning. He leads on several healthcare campaigns, supports All-Party Parliamentary Groups and helps organisations to navigate the NHS landscape and engage with Government.

He also has extensive experience working on local government research initiatives, in-house public affairs for a UK children’s charity and writing for political publications.

The BHTA is delighted to be working in partnership with TACT (Trusted Assessing and Care Training) to launch a brand-new course designed for retailers of independent living equipment.

The Trusted Assessors: Assessing in the Retail Environment course is designed to accredit retailer members as Trusted Assessors.

This new training-based programme announced on February 6^th at the Retailer Day enables customer-facing staff to learn the skills involved in assessing for suitable home adaptations equipment. The course was developed by TACT in consultation with the BHTA and its members and it is accredited by OCN London.

Retailers of equipment for independent living are experts in the product solutions they range, and this enables them to check suitability and tailor products to individual people’s needs. Many retailers are relied on in their local areas to visit people at home and demonstrate equipment to help people live independently. The Trusted Assessor model is based on occupational therapy models of practice and learning this approach enables an Assessor to evaluate the person and their environment in a systematic way to identify the best solution. Assessors are taught when to refer a case to an OT (Occupational Therapist) and this ensures best use of staff and resources whilst speeding up access to much-needed equipment.

‘We’re delighted to be working with the BHTA to provide this Trusted Assessor course to their members. It’s a splendid example of how staff already visiting older and disabled people at home can be taught to carry out simple assessments for home adaptations with a best practice approach based on the Competency Framework. Expanding the range of Assessors working in the UK by harnessing the skills of this specialist retail sector is an innovative way of speeding up access to much-needed equipment,’ says Clare Barber, Director of TACT and an OT specialising in this field.

‘This programme underlines the BHTA’s commitment to quality and raising standards in the sector,’ says David Stockdale, Chief Executive at BHTA ‘The Trusted Assessor model is known and in widespread practice in health, social care, and housing services across the UK. This initiative enables our retail members to be aligned with a best practice approach in assessing for equipment that in turn means they can be integrated into local pathways. Older and disabled people can expect to gain faster access to important solutions for their independence and be confident in the impartial advice provided.’

Courses can be commissioned directly from TACT or learners can book onto an open course – the first open course will run on June 4^th in Warwick at Wenman Healthcare. To book onto the course or find out more please email TACT on info@trustedassessing.com or visit their website and complete a web enquiry https://trustedassessing.com/

The British Healthcare Trades Industry Awards 2024

Enter the awards today

Do you think you’ve got the Best UK Trade Show? Or maybe you know someone in the industry who deserves a Lifetime Service Award?

Whether you’re a healthcare professional working with assistive technology every day and have come across a truly innovative product, or want to shine a spotlight on an exceptional retailer providing excellent customer service, the British Healthcare Trades Industry Awards 2024 celebrate excellence within the healthcare and assistive technology sector.

Enter yourself, your company, or nominate someone you know today.

Lifetime Service Award

The Lifetime Service Award is designed to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of those whose lifelong dedication has made a tangible and lasting difference in the healthcare and assistive technology field. 

Enter now

Best UK Trade Show Award

The Best UK Trade Show Award honours exceptional events dedicated to the advancement of the healthcare and assistive technology industry.

Enter now

Product of the Year Award

The Product of the Year Award celebrates the remarkable contributions of companies that go above and beyond. Whether it’s a revolutionary device or a life-changing application, the Product of the Year Award recognises and applauds developments that positively impact the lives of individuals within the healthcare and assistive technology sectors.

Enter now

Sponsored by

Retailer of the Year Award

The Retailer of the Year Award recognises and celebrates outstanding achievements within the healthcare and assistive technology retail sector in the UK. This award is designed to showcase and applaud companies with retailer operations that have demonstrated exceptional performance and excellence over the past 12 months. 

Enter now

Rising Star Award

The Rising Star Award will recognise and celebrate individuals who have brought a fresh perspective to the healthcare and assistive technology industry. This award seeks to shine a spotlight on those outstanding individuals who have joined their company through apprenticeships, university graduateships, or internal trainee programs, and have gone on to make a significant impact on their organisation.

Enter now

Manufacturer of the Year Award

The Manufacturer of the Year Award honours companies with healthcare and assistive technology manufacturing operations in the UK that have demonstrated exceptional performance over the past 12 months.

Enter now

Sponsored by

Outstanding Community Outreach Award

The Outstanding Community Outreach Award pays tribute to individuals or teams who go above and beyond in making significant and sustained contributions to the healthcare and assistive technology in their community. This award is designed to spotlight and celebrate those whose unwavering dedication, time investment, and impactful actions have created a positive and lasting difference in the lives of community members. 

Enter now

Innovation in Sustainability Award

The Innovation in Sustainability Award recognises organisations at the forefront of genuine innovation in the pursuit of environmental goals, making significant strides in the past year towards creating a more sustainable future.

Enter now

Sponsored by

Dispensing Appliance Contractors

Chairs and Vice Chairs:
◉ Jonathan Scott, Salts Healthcare (Chair)
◉ Nick Buckle, Clinisupplies (Vice Chair)

Upcoming section meeting
15 May 2024
Hybrid

Dates for your diary
20-21 May 2024 – ACP Liverpool
18 September 2024 – Section meeting
1 Oct 2024 – ASCN Glasgow (joint with WCET)
3-5 November 2024 – BAUN Liverpool

Useful resources
◉ DAC Code of Ethical Business Practice
◉ NHSE COI Guidance
◉ DAC Position paper

About:

Contracted to the NHS, these businesses dispense appliances listed in the Drug Tariff against prescriptions issued by GPs and specialist nurse prescribers. Member companies are represented on the PIPs Forum (Patients Industry Professionals Forum), a partnership between Patient Groups, Industry and Professional Groups involved in stoma and continence care, which officially launched in 2001 to address issues and challenges for patients, professionals and industry working in stoma and continence care. They are also members of the Scottish Stoma Forum which is a national reference group with representatives from patient groups, healthcare professionals and industry.

Additionally, the Section members have undertaken to abide by the DAC Code of Ethical Business Practice and give due regard to guidelines on advertising, competitions and marketing in the context of providing a prescription service.

Aims and objectives:

To ensure all patients have equal access & choice to the most clinically appropriate products and services
We will encourage the maintenance of specialist clinicians as the key adviser to patients
We will challenge any restriction of patient or HCP choice of dispensing services

Market information:

Number of DACs by Country:

England 111
Wales 4
Scotland 9
Northern Ireland 2

Market size:

Number of UK items dispensed by DACs: 12,006,691 +3.2% MAT Sept 2023
Total UK patients served by DACs in 2023: 411,000 +4.9%

Contact your Membership Engagement Manager

Stoma and Continence Manufacturers

Chairs and Vice Chairs:
◉ Paul Newman, Peak Medical (Chair)
◉ David Dawson, Becton Dickinson (Vice Chair)

Upcoming section meeting
15 May 2024
Hybrid

Dates for your diary
20-21 May 2024 – ACP Liverpool
18 September 2024 – Section meeting
1 Oct 2024 – ASCN Glasgow (joint with WCET)
3-5 November 2024 – BAUN Liverpool

Useful resources
◉ MHRA Guidance
◉ Track my Carbon – BHTA Discount
◉ NHSE COI Guidance
◉ Part IX Position paper

About:

The businesses in this section are all manufacturers of medical devices listed in Part IX A, B and C of the Drug Tariff which are provided to patients via an FP10 prescription through Pharmacy, Dispensing Doctors and Dispensing Appliance Contractors. The membership is made up of small, medium enterprises as well as large multinational organisations. Member companies are represented on the Part IX Industry Drug Tariff Committee, which was formed in the early 1990s to represent companies supplying medical devices through prescription to the public, as listed in Part IX of the Drug Tariff. They are also represented on the PIPs Forum (Patients Industry Professionals Forum), a partnership between Patient Groups, Industry and Professional Groups involved in stoma and continence care, which officially launched in 2001 to address issues and challenges for patients, professionals and industry-working in stoma and continence care. They are also members of the Scottish Stoma Forum which is a national reference group with representatives from patient groups, healthcare professionals and industry.

