In today's complex regulatory landscape, maintaining compliance within estates is not just a necessity but a critical responsibility. However, managing this in-house can often stretch resources, extend timescales, and result in incomplete or inefficient outcomes. That's where Protects Plus comes in, providing expert, efficient, and evidence-based compliance estates support. The Challenges of In-House Compliance Management While some organisations opt to manage compliance internally, this approach can present several challenges: Resource Constraints : Managing compliance requires dedicated personnel, time, and consistent oversight. For many organisations, these resources are already stretched thin, leading to delays and potential oversights. Complex Regulations : Compliance requirements can be intricate and frequently updated. Keeping up with these changes requires continuous learning and adaptation. Risk of Incomplete Work : Without specialist knowledge and focus, tasks can be left unfinished or incorrectly executed, posing significant risks. The Protects Plus Advantage Outsourcing to Protects Plus eliminates these challenges and offers a host of benefits: Expertise On-Demand : Our experienced team brings specialised knowledge, ensuring all compliance tasks are handled correctly and efficiently. Streamlined Process : We conduct comprehensive audits and address compliance requirements in one streamlined approach, saving time and reducing operational disruption. Evidence-Based Reporting : Through our dedicated portal, clients gain access to detailed, transparent, and evidence-based reports. This ensures accountability and makes audits straightforward. Reduced Risk : With professionals managing your compliance, the risk of errors and non-compliance is significantly reduced. Cost-Effective Solutions : Avoid the long-term costs of in-house management, from staffing to training, by leveraging our efficient and focused service model. The Power of Our Portal A standout feature of Protects Plus is our advanced portal. This platform offers: Real-Time Updates : Stay informed about compliance progress and completed tasks. Comprehensive Documentation : Access all necessary evidence and reports at any time. Audit Readiness : Simplify your audit process with organised and easily retrievable records. Portal Dashboard providing Evidence-Based Reporting Why Choose Protects Plus? We understand the pressures and complexities of compliance management. Our mission is to provide a seamless, expert-driven solution that delivers peace of mind. By partnering with us, you ensure that compliance is handled with precision, dedication, and transparency. Hear what one of our clients say! "Since partnering with Protects Plus, our estates management has really been transformed. Not only has it freed up valuable time for our team to focus on core responsibilities, but it's also dramatically improved the accuracy of our compliance processes. It's like that old saying, 'You can't mark your own homework!' Even though we have a great team, we knew things were being missed because we were so used to our own environments, making simple errors that could have had serious consequences. Greg & Jaegar and the team at Protects Plus brought a fresh perspective and a meticulous approach, catching those details that we, simply didn't see. Most significantly, during the critical last three months of our 2023 financial year, when resources were stretched thin, we were able to confidently shift our focus to completing our crucial capex projects and manage staff shortages better. Knowing that Protects Plus were handling our compliance requirements allowed us to deploy our team where they were most needed, ensuring we met our critical deadlines. This level of support was invaluable." Estates Director for NHS Trust in the South East of England Ready to Simplify Your Compliance Journey? Don't let stretched resources and complicated regulations compromise your compliance obligations. Let Protects Plus be your trusted partner in achieving and maintaining full compliance with ease and efficiency. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your organisation. Contact us today to discuss things further – call 0345 646 0955 or email enquiries@protects-plus.co.uk  to arrange a demonstration.

When was the last time your anti-ligature load release products such as curtain tracks within your buildings were inspected and load tested? If they haven’t been tested for over 12 months, then it could be a ticking time bomb! The Department of Health’s ‘Never Events list’, the HTM66 and a 2002 Safety Notice all specifically state the importance of ensuring this is carried out as per manufacturer's guidelines. One Capital Projects Manager from an NHS Trust said it plainly that ‘the failure to not carry out the annual load test and inspection is in effect a Never Event and we would never contemplate not doing it’ . It has become clear that quite a number of Healthcare providers are not carrying this out or taking this seriously enough and this is where Protects Plus is here to help. Protects Plus is the only independent company dedicated to serving and supporting the Healthcare sector to audit and annually load test their anti-ligature load release shading and privacy products to ensure compliance and peace of mind for all. How Protects Plus can help: Provide access to our purpose built software to log in and view all load release products within your building Clear visibility via the portals of items that pass or those that need immediate action Full audits, inspections and load testing carried out by approved engineers Annual contracts to look after all your properties and products going forward Get in touch today to arrange an online demonstration and let us help to get you fully compliant. Call +44 (0)345 646 0955 or email enquiries@protects-plus.co.uk  to see how we can help.

