There’s a great 3 page feature in the May issue of Thiis Magazine, including an interview with Prism Medical UK’s CEO Stuart Meldrum
Click here for the online version and turn to page 44 to get the latest on our rapid expansion, commitment to UK manufacturing and local services as well as improving product range and customer service.
Alongside Nick Knowles, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and his team, Prism helped to totally transform the family home of 18-year old Antonia Payne-Cheney.
Until the age of 14, Antonia was a healthy, normal and very active teenage girl. However, her health took a shocking turn. She began to feel very tired and had no energy at all. Gradually she became more and more exhausted and began to fall unconscious regularly.
As a result, Antonia was hospitalised and after many blood tests, was diagnosed with a connective tissue disorder, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Caused by a lack of collagen in the body. Ehlers-Danlos also causes problems with the digestive system meaning that Antonia is now no longer able to eat normally and is fed through a line directly in to her heart. An additional devastating facet of Ehlers-Danlos is a condition called POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) which causes Antonia to collapse and lose consciousness whenever she tries to stand and sometimes even sit upright, meaning that she cannot even wash herself without help.
Antonia’s POTS means that she must use a specially adapted wheelchair which keeps her legs elevated, preventing her from losing consciousness. The family home and garden wasn’t adjusted to Antonia’s needs, in terms of the lack of space and there not being a constant supply of oxygen, which was causing a real strain for all the family having to survive on camp beds in her hospital ward.
The DIY SOS team, alongside many volunteers and with the help of Prism Medical UK made a whole range of building adjustments and changes to help improve their living space, indoors and outdoors.
Brian Ruttle, Group Technical Support Manager, Prism Medical UK, was able to assist and advise the DIY SOS team on the installation and capabilities of the ceiling track hoist system, and stated: ‘Prism Medical UK were delighted to donate and install two Freeway TransactiveXtra ceiling track hoist H- systems H-system and one straight track hoist throughout the house. The systems will really contribute to Antonia’s care, comfort and quality of life and we are delighted to aid in beginning Antonia’s new life at home.’
Moving, handling and bathing specialist Prism Medical UK has announced the launch of two products which form part of the moving and handling product portfolio – the Freeway Raiser and Freeway Bed Management System. Both products are designed and manufactured in the UK to the highest standard and quality, synonymous with our Freeway brand. Their robust quality and ergonomic design features makes them perfect for use in the community or nursing environments.
The Freeway Raiser is a sit to stand platform, which 
is designed to provide an active, safe and comfortable transfer of the user. It is ideal for short distance transfers, such as to/from bed to chair.
Its versatility allows use with wheelchairs, toilet and shower chairs.
Key Benefits and features
• Maximum user weight: 160 kg (25 stone)
• Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre
• Padded leg support for added comfort
• Multiple grip options for both user and carer
• Raiser Strap and Safety Belt available to enable a carer to assist a user to their feet
• Independent locking rear brakes
• Unique handle mechanism provides further security and safety of belt fastening
The Freeway Bed Management System
The Freeway Bed Management System provides an easy to use, low friction solution for patients who require frequent re-positioning.
The Freeway Bed Management System consists of two separate units –
a nylon, water resistant under sheet with wide non-slip sides, and a fully breathable, water proof, quilted polyester soft-shell top sheet.
It provides ease of use by carers, and forms an ideal bed solution as part of a single handed care package.
Also available is the Freeway Support Wedge which provides a firm support for a patient in bed and helps them remain in a required position.
Key Benefits and Features
• Provides comfort for patients
• Minimal effort from carers
• Ideal for use by a single carer
• Works easily with four section profiling beds
• Can be used on a pressure care mattress
• Can also be used with a hoist to assist turning
• Dimensions:140cm × 200cm
• Maximum user weight: 200kg
Prism Medical UK, Sales Director, Tom Reaney added: “The Freeway Raiser and Freeway Bed Management System are further examples of our ongoing commitment to our customers, in striving to provide the very best in quality, safety and comfort. Carrying the quality which is synonymous with the Freeway brand, we’re confident that these pioneering products will become an integral part of the moving and handling equipment required in care homes, hospitals, specialist schools and the home”.
