The British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) has welcomed ISKOmed UK as a new member. ISKOmed UK is the UK subsidiary of ISKO Koch GmbH, which designs and manufactures specialist medical device equipment.
The BHTA recently caught up with Greg Whelan, Managing Director of ISKOmed UK, to learn more about Greg’s background, the firm’s range of specialist products, and how being part of the BHTA can help lobby for important change.
“The journey to ISKOmed UK has been quite an interesting one,” Greg exclaimed.
In 2017, Greg joined Nexus DMS (the exclusive ISKO Koch UK distributor), which was soon taken over by Apex Medical. In 2022, Greg was promoted to Director. At the same time, the ISKO Koch agreement amicably ended with the now rebranded Wellell.
Greg said: “Roll onto 2024 and I realised I loved the ISKO products and sector. The opportunity arose for me to join ISKOmed UK, and the rest is history.
“It’s been an inspirational journey in the healthcare sector so far. I’ve learnt so much from all those I’ve worked alongside, met incredible people, made local and international friends, but, most of all, being part of something that absolutely makes a difference to people’s lives, for me, is truly why I do this.”
ISKOmed UK is the UK subsidiary of ISKO Koch GmbH, which is a designer and manufacturer of specialist medical device equipment. In the UK, ISKOmed UK markets and demonstrates its range of specialist beds for individuals with more complex needs.
Greg said: “With the newly rebranded Rotadorm (previously Rotapro) representing our rotational chair bed/stand-up bed range and a much wider offering, including bariatric beds, standing frames, and physiotherapy rehabilitation couches, we are well positioned to accommodate a varied client base and their needs.”
The partnerships in the business bring in skillsets including sales and marketing, regulatory, distribution, design and manufacture, and, importantly for the UK market, a clinical input.
Stuart Barrow is the clinical director of ISKOmed UK.
“Stuart being a qualified occupational therapist for almost 25 years with an extensive background in social services and private equipment and adaptations was the perfect fit for our UK company,” Greg continued. “We are delighted to have him recently join us as our clinical director.”
Stuart continues to run Promoting Independence, a bespoke clinical practice that runs the Occupational Therapy Adaptation Conference (OTAC), making his day-to-day clinical skills and operational management a perfect fit for the business.
Being a BHTA member can give firms access to important, relevant, and timely information regarding supply chain issues.
Greg explained: “The ongoing issues facing the global economy have an impact on everyone’s daily life in some way, whether it’s cost of living, energy costs, or sourcing components.
“Our supply chain issues seem somewhat less with German manufacturing. We enjoy quick delivery times and fortunately do not suffer the well documented issues that shipping freight can be subjected too from the Far East.
“I believe that the BHTA support offered to the membership is vital where logistics is being affected, and, as a member previously, have utilised their knowledge in this area to assist the business.”
ISKOmed UK will be attending all of the remaining OTAC events in 2024 and throughout 2025. The firm is also the headliner sponsor of the Moving and Handling Conference in October 2025.
Greg added: “We are also greatly looking forward to the BHTA Awards Dinner 2024 in November, giving us a great opportunity to meet with colleagues and partners in the industry.”
Greg said that there could be more new products from ISKOmed UK very soon.
Greg has highlighted the benefits of being a member of the BHTA, which importantly includes being part of an association that represents companies’ interests and concerns and lobbies for change.
“As a recent new member and having been a member in my previous organisation, I wanted ISKOmed UK to enjoy the full benefit from being part of the association and to be an active component within it,” Greg explained.
“When you enter a marketplace in your own right, it’s important to be supported by a body that represents the interests and concerns of the healthcare sector and one that can take the voice of its membership and lobby for change on their behalf. The BHTA is that industry recognised association and, for the healthcare sector, the voice that is needed.
“Our first Section meeting is being kindly hosted by Medstrom on the 9th of October. I am personally looking forward to meeting my peers and offering relevant input as required.”