Make that theory a reality by contacting Protects Plus. Here at Protects Plus we not only allow you to control and manage your compliance requirements, but we make it easy for you too! We understand the headaches and paperwork that sometimes is required to ensure your buildings are safe for all who use them. We are passionate about removing all pain points when it comes to getting your anti-ligature items and shading and privacy products compliant. At Protects Plus we give you complete control and management of these products using our purpose-built software and with access via our portals you can simply manage these everything in one place. We work with you in auditing all your assets within your buildings and uploading all data and results onto the portals, so you have complete visibility for reporting on. Whether it is anti-ligature items for their annual mandatory inspection and load testing or the management of your privacy curtains within your buildings, we are here to help you. What we do: Complete management of your annual load release / anti-ligature products testing Control and manage of all your curtains needs for purchasing, cleaning and replacing Auditing and testing of assets made simple and controllable from one platform Compliance management made easy to make your tomorrow a safer one. Contact Protects Plus today, call 0345 646 0955 or email enquiries@protects-plus.co.uk  and we will be happy to discuss in more detail.

Annual mandatory requirements have never been easier! Estates, Health & Safety and Maintenance teams are all too aware of the ever increasing demand of administrative tasks, let alone ensuring their compliance requirements are met. The actual management of compliance is one thing and the reporting of it can prove another great challenge taking up a lot of time and resource. A recent study found that just over 30% of NHS Mental Health Trusts didn't know that it was a mandatory requirement to test anti-ligature products, such as curtain tracks and blinds ,  on an annual basis. A further 30% stated that they were aware that testing was mandatory but they weren't doing it. Looking into this further, it became clear, that whilst ignorance is not an excuse, the main reason for doing it was largely down to a lack of understanding or physical resource and time to manage this requirement. Protects Plus are here to not only help but to take a share of the pain and free up time for these teams so they can focus on where they are needed most. We are well aware of the time Compliance Management can take when it comes to the annual testing of anti-ligature products and so we are willing to step up to the plate and take this on using our purpose-built management software. Annual Testing We carry out physical on site audits of all anti-ligature products. Visual inspection and checks along with load release tests on each item are completed and recorded. We then create an asset list from the data which is then uploaded to our software along with all results. Software & Portal All results are loaded according to their location so they are easily identifiable for example - building, ward, room etc. Full results on each asset are viewable and reports downloadable per item, area or building. Status of each asset is detailed, with any required actions highlighted and notifications on when next audit is due, whilst all managed centrally from the portal for your own peace of mind.   Help us to help you Here at Protects Plus, we really want to help you We can take all your annual testing needs in hand and fully audit and manage this requirement for you, whilst giving you control via our portal for access to reports and status. More importantly, you can then be assured that your compliance needs are fully met. However, we do need your help first. We need to be able to fully understand your asset list and requirements so we can adequately plan the testing. If this is not known then a thorough site survey is required by ourselves to collate all assets. Once this is obtained we can then upload all asset data to the portal and testing can commence. With all this then managed by ourselves, you can focus on the areas that need you most with the confidence that your mandatory annual testing is being taken care of and your buildings and people are safe. Reach out today and arrange a meeting to discuss   Email: enquiries@protects-plus.co.uk  or Call: +44(0)345 646 0955 Visit: www.protects-plus.co.uk  to find out more

Following on from a recent post on the obligation of Mental Health providers to ensure their anti-ligature products are tested annually, we now discuss the benefits of using an independent company to manage this for you. Quality of Testing An independent testing company dedicated on the service of maintaining and auditing of assets and products, gives an unbiased, third-party assessment of the current situation or area they are testing. This leads to efficient and uninfluenced testing that meets client expectations giving them further assurance that the results and outcome will be correct and in accordance to procedures and polices set out by themselves and manufacturers guidelines. More Management Time With an independent testing company, the hassle of hiring and training new personnel within your organisation or train existing staff to specifically carry this out is eliminated. This means that Managers do not need to worry about spreading the resources to accommodate for the extra roles but instead can focus their time and efforts on the more critical tasks that to ensure the needs of patients and their environments are fully looked after. Impartial Advice Independent testing companies have access to any new best practises and stay up to date with the latest processes as they remain focused specifically on this key area. As new technology and products are released, an independent company ensures staff are trained to ensure advice and support given to clients is best suited for their needs. Costs and Budgets Partnering with an independent testing company eliminates the need to purchase and set up hardware and software required for testing. Clients do not need to maintain testing practices and tools. Ongoing training of staff and specialised resources are not necessary. All of these mean costs of the testing service being carried out internally are removed and instead the resource can be placed where it is most needed and budgets can set in accordance with the specific requirements to a dedicated company. Use of Software & Certification Working with an independent company that uses software means the need to rely on human intervention is removed and automation can instead allow clients full visibility of their buildings and assets. Downloadable certificates and reports can be centrally located, viewed and stored. Notifications can inform clients of scheduled testing and maintenance. All of this can take the hassle out of managing this manually via a paper based system internally. Responsibility and Accountability A very important fact about carrying out testing internally as a client is that it can mean that mistakes or accidents are made resulting in action targeted at the client whereas an independent company would take responsibility for its actions. Rather than potentially expose themselves to unnecessary attention, clients can rest assured that working with an independent company can take this pain away and hold them to account for their actions. Convinced we can help you? If you still need convincing, visit Protects Plus to know more on how we can make all the difference using our software and supporting you with your annual anti-ligature testing needs. We are the UK’s only dedicated independent o ffering this service with purpose-built software. With access to our portals we can ensure you get the best in anti-ligature testing services. C ontact us if you have any questions. Get in touch to see how we can help. Email : enquiries@protects-plus.co.uk  or Call : +44(0)345 646 0955 Visit : www.protects-plus.co.uk  to find out more

