Category: Bedfont news

Carol Stonham MBE, RN, MSc, Queen’s Nurse, and Policy Lead PCRS joins the Bedfont® Medical Advisory Board

Posted on

Esteemed Respiratory Healthcare Expert, Carol Stonham, Joins the Medical Advisory Board for Medtech Company, Bedfont Scientific Ltd.

Bedfont® Scientific Ltd, a leading innovator in breath analysis medical device technology, is proud to announce the addition of Carol Stonham, a highly respected and accredited respiratory healthcare expert, to its esteemed medical board. This appointment further strengthens Bedfont’s commitment to revolutionising respiratory healthcare solutions and delivering cutting-edge products to patients and healthcare professionals.

Carol brings an extensive background in respiratory healthcare and in particular Asthma and FeNO (Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide). She has worked in primary care in Gloucestershire for over 26 years. Her role includes running a local FeNO referral service whilst being a CCG Primary Care Nurse Practitioner for Respiratory Care. Her experience extends even further in this clinical field as she is an active member of the PCRS and currently Policy Lead.

Jason Smith, Managing Director at Bedfont®, exclaims, “We are thrilled to welcome Carol to our Medical Advisory Board. Her expertise and dedication to improving respiratory healthcare align perfectly with our vision to foster a world where everyone has access to instant, non-invasive, simple breath testing to aid in medical diagnosis. As Helen Keller said, ‘Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much’. With Carol’s fantastic knowledge and passion for FeNO, we hope to work together to improve asthma management and diagnosis worldwide.”

Carol, adds, “I am delighted to be part of the Bedfont Medical Advisory Board and to collaborate in the advancement of respiratory healthcare. I look forward to working with Bedfont and fellow board members and leveraging my experience to drive innovation in this critical field. I have been passionate about FeNO for a number of years now and my main interest is improving the industry standards and the care we deliver to our patients.”

Bedfont’s mission is to work with the Bedfont Family and healthcare professionals worldwide to provide cutting-edge breath analysis medical products to the highest standard, through technical innovation and professional business practice. The addition of Carol Stonham to its medical board underscores its dedication to delivering excellence in respiratory healthcare.

To learn more about Carol, watch her introduction here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_15x3eanM8

The National FeNO Programme: Accelerated Access Collaborative (AAC)

Posted on

The National FeNO Programme has recently released its Impact Report, promoting how their programme has improved access to fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) testing across the National Health Service (NHS) in England. The programme ran from April 2021 to March 2023.

The National FeNO Programme was part of a wider programme by the Accelerated Access Collaborative’s (AAC)’s Rapid Uptake Products Programme. The AAC brings together the NHS, patients, industry, government and more, with the goal of removing barriers to innovative and revolutionary new treatments and technology1. In England, the AAC has helped encourage the adoption of FeNO, with the help of the AHSN Network which delivered the programme as part of its commission from the NHS England Innovation Research and Life Sciences (IRLS) team1. The National FeNO Programme included two FeNO devices appraised by NICE, with NObreath®, manufactured by Bedfont® Scientific Ltd., being one of them.

What is FeNO?

FeNO is very minuscule particles of nitric oxide (NO), measured in parts per billion (ppb). NO is naturally produced by your body to help combat inflammation and when your airway is inflamed, NO is produced in the lungs and exhaled on the breath. The production of NO is often found to be higher in inflammatory conditions such as asthma and therefore FeNO monitoring can be used for the detection and management of such conditions.

Programme impact on FeNO device and testing

Over the duration of the programme, 1,244 new FeNO devices are now available in primary care. Notably, it is estimated that 53% of Primary Care Networks (PCNs) in England now have access to FeNO testing2, thanks to the National FeNO Programme. Yhe AAC and Office for Life Sciences (OLS), funded 33 national FeNO projects through their Pathway Transformation Fund (PTF), a total of £915,000 was given from the PTF, resulting in the implementation of 118 new FeNO devices.

Programme’s impact on education and funding for FeNO

The AHSN Network has supported training and development for FeNO testing, with two FeNO training modules developed for healthcare professionals. This has resulted in over 4,900 hours of training being delivered. A FeNO implementation toolkit was created as an aid to support the adoption of FeNO testing, and has been viewed over 13,500 times. After training modules were completed, a survey was carried out by 1,047 healthcare professionals enrolled on the FeNO training modules, 91% indicated the training will help in their role.

FeNO programme impact on asthma care for patients in England

During the course of the programme, the report estimates a potential 58,000 new asthmatics in England receiving an asthma diagnosis with the support of FeNO testing. In turn, helping to increase the accuracy and speed of the diagnosis of asthma, thus speeding up access to essential treatments for patients2.

What’s next?