Aims and objectives:

We will continue to ensure swift access & adoption of service developments and innovations
Utilise national reimbursement systems which facilitate the use of the most appropriate product for the clinical needs of the patient
We will promote the benefits of the Drug tariff for Part IX products utilising the Part IX Position paper and aim to maintain the prescription route of supply as the route of NHS community provision to patients
To continue to promote the high-quality products and services that are delivered by manufacturers

Market information:

Number of companies listed in Part IX A, B, C & R: 461 (June 2023)

Number of product lines listed in Part IX A, B, C & R: 60,000 (June 2023)

Market values and growth – 12 months to Jan 2024:

Stoma £472.1m +6.5%
Continence £287.1m +3.4%
Tracheostomy & Laryngectomy £19.1m +2.4%
Trans Anal Irrigation £36.2m +4.4%

Contact your Membership Engagement Manager

Naidex, the ultimate event for the disability community, is held at the NEC, Birmingham on 20-21 March 2024.

Date and time:
20 March 2024 from 9am-5.30pm
21 March 2024 from 9am-4.30pm

Location:
NEC
Marston Green Birmingham
B40 1NT

Event organiser:
ROAR B2B

Unlocking the Power of Inclusion: Naidex 2024

Registration for Naidex 2024, the National Accessibility, Inclusion & Disability Expo, is now open. Taking place on the 20 and 21 of March 2024 at the NEC Birmingham, this transformative event promises to be a celebration of diversity, innovation, and empowerment.

What to Expect at Naidex 2024?

Naidex covers all aspects of the disability journey, making it a truly holistic event. From family dynamics to education, employment opportunities to leisure and lifestyle choices, the event covers a broad range of topics. Visitors can look forward to:

Cutting-Edge Accessibility Solutions: Explore the latest advancements in assistive technology and products designed to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities.

Inspiring Inclusive Practices: Gain insights from industry pioneers, thought leaders and famous faces as they share their expertise on creating inclusive environments. Engage in hands-on sessions that provide practical tools and strategies for fostering inclusion and enhancing independence in various settings.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with a diverse community of professionals, businesses, and organizations committed to making a positive impact on accessibility and inclusion. Challenge preconceptions and broaden perspectives on disability, fostering a culture of understanding and acceptance.

Business without Barriers: A dedicated event running alongside Naidex connecting disabled jobseekers to inclusive employers.

Visitors will be able to explore the latest products and services from over 150 experienced suppliers who are dedicated to making life better for those with disabilities. Expect to find innovative solutions, assistive technologies, and products that enhance independence and quality of life.

Naidex for Professionals

For those working within healthcare, there is also the opportunity to enhance your professional development with the CPD accredited seminar agenda. Running alongside the Neuro Convention, the event brings together the industry’s top educators and thought-leaders for you to meet and learn from.

If you are a trade professional supplying to the healthcare, mobility, and independent living community, feel free to explore and discover the latest technology and innovations in the marketplace, find new suppliers in the exhibition hall, plus talk directly to key manufacturers, retailers and distributors serving the sector in the networking areas and cafes.

To book your free tickets to attend Naidex 2024, click here.

Care Sector Supplier Awards 2023 – winning companies have been announced

The fourth year of the national Care Sector Supplier Awards took place in London this month, with the judges once again recognising the best providers of products and services to the care sector in the UK.

The Category Winners were announced at a lunch and ceremony on November 17 at the 5-star Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington, during an afternoon which proved to be a wonderful opportunity to get together some of the UK’s best suppliers to the care sector.

Twenty-eight companies made the shortlist for 2023, reflecting the increase in the number of entries and the growth in the number of companies entering this year.

The BHTA is pleased to have been an Association Partner to the Awards this year, where there was such a high standard of entry.

After carefully weighing up evidence of innovation, enterprise and performance across each year’s entries, the expert panel was able to highlight companies such as FaultFixers, Haigh Engineering and Beaucare Medical as top performers in their field.

Other examples of excellence include the Best for Therapies category being won by CareHomeLife, Best for Marketing, Creative and Information Services being scooped by PLMR Group, and the Award for Best for Personal Care going to Ontex.

A full list of the 2023 Results can be found here, and more detail on each winning entry is in the digital Winners Booklet, along with a photo gallery of the lunch and Awards Ceremony.

If the success of these companies has prompted you to consider putting your company forward for an Award, all of the details regarding entry and the relevant fees can be found on the Awards website. Entries open March 1, 2024.

The Care Sector Supplier Awards are now in their fourth year and are organised by the same team that runs the successful Care Home Awards, Home Care Awards and the new Retirement Living Awards. Their experience, built up over seven years, prompted the creation of the Care Sector Supplier Awards, purely aimed at recognising and rewarding suppliers of products and services to the care sector in the UK.

BHTA launches 2023 Manifesto at parliamentary reception calling for improved UK health and social care

On 21 November 2023, the British Healthcare Trades Association held a parliamentary reception in the Churchill Room, at the House of Commons. The event marked the launch of the BHTA 2023 Manifesto, calling on the government to work with industry to improve health and social care across the UK.

The event brought together MPs and Peers, as well as BHTA members and industry representatives, to discuss UK healthcare, current barriers and ways these can be overcome.

In the 2023 Manifesto, BHTA calls for collaboration among stakeholders, policymakers, healthcare professionals and industry to improve healthcare in the UK.

The manifesto centers on 5 key asks that BHTA believes require government attention:

Release NHS Capacity – Industry Partnership for Effective H&SC Delivery
Government must establish and fund a National Stakeholder Forum to identify policies, practices, and processes that drive effective H&SC delivery at scale.

Regulate for Safe, Effective UK Medical Devices
Government must deliver a world-leading medical device regime; this can only be achieved via opensource regulation – engaging meaningfully with stakeholders to develop UK laws, regulations, and market-access routes.

Rethink Innovation Adoption & Procurement
For Innovation Adoption, we call on Government to create – in partnership with industry – a roadmap, timeline, and toolkit to boost H&SC innovation adoption.

For Procurement, Government must increase investment in current NHSE/industry partnership – led by NHSE Central Commercial Function (NHS CCF) – to create a suite of mutually-agreed policies, practices, and toolkits based on ValueBased Procurement principles.

Regularise Sustainability & Social Value
Government must empower NHSE CCF – with budget, resource, and authority – to drive consistency in sustainability and social value across departments and commissioning bodies.

