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The British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) has welcomed Newlyn Healthcare Specialist Equipment as a new member. The company provides specialist healthcare equipment designed to support healthcare professionals and improve patient care across a range of settings.
The BHTA recently caught up with Ronnie McDonald, Managing Director at Newlyn Healthcare Specialist Equipment, to learn more about the company’s work in specialist equipment provision, its focus on patient wellbeing, and why it chose to become part of the BHTA.
Ronnie has spent more than two decades with Newlyn Healthcare Specialist Equipment, building extensive knowledge of the healthcare sector and the needs of the professionals working within it.
“I have been with Newlyn Healthcare Specialist Equipment for 22 years, and my journey into the healthcare sector began with a strong interest in improving patient outcomes through the provision of high-quality specialist equipment,” Ronnie explained.
That long-standing experience continues to shape his focus on practical, reliable support for healthcare providers.
“Over time, I have developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by healthcare providers, which continues to drive my passion for delivering reliable and effective solutions,” he added.
Newlyn Healthcare Specialist Equipment supplies a wide range of specialist products across different care environments. Its product offering includes 24-hour postural management, specialist seating, sleep systems, pressure care, profiling beds, moving and handling equipment, showering and bathing products, and both powered and manual wheelchairs.
“Our ethos centres on delivering high-quality, clinically effective products backed by excellent service and support,” Ronnie commented. “We work closely with NHS trusts, care homes, and community healthcare providers to ensure that the equipment we supply meets the highest standards and genuinely enhances patient wellbeing.”
A recent development for the business has been the creation of a system for re-assigning both paediatric and adult specialist seating, helping local authorities reduce costs and lower their carbon footprint.
Healthcare suppliers are operating in a changing environment, with businesses needing to manage operational pressures while keeping pace with regulatory and clinical developments.
“Like many organisations in the healthcare sector, we face ongoing challenges around supply chain pressures, changes in regulations, and the need to continually adapt to evolving clinical requirements,” Ronnie highlighted.
“The support provided by organisations such as the BHTA is invaluable in helping us stay informed, compliant, and connected within the industry,” he continued.
Newlyn Healthcare Specialist Equipment chose to join the BHTA because of the association’s standing within the healthcare industry and its role in promoting high standards across the sector.
“We chose to become a member of the BHTA as it is a trusted and respected voice within the healthcare industry,” Ronnie explained. “We recognise the value of aligning ourselves with an organisation that promotes best practices, quality standards, and ethical trading.”
BHTA membership also gives the company access to valuable guidance, resources, and opportunities to engage with wider industry developments.
“Being part of the BHTA strengthens our credibility and allows us to contribute to a wider network of like-minded organisations,” he emphasised.
Looking ahead, Newlyn Healthcare Specialist Equipment is focused on the next stage of its development.
“Newlyn Healthcare Specialist Equipment is focused on expanding our product range, strengthening partnerships, and continuing to invest in innovation,” Ronnie said. “We are particularly keen to explore new solutions that enhance patient comfort, safety, and independence.”
The company is also planning to attend relevant industry events throughout the year to build its presence across the sector. Ronnie said BHTA events and webinars focused on industry trends, compliance, and innovation are of particular interest, as they offer useful opportunities to stay informed and connected.
To find out more about how the BHTA can support your business and how to become a BHTA member, visit this page.
The British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) has welcomed UDOOR as a new member. UDOOR specialises in manufacturing and installing high-quality bathtub doors and frames that can be fit into pre-existing baths.
The BHTA recently caught up with Fay Hanrahan, UK Branch Manager at UDOOR, to explore the company’s ethos; product offerings; leadership story; and commitment to safety, accessibility, and ethical business practices within the healthcare and assistive technology sector.
From a young age, Fay has always been drawn to work that feels meaningful, whether it’s supporting individuals directly, helping to build stronger communities, or contributing to environmental causes.
“Living a life with purpose has always been my guiding principle, and it continues to shape the choices I make today,” Fay said.
Fay studied Psychology and Philosophy at university, two subjects that continue to deeply resonate with her. While acknowledging that, post-graduation, role-specific degrees often provide a clearer path into the job market, Fay is grateful that the route she took opened up a lot of opportunities. These included taking up a wide range of people-focused roles, both in the UK and abroad.
Fay continued: “Over the years, I’ve worked in education with children, supported vulnerable individuals, led community outreach projects, and worked with businesses to improve their outreach. Each of these roles taught me how to connect with people from all walks of life, to listen without judgement, and to communicate with clarity and care.
“These experiences helped shape my approach to leadership and reinforced my belief that empathy is not just a soft skill but a powerful tool in any role that involves people.”
When the opportunity arose to work with the founders of UDOOR to establish the UK branch, Fay jumped on the chance. Fay was involved from day one, helping to lay the foundations of the business in the UK.
“We work with customers who may be struggling with mobility or simply want to stay safe and independent in their own homes,” Fay added.
“Knowing that the UDOOR can make people’s lives safer and, for some, help them stay at home for longer is incredibly rewarding.
“I’ve worn a lot of hats, from customer care and marketing to navigating governmental processes and collaborating with local authorities, which has become an increasingly important part of our work and given me a deep appreciation of how all the moving parts come together.”
Since launching the UK branch, UDOOR has successfully expanded into several other countries, an evolution that Fay is proud to have played a part in.
UDOOR specialises in manufacturing and installing high-quality bathtub doors and frames that can be fit into pre-existing baths. The UDOOR was designed to be installed into a wide range of baths, including corner baths and freestanding baths.
There are two main products:
“Our ethos is centred on improving safety and accessibility in the home without unnecessary disruption,” Fay explained.
Since the bath stays put, there is no need for a full renovation. Installation takes less than a day, and the bath is ready to use the next day.
UDOOR’s main customers are elderly individuals, people with reduced mobility, people with chronic health conditions, and those who want to be safe and remain independent at home.
The firm works closely with individuals, families, occupational therapists, and local authorities across England, Wales, and parts of Scotland.
Fay first came across the BHTA while actively looking for a recognised, reputable, and trusted trade association that aligned with UDOOR’s values and high standards.
“We work with individuals who may be vulnerable or concerned about their safety at home, so building credibility and demonstrating our commitment to high standards is incredibly important to us,” Fay emphasised. “We want customers, carers, and professionals to feel confident in our products and the way we do business.”
Fay added that working with the BHTA also strengthens UDOOR’s voice when working with local authorities, healthcare professionals, and businesses that share a commitment to a safe, ethical service.
UDOOR constantly works to improve the way it uses technology in its processes in its factories, with its teams, and how the firm interacts with customers.
Over the years, Fay has noticed a global shift towards integrating technology with everyday life. She underlined that this is something many older individuals struggle with.
UDOOR greatly values the BHTA’s guidance and support in navigating these challenges.
Fay looks forward to joining BHTA webinars to stay informed and connected with the wider industry. She is also keen to attend future events to keep up with changes, share insights, and learn from others facing similar challenges.
She added: “On a personal level, I’m looking forward to taking part in upcoming BHTA events, which I hope will be great opportunity to build connections and share what we’ve learned along the way.”
As for UDOOR’s future plans, the firm is continuing to focus on improving its customer service and growing its team to meet increasing demand. Further international expansion is also on the horizon, and UDOOR is currently testing new variations of its product to meet a wider range of preferences.
To find out more about how the BHTA can support your business and how to become a BHTA member, visit this page.