To find out more about how the BHTA can support your business and how to become a BHTA member, visit this page.
Recently, the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) held its inaugural regional networking event in Kent for members, which proved to be a success.
The free event took place on 4 July at The Wharf in Dartford, where attendees enjoyed a complementary buffet lunch. All BHTA member companies and staff were invited.
The informal networking lunch was a chance for members to network across all BHTA Sections, so attendees could reconnect with familiar faces and meet new people they may not ordinarily have a chance to connect with.
Here’s what attendees had to say about the regional networking event:
Oksana Pylypenko, Project Production Manager from John Florence, said it was a “fantastic networking lunch”.
Gary Tidman, Director of Only Lifts, remarked: “All in all I thought it was great, having recently attended a joint section meeting it was all very familiar faces. There seemed to be good engagement cross industry as well. Would definitely attend another.”
Kylie Evans, Head of Mobility at Mark Bates, commented: “What a fantastic regional networking lunch organised by the British Healthcare Trades Association – hopefully the first of many. It was great meeting with other companies within the industry and discussing our different experiences. Myself and Danny Bates had a great time.”
The next BHTA regional networking event is taking place in the West Midlands at The Hatton Arms on 5 September from 12pm-2pm, where attendees can enjoy a free buffet lunch. Members can register for tickets here.
The British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) has recently welcomed Vanilla Blush as a new member. Vanilla Blush specialises in intimate healthcare apparel and devices for individuals who have undergone abdominal wall surgery.
The BHTA recently caught up with Nicola Dames, CEO of Vanilla Blush, to hear more about how the firm began, its unique products that combine fashion and healthcare while improving the lives of patients, and the tangible benefits of BHTA membership.
Nicola Dames, originally from Dublin, embarked on her journey toward nursing by leaving Ireland in 1998 to pursue a nursing course at Kingston University and St. George’s Hospital in Tooting, London. Before venturing into nursing, Nicola gained experience working in pharmacies across Dublin, where she served notable figures such as Fr. Ted and Lisa Stansfield.
Her career path took her to Brown Thomas, a prestigious department store, where she further honed her skills in customer service and retail. After qualifying as a nurse, Nicola discovered her passion for neurology, particularly within the realm of neuro-intensive care units (ITU).
However, her journey took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. Despite this challenge, she found unwavering support in her now-husband, who accepted her illness without hesitation and proposed to her.
Following their marriage, Nicola and her husband, a secondary school teacher and fellow ITU nurse, made the bold decision to leave their jobs and embark on a new adventure in Spain.
Nicola commented: “After our time in Spain, my illness started to resurface, and despite medication, it became increasingly difficult to manage. Following two hospitalisations, the realisation dawned that I needed to be closer to home for better medical support. With my husband being Scottish, we made the decision to settle in Glasgow.
“In 2006, just one year into our marriage, I received the joyous news that I was pregnant. However, this happiness was short-lived as I was soon admitted to the hospital due to complications. Within a few weeks, I experienced the heart-breaking loss of both the baby and my large bowel. It was during this tumultuous time that I underwent surgery, resulting in the creation of a stoma (Ileostomy).”
Vanilla Blush was born out of this journey.
Vanilla Blush unfolds a compelling narrative rooted in Nicola’s transformative journey from nursing to fashion, coupled with her personal battle with ulcerative colitis. This distinctive fusion of healthcare and design expertise propels the creation of intimate health apparel and medical devices for individuals with stoma/ostomy or hernias post-surgery.
Noteworthy milestones, such as winning awards, launching medical devices, and delving into university-led research, underscore the company’s commitment to innovation and enhancing the lives of those who’ve undergone major surgeries.
The global reach, team expansion, and recent initiatives, like the launch of a new website, signify continued growth and impact. Furthermore, the emphasis on working collaboratively with all partners in the industry, making Vanilla Blush data-rich, adds a layer of sophistication to its narrative—highlighting a commitment to comprehensive industry engagement and knowledge.