Sometimes the failure of not doing something is worse than actually doing it! Are you aware of 3 very important facts  for areas where mental health care is provided? 1. The Never Event List  states​ Failure to install functional collapsible shower or curtain rails Involves either:​ failure of collapsible curtain or shower rails to collapse when an inpatient attempts or completes a suicide failure to install collapsible rails and an inpatient attempts or completes a suicide using non-collapsible rails. ​Setting: All settings providing NHS-funded mental health inpatient care. 2. The HTM66   states under Low Weight Release Systems - "Once installed, ensure regular maintenance checks and load tests are carried out according to manufacturers’ instructions" 3. A Safety Notice published 11th January 2002 SN(01)01 states​ In adult psychiatric setting, any cubicle track, curtain track, shower track and wardrobe rails with load release support systems must be maintained in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions and subject to an annual safety load test to ensure that the device functions correctly.​ The Action on this notice called for load testing to be carried out within 1 month and annually thereafter. The failure of not carrying out the above could be classified as a Never Event due to manufacturing guidelines not being adhered to. It is critical that all Healthcare Providers are compliant and have full knowledge that the products installed within their buildings are appropriate for the current use, have not been tampered with and pass the load release test set out in their risk assessments or by the manufacturer. What are you doing about this and do you know what the manufacturers of your installed products state in their (O&M) Operation and Maintenance manuals? his is where Protects Plus can help and give advice on each system and provide the assurance needed as well as look after all your annual testing requirements. Get in touch to see how we can help. Email: enquiries@protects-plus.co.uk  or Call: +44(0)345 646 0955 Visit: www.protects-plus.co.uk  to find out more