The FeNO programme has now finished, but the incredibly important work around FeNO still continues. NICE, the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN), and the British Thoracic Society (BTS) are currently developing joint asthma guidelines expected in 20243. In addition to this, the FeNO toolkit, training modules and resources developed during the AAC FeNO programme will remain accessible. Future opportunities still remain for improving asthma care in England, including the continuous sustainable growth of FeNO within primary and secondary care, and establishing a sustainable funding mechanism for FeNO testing across England.

With a handheld, portable, easy-to-use device, Bedfont® Scientific Ltd., is helping to break FeNO accessibility barriers. Previously FeNO breath analysis has been expensive, however, they have made it more cost-effective by having low-cost mouthpieces with a long shelf-life. The NObreath® includes a 5-year warranty on the device and sensor, and the service and maintenance options they offer have also been simplified. To find out how you can support your patients with FeNO monitoring, visit https://www.nobreathfeno.com.

Read the full National FeNO Programme Impact Report here:

https://wessexahsn.org.uk/img/projects/FeNO%20-%20national%20programme%20impact%20report%20-%20FINAL.pdf

References:

  1. NHS Accelerate Access Collaborative [Internet] NHS England. 2023. [Cited 5th July 2023]. Available from: https://www.england.nhs.uk/aac/
  2. National FeNO programme impact report [Internet]. Wessex Academic Health Science Network. 2023. [Cited 6th July 2023]. Available from: https://wessexahsn.org.uk/img/projects/FeNO%20-%20national%20programme%20impact%20report%20-%20FINAL.pdf
  3. FeNO programme impact report [Internet]. Wessex Academic Health Science Network. 2023. [Cited 10th July 2023]. Available from: https://wessexahsn.org.uk/projects/604/feno-programme-impact

Kent Company, Bedfont® Scientific Ltd, reveals New Well-being Garden, Nurturing Employee Wellness and Biodiversity

Posted on

Bedfont® opens a new wellness space for encouraging a carbon conscious approach and memorialising loved ones

Bedfont® proudly announces the successful transformation of unused space into a Wellbeing Garden. This innovative initiative not only underlines Bedfont’s commitment to its employees’ wellness but also champions environmental conservation through biodiversity efforts. The garden, crafted using 90% reclaimed materials, serves as a touching memorial to lost loved ones.

Bedfont® encourages a healthy work-life balance and the Wellbeing Garden is a testament to this ethos, designed to provide employees with a serene and revitalising space to destress, recharge, and connect with nature. The garden’s carefully curated landscape also serves as a natural habitat for local flora and fauna, contributing to the preservation of local ecosystems, thanks to its variety of flowers and vegetables, and it even has a dedicated Bat box.

Managing Director, Jason Smith, remarks, “The Wellbeing Garden holds deep sentimental value as a memorial to lost loved ones, Niki and Pat. This garden was Niki’s dream and now it is a reality, underpinning the work she did promoting wellbeing for the Bedfont® Family. Pat, a beloved member of the Bedfont® Family and keen gardener, donated a lot of the greenery which now homes multiple ecosystems. Through this garden, not only does their memory live on, but it allows us to work towards our core value of being more Carbon Conscious, whilst providing a beautiful space for the Bedfont Family to promote wellbeing.”

Bedfont® extends its gratitude to the grant providers, Beyond Procurement, whose support made this visionary project a reality. The company remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing a culture that prioritises employee welfare and environmental responsibility.

Bedfont® Boosts Cancer Research Fundraising Efforts with £200 Donation

Posted on

Bedfont® Scientific Ltd. helps fundraising reach £1000 for Cancer Research UK

Local Med-tech company, Bedfont® Scientific Ltd., is proudly donating £200 to support the noble fundraising efforts of its employees, the Bedfont® Family, who ran the Pretty Muddy 5K Obstacle Course on Saturday 1st July 2023, for Cancer Research UK. So far, the team have raised an inspiring £800 towards cancer research initiatives, meaning with Bedfont’s Donation the fundraising will reach an impressive £1000.

According to WHO, nearly every family globally is affected by cancer; 1 in 5 people are diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime, and the diagnosis affects the health and well-being of all those involved, including family members and caregivers1.

Jason Smith, Managing Director at Bedfont®, explained, “Our Bedfont® Family has very recently been affected by cancer and it has been a really difficult year for so many of us. I am inspired by the willpower of the Pretty Muddy runners, and wish to also contribute to a cause close to all of our hearts.”

