Tracey Hellowell, MD of Just Care Products in Braddan, has joined the Healthcare and Assistive Technology Society (HATS) as a Council member. The Society, headquartered in London, promotes industry standards and a professional code of conduct, encourages the professional development of members and supports individuals working in the healthcare sector.

Mrs Hellowell explained, ‘Assistive Technology is the official term to cover mobility and other aids for the disabled and elderly. For instance, mobility scooters, wheelchairs, rollators, mobile ramps, bath lifts and daily living aids. Essentially, all the items that have been designed to make life easier and to assist mobility for those who need help. Supporting independent living is at the core of our business,’ 

HATS members adhere to a strict code of conduct to ensure that best practices are adhered to. They make sure that best information and options are made available to potential users who can be among the more vulnerable members of society. Customers can be confident that members, whether they are a product advisor, technician, installation engineer or retailer, are operating to the highest standards through continued professional development. All of the Just Care team are members of the Society, and Just Care Products is also a member of the British Healthcare Trades Association.

Mrs Hellowell said, ‘Over the past two years we’ve extended our product range considerably and there are now over 500 lines available at our showroom. We’ve added team members, including an engineer who handles installations and servicing. When we were approached by HATS we felt that we should all join to benefit from the Society’s support, particularly for keeping up to date with what is happening in the industry. Of course we already worked to a similar code of practice and always ensure that our customers get the very best advice and support. HATS membership means we have the support of other industry professionals, we can meet with them, exchange views and share experiences, all with a view to improving our service.’

When a position on the Society’s Council was advertised Mrs Hellowell applied and has now been appointed. She will attend her first Council meeting in November in Sheffield. The Society is currently working towards holding the Accredited Register for the industry. Supervised by the Professional Standards Authority, an Accredited Register will enable the public to choose the services of practitioners based on their inclusion in an independently assessed and approved scheme. As a Council member Mrs Hellowell will be involved in policy-making decisions and in the development of the Society. ‘It’s good to think that the Isle of Man will have a voice at the table and can contribute to decisions being made in this area of healthcare,’ she said.

Kay Purnell, Chair of the Society’s Council said, ‘The Society relies on its members volunteering their professional skills, knowledge and time to help drive the Society forward and meet strategic goals. I am delighted that Tracey Hellowell will be bringing her extensive professional experience to the Society Council to aid us in this.’

Just Care Products recently improved and extended its showroom at Spring Valley (just behind B&Q), with better access and space around products to make it easier for visitors to the showroom to get around and see all that is available. Mrs Hellowell added, ‘As with so many businesses these days our competition is from the internet. We want people to know that we are a local family business and we will come to your home to help you work out what best suits your needs. We have our own engineer to install, assemble or do whatever is needed to get things up and running for you and you won’t incur any delivery costs. If anything goes wrong, we can follow up right away, and when servicing is needed that’s easily arranged too.’

The Isle of Man and Channel Islands are covered by the Society and the team at Just Care Products are the first members on the Isle of Man. The Patron of the Society is Baroness Glenys Thornton whose career in politics has focussed mostly on legislation concerning children, the disabled and charities. She led for Labour during the passage of the 2012 Health and Social Care Act and is currently an active member on numerous health related All Party Groups, on cancer, the elderly, smoking cessation and science and research.

Mrs Hellowell recently achieved a BTEC (Business & Technology Education Council) Professional Certificate in Healthcare and Assistive Technology (Level Four). This involved extensive distance learning, attending training in the UK and a final exam, also in the UK. The training focussed on person-centred assessment and included dealing with sensory loss (visual and hearing impairment), mental health issues (impact of long term disability on mental health, depression & anxiety), dementia, regulation and safety of products, physiology and anatomy, and arthritic and neurological conditions.  All of these are important on a day-to-day basis when helping Just Care Products’ customers.

Photo - Tracey Hellowell, MD of Just Care Products.