Over the past few months various Healthcare Providers have come to us with questions regarding whether their load release curtain tracks, blinds and other items required to be load tested on an annual basis. All Mental Healthcare Providers carry out internal ligature review audits either monthly or as frequently as they deem appropriate and that is correct and very much needed. However, some providers have not realised the requirement that is set out by the HTM66 as well as manufacturer's O & M guidelines, and this could be leaving themselves open for potential litigations. This is where we can HELP. What am I legally meant to be doing? A Safety Notice published 11th January 2002 SN(01)01  states - "In adult psychiatric setting, any cubicle track, curtain track, shower track and wardrobe rails with load release support systems must be maintained in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions and subject to an annual safety load test to ensure that the device functions correctly." Whilst the HTM66 states - " Once installed, ensure regular maintenance checks and load tests are carried out according to manufacturers’ instructions". Each manufacturer has their own set of guidelines for maintenance and it is important to understand what these mean for you so as the maintenance and testing is carried out correctly. Are my ligature review audits good enough? No, the ligature reviews are an important part of this and are required to better understand the environments, so as changes can be made as new ligatures are picked up. However, these are only part of what is required and the annual load testing is still a must. Having an independent company carry these out, different to who usually installs the products, also means all areas get an impartial inspection, more details can be found here . Who is responsible for carrying out these load test? Each Healthcare Provider is responsible for carrying this out whether it is the task of the Health & Safety, Compliance, Estates Team or FM provider, someone in the organisation is responsible for this. Who can carry out the annual load testing and do they need to be approved? Annual load testing can be carried out by any competent and/or approved person/company. It is recommended it is carried out by a independent/separate company to who normally installs within the buildings so that an unbiased view is taken when inspecting and testing the assets. Some manufacturers have different guidelines in regards to what is to be tested and so it is important to ensure the person/company that you instructing has an up to date understanding of this. Why is Protects Plus the only company approved to annually test the Kestrel Magnetic Anti-Ligature System? Yewdale, the manufacturer of the Kestrel Magnetic Anti-Ligature system gave exclusivity for the annual load testing of their system to Protects Plus early on in 2022 due to being involved with some incidents within a number of NHS and Private Healthcare Providers. The incidents were where Kestrel products had been either installed, maintained or tested incorrectly resulting in the products not functioning as they were designed to do, resulting in them malfunctioning. These could have caused some serious accidents and the Healthcare Providers called for more to be done to better protect themselves and Yewdale. Various solutions were put to the Healthcare Providers and the preferred option was that an independent agent, (different to the installation company), was appointed to test and inspect the Kestrel system. This was where Protects Plus was instigated by the Directors of Yewdale for the servicing and testing of all anti-ligature / reduced ligature items across the UK. This provided the audit trail Yewdale required. Yewdale reported back to the Healthcare Providers that this action had now been taken and this was greatly received. Yewdale have laid out very stringent test procedures that Protects Plus are to adhere to as well as a fixed price matrix to ensure Healthcare Providers are supported with the required compliance level at the most competitive rate possible. This is regularly followed up on to ensure this is being maintained. Can other companies still install the Kestrel Magnetic Anti-Ligature System? Absolutely, any competent person/company can install the Kestrel products as per their fitting instructions and those who have undergone the in house Kestrel Training course, and have an up to date certificate, can install the Kestrel cubicle/shower tracks too. Can Protects Plus annually test other manufacturers system too? Yes, Protects Plus can test all types or load release items in the Healthcare sector, a list of the common items can be found here . How is the annual testing managed and data reported? Protects Plus offers a full maintenance schedule which gives the client full access to the calendar schedule where site visits are clearly visible and planned. Engineers carry out the inspections and load testing and upload the results via app to the purpose-built software. Clients can then access the software via the web-based portal to view all asset test results and download reports for each room, ward, building etc as required. Regular contact is maintained during the contract and plans are then made to carry out the next annual testing when it is next due. For more information or if you have any other questions, please reach out as we would love to hear from you or why not book a Teams Meeting today   Email : enquiries@protects-plus.co.uk  or Call : +44(0)345 646 0955 Visit : www.protects-plus.co.uk  to find out more

Anti-ligature products require annual inspection & load testing, but many aren’t doing it! Here at Protects Plus we are committed in providing purpose-built software to make the management and control of compliance related responsibilities simple. Our software is designed to enable you to have clear visibility over your buildings and environments so as you can quickly and simply understand which of your assets pass or fail and when they are next due a test, along with any outstanding actions. We work with you in ensuring all your assets that require compliance managing are thoroughly audited and entered onto the software so as you can then report on and control the ongoing requirements, giving you the assurance that your people, patients and environments are safe. Specialising in the testing of shading and privacy products such as curtain track and blinds and other anti-ligature accessories, we ensure each product is thoroughly tested and the results uploaded to the software. This then allows healthcare providers the ability to be able to log in to the portal and view all areas and products and download reports and monitor and manage their ongoing needs. No need to struggle on any longer – let us help you make the management of your mandatory compliance requirements easy for you. Protects Plus – compliance management made easy to make your tomorrow a safer one. Contact us today to discuss things further – call 0345 646 0955 or email enquiries@protects-plus.co.uk  to arrange a demonstration.

Not enough in stock? Dates missing from curtain labels? Ward staff or maintenance not keeping up with the required changes? Costs of changes and replacements inconsistent or too high? Curtain cleaning being missed? FR re-treatment being forgotten? At Protects Plus, these are only too familiar challenges we hear but we are here to help. Protects Plus is dedicated to serving and supporting the Healthcare sector to assist and audit the cycle of installing, purchasing, and managing of your curtain requirements. Our purpose-built web-based software simply identifies all your curtain changes necessary based on your own usage policies to help you with preventing and controlling infections whilst saving you money. Whether it is the replacing of disposable curtains or the washing of polyester type, the cycle can easily be managed via the portal. The software can also notify when machine washable curtains are next due their FR treatment after the 10 wash cycle so as healthcare providers keep their environments compliant and safe for all to use. Why Protects Plus?   Complete visibility via our web-based portal of all curtains throughout your buildings Fully programmable software allowing you customise your own curtain replacements/washes Designed for all curtain types such as Disposable, Shower and Machine Washable Complete visibility of costs against budget Get in touch today to arrange an online demonstration. Call +44 (0)345 646 0955 or email enquiries@protects-plus.co.uk  and we will be ready to discuss.