Overall, it’s a story of resilience, purpose, and ongoing dedication to advancing healthcare solutions.
Discussing some of the challenges Vanilla Blush faces, Nicola commented: “As a small business deeply rooted in patient care, we understand the critical balance between clinical necessity and patient experience. In the dynamic landscape of cost-saving initiatives within the NHS, where decisions often hinge on distinguishing between luxury and clinical need, we proudly stand as innovators who prioritise both.
“Our garments, born out of empathy and expertise, are more than just products; they are solutions meticulously crafted to enhance patient well-being.
“While larger competitors may have the resources to reach decision-makers first, we advocate for a fair and inclusive evaluation of innovative solutions from small businesses. Our commitment to excellence isn’t measured by the size of our team, but by the impact of our patient-centric approach.
“We invite policy and regulation decisionmakers to recognise the unique value that smaller, innovative businesses bring to the healthcare landscape – a value that extends beyond the balance sheets to the very lives we aim to improve.”
Vanilla Blush decided to become a BHTA member for several compelling reasons, as Nicola explained: “First and foremost, our commitment to providing high-quality products and services aligned closely with the BHTA’s mission to promote excellence within the healthcare industry. We first heard about the BHTA through industry networks and recognised it as a reputable and influential organisation within the healthcare sector.”
Nicola added that by joining the association, Vanilla Blush gains access to a wealth of resources, expertise, and networking opportunities.
“This includes access to training and educational programs, regulatory guidance, and industry updates, all of which are invaluable for staying abreast of the latest developments and best practices in our field,” continued Nicola.
“Furthermore, being a member of the BHTA provides us with a platform to engage with other industry professionals, exchange ideas, and collaborate on initiatives that benefit the wider healthcare community. This not only enhances our visibility and credibility within the industry but also fosters partnerships and opportunities for growth.
“Specifically for our business, the BHTA can support us in various ways. This includes advocacy and representation on regulatory matters, ensuring that our interests are effectively represented at the policy level. Additionally, the association offers support with compliance and quality assurance, helping us to uphold the highest standards of product safety and efficacy.
“Moreover, being part of a larger association like the BHTA provides us with a sense of belonging to a community of like-minded professionals who share our commitment to excellence in healthcare. This collective strength enables us to amplify our voice, influence positive change, and drive innovation within the industry.
“In summary, our decision to become a BHTA member was driven by our shared values, the tangible benefits of membership, and the opportunities for collaboration and growth that it affords. We are confident that our partnership with the BHTA will not only support our business goals but also contribute to advancing healthcare standards and improving patient outcomes.”
To find out more about how the BHTA can support your business and how to become a BHTA member, visit this page.
This document was created in association with NHS Supply Chain and is endorsed by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
View and download this guidance as a PDF here.
For years, the experience of patients trying to find the right walking aid has been a confusing one. Suppliers and manufacturers have described products in different ways, and the way patients are measured to find the right one for them has also differed.
To improve the experience for walking aid users and the professionals who support them, NHS Supply Chain has engaged with the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) members, professional bodies and their members, suppliers and walking aid users to develop industry standard terminology, sizing criteria and ways of measuring patients.
NHS Supply Chain is asking everyone to adopt the first wrist crease as the initial measurement point, prior to using clinical reasoning and patient comfort in the final height decision.
The following terms and ranges have been agreed for implementation by NHS Supply Chain. Suppliers and distributors are being encouraged to adopt the same.
Width – Ultra Narrow, Narrow, Standard Width, Wide, and Extra Wide
Height – Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large.
The agreed measurements of the above are detailed below.
| Ultra Narrow | ≤499mm |
| Narrow | 500mm – 550mm |
| Standard Width | 551mm – 600mm |
| Wide | 601mm – 650mm |
| Extra Wide | 651mm – no upper limit |
| Small | ≤649mm |
| Medium | 650mm – 849mm |
| Large | 850mm – 949mm |
| Extra Large | 950mm – no upper limit |
Where a product spans multiple height ranges then the naming convention would be the start and end bracket. For example, a product with a height of 720mm-1,010mm would be termed Medium-Extra Large.