Reduce Export Barriers
In close partnership with industry, Government should ensure clear, consistent application of the 2025 UK Border Strategy, UK Export Strategy, and UK Single-Trade Window.

To read the full manifesto click here, to read the 5 Rs click here.

To demonstrate the medical products that are being affected by current regulations, BHTA members brought several products to showcase to MPs. These included (left to right below) furniture raisers from Gordon Ellis & Co, the SEM Scanner from Arjo, the UroShield Catheter from Peak Medical and an AED cabinet and defibrillator from Wel Medical.

The afternoon event was opened by a welcome from Mark Eastwood MP, who sponsored the reception. Eastwood previously worked for a company providing medical furniture and equipment to the NHS, and therefore has a keen interest in the work members of the BHTA do.

David Stockdale, BHTA CEO, extended the welcome and introduced each of the key speakers to the podium.

The first speaker of the day was Preet Gill M.P., Shadow Minister for Primary Care and Public Health. Gill affirmed that the Labour party is committed to developing a comprehensive innovation and adoption strategy for the NHS. She said this can only be achieved by government working with industry, patients, and ICSs.

William Lee, Head of Policy at BHTA, was the next speaker. Lee officially launched the 2023 Manifesto to the room, taking the attendees through the five asks of government above. He labelled these the “5 R’s” and gave a summary and context as to why BHTA had focussed on these asks. He encouraged the room to take a printed copy, analyse and discuss.

The third speaker of the day was Preeya Bailie, Director of Procurement Transformation and Commercial Delivery at NHS England. Bailie covered how the NHS plans to transform over the next year, allowing easier access for industry and promoting adoption of innovation. She spoke about “one door access”, with one clear, well-defined route into the NHS Procurement process.

And finally, Lord Nick Markham CBE gave the final address of the day, where he looked forward to the future of UK health and social care, and at how government and industry can work together to improve healthcare for all. He spoke about removing barriers to innovation and undergoing a current project to digitalise NHS patient health records, which is already at 86%.

David Stockdale once again thanked the room and closed the event.

DG Solutions specialise in Lithium Batteries and work across all parts of the industry, from Raw Materials and Minerals, to Lithium Battery Manufacturers, Importers and Distributors, Users, and end of life Lithium Batteries.

In this webinar, Dan Gravenor (founder of DG Solutions) will talk through the types of Lithium Batteries that are commonly seen in the Healthcare Industry, and the common issues faced by suppliers and those transporting them, both on their own and when fitted in equipment. We will cover:

What are the risks with Lithium Batteries?
Where are they most often seen in Healthcare?
What are the requirements when importing Lithium Batteries and Equipment?
What are the requirements when Distributing and Shipping Lithium Batteries?
What are my obligations once the purchaser, lessee or user of the batteries has them?
What are my end-of-life battery obligations?
How do I handle damaged or defective batteries?

We will host a Q&A during the last 15 minutes of the session.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Click here to register for free for the upcoming webinar

*Please note: Registration to this webinar is only available to members of the BHTA

If you are unable to attend, be sure to register anyway to receive a copy of the slides and recording after the event.

About the speakers

Dan has spent the last ten years working with companies both large and small to simplify Dangerous Goods transport. He founded DG Solutions in 2018 and since then, DGS now support over 200 companies, from microbusinesses to Multinationals and PLCs, with their Dangerous Goods compliance.

BHTA Independent Living Section collaborates with NHS Supply Chain to standardise descriptions and sizing for walking aids

[London, 25 October 2023] – The British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) Independent Living Section is pleased to announce a collaboration with the NHS Supply Chain to establish a standardised system for describing the height and width of products, sizing terms, and patient measurement procedures for walking aids. This initiative aims to streamline the process of selecting the right walking aid products for both patients and healthcare professionals.

The BHTA Independent Living Section, in a project led by NHS Supply Chain, has developed a set of terms to describe the height and width of walking aid products. This standardisation will eliminate confusion and ambiguity in product descriptions, ensuring clarity for both suppliers and healthcare providers.

The collaboration has defined the sizing measurements associated with each term. Terms such as narrow or standard width, as well as small, medium, large, and extra-large heights, are now uniformly defined, making it easier for healthcare professionals to accurately assess patient needs and recommend the most suitable walking aids.

These developments have been integrated into the NHS Supply Chain catalogue. As a result, all walking aid products within the catalogue now utilise the new standard description terms and sizing guides. This significant improvement simplifies the process of ordering the correct products, reducing the risk of errors and improving patient care.

Furthermore, the BHTA Independent Living Section and the NHS Supply Chain are extending an invitation to all suppliers and distributors to join this important initiative. By implementing the agreed-upon approach, suppliers and distributors can contribute to a more efficient and standardised process across the industry.

David Stockdale, CEO of BHTA, said “BHTA and our Independent Living Section are proud to have worked on this project with NHS Supply Chain.

We are excited about the positive impact that this collaboration will have on the healthcare industry. Standardising the terminology and sizing measurements for walking aids will greatly improve the ordering process, enhance patient care, and streamline operations for healthcare professionals and suppliers alike. Every patient should receive the right walking aid that is tailored to their specific needs. This new approach should simplify that process.”

Simon Ball, Clinical Engagement and Implementation Manager and Advanced Practice Physiotherapist, said: “It’s been fantastic working with members of the BHTA, suppliers and key stakeholders from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy to agree on a standard way to measure patients for their walking aids, as well as agreeing on common terminology to be used across the walking aid product ranges when describing heights and widths of products.

“It will benefit patient safety, with healthcare professionals being advised to measure walking aids in the same way. It also simplifies the decisions on product selection, ensuring patients receive the right aid first time therefore reducing waste and improving patient experience.”

The new, standardised terms and measurements can be viewed on the BHTA website, here: https://www.bhta.com/get-wise-to-measuring-a-walking-aid/

ENDS***

Notes for editors

About the BHTA: Representing over 400 companies in the healthcare and assistive technology industry, the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) supports its members to help ensure people have access to the right product and service, at the right time, at the right value. All BHTA members are committed to the association’s Code of Practice, requiring companies to offer a level of service above and beyond the legal requirements. The BHTA collaborates with members, policymakers, and stakeholders to shape a healthier future for all.

About NHS Supply Chain: NHS Supply Chain is part of the NHS family and manages the sourcing, delivery and supply of healthcare products, services and food for NHS trusts and healthcare organisations across England and Wales.

We manage more than 8 million orders per year across more than 129,000 order points and over 16,000 locations. We deliver over 35 million lines of picked goods to the NHS annually and our systems consolidate orders from over 1100 suppliers. This enables us to bring value to our NHS partners, helping them save time and money in removing duplication of overlapping contracts.

NHS Supply Chain aims to leverage the collective buying power of the NHS to drive savings and provide a standardised range of clinically assured, quality products at the best value.

NHS Supply Chain is committed to enabling the NHS to deliver safe and excellent patient care.