Anti-Ligature Testing Manufacturers of anti-ligature load release systems state that their products must be installed by properly trained and accredited personnel to ensure they are fitted correctly so as not to fail or cause accidental harm. This article will outline your responsibilities for installing and maintaining anti-ligature systems in your environments. Here is what we will cover: Who's Accountable for Installing and Maintaining of Anti-Ligature Products? What Actions Need to be taken with Your Anti-Ligature Products to Achieve Compliance? Who's Accountable for Installing and Maintaining of your Anti-Ligature Products? Every Mental Health Provider is accountable for providing anti-ligature products and safety products to ensure their environments are kept safe from possible ligature issues. This includes the installation and maintenance of shading and privacy products along with bathroom accessories. The Never Events List  states: Failure to install functional collapsible shower or curtain rails Involves either:​ failure of collapsible curtain or shower rails to collapse when an inpatient attempts or completes a suicide failure to install collapsible rails and an inpatient attempts or completes a suicide using non-collapsible rails. Setting: All settings providing NHS-funded mental health inpatient care. Manufacturers of these products such as Silent Gliss  and Yewdale  state that their systems should be installed by approved installers. They also point out that failure to do so could jeopardise the system resulting in self-harm or potential death. It is just as important to have the products regularly checked and tested as it is to have them installed correctly. The HTM66 states Low Weight Release Systems Once installed, ensure regular maintenance checks and load tests are carried out according to manufacturers’ instructions Whilst an NHS Safety Notice states NHS Safety Notice published 11th January 2002 SN(01)01 In adult psychiatric setting, any cubicle track, curtain track, shower track and wardrobe rails with load release support systems must be maintained in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions and subject to an annual safety load test to ensure that the device functions correctly. Manufacturers are clear in their training and literature stating that anti-ligature, safety and load release products all need to be meticulously inspected and load tested on an annual basis. Before you decide which Anti-Ligature system you want to work with, you should carry out a risk assessment to determine what system is most applicable for you. This will help you establish which areas of your buildings will benefit from the relevant systems on the market. As the responsible person or a person with significant control, you are finally responsible for making this decision and there are specific actions you need to take to make sure you meet the mandatory requirements and obligations. We'll cover what these are in the next section. What Actions Need to be taken with Your Anti-Ligature Products to Achieve Compliance? Once you’ve established which type of anti-ligature products are needed and where they are to go, you can then work with the relevant approved installers to ensure they are fitted correctly and signed off in accordance with manufacturers' requirements.   It is your responsibility to ensure that the O&Ms are fully understood and steps are put in place to make certain that the regular checks and tests required are put in place. It is very important to understand that some companies are approved to install certain systems but that they cannot carry out the annual maintenance and tests due to a policy from the manufacturers. Some Mental Healthcare Providers prefer to not use their every day installers for testing and only work with independent test companies that can give an unbiased audit as well as focusing on what they specialise in. There are many ways of reporting on the annual tests and checks but nothing is quite as simple and easy to manage than access to a portal and software that gives you full visibility and status of all your assets/products within your buildings. By using software, you can centrally control and manage your obligations and responsibilities whilst working with the approved testing company to carry out the actual physical inspections and load testing. If you are unsure, then please ask! Why not contact one of our consultants today at Protects Plus. We are on hand to help answer questions relating to all of the above and much more. We specialise in compliance and asset managements using our purpose-built software to ensure evidence-based reporting and peace of mind for all. Email : enquiries@protects-plus.co.uk  or Call : +44(0)345 646 0955 Visit : www.protects-plus.co.uk  to find out more