An example product description would be: Double Adjustable Crutch, Medium-Large (650-900mm), SWL 160kg.
On Wednesday 5 July 2023, the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) held its first joint meeting for the Children’s Equipment, Independent Living, and Mobility sections, which received high praise from attendees.
The event took place in the scenic countryside setting of Walton Hall Hotel and Spa in Warwickshire, where guests were served arrival tea, coffee, and pastries, along with a buffet lunch.
It was a chance for BHTA members and key stakeholders to come together face-to-face to network and gain insights from knowledgeable speakers on a diverse range of relevant and important topics.
The following sessions took place:
BHTA members could also attend a 1:1 export clinic with the Institute of Export and International Trade.
Reflecting on the event, David Stockdale, BHTA Chief Executive, said: “This was the first time we’ve held a joint section meeting for the Children’s Equipment, Mobility, and Independent Living sections, and it is great to see how well the event has been received by members.
“We are continually looking at ways to improve BHTA membership to ensure it is relevant, beneficial, and valuable. This joint meeting is a brilliant example of what can be achieved when we collaborate across sections and underlines just one of the benefits of being a BHTA member.
“Thank you to all of our speakers and members who attended for making the day a big success.”
The joint section meeting has also had a positive response from BHTA members.
Hayley Phillippault, Chair of BHTA Children’s Equipment section, commented: “We brought together a diverse group of speakers to address topics that matter to members across the sections, from the future of the UK economy to new innovations in accessible aviation.
“From my perspective as Chair of the Children’s Equipment section, the session delivered by Gulvinder Kaur from Taylor Price Solicitors on EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plans) was particularly enlightening. I have already shared some of the advice she gave in her presentation with a parent currently going through the EHCP process.
“In each session speakers provided actionable advice and resources to the members who attended, which underlines the practical value to members of BHTA membership.”
Veronica Downing, Vice Chair of BHTA’s Independent Living (Retailers) section, remarked: “The whole day’s programme was interesting and informative, even if, as a retailer, Rehability does not export and import goods directly!
“Although I am not an economist, the presentation by Glynn Jones from the Bank of England was fascinating, understandable, and it was so helpful to see the issues of finance, legislation and the economy that are impacting on the healthcare industry within the context of the UK, Europe and globally and how they impact on our own businesses and the consumer.
“In the afternoon, case studies and videos of practical demonstrations of equipment, design in the making and real-life application to improve wheelchair users experience as air passengers helped to break up more intensely informative sessions.”
Simon Tempest, Vice Chair of BHTA’s Mobility section, said: “I thought the day was very well put together, the venue, the speakers, and the content were all well organised. It was also a good opportunity for networking and spending time with industry experts I would not usually get the time with.
“My highlights were the presentation and insight from the Bank of England, as well as the regulatory segment. I also enjoyed the presentation about the potential for individuals to have the ability to travel with their powerchair or mobility device directly on an aircraft.”
Stephen Kirkpatrick, Vice Chair of BHTA’s Children Equipment section, added: “The sessions that were provided by consultant speakers were educational and incredibly relevant to inform the complexities of operating in provision to today’s healthcare market in the UK, particularly the import, export and shipping sessions that helped to distill much of the operational requirements as well as conformity to regulation into an easy-to-understand session.
“My key highlight was the education, health and care plan session presented by Gurvinder Kaur. This subject holds great relevance to us as assistive technology suppliers to the home and school markets and the deeper understanding can help us in turn to inform healthcare professionals and families on their statutory rights to optimised and supported provisions that enable maximised opportunities to access to learning.
“Following years of online meetings, it was incredible to come together as separate sections to share a joint experience full of informative and engaging subjects with highly knowledgeable speakers. Amazing things happen when we come together and we engage.”