Independent Living Section

Chairs and Vice Chairs:
◉ Mark Baumann (Chair)
◉ Richard Gomm (Vice Chair)
◉ Currently recruiting (VC for retail)
◉ James Parramore (VC for industry suppliers)

Upcoming section meeting
21 February 2024
Virtual via Microsoft Teams

Dates for your diary
6 February – Retailers day REGISTER HERE
21 February 2024 – Section meeting
25 June 2024 – Joint section meeting in person
5 November 2024 – Section meeting

Useful resources
◉ MHRA Guidance
◉ Red Medtech – 10% BHTA discount
◉ Mobility Assessment form
◉ Track my Carbon – BHTA Discount
◉ BHTA Advantage
◉ Catch up on past webinars
◉ Lithium Battery Guidance

About:

The Independent Living Section is the largest and most diverse section within the BHTA. Member companies cover the design, manufacture, distribution, retail, service and maintenance of independent living products and services.

Current projects:

The section has recently partnered with NHS Supply Chain to create updated guidance on measuring walking aids. Designed
to standardise measurements and terms across the industry, the guidance can be downloaded here. Read the press release to learn more.

The section is also working to establish best-practice procurement guidelines for Community Equipment Providers. The aim is to produce a set of guidelines for procurers to make tender processes more efficient.

Earlier this year, the section held its first Member Product Showcase. The virtual meeting brought together suppliers and retailers of assistive living equipment to create new opportunities and forge business partnerships. Keep an eye out for the next event.

And finally, the section has been working on published guidance around lithium batteries. This covers the safe disposal of lithium batteries in mobility equipment. Read more here.

Contact your Membership Engagement Manager

Yesterday, 17 October 2023, BHTA held a parliamentary event in Portcullis House, London, to call on the UK government to scrap the tax levied on defibrillators in order to widen community access to these lifesaving medical devices.

The event was hosted by Caroline Dinenage, Conservative MP for Gosport.

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a lifesaving device that can provide an electric shock to restart the heart of someone suffering from a sudden cardiac arrest. Survival rates are vastly increased to as high as 70% if a defibrillator is used within the first three to five minutes – but drop by 10% for every minute of delay after this time.

Public access defibrillator use is reported as used in less than 1 in 10 instances. There are not enough defibrillators available.

Defibrillators are expensive – costing between £800-£2,500 per unit, alongside upkeep and maintenance.

Removing VAT from the sale of AEDs would make them significantly more affordable and bring costs down by up to £500. If AEDs are more affordable, small businesses and community groups will be more likely to be able to purchase them, increasing access and saving lives.

The London event saw BHTA members urging MPs and Peers to join the campaign to scrap the tax.

“It has been my pleasure to lend my support to such an important campaign, and it is encouraging to see so many of my colleagues from across the political divide provide a unified voice on this matter. In light of such poor survival rates in this country, it is clear that the Government must act for more defibrillators to be accessible in key locations.”
Caroline Dinenage, Conservative MP for Gosport.

The Scrap the Heart Restart Tax campaign, a British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) initiative, emphasises that defibrillators are invaluable lifesaving medical devices and reducing financial barriers would encourage a broader availability within communities. The event offered a platform for open discussions, data sharing, and an exchange of ideas on how the government and the healthcare industry can collaborate to make defibrillators more affordable and accessible.

The event was also attended by 19-year-old Jack Hurley, who shared his experience of cardiac arrest whilst playing football, and how a defibrillator was instrumental in saving his life. Jack and his family are joining the BHTA in calling on the government to act now to protect communities.

“Without quick thinking from those around me and the crucial presence of a defibrillator within easy reach when I collapsed, I would likely not be here today. I was shocked to find out that the vast majority do not survive cardiac arrests happening outside of hospital. The football club’s decision to install a defibrillator in their grounds saved my life, and it seems only logical to me that more clubs and organisations should be given as much incentive as possible to make the same investment.”
Jack Hurley, coaching student and cardiac arrest survivor

The Irish government recently axed the tax in Ireland, and BHTA is calling on the UK government to do the same.

The event was attended by members of Parliament who showed strong support for the cause, including MPs Caroline Dinenage, Jack Brereton, Sir George Howarth, Priti Patel, Rachael Maskell, Derek Thomas, Anna Firth, Tobias Ellwood and many more.

“Through the Heart Restart Tax campaign, we are showing the Government a simple action to act on our shockingly poor survival rates from cardiac arrests occurring outside of hospitals in this country. Our members specialised in defibrillator manufacturing have been key to improving the availability of these lifesaving devices across the country, yet more needs to be done to make these expensive pieces of kit accessible to the small businesses and organisations that cannot afford them”.
David Stockdale, CEO of the British Healthcare Trades Association

The BHTA’s campaign to eliminate VAT on defibrillators represents a significant step forward in addressing a critical public health issue. The association is optimistic that the government will consider their request, creating a safer community for all.

BHTA presents… “How to become a sustainable business”

Sustainability with Team Consulting

Watch Sarah Mardle address the challenges and benefits of implementing a sustainable agenda in your business.

Recorded: 20 September 2023

BHTA presents… topic: How to become a sustainable business

Presenter: Sarah Mardle, Operations Director at Team Consulting.

Synopsis: Addressing the challenges and benefits of implementing a sustainable agenda.

Request the webinar slides…

Request the webinar slides by contacting marketing@bhta.com

Watch the webinar

About the speaker

Sarah is a member of the Team Consulting senior leadership team and is accountable for the leadership, strategic development and operational management of several teams. She is tasked with ensuring her teams provide effective, compliant, safe and inspiring work environments which underpins the efficient delivery of their medical device development consulting services.

Having a passion for operational excellence and efficiency, Sarah enjoys working to further develop systems, processes and infrastructure.

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The Occupational Therapy Show is the UK’s leading event for the OT community held at the NEC, Birmingham on 22-23 November 2023.

Date and time:
22 November 2023 from 9am-5.30pm
23 November 2023 from 9am-4.30pm

Location:
NEC
Marston Green Birmingham
B40 1NT

Event organiser:
CloserStill Media

The show’s driving force is to make it easier for occupational therapists to find updated information, new resources, and support from peers, all in one place.

Free to attend, delegates will have access to the show’s unmatched CPD accredited conference programme, spread across six different theatres, over two days.

The educational programme is specifically designed by occupational therapists for occupational therapists.

The speakers are carefully selected, and the content is thoughtfully curated for all bands and specialisms working within health organisations, social care services, housing, education, voluntary organisations, or as independent practitioners.

Occupational therapists can walk through the OT Show’s exhibition hall showcasing the latest products and services to gain expert advice and ensure their clients have the right options to assist them with independent living.

As a partner of the OT Show 2023, the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) will be exhibiting on stand J57 to promote its Code of Practice, which requires member companies to offer a level of service above and beyond the legal requirements.

The association will also be promoting AT Today on stand J57, a BHTA-owned news website for health and social care professionals that keeps them informed about the latest assistive technology advancements. Attendees will have the chance to sign up to AT Today’s free weekly newsletter on the BHTA stand to keep up to date with the busy assistive technology sector.

To book your free tickets to attend the OT Show 2023, click here.

Looking for information on business skills?

Wenta are a not-for-profit social enterprise specialising in advice and training for small businesses. BHTA is partnering with Wenta to provide our members free access to their training library.

In this session, Carol will speak about Wenta’s webinars, business advisors and model of support. She will also take questions from members.

Join us & Wenta Advisor, Carol Allen, at 10am on 7 August to learn what Wenta has to offer.

Carol has over 20 years’ experience in education & scaling in business ownership.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Click here to register for free for the upcoming webinar

*Please note: Registration to this webinar is only available to members of the BHTA

If you are unable to attend, be sure to register anyway to receive a copy of the slides and recording after the event.