Why Protects Plus, in the words of our clients. Don't take our word for it, hear from them for yourself! "We love having complete visibility via your Protects Plus software of all our environments, showing every product and when they were last tested. The downloadable reports of test results for all our anti-ligature products throughout the Trust make it so easy for us to manage now" - Maintenance Manager "Having a testing company that is approved by a manufacturer for taking responsibility of their products and their end client is the way it should be. Every manufacturer should do this so that the NHS isn't exposed to anymore risk than it has to and instead the companies that design and develop the products don't just bring them to market but also create a maintenance and care plan to provide a life long support package. If manufacturers did this as standard, this would go a long way in ensuring the healthcare providers like us could provide the best possible care knowing we have the support of the companies that provide us their products within our environments" - Head of Health and Safety "Notifications of when our next annual anti-ligature testing is due helps us plan ahead as well as ensure we can let all the relevant team leaders know. Having the current status of all our products and whether repairs or actions are required etc is a huge bonus to what we have been used to. We can now proactively manage the products properly from an Estates level"- Estates Manager "Great to have an independent company carrying out the testing for us as they can check that our installs are correct and safe as well as give us an impartial overview of areas we can improve. We love the assurance you can bring knowing that the annual mandatory testing is carried out for full compliance in accordance to the HTM66" - Health & Safety Manager "The live maintenance schedule for us to be able to monitor and plan when areas will need to be readied for the Protects Plus team to come to site and carry out their testing is an excellent provision. Total peace of mind that all load release and anti-ligature products are safely in order for patients and staff. Very costs effective way of ensuring we are compliant for anti-ligature testing meaning our own resources can be better spent elsewhere knowing the testing is all looked after. We get more time to spend on our other priorities with this all looked after." - Programme Manager "It is great to have specific software that gives us visibility and oversight of our anti-ligature products and other assets we get managed plus the ability to be able to download the reports into our own asset management software Zetasafe" - Compliance Officer "To have the responsibility of ensuring testing is being carried out and done accurately taken off us and for us to be able to hold someone else to account has hugely helped free up management time as well as help us prove to CQC that we are compliant. Getting you to look after all of our asset management is excellent including the checks of finger guards, window restrictors, fire doors etc, makes our lives easier" - Estates Manager "Having our assets managed for us by an independent company means we know it will be done and nothing will be missed. Also having the extra Curtain Management software for our disposable curtains helps us plan and purchase more effectively plus we can now easily schedule when our FR retreatment is needed for our machine washable curtains too, it's brilliant." - Compliance & Health & Safety Officer Why not see how we can help you too? Contact Protects Plus to know more on how we can make all the difference using our software and supporting you with your annual anti-ligature testing needs. We are the UK’s only dedicated independent company o ffering this service with our purpose-built software. With access to our web-based portals we can ensure you get the best in anti-ligature testing services. Click to arrange a Teams Meeting today Email : enquiries@protects-plus.co.uk  or Call : +44(0)345 646 0955 Visit : www.protects-plus.co.uk  to find out more

Protects Plus Ltd is pleased to announce we have been awarded the Anti-ligature, Specialist and General Doors, Windows, Furniture, Accessories and Associated Services Framework. Framework Explained The aim of this Framework Agreement, freely accessible to all NHS Organisations and public sector entities, is to provide a streamlined route to a suite of pre-tendered professional services. These services encompass the delivery of Anti-ligature, Specialist and General Doors, Windows, Furniture, Accessories, and Associated Services. Moreover, this framework facilitates the retro-fit of existing installations, ensuring they align with contemporary standards and requirements. NHS Commercial Solutions, on behalf of the Procurement in Partnership (PiP) - a four-hub collaboration between NHS Commercial Solutions, East of England NHS Collaborative Procurement Hub and NHS London Procurement Partnership and the NHS North of England Commercial Procurement Collaborative – has established this Framework Agreement. Framework Agreement details: The Framework Agreement covers the following areas; Anti-ligature, Specialist and General Doors, Windows, Furniture, Accessories, and Associated Services. It is divided up into 5 ‘Lots’ as follows: · Lot 1 : Consultancy and Professional Services (including Protects Plus) · Lot 2 : Anti-ligature Doors, Windows and Furniture (including Protects Plus) · Lot 3 : Specialist Doors, Windows and Furniture · Lot 4 : General Doors, Windows and Furniture · Lot 5 : Bespoke (including Protects Plus Ltd) As experts in curtain tracks and anti-ligature products , Protects Plus are an approved supplier in Lot 1, Lot 2, and Lot 5 , allowing our NHS Trust partners smoother access to our risk-reducing solutions. Benefits of using the Framework for NHS Trusts The benefits of utilising the Anti-ligature, Specialist and General Doors, Windows, Furniture, Accessories, and Associated Services Framework Agreement includes but not limited to: Legally Compliant Access : The framework provides a compliant pathway to the market. Streamlined Procurement : It significantly shortens procurement timescales, ensuring faster project execution. Cost-Effectiveness : Authorities can access vetted suppliers who offer competitive pricing. Quality Assurance : All suppliers within the framework are pre-approved for quality. Retro-fitting Capability : Suppliers can adapt and upgrade existing installations to meet contemporary standards and requirements. Further details can be found here - https://www.commercialsolutions-sec.nhs.uk/frameworks/anti-ligature-specialist-and-general-doors-windows-furniture-accessories-and-associated-services#nav-benefits

Protects Plus is Exhibiting Come and visit us on stand H26 and we look forward to having some great conversations around compliance management and the benefits of independent audits and testing with the support of advanced interactive software.  Find more info here - https://www.healthcare-estates.com/exhibitor/protects-plus-ltd/