For more information call 01924 840 100
Prism Medical UK were once again involved in an episode of DIY SOS: The Big Build, broadcast on 29th September at 8:00pm on BBC1.
Alongside Nick Knowles and his team, Prism helped to totally transform the family home of Rachel and Andy Smith, from Derby.
Rachel and Andy’s son Isaac suffered severe brain damage during childbirth. As a result, Isaac has life limiting cerebral palsy, and is totally blind.
The family home and garden wasn’t adjusted to Isaac’s needs, causing a real strain for all the family.
The DIY SOS team, alongside many volunteers and with the help of Prism Medical UK made a whole range of building adjustments and changes to help improve their living space, indoors and outdoors.
Prism were delighted to donate and install a Freeway TransactiveXtra ceiling track hoist system in Isaac’s bedroom and wet room. The family garden also took a dramatic transformation through a sensory landscape design and the construction of therapy hut, complete with hot tub. Prism also installed a ceiling track hoist system in the therapy hut. Both systems will really contribute to Isaac’s care, comfort and quality of life.
Brian Ruttle, Group Technical Support Manger, Prism Medical UK, was able to assist and advise the DIY SOS team on the installation and capabilities of the ceiling track hoist system, and stated:
‘Our goal at Prism is to help people transform their lives, through the moving, handling and bathing solutions we manufacture and supply, and we are very privileged to have been involved and support the DIY SOS team throughout the build. Knowing we have made a difference to help Rachel and Andy, give Isaac the best possible life, is such rewarding experience, not only for those involved in the project, but for everyone at Prism Medical UK’.
The Yorkshire Lions Wheelchair Rugby Team held their First Annual Awards Evening and dinner in Wakefield on Saturday 2nd July.
The evening celebrated an outstanding inaugural season in the National League in which the team gained promotion at the first ask.
All playing team members were awarded with trophies acknowledging their magnificent contributions over the course of the season.
The four main trophies were awarded as follows:
Once again, Prism Medical UK would like to congratulate the team on their substantial efforts over the past 12 months.
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Moving, handling and bathing specialist Prism Medical UK has today announced the launch of two new products within their Mackworth brand portfolio – the Mackworth SA160E and the Mackworth TA180.
Designed and manufactured at Prism’s North Wales factory, both products aim to provide an innovative solution to clients’ mobile hoisting and transfer options whilst at the same time reducing their costs.
The Mackworth SA160E
offers a highly economical stand aid solution.
Produced to the same cost effective manufacturing process of the Mackworth hoist range, providing a robust unit with no compromise on quality.
Offers true value-for-money.
Key Benefits and Features:
• A cost effective solution for the budget conscious
• Accommodates the support and comfort needs of the client
• Maximum weight capacity – 160kg
The Mackworth TA180 is a transfer support unit which encourages more mobile clients to stand un-assisted.
The versatility of the Mackworth TA180 allows for ease of use in a variety of care and health environments.
Key Benefits and Features:
• Provides easy transportation to the bathroom and toilet
• Offers a suitable alternative to a wheelchair
• Allows for greater interaction between user and carer
• Padded knee support for extra comfort
• Maximum weight capacity – 180kg
Both ranges come complete with manual leg opening and a one year warranty.
Prism Medical UK Sales Director, Tom Reaney was extremely positive about the launch of the new Mackworth SA160E and TA180. He added: “Many of our customers are experiencing tighter budgetary constraints than at any time I can remember and this is something we are continually looking to address. We feel the new Mackworth SA160E and TA180 will go some way to saving healthcare organisations significant amounts of money, whilst maintaining robust quality standards expected by our customers”.