About the speaker

Carol joined Wenta in January 2022.

A further education lecturer and former principal with 25 years experience, as well as a business owner for 14 years, Carol has owned various business ventures, including a private training academy for post 16 students.

Expertise:

Educator
Business Coaching
Online Marketing & Business Strategy
Project Management
Curriculum design
Course creation
Product Launch
Carol has been assessed as Carbon Literate

How to Sell Innovation to the NHS

Watch Dave Burrows, founder of Damibu Ltd., share his experience selling into the NHS and learn the basics of partnering with the NHS.

Recorded: 19th July 2023

BHTA presents… topic: How to Sell Innovation to the NHS

Presenter: Dave Burrows, founder of Damibu Ltd.

Synopsis: Learn the basics of partnering with the NHS.

Request the webinar slides…

Request the webinar slides by contacting marketing@bhta.com

Watch the webinar

About the speaker

Damibu Feeds helps NHS organisations save time in creating and distributing content, reliably and accurately. In a fast-changing digital world, make websites a source of fact-checked, trusted information.

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The industry still needs clarity on medical device regulations

Late yesterday evening (25 May 2023) the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, unveiled plans to make a package of £650-million available to drive forward the UK’s life sciences sector and help grow the economy.

The package covers 10 different policies, including:

£121 million to improve commercial clinical trials to bring new medicines to patients faster
up to £48 million of new money for scientific innovation to prepare for any future health emergencies
£154 million to increase the capacity of the UK’s biological data bank further aiding scientific discoveries that help human health
up to £250 million to incentivise pension schemes to invest in our most promising science and tech firms
plans to relaunch the Academic Health Science Network as Health Innovation Networks to boost innovation by bringing together the NHS, local communities, charities, academia and industry to share best practice

Whilst of course BHTA welcomes extra funding for the industry and is pleased with the commitment to growth of the sector and announcement to cut NHS waiting times, the Association warns that there is still outstanding uncertainty over medical device regulations and this needs to be addressed urgently.

Responding to the life science growth package David Stockdale, Chief Executive of the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) said:

“The BHTA welcomes any new funding for the life sciences sector, however, we are alarmed at how long it is taking to address critical issues of regulatory uncertainty for medical devices. These delays are hugely concerning for industry and patients alike, leading to supply issues and a reduction in investment in the UK. We acknowledge the need for further consultation, but this must be done at pace, in partnership with industry, including the BHTA, to ensure that no further ground is lost.”

The recent Medical Devices (Amendment) (Great Britain) Regulations 2023 aimed to provide the UK medical devices sector with additional time to transition to the post-EU exit UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking regime for medical devices.

However, there are critical points that still require urgent clarification.

The British Healthcare Trades Association represents over 400 UK businesses involved in the design, manufacture, and supply of medical devices. Recent consultations with Association members has shown that the investment and time needed to navigate the current regulatory environment is negatively impacting the supply of vital medical devices to UK patients.

Whilst yesterday’s announcement hopes to improve the regulatory environment for UK Life Sciences companies, BHTA asks that more focus is put on medical devices and how they are being classified and regulated, to help industry and the UK patient.

Notes to the editor

David Stockdale, Chief Executive Officer of the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) is available for further comment and interview on this subject.
The British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) is a not-for-profit trade association representing over 400 retailers, installers, service providers, distributors and manufacturers in the healthcare and assistive technology industries. For further information please see: https://www.bhta.com/who-we-are/

Media contact – bhta@tendoconsutling.co.uk

Dealing with Cyber Risk

Watch CMI Client Relationship Director, Graham Stead, give practical advice on how to deal with cyber risk.

Recorded: 25 April 2023

BHTA presents… topic: Dealing with Cyber Risk

Presenter: Graham Stead – CMI

Synopsis: Current and emerging cyber threats to your business and give you practical advice on how you can deal with these.

Request the webinar slides…

Request the webinar slides by contacting marketing@bhta.com

Watch the webinar

About the speaker

Graham Stead, Client Relationship Director at CMI.

Graham is Client Relationship Director at CMI.

CMI create, design, deliver and support informed & intelligent strategies to navigate shifting technology, keeping organisations like yours effective & secure.

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BHTA presents… “Orthotics and Prosthetics – Taking on an Apprentice”

Orthotic & Prosthetic Apprenticeships

Join the University of Derby to learn about employing an Orthotic or Prosthetic Apprentice.

Recorded: 27 April 2023

BHTA presents… topic: Orthotics and Prosthetics – Taking on an Apprentice

Presenter: University of Derby

Synopsis: Discussing the benefits of employing Prosthetics and Orthotics Apprentices.

Request the webinar slides…

Request the webinar slides by contacting marketing@bhta.com

Watch the webinar

Register for your next BHTA webinar

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<strong>MHRA Announcement – Plans for New UK Medical Device Regulations</strong>

Thursday, 04 May 2023, 10:00 – 11:00

Join BHTA Head of Policy and Compliance William Lee for a presentation that will address BHTA’s current understanding of what this means for medical devices in the UK, including:

MHRA’s Updates to Implementation Guidance, Regulation Guidance, and Registration Guidance

Previous Understanding – Review

New Understanding – Emerging View

Possible Next Steps

More Information / BHTA Help

Q&A

The UK med tech regulatory landscape remains extremely fluid; BHTA and other trade associations are seeking additional guidance, clarity and context from MHRA.

NB: The contents of the BHTA website and BHTA electronic communications do not constitute legal advice, and are provided for information purposes only; BHTA disclaims and excludes any liability in respect of the contents, or for action taken based on this information.

Click here to register for free for the upcoming webinar

If you are unable to attend, be sure to register anyway to receive a copy of the slides and recording after the event.

Design for Compliance

Watch Founder and Director of REDMEDTECH, and Medical Device Consultant, Laurie Rowe, give advice on navigating the updated compliance landscape

Recorded: 18 April 2023

BHTA presents… topic:

Design for Compliance – Navigating the changing landscape

Presenter: Laurie Rowe – RedMEDTECH

Synopsis: This webinar provides members with insights and practical advice for MedTech companies looking to navigate the changing compliance landscape

Request the webinar slides…

Request the webinar slides by contacting marketing@bhta.com

Watch the webinar

About the speaker

Laurie brings over 20 years of first-hand experience within design, engineering, manufacturing, and compliance functions. Specialising in medical technology, Laurie has a deep knowledge of device development, quality systems, and regulatory affairs in all sizes of business, across a wide range of device types, classifications, and technologies. As founder and director of RED Medtech, Laurie delivers practical medical device consulting – helping innovation led companies; delivering development project leadership and management, supporting technical teams to improve operational efficiencies.

A particular area of expertise is the new public procurement requirements including social value, net-zero, labour standards, and modern slavery. Sarah works proactively with clients to implement and provide solutions to ensure they are able to successfully win tender bids. She is also an experienced tender bid writer, and ISO 9001 & 14001 internal auditor.

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Participate in your section, hear from informative speakers and network with peers

Date: 5 July 2023
Registration Time: 9:30am
Sessions Running: 10.00am-15:30pm

Location:
Walton Hall Hotel and Spa
Warwickshire
CV35 9HG

Sections:
Hosted by Independent Living, Mobility and Children’s Equipment.