Yes or no, either way, let us help and take it all in hand. Full annual inspection, testing and auditing of all your anti-ligature load release curtain tracks, blinds and other anti-ligature accessories. All results visible on a live portal for you to visually see any actions required or just to have the peace of mind everything passes and is certified. Sound like a dream? Not a dream here at Protects Plus, that is exactly what we do to support Healthcare providers. Due to the need within the Healthcare sector for 100% compliance driven by the Department of Health’s ‘Never Events list’, the HTM66 and a 2002 Safety Notice, the demand for load testing and provision of transparent evidential reporting software has never been greater. Protects Plus is the only independent company dedicated to serving and supporting the Healthcare sector to audit and annually load test their anti-ligature and load release shading and privacy products to ensure compliance and peace of mind for all. With access to our software to track and manage all these products online whilst providing full transparent data reports, it couldn’t be made any easier to remain compliant. Why Protects Plus? Complete visibility via our software of all environments with these products Downloadable reports of test results and when tests are next due Current status of all products and whether repairs or actions are required Total peace of mind that all load release products are safely in order Get in touch today to arrange an online or face to face demonstration and let us assure you how we can get you fully compliant.  Help us help you make tomorrow a safer one. Email enquiries@protects-plus.co.uk  or call +44 (0)345 646 0955

Further to a recent LinkedIn post regarding curtain track gliders, we thought it timely to explain some more on this. Within the many buildings of healthcare providers in the UK, there are a number of different curtain tracks used for windows, shower, privacy and cubicle tracks. It is very important to ensure providers know and understand what systems they have installed so as they are aware of the different risks associated with each one especially within the mental health environments. Fixed versus load release:  some curtain tracks are designed to collapse when a load is applied of more than 40kg maximum, whereas other tracks are designed to be permanently fixed in place and instead release their gliders from the tracks. Both systems have a place and are suited to different requirements and no one product is ever suitable for all scenarios. Where a curtain track physically collapses and is designed to fall away from its brackets, this can pose further risks such as accidental injury or weapon risk. However, where a track is permanently fixed in place and the gliders are designed to release, this can pose risks such as choke hazard of small parts, incorrect gliders being used or the glider configuration incorrect causing higher break away point. Accidental Injury  – where a product collapses by accident as opposed to be used for self-harm or ligature for example a person holding onto a curtain to steady themselves bringing the track and curtain down resulting in them falling and hurting themselves Weapon Risk  – where a product can be used as a weapon for self-harm or harm to others if taken down from its fixings Choke Hazard  – where items are swallowed deliberately to cause harm or injury Incorrect Gliders  – where gliders are used in a track that are not designed to release their load, resulting in very high loads (in excess of 40kg) being able to be supported from the curtain tracks Different Glider Configuration  – the mixing up or adding to of gliders to increase the breakaway load point The curtain tracks we came across recently, relating to last week’s post, were where the track was permanently top fixed in place and designed to be used in conjunction with load release gliders. In this case there were standard gliders that were in place as well as load release type gliders which meant that loads of over 40kg were able to be achieved due to the fact that the standard gliders were not designed to release their load. Whilst the load release gliders released the curtains, the standard gliders continued to hold the curtain even after the load exceeded 40kg. In this scenario, the risk of ligature is inevitable. Curtain Track Gliders To conclude, we strongly advise that all curtain tracks are regularly inspected to ensure that they are fit for purpose, safe and functioning as they should be. As well as this and in accordance to the HTM66, all curtain tracks should be annually inspected and load tested as a minimum however we always advise clients to ensure monthly checks are being carried out so as changes or abnormalities are picked up. *Note that this post does not specifically mention any one manufacturer and instead focuses on the different types of functionality of curtain tracks. Whilst each manufacturer offers relevant subject matter and marketing material it is always important to understand your requirements first and then look at every option ensuring that the risk matrix is used to identify the best solution for your environments. At Protects Plus we are always happy to support clients that are working through this process to advise on what is the best solution for their needs. For more information or if you have any other questions, please reach out as we would love to hear from you or why not book a Teams Meeting today Email : enquiries@protects-plus.co.uk  or Call : +44(0)345 646 0955 Visit : www.protects-plus.co.uk  to find out more

Protects Plus Are Exhibiting Come and visit us on stand 427 where we will be talking all things Compliance and Anti-Ligature load testing.

