News tagged with 'Nursing'

Running a care home is no small task. With residents to look after, staff to manage, and a million other responsibilities, ensuring electrical safety compliance might not be at the top of your to-do list. But it’s essential. 

Faulty appliances can pose a serious risk, and meeting safety regulations is non-negotiable. That’s where the BattPAT comes in – a battery-powered portable appliance tester that makes in-house PAT testing easier than ever.

Why Care Homes Need a BattPAT

Care homes rely on a range of electrical appliances, from hoists and beds to nurse call systems. Regular PAT testing is necessary to ensure everything is safe for use, but booking external testers can be costly and time-consuming.

The BattPAT is designed to give care homes more control, allowing staff to conduct their own safety tests quickly and efficiently. And the best part? You don’t need to be an expert to use it.

Simple, Straightforward Testing

Nursing home staff have a lot on their plate, so it was important for us that the BattPAT is incredibly easy to use. With clear PASS or FAIL results, even those new to PAT testing can be up and running within 30 minutes of unpacking. 

The comprehensive user manual, downloadable test forms, and included Calibration Certificate mean you have everything you need to get started right away.

What’s Included?

The BattPAT kit comes with everything you need for straightforward and hassle-free testing:

• BattPAT PAT Tester

• Earth Bond Test Lead

• Rechargeable NiMH Batteries

• Battery Charger

• Short IEC Lead

• User Manual

• Equipment Test Record Form

• Equipment Register Form

• Lifetime Warranty upon Tester Registration

That means no hidden extras – just a reliable, ready-to-use kit designed to make your life easier.

Giving Care Homes a Helping Hand

Keeping a care home running smoothly means having the right tools for the job. The BattPAT helps you stay on top of compliance, ensuring your appliances are safe for residents and staff alike. 

Plus, with its portable design and battery-powered operation, you can carry out PAT testing wherever it’s needed – no need to be tied to a power source.

Peace of Mind with Lifetime Warranty

We stand by the quality of our products, which is why the BattPAT comes with a Lifetime Warranty when registered. That means you can invest in the BattPAT with confidence, knowing that it will support your care home for years to come.

Make Compliance Easier for You

Regulatory compliance can feel like an uphill battle, but it doesn’t have to be. The BattPAT takes the stress out of PAT testing, ensuring that your electrical appliances meet safety standards without the need for external contractors.

We’re committed to helping care home staff focus on what matters most – caring for residents. With the BattPAT, we’re giving you a helping hand in keeping your care home safe, compliant, and running smoothly.

Ready to simplify PAT testing? Email Kayleigh@andwayhealthcare.org.uk to find out more about the BattPAT and place your order.

Running a care home comes with enough challenges, and staying on top of equipment servicing and compliance shouldn’t be one of them. As you know, failing to keep up with inspections and maintenance can lead to equipment failures, staff frustrations, and, most importantly, risks to residents.

At Andway, we’ve built a servicing model that takes the stress out of compliance, ensuring your essential equipment is safe, fully operational, and compliant, at all times.

Regulations and Compliance

Regulations exist to protect both staff and residents, and staying compliant isn’t optional. 

Are you confident that all your lifting equipment has been inspected within the last six months? Do you have a system in place to prevent breakdowns before they happen? Here’s a quick refresher on what the law requires:

• LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) requires inspections every six months for equipment that lifts people, such as hoists and slings, and annually for other lifting equipment.

• PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations) applies to general equipment, including beds and wheelchairs. While not legally required at set intervals, regular servicing prevents failures and ensures reliability.

Missing an inspection can put residents at risk, lead to costly repairs, and even result in legal repercussions. That’s why we use an internal scheduling system to ensure your servicing is always booked in advance. 

No last-minute scrambles, no compliance gaps, just peace of mind.

Scheduling and Repairs

When was the last time a crucial piece of equipment failed unexpectedly? Did you have to wait weeks for an engineer to arrive?

Our internal system tracks and schedules inspections, ensuring all recurring servicing is completed on time, every time. Engineers operate nationwide during standard working hours and are even available at short notice when needed.

During a visit, engineers will inspect and service equipment as planned. If a fault is found, they’ll complete a repair whenever possible –even right there and then if possible. If additional parts are required, they’re ordered immediately, and a follow-up visit is scheduled without delay.