Members from all BHTA Sections are welcome

Chairs and Vice Chairs:
◉ Hayley Philippault (MERU/Duchenne UK) – Chair of the Children’s Equipment Section
◉ Mark Baumann (NRS Healthcare) – Chair of the Independent Living and Mobility Sections

◉ Stephen Kirkpatrick (Made for Movement) – Vice Chair of the Children’s Equipment Section
◉ Simon Tempest – Vice Chair of the Mobility Section
◉ Veronica Downing (Rehability) – Vice Chair (Retail) of the Independent Living and Mobility Sections
◉ Richard Gomm (Care and Independence) – Vice Chair (Manufacturing) of the Independent Living and Mobility Sections
◉ James Parramore (Rosscare) – Vice Chair (Industry) of the Independent Living and Mobility Sections

Please join us for our upcoming joint section meeting…

BHTA will be hosting a joint section meeting for the Children’s Equipment, Independent Living and Mobility Sections in July.

The Chairs and Vice Chairs of each section have assembled a full programme for the day, highlighting a range of important topics. The meeting promises an informative and productive day, as well as a great opportunity to meet and network with other like-minded BHTA members.

We hope you can join us and look forward to seeing you on the day.

Note: Please state upon registering if you have any dietary or access requirements.

Day’s schedule

Registration for the day will start at 9:30, with arrival refreshments provided.

Speakers will include:
– Glynn Jones – Bank of England
– Andrew Stevenson (BHTA President) on behalf of the Wheelchair Alliance
– Chris Wood MBE – Flying Disabled
– Susan Roe – Institute of Export and International Trade
– Sandra Cooper – Institute of Export and International Trade
– Professor Laurie Rowe – Red Medtech
– Liz Pryde, Programme Manager – Devices for Dignity
– Josh Wintersgill, Founder – ableMove UK
– Educational and Health Care Plan Training for equipment suppliers
– BHTA Code of Practice and Compliance Team
– Member Product Showcase for Retailers

Lunch and afternoon refreshments also provided.

To view the full programme, please download the document below

BHTA-Joint-Section-Meeting-Warwick-5th-July-2023-Programme-V7 Download

Venue Accessibility

Car parking is available directly outside the meeting room entrance which is accessible via a ramp. Inside, all meeting areas have step-free access.

Accommodation

Discounted hotel rate for BHTA members for the night of 4^th July 2023 – £108 B&B

Email: WaltonHall.EVENTS@accor.com to book and quote BHTA 5^th July Meeting.

Social Events

Join us for evening drinks and networking the night before, Tuesday 4^th July 2023 at 7pm

Walton Hall also has eight therapy rooms, a leisure pool, gym, sauna and steam room.

How to register:

Email Kelly Edworthy today

Email Kathryn Vaughan today

Prosthetics and Orthotics – Taking on an Apprentice

Save the date!

Join us on Thursday 27th April 10am – 11am to hear about Prosthetics and Orthotics Apprenticeships in partnership with the University of Derby.

Information will be shared about:
• the benefits of employing Prosthetics and Orthotics apprentices
• how employers can access funding
• the processes to employ an apprentice
• how apprenticeships can be used to train Prosthetics and Orthotics Technicians and Prosthetists/Orthotists.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Click here to register for free for the upcoming webinar

If you are unable to attend, be sure to register anyway to receive a copy of the slides and recording after the event.

Join CMI Client Relationship Director, Graham Stead, for this free member webinar.

Cyber risk continues to be the fastest growing issue to affect UK organisations and, more importantly, it continues to change and evolve all the time making it impossible to be 100% protected.

This webinar, run in partnership with cyber security experts CMI, will explain the current and emerging cyber threats to your business and give you practical advice on how you can deal with these.

Over 80% of UK businesses have experienced a security breach in the last twelve months; Its not a matter of if, but when!

This session will be covering;

The cyber landscape: what is changing and how do you adapt
5-Step framework to improve security posture
Cost vs risk; what should security investment look like for your organisation?
Walk through a ransomware attack; what really happens
Your practical checklist for 2023

There will also be a chance to raise any Q&A’s with Graham at the end of the session.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Click here to register for free for the upcoming webinar

*Please note: Registration to this webinar is only available to members of the BHTA

If you are unable to attend, be sure to register anyway to receive a copy of the slides and recording after the event.

About the speaker

Graham is an IT security advisor whose expertise and advice helps organisations to improve their cyber security posture to reduce business risk. Graham was responsible for the development of IMPACT360, a unique strategic planning framework used by CMI to ensure their services have a ‘real’ positive impact on the organisations they work with.

BHTA presents… “Reactions & Discussion Regarding the Spring 2023 Budget”

Spring 2023 Budget Update

Watch BHTA Head of Policy & Compliance, Bill Lee, and Tendo’s Senior Account Director Daniel Laing consider the Spring 2023 Budget, its achievements, and possible repercussions in-depth.

Recorded: 24 March 2023

BHTA presents… topic: Reactions and discussion to the Spring 2023 Budget

Presenter: Bill Lee – BHTA and Daniel Laing – Tendo Consulting

Synopsis: Consider the Spring 2023 Budget, its achievements, and possible repercussions in-depth.

Request the webinar slides…

Request the webinar slides by contacting marketing@bhta.com

Watch the webinar

About the speakers

William Lee - BHTA's new Parliamentary and Policy Executive — William (Bill) Lee, Head of Policy & Compliance.

Bill joined BHTA in June 2021.

Bill brings 25-plus years of policy, advocacy, and operations experience on behalf of vulnerable communities at US & UK NGOs and governments, combined with a decade of for-profit management consulting and retail operations experience (at the Corporate Executive Board and independent retailers, respectively).

At BHTA, Bill researches, develops & disseminates policy, strategy, parliamentary and technical work for BHTA and its members, and supports wider stakeholder engagement.

Daniel Lang, Senior Account Director at Tendo.

Daniel Laing is the Senior Account Director at Tendo Consulting.

Daniel provides strategic advice and expertise to a range of clients at Tendo utilising his eight years in public affairs, research and campaigning. Having worked at a major political intelligence agency leading the health consultancy team, he has first rate expertise navigating the life sciences sector for pharmaceutical clients, health organisations and research bodies. He also has extensive experience working on local government research initiatives, in-house public affairs for a UK children’s charity and writing for political publications.

Register for your next BHTA webinar

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BHTA presents… webinar “Reactions & Discussion regarding Spring 2023 Budget”

Join BHTA’s Head of Compliance William Lee and Tendo’s Senior Account Director Daniel Laing to consider the Budget, its achievements, and possible repercussions in-depth.

Our free BHTA presents… ‘Reactions & Discussion regarding Spring 2023 Budget’ webinar takes place on Friday 24th March at 11:00am.

This one-hour, member-exclusive webinar, will cover:

• Areas where promising measures are being taken

• Areas for potential improvement

• Where we’ll be focusing our efforts

• Items that will affect the landscape of healthcare

• How the changes may affect your business

Following a short presentation, a discussion will be opened up and we encourage attendees to ask any questions.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Click here to register for free for the upcoming webinar

*Please note: Registration to this webinar is only available to members of the BHTA

If you are unable to attend, be sure to register anyway to receive a copy of the slides and recording after the event.

About the speakers

Bill joined BHTA in June 2021.