Estates Alert - March 2019 Did you know, in March 2019 an Estates Alert was published (EFA/2019/003) to ensure all mental healthcare providers took action to check their buildings and patient areas were safe and all ‘anti ligature’ type curtain rails were installed and maintained in line with HTM66 and manufacturer’s instructions? The call to action was for Estate & Facilities as well as Health & Safety Teams to carry out of all the tasks within 6 months of the Alert. Talking to many of the Mental Health Trusts, very few have even done it yet! The Raw Facts! Sadly since this time there has been 8 deaths and 89 self-harm/attempted suicide incidents  relating to curtains and/or curtain tracks within the NHS and Private Healthcare Groups! How many more death or incidents will happen? Is your Trust compliant and are all your curtain tracks fitted correctly and being maintained and annually tested in accordance to manufacturer’s instructions? We have worked with a number of Trusts over the past months and it is clear there are so many poor installations of anti-ligature products that they are not aware of within their buildings. Contractors have been in and installed products but not fitted them in accordance to the manufacturer's guidelines resulting in ligatures and unsafe products being left in patient areas! Reach out to the team here today and let’s discuss how we can make all your patient areas safe and compliant. Email : enquiries@protects-plus.co.uk  or Call : +44(0)345 646 0955 Visit : www.protects-plus.co.uk  to find out more

Mental health environments are unique and complex spaces. They are places where people who are struggling with their mental health come to receive care and support. As such, it is essential that these environments are safe and supportive. One way to ensure this is to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and to carry out regular maintenance. Importance of Com pliance Compliance with relevant regulations is important for a number of reasons. First, it helps to ensure that mental health environments are meeting the minimum standards of safety and care. Second, it can help to protect mental health professionals and staff from liability. Third, it can help to build trust with patients and their families. Importance of Maintenance Regular maintenance is also important for ensuring that mental health environments are safe and supportive. This includes maintenance of physical infrastructure, such as electrical systems, plumbing, doors, windows and security systems. It also includes maintenance of equipment and supplies, such as medical devices, curtain tracks and blinds. Questions & Challenges Here are some questions to consider around the importance of compliance and maintenance in mental health environments: What are the ethical & legal implications of non-compliance? What are the financial implications of non-compliance? What are the reputational implications of non-compliance? What are the challenges of maintaining compliance in mental health environments? What are the benefits of investing in maintenance in mental health environments? How can we create a culture of compliance and maintenance in mental health environments? Conclusion Compliance and maintenance are essential for ensuring that mental health environments are safe and supportive. By investing in compliance and maintenance within these areas, it all helps to create environments where people can receive the care they need to recover and thrive. Additional Thoughts In addition to the points raised above, it is worth noting that compliance and maintenance can also play a role in improving the quality of care provided in mental health environments. For example, a well-maintained facility is more likely to be comfortable and inviting for patients. This can make a big difference in terms of patient satisfaction and outcomes.

Join us at the  Design in Mental Health 2024  Show - on stand 322 We're excited to exhibit and demonstrate our purpose-built software which provides evidence-based reporting for your anti-ligature testing, compliance management, and annual audits!  Our bespoke web-based portal gives healthcare providers complete visibility of their environments and assuring them that they are safe meaning they have more time for patient care. Stop by our stand to chat with our team and learn how we can help you: Conduct annual anti-ligature load testing Manage compliance maintenance and servicing efficiently Generate comprehensive and evidence-based reports Carry out product audits such as mattresses, curtains and much more  We look forward to seeing you there!

At Protects Plus, ensuring safe environments for patients and staff in NHS and healthcare settings isn't just a service, it's our passion. We believe in the incredible work healthcare professionals do, and we're dedicated to supporting them by minimising risks and maximising safety. But why do we love what we do? It's all about the outcome and impact. Here's a real-life example that demonstrates the value we bring: One NHS Trust previously relied on a combination of internal staff and third-party companies for compliance auditing and Health & Safety support. While this seemed like a viable solution, they faced challenges: Internal Staff: Lacking specialised training, their audits might miss crucial issues or be inconsistent. Deadlines and SLAs regularly seemed to slip. Third-Party Companies: Often offering generic services, they didn't address the Trust's specific needs resulting in inefficiencies and poor reporting. This led to non-compliant auditing as well as inadequate health & safety assessments. The Protects Plus Difference: By partnering with us, the Trust gained access to highly trained and experienced compliance auditors. We conducted a thorough assessment and developed a tailored auditing program, resulting in: Enhanced Compliance: Our in-depth audits identified and addressed potential risks more effectively. Cost Savings:  The Trust streamlined their auditing process, eliminating the need to manage multiple providers. Resource Optimisation:  Internal staff, previously tasked with audits and risk management assessments, were freed up to focus on other critical areas within the Trust. The outcome? The Trust not only saved thousands of pounds in a year, but they also saw a considerable decrease in patient self-harm incidents due to the reallocation of resources. This is the Protects Plus difference. We go beyond providing a service; we become a trusted partner, helping NHS and healthcare providers achieve compliance, save money, and ultimately, deliver better care. Are you passionate about patient safety and optimising resources within your Trust? Let's connect! We'd love to discuss how Protects Plus can support your commitment to creating a safer environment for everyone.