Recently, during a routine LOLER inspection, our newest engineer, Simon, found a faulty hoist on site. Rather than leaving it out of action, we arranged for it to be collected that day (Thursday) and brought back to our warehouse for repair.

One of our brilliant engineers completed the work that same afternoon, and by Monday morning, it was back on-site in working order.

Contracts and Cost-Effective Packages

Every care home or facility has different requirements, so we offer a range of servicing options to suit different needs:

• Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) ensures six-month and annual inspections are always completed. 

• Fixed-price contracts lock in pricing for up to 12, 24, or 36 months, preventing unexpected cost increases.

• No call-out fee applies when servicing five or more pieces of equipment (T&Cs apply). 

Most of our group clients opt for a fixed contract, giving them predictable costs and guaranteed coverage for the foreseeable future. Once in place, there are no hidden charges, just straightforward, reliable servicing that keeps equipment working.

Why Investing In Servicing Pays Off

If a key piece of equipment breaks down, it can be a huge inconvenience. It can disrupt care, impact staff productivity, and even put residents at risk. Regular servicing can:

• Extend equipment lifespan – Prevents breakdowns, reducing the need for costly replacements.

• Train staff – Helps your team use and maintain equipment properly, improving efficiency.

• Protect residents – Ensure hoists, beds, and wheelchairs are always safe to use.

• Give families peace of mind – Demonstrates your commitment to high-quality care.

Nationwide Coverage and Experienced Engineers

Andway is a family-run business with a team of senior engineers equipped with decades of experience. We cover the whole of the UK and prioritise quick response times for servicing and emergency repairs. If equipment needs urgent attention, we’ll arrange for an engineer to be on-site as soon as possible.

For a partner that simplifies compliance, get in touch to discuss a servicing plan that works for you.

Introduction

At Andway Healthcare, we’re passionate about supporting care homes across the UK in providing the best possible care for their residents. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce our new series: Care Home of the Month.

This month, we’re shining a spotlight on Hayes Cottage Nursing Home in Middlesex for their inspiring work and dedication to improving the lives of their residents with dementia.

About Hayes Cottage

Located in the west London town of Hayes, Hayes Cottage Nursing Home offers 24-hour specialised nursing, residential, and palliative care.

As part of Serencroft, a family-owned care home group committed to providing individualised care assistance and the highest standards of nursing, Hayes Cottage fosters a caring environment that promotes wellbeing and dignity.

The nursing home is situated in a peaceful setting with 50 bedrooms, many with en-suite bathrooms.

Improving the Lives of Residents with Dementia

Hayes Cottage Nursing Home kindly chose to share this story with us during World Alzheimer’s Month, an important time to raise dementia awareness and support people affected by the disease.

The nursing home is participating in the ‘Happiness Programme,’ a project run jointly by the Alzheimer's Society and Social-Ability, exploring how to create exciting and accessible physical activities for people living with dementia.

As part of the programme, Hayes Cottage was recently selected to receive a sensory table designed specifically for those living with cognitive and physical care needs. 

The sensory table, which provided care home residents with opportunities to participate in games and interact with personalised content using interactive light technology, was provided free of charge for three months, enabling the nursing home to evaluate its impact on residents' daily lives.

The objectives of introducing the sensory table were:

• To promote engagement and improve mood among individuals with dementia

• To create a safe and stimulating environment through sensory experiences

• To foster social interaction and cognitive stimulation

The sensory table proved to be a positive addition to the dementia care facility at Hayes Cottage. Residents who had been withdrawn became more engaged and interactive as they explored the table, and the range of sensory experiences led to conversations and laughter.

Eventually, residents felt safe and comfortable enough to play games together. The various activities allowed them to express their creativity and connect with others, reinforcing their sense of self and community.

Recognising the sensory table's positive impact on residents with dementia, Hayes Cottage Nursing Home, which is continuously exploring innovative ways to support their care, is fundraising to acquire one of its own.

Could Your Care Home be Featured?

To be considered for a future Care Home of the Month feature, we invite you to share your stories with us, contact us at marketing@andwayhealthcare.org.uk

Let's celebrate the positive impact that care homes are making on the lives of their residents!

Jay and Rob are at the Care England Forum 2018 on Monday 23rd - Tuesday 24th July at Forest of Arden, a Marriott Hotel and Country Club, meeting care home professionals from across the UK. Pop over and see us at the event. https://bit.ly/2IOKjX2 #Networking #Care #Solutions #nursinghomes