Bill brings 25-plus years of policy, advocacy, and operations experience on behalf of vulnerable communities at US & UK NGOs and governments, combined with a decade of for-profit management consulting and retail operations experience (at the Corporate Executive Board and independent retailers, respectively).

At BHTA, Bill researches, develops & disseminates policy, strategy, parliamentary and technical work for BHTA and its members, and supports wider stakeholder engagement.

Daniel Laing is the Senior Account Director at Tendo Consulting.

Daniel provides strategic advice and expertise to a range of clients at Tendo utilising his eight years in public affairs, research and campaigning. Having worked at a major political intelligence agency leading the health consultancy team, he has first rate expertise navigating the life sciences sector for pharmaceutical clients, health organisations and research bodies. He also has extensive experience working on local government research initiatives, in-house public affairs for a UK children’s charity and writing for political publications.

BHTA presents… webinar “Design for Compliance – navigating the changing landscape” with Laurie Rowe

Join Founder and Director of REDMEDTECH, and Medical Device Consultant, Laurie Rowe for this free member webinar.

Laurie will share insights and practical advice for MedTech companies looking to navigate the changing compliance landscape.

Our free BHTA presents… ‘Design for Compliance – navigating the changing landscape’ webinar takes place on Tuesday 18th April at 11:00am.

This one-hour, member-exclusive webinar, will be particularly informative for:

• MedTech innovators, spinouts and start-ups

• Healthcare product designers and developers

• Device manufacturers of all classes, types and technologies

Gain invaluable information to help you and your teams navigate the updated compliance landscape.

There will also be a chance to raise any Q&A’s with Laurie at the end of the session.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Click here to register for free for the upcoming webinar

*Please note: Registration to this webinar is only available to members of the BHTA

If you are unable to attend, be sure to register anyway to receive a copy of the slides and recording after the event.

About the speaker

Laurie brings over 20 years of first-hand experience within design, engineering, manufacturing, and compliance functions. Specialising in medical technology, Laurie has a deep knowledge of device development, quality systems, and regulatory affairs in all sizes of business, across a wide range of device types, classifications, and technologies. As founder and director of RED Medtech, Laurie delivers practical medical device consulting – helping innovation led companies; delivering development project leadership and management, supporting technical teams to improve operational efficiencies.

Social Value in Tenders

Watch procurement expert Sarah Joy Newton give a webinar to BHTA members with insights on Social Value in Tender Requirements

Recorded: 1 March 2023

BHTA presents… topic:

Understanding the importance of Social Value in tender requirements

Presenter: Sarah Joy Newton – Amethyst Connect

Synopsis: This webinar provides members with an understanding of how to structure a Tender Social Value Response

Request the webinar slides…

Request the webinar slides by contacting marketing@bhta.com

Watch the webinar

About the speaker

Sarah is a qualified nurse in adult and paediatric care, with an additional 15 years of excelling in the medical device industry. She is known for her enthusiasm and energy, with a genuine desire to ensure that, as well as product and company success, patient outcomes are improved, and customers’ needs are met. Sarah’s nursing and medical sales experience has given her a unique understanding and knowledge of the workings of the NHS and procurement, and she has established contacts and working relationships within the sector.

A particular area of expertise is the new public procurement requirements including social value, net-zero, labour standards, and modern slavery. Sarah works proactively with clients to implement and provide solutions to ensure they are able to successfully win tender bids. She is also an experienced tender bid writer, and ISO 9001 & 14001 internal auditor.

Register for your next BHTA webinar

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BHTA Parliamentary drop-in event: in pictures

On 22nd February 2023, BHTA held a Parliamentary drop-in event to ask MPs to pledge their support for healthcare and assistive technology companies who are currently under extraordinary pressure following the pandemic, global supply chain delays and an uncertain regulatory environment.

We are urging the Government to take action to ensure the uninterrupted provision of medical supplies in the UK to protect patients.

We had an amazing turn out on the day, with overwhelming support. See the day in pictures below:

The BHTA team

Afzal Khan MP

Jo Gideon MP

Wera Hobhouse MP

Virendra Sharma MP

Steve McCabe MP

Sally-Ann Hart MP

Nigel Huddleston MP

Lord Thomas

Mike Amesbury MP

Ian Paisley MP

Greg Smith MP

Grahame Morris MP

Dr Lisa Cameron MP

Christine Jardine MP

Baroness Ludford

Angus MacNeil MP

Alistair Carmichael MP

BHTA appoints new President to support UK healthcare and assistive technology companies

Leyton Stevens, Chairman of the BHTA, David Stockdale CEO at the BHTA, Andrew Stevenson, President of the BHTA and Alastair Maxwell, former BHTA President.

The British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) has appointed former chairman, Andrew Stevenson, as President.

Andrew is an experienced director with a demonstrated history of working in the medical device industry within the UK and international markets. He also consults for both the public sector and private or self-pay channels via his healthcare consultancy company.

Andrew has held several other non-executive Board positions during his time with BHTA. He previously served as Interim Director General for over a year before his position as Chairman for more than three years.

Commenting on his appointment, Andrew said: “I am delighted to have been asked by the board of the BHTA to take up the role of president of the association.

“The future for our industry is an exciting and challenging one, we have new market rules and regulations to align with, changes in our public sector stakeholder expectations that will need innovative and strong business plans, and a population demographic that has strong views on the quality and level of product and care services it will demand.

“I look forward to working with the secretariat, board and sections to ensure that the BHTA remains at the forefront of the industry in supporting members to achieve their goals and expectations and strengthening outcomes for all our customers in this amazing and vital sector.”

David Stockdale, Chief Executive Officer at the BHTA, added: “Working with Andrew as Chair has been an honour, he has served the BHTA in an incredibly challenging time and I will always be personally thankful for the significant help and support he gave me, coming in as CEO. I am sure he will go on to give the same insightful input and dedication to the BHTA during his time as President.”

The outgoing president, Alastair Maxwell, Managing Director at Crest Medical has just completed his three year term at the BHTA.

Commenting on his departure, David said: “Alastair again has helped the BHTA through significant challenge and it has been an honour to get to know him towards the end of his Presidency.

“He has always had members’ needs at the heart of what he does and his contributions in the boardroom will be sorely missed.”

BHTA welcomes Scottish business task force announcement

The BHTA has welcomed the announcement of a Scottish business task force to help companies negotiate the choppy waters of spending cuts, inflation, the rising price of energy, the cost of living crisis, the impact of the previous mini-budget, and the possibility of a UK recession this winter and into 2023.

This week the Scottish Finance Secretary, John Swinney, announced £165 million in spending cuts. These reductions and reprioritisations are in addition to another £560m of cuts that were previously announced in September.

The fiscal regulations of devolution mean that the Scottish Government cannot borrow to meet any increased costs, which means that their budget is effectively fixed in cash terms.

In real terms, this means that in Scotland, for every additional spend in one area, there needs to be a decrease in spending in another area.

Scottish financial announcements: at a glance

Ahead of the UK Government’s Autumn Statement on 17th November, the following financial announcements were made:

• £400m to be reprioritised within the health and social care portfolio to accommodate an enhanced pay offer, and to meet pressures from inflation and services.

Some social care budgets will be rephased and some spending in areas such as mental health will be reprioritised.

• £33m of resource savings.

