Harvest Healthcare

Equipped to care

Marjan Hakami

Politicians; Prioritise the NHS

Ferelith Gaze, Head of Pubic Affairs at NHS Providers, argues more investment is needed in the NHS for years to come.

There are roughly 1.3 million people aged 85 and over within England – this number is set to double over the next 20 years as we all begin to live longer. But will we be able to enjoy this longer period of life in good health?

A post-election priority for the Government, states Ferelith, should be to meet growing demand for services in the future. England’s demographic trends show the impact of changing times, and pose many questions including:

  • How should the health and care system respond to this demographic shift?
  • Should the NHS manage an increasing population of older people in declining health?
  • Or – should the NHS work to increase the number of years in good health?

Politicians need to be realistic – the NHS have been asked to transform services, keep up with demand and meet Government commitments, all while facing low funding. If the country is to continue the way it is headed, staff will become unaffordable, and hospitals run down. Politicians should acknowledge the NHS is funded to meet demand or what is asked of the service is moulded to fit resources.

Health and social care also need assistance to work hand in hand, effectively and efficiently for all. Integration should be managed locally, but politicians need to give their support when changes are made to bring communities improved care. Social care funding needs addressing, as England are now facing a long-term social care challenge.

The NHS is at the fore-front of world-class care – we must invest in the NHS as an investment in the UK. 

Read the full article here: http://www.nationalhealthexecutive.com/News/investing-in-success-nhs-priorities-for-politicians-over-the-next-five-years

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Harvest Healthcare Servicing Team

Harvest Healthcare Ltd are a one-stop shop for moving, handling and pressure care equipment services. We provide a cost-effective, quality service with an honest approach, but do you realise just how much we can do?Harvest Servicing

Harvest Servicing offers:

  • Annual Savings
  • 24 Hour Support
  • Quality & Compliance
  • Trouble Free Operation
  • A Personal Contact within Harvest
  • Certification & Accreditation Checks
  • Mattress Repair, Decontamination and Replacement Programs

Preferring to repair over replacing, wherever possible, our team of trusted engineers will always seek to provide a solution.

Harvest can assist you in decreasing servicing costs, provide a budgetable solution and whole-life cost savings through Planned Preventative Maintenance packages.

Not only are Harvest Healthcare able to service and repair equipment, we also provide a mattress exchange system. To assist you in maintaining your assets, we are able to hold stock of your mattress range to ensure replacements are always available minimising any interruptions in the quality of care for service users.

The mattress exchange system is proven to provide a faster turnaround of equipment and minimise downtime, whilst also eliminating expensive call out and labour fees.

For more information, contact a member of the servicing team on 01709 388059 or email at servicing@harvesthealthcare.co.uk

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NAEP Conference 2017

Harvest Healthcare are pleased to announce we will once again be attending the NAEP Conference from 12th to 14th June. The aim of NAEP is to provide delegates with valuable information and advice, focused on networking delegates and solution providers.

Harvest Healthcare will be available to meet on Stands 4 and 5, where we will be demoing a selection of exciting equipment. Products available to view at this year’s event include:

Last year, Harvest won the Best Stand Award, and would really appreciate your support to make this year into a double win. Let’s bring the prize home.Best Exhibitor Stand

Our experienced team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have, and demonstrate how each piece of equipment can work to the benefit of both carers and service users.

If you have any questions you would like us to answer beforehand, or would like ready when we see you there, please send them through to enquiries@harvesthealthcare.co.uk

We can’t wait to see you there!

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Pressure Ulcers – What are they?

Pressure Ulcers (Sores) develop from sustained pressure on the skin, when individual sit in a chair or lay in bed for a lengthy period. The ulcers are most common for elderly people suffering from poor health, as they are less mobile so are less likely to change position on a regular basis. Skin and tissue become damaged by the constant pressure, eventually wearing away and revealing the bone.

For individuals with less fatty tissue or cushioning around the bone, the ulcers will develop in areas such as the heels, elbows or buttocks area (bony areas). Pressure ulcers also develop if the body has poor circulation, the lack of blood being pumped around the body reduces the nutrients for the skin and increases the chance of ulcer formation.

Damage beneath the skin can begin in as little as two hours of sustained pressure. There are four stages for a pressure ulcer, each stage gradually becomes worse and more of a threat to the individual’s health if left untreated.

Pressure ulcers can be prevented by individuals being kept active, or have assistance in moving every so often. To reduce pressure on the common areas, foam cushions and mattresses can both prevent and treat pressure ulcers, contributing to the good health of patients.

Weight is distributed when the correct pressure relieving mattresses and cushions are used, preventing the skin from breaking. Some mattresses, such as the Kinetic Air have castellated foam tops, which allows the mattress foam to breath therefore preventing the patient from overheating and developing sweat moisture is also a contributor to pressure ulcers.

Pressure Ulcers have a huge impact upon a patient’s life, and need proper care to ensure they do not further decline. The range of products at Harvest Healthcare contribute to the correct treatment necessary for ulcers and provides patients with increased levels of comfort.

Please call and speak to a member of the team, to ensure your patients and loved ones are using the correct pressure relieving products.

Strength & Balance – The Missing Link?

When we are young, we are constantly told how exercise is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and grow up to be strong men and women. But as we become older, life gets in the way and we often forget to continue to exercise. This isn’t good enough. Exercise, strength, and balance are crucial factors in reducing the risk of falling as we become older, and assisting us to live independently as we become older.

Strength & Balance

41% of over 70s don’t realise how important good strength and balance is to reduce falls, according to new research commissioned by the Centre for Ageing Better. Each year, around 30% of people aged 65 and over will have a fall, which can result in serious injury.

The research carried out by the Centre for Ageing Better, shows just how many of us don’t know what activities are better for improving our strength and balance. Louise Ansari, Director of Communications and Programme Director for Physical Activity at the Centre for Ageing Better, said: “It is a sad state of affairs that there are over 250,000 emergency admissions of older people to hospital for falls every year, when so many falls and fractures could be prevented by simple exercises that improve people’s strength and balance.”

Would patients within your Care Home benefit from exercise classes or activities to improve strength and balance? Even if patients are at a lower risk of falling than others, it is still important for them to be included and have a go. Soft yoga classes could be made available once a week, or dance classes something simple to re-awaken the muscles, whilst still enjoying their time. For something tailored for those who like to be outdoors, a game of Bowls at the local park, or gardening on the ground of the home can also get movement flowing.

Something is better than nothing, it is better to gradually build up just 10 minutes at a time before more can be done.

Professor Kevin Fenton, Public Health England National Director for Health and Wellbeing, said: “Falls can pose a very serious health issue for older people and often lead to a loss of confidence and independence.”

Harvest Healthcare supply, Fall Protection Equipment, which can assist patients at a higher risk of falling. Accompanying the Vigilant Falls Reduction System, along with a twice weekly exercise regime could have the desired effect of reducing the number of falls within your Care Home, or even in Sheltered Housing.

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