We are delighted to announce that the Yorkshire Lions Wheelchair Rugby Team have been promoted to Division 2 after an astounding performance in the Super Series North, which took place 16/17th April, in Stoke-On-Trent. This mighty effort earned the Yorkshire Lions 2nd place in Division 3 and an immediate promotion.
It is a sparkling achievement as this was their first season in the national league and testament to the sheer effort and determination they have put into training and competition. Credit has to be given to coach Allan Smith who built the foundations of a team and to new Head Coach, Paul McDerby, who has shaped them into a winning team over the past few months.
Our very own Neil Foulds played a starring role in this achievement, bagging over 100 goals over the course of the season.
The Yorkshire Lions beat The Solent Hammerheads 53:14 and then mauled the Stoke Mandeville Maulers 62:24.
This set them up for the final against arch rivals Liverpool Lions and whilst they were defeated, it left them 2nd overall.
The Yorkshire Lions earned an invitation to play in the National Wheelchair Rugby Championships this coming weekend 23rd/24th April, at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield.
Prism Medical UK would like to congratulate The Yorkshire Lions on their promotion and wish them the best of luck at the Nationals.
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Prism Medical UK is delighted to announce that they will be helping promote the Forget Me Not Hospice and participating in their first ever Colour Run.
Working with Forget Me Not Hospice for over five years, Prism supply and fit ceiling track hoists into the hospice. Prism has also been supporting the Hospice since the recent unfortunate events of a fire that shut down the Forget Me Not Hospice for over a week, causing the hospice to lose £140,000.
The organisers of the event encourage anyone and everyone to take part in the 5km course that can be done at one’s own pace – participants can run, walk or dance through the rainbow in aid of Forget Me Not Hospice.
All money raised at the event will allow Forget Me Not Hospice to keep reaching and caring for the children with life shortening conditions and their families throughout Calderdale, Kirklees, Wakefield and Bradford.
The Colour Run will take place on 21st May 2016 at Farnley Estates, Huddersfield. Registration for the Colour Run is £15 per adult and £7.50 per child, with family tickets also available (2 x adult 2 x children) priced at £40.
Register for the Colour Run here
The Yorkshire Lions Wheelchair Rugby Team faced their Second Division 3 Super Series North set of competitive games on the 5th March.
Victory was achieved against the Caledonian Crushers, beating them 73:11, with our very own Neil Foulds bagging over 30 goals.
The Yorkshire Lions fought bravely against the Liverpool Lions, but unfortunately lost the game to the experienced outfit.
The scorelines show that even in the last month the Yorkshire Lions have progressed by ‘pegging back’ Liverpool Lions to a smaller margin and scoring more than last time. The Yorkshire Lions also won against the Caledonian Crushers by a more significant margin.
The Final Super Series Division 3 will take place on the 16-17th March in Stoke-on-Trent.
The North and South pools of Division 3 all come together and all play each other in order to complete the results for Division 3 this year.
For more updates follow us on:
Moving, handling and bathing specialist Prism Medical UK has announced the launch of a new and pioneering Falls Recovery Sling.
The Freeway Falls Recovery Sling allows carers to safely transfer a person who needs assistance immediately after a fall.
Manufactured from low friction material, the sling allows secure moving and sliding of an individual, so they can be comfortably transferred from the floor to a bed or chair.
The Freeway Falls Recovery Sling is incredibly strong and has a maximum weight capacity of 200kg. (31.5 stone). The versatile design makes it suitable for both adults and children.
The Freeway Falls Recovery Sling allows for the fallen person to be rolled onto the sling whilst in a lying position.
Once moved onto to the sling, the carer can easily slide the person to a more open area if required, for the suitable positioning of a hoist.
The person can then be safely hoisted up off the floor and transferred with comfort and ease into a chair or bed.
More information on the Freeway Falls Recovery Sling can be found here
Or call our friendly team on 0845 409 2000