• £180m of capital savings, including decreasing the marketing budget to pre-pandemic levels

The review sets out further assistance for those affected by the cost of living crisis while tackling budgetary pressures caused by rising inflation and the current economic situation.

Approximately £35 million of funding has been allocated for a range of initiatives to support people with the increased cost of living.

New task force and energy efficiency loan increase

Additional measures include establishing a Joint Task Force with businesses, COSLA, local authorities, and agencies to consider the differing impacts of regulation on business, extending energy advice to businesses by investing £300,000 to expand the services of Business Energy Scotland, and doubling the value of the SME energy efficiency Loan and Cash Back Scheme for energy efficiency to £20,000.

Responding to the statement, David Stockdale, Chief Executive Officer of the BHTA commented:

“We are pleased to hear that a task force is to be established, and the BHTA would most certainly like to be involved. For some time the BHTA has called for businesses, local authorities, and government to work together, and in the current climate such a task force will be crucial in supporting businesses and consumers through some tricky months ahead.”

The full details of the financial statement can be found here and if you would to contact us with your views on the latest announcements, please email us at marketing@bhta.com

How the BHTA can help consumers during the cost of living crisis

The rising costs of our bills, groceries, fuel, mortgage, and rent payments, coupled with Brexit-related import and export price increases, means that we all have to make our earnings stretch even further than usual this winter.

This means that the chance to snap up a bargain has even more appeal this year, especially with Christmas just around the corner.

Unfortunately, the pressure to save money has led to an increase in scams, counterfeit goods, unsafe products, and food fraud.

New research published by Trading Standards indicates there has been a surge in practices that are harming consumers – including a trebling in the volume of counterfeit goods seized.

Included in the research is the fact that three-quarters of UK adults are feeling more vulnerable due to the cost-of-living crisis and nearly half have seen a rise in scams.

As the report states:

“Three-quarters of UK adults are feeling more vulnerable due to the cost-of-living crisis and nearly half have seen a rise in scams.”

With that in mind, it is now more important than ever that we spend our earnings on reputable and trustworthy companies.

the image is a preview of the BHTA consumer guide

How the BHTA can help

Unfortunately, the selling of unsafe products isn’t just restricted to online sales.

Dishonest sales techniques, often known as aggressive selling, are not new of course, but more prevalent than before and especially dangerous when they involve healthcare products.

Here at the BHTA, we have put together a list of underhand sales techniques to look out for which you can find here.

Look for the BHTA logo

To become a member of the BHTA, companies have voluntarily signed up to our CTSI-endorsed Code of Practice.

Amongst other benefits (you can read more details about our Code of Practice here) this will give you extra consumer protection when you buy independent living solutions, for added peace of mind.

In particular, our Code provides you with:

Reassurance that our members’ behaviour, customer service, approach to sales, and terms and conditions relating to refunds are being checked

Peace of mind that our members commit to putting the needs of their customers first, with requirements to provide product assessments and high-quality aftersales service

Support in the event of a dispute arising, with independent arbitration available at no cost to you

The certainty that you can trust in the advice, information, products and services that our members provide to you.

So, when you are looking for mobility aids, assisted living technology, or other healthcare products if you see the BHTA logo you know that you are spending your money with a trustworthy and reliable company.

We also have a wealth of useful information and advice for consumers on our website, and if you do have any questions please do contact us at marketing@bhta.com.

BHTA Integration & Sustainability Conference 2022: in pictures

The day in pictures

Did you miss the opportunity to attend BHTA’s latest event?

Check out the pictures from the Integration & Sustainability Conference 2022 below.

Global medical supplier Arjo becomes newest member of British Healthcare Trades Association

*** For immediate release***

Pictured above from left to right: David Ellison, Member Engagement Manager at BHTA, David Stockdale, Chief Executive Officer at BHTA, Kevin Dare, Managing Director UK&I at Arjo and Karen Kennedy, UK Sales Director MBTS & VTE at Arjo.

[August 2022. London, UK] Global giant, Arjo, market-leading supplier of medical devices and solutions, has become the latest company to join the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA).

Founded in 1957, Arjo is at the forefront of medical innovation, employing over 6,500 people across 100 countries.

With over 60 years’ experience in caring for patients and supporting healthcare professionals, Arjo is a major supplier of devices and solutions that improve the quality of life for people with reduced mobility and health challenges.

In August this year, the company became the newest member of the BHTA.

Kevin Dare, Managing Director at Arjo, said:

“Becoming a member of the BHTA will provide Arjo with a platform to work with other like-minded organisations to collaboratively improve industry standards and therefore provide our customers and their patients with ever improving products and services, which are aligned to the financial and clinical challenges they face.”

The BHTA represents over 400 companies in the healthcare and assistive technology industry.

Working on behalf of their members, the BHTA aims to improve industry standards and champion consumer protection, leading to better quality health and care for all.

All BHTA members are committed to the BHTA Code of Practice, the first and only in the healthcare industry to have been approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) Consumer Codes Approval Scheme (CCAS).

David Stockdale, CEO at BHTA, said:

“I’m really excited to have such a major player in the healthcare industry join us here as a member of the BHTA.

“This is a transformative time for everyone involved in health and social care, and the more we can bring the industry together, the better we can develop and respond to the challenges that our sector faces.

“BHTA is looking forward to representing Arjo and supporting them during this critical time.”

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Notes for editors

About the BHTA: Representing over 400 companies in the healthcare and assistive technology industry, the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) supports its members to help ensure the best outcomes for the most vulnerable in society.

All BHTA members are committed to adhering to the Association’s Code of Practice – the only code in the industry approved by The Chartered Trading Standards Institute.

www.bhta.com

For more information

Media contact: Jamie McKay, Content Marketing Manager

Contact email: marketing@bhta.com

BHTA Integration and Sustainability in Health and Social Care Conference 2022

Thank you for booking your tickets for the BHTA Integration and Sustainability Conference 2022.

A member of the BHTA team will be in touch to complete your booking and process your payment.

Shortly, you will receive an email confirming your booking and requesting the name and contact details of your party, along with any access or dietary requirements.

In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact marketing@bhta.com or call 020 7702 2141.

Many thanks and we look forward to seeing you at the conference.

The BHTA team

Thank you for booking a place at the BHTA Integration and Sustainability Conference 2022.

A member of the BHTA team will be in touch to complete your booking and process your payment.

Shortly, you will receive an email confirming your booking and requesting the name and contact details of the person attending, along with any access or dietary requirements.

In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact marketing@bhta.com or call 020 7702 2141.

Many thanks and we look forward to seeing you at the conference.

The BHTA team

Thank you for booking to attend the BHTA Integration and Sustainability Conference 2022.

A member of the BHTA team will be in touch to complete your booking and process your payment.

Shortly, you will also receive an email confirming your booking and providing useful information about the upcoming conference.

In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact marketing@bhta.com or call 020 7702 2141.

Many thanks and we look forward to seeing you at the conference.

The BHTA team

The British Healthcare Trades Industry Awards 2024 Shortlist

The British Healthcare Trades Industry Awards 2024 Categories

View the categories below

Lifetime Service Award

Best UK Trade Show Award

Product of the Year Award

Retailer of the Year Award

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Manufacturer of the Year Award

Outstanding Community Outreach Award

Innovation in Sustainability Award

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