The funds raised through this run will be directed to Cancer Research UK, to help groundbreaking cancer research and patient support. To donate, please visit: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/get-involved/donate

References:

  1. Amplifying the lived experience of people affected by cancer [Internet]. World Health Organization; [cited 2023 Jul 3]. Available from: https://www.who.int/activities/amplifying-the-lived-experience-of-people-affected-by-cancer

Introducing CELLER8®: Revolutionising Wellness with PEMF Technology

Posted on

Med-tech manufacturer, Bedfont® Scientific Ltd., launches new CELLER8® PEMF device with exclusive distributor, NewMed Ltd. at the Health Optimisation Summit 2023

Bedfont®, a leading innovator in medical devices with over 40 years of manufacturing experience, proudly announces the launch of a new PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) device, CELLER8®. With NewMed Ltd. as the global exclusive distributor, the CELLER8® was introduced at the Health Optimisation Summit 2023.

CELLER8® harnesses the power of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field therapy, using the earth’s natural magnetic waves to concentrate and send electromagnetic pulses to specific areas of the body. The underlying principle of PEMF therapy is that it aims to restore balance by supporting healthy cellular function, promoting circulatory wellness, and supporting overall health and wellness.

Jason Smith, Managing Director at Bedfont®, comments, “With over 40 years of manufacturing experience from Bedfont®, and NewMed’s PEMF knowledge, we’ve combined our joint expertise and passion for driving innovation to develop a PEMF device with the user in mind. This summit is the ideal location to launch CELLER8® as the summit focuses on everything in the general health, wellbeing, nutrition, biohacking and fitness worlds.”

Andy Smith, Managing Director at NewMed, adds, “Having benefited from PEMF therapy myself, I founded NewMed to help others learn about and experience this life changing technology. I’m proud to say we’re the one-stop-shop for PEMF devices, and we’re excited to be launching the CELLER8® – it’s compact, sleek, and powerful – perfect for individuals seeking natural, non-invasive, solutions to enhance their overall health and well-being.”

The CELLER8® was launched at the Health Optimisation Summit, which took place 17th – 18th June, at the Business Design Centre, London. Visit http://www.celler8.com for more information.

Bedfont® Scientific Ltd. achieves Platinum Business Award presented by Kent County Council (KCC)

Posted on

Med-tech company, Bedfont®, has received the highest accolade for their workplace initiatives

In just under 6 months, Kent County Council has presented Bedfont® with the highest award possible for promoting a positive work environment, a healthy work/life balance, and showing its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.

After joining the Healthy Workplace Programme last year, in October Bedfont® announced it had received 3 awards for their efforts to create a positive workplace environment. Now in just under 6 months, Bedfont® has excelled in building new initiatives and putting the wellbeing of employees at the forefront of the business, resulting in being rewarded with the Platinum status.

The programme, funded by the KCC and Medway Council, helps to support health and wellbeing at work with relevant policies, training and guidance(1). Recent studies have shown that those with a healthy work/life balance have more motivation and are more productive at work(2).

Jason Smith, Managing Director at Bedfont®, remarks, “I’m over the moon with having achieved the Platinum award in just under 6 months! It’s really great to be recognised for the efforts we are making to make Bedfont® a great and innovative place to work. Although this might be the highest achievement, there is always more we can do to improve; I look forward to the Bedfont® Family rising to the next challenge as we continue to grow.”

The Kent and Medway awards team, comments, “This award is the highest level of achievement within the programme and highlights Bedfont® Scientific’s commitment as a responsible business in the local community. Although it can be difficult to suggest improvements and progression for a business that works at the Platinum level, Bedfont® should be very proud of their work around health and wellbeing as they have implemented many great initiatives and ensure to maintain their current culture.”

References:

1. Council M. Healthy workplace programme [Internet]. Healthy Workplace Programme | Medway Council. [cited 2023Mar16]. Available from: https://www.medway.gov.uk/healthyworkplace

2. 10 statistics on work-life balance that May surprise you (2023) [Internet]. Apollo Technical LLC. 2023 [cited 2023Mar16]. Available from: https://www.apollotechnical.com/statistics-on-work-life-balance/

Bedfont named Innovative Business of the Year, for 2 years running

Posted on

Local med-tech company, Bedfont® Scientific Ltd., is recognised for its Innovation for the 2ndyear in a row at the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce (KICC) Awards

On Thursday 17th November 2022, Kent’s esteemed businesses gathered at Westenhanger Castle for the annual Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce (KICC) Awards to celebrate the achievements of Kent companies. Bedfont is delighted to share that it has been named as Innovative Business of the Year, for the 2nd year running.

Bedfont, who design and manufacture breath analysis medical devices, have been trading since 1976, and export their products across the globe thanks to their network of carefully selected distributors.

Amidst the challenges posed by COVID, Bedfont® used its innovative nature to adapt its products and services to successfully navigate the pandemic, and as a result has come out the other side stronger, now offering remote breath testing devices.

Jason Smith, Managing Director at Bedfont, explains, “We created webinars and marketing materials to educate our customers on how they could safely continue breath testing. This led to a Healthcare Professional contacting us, asking for a way to help them continue CO monitoring for smoking cessation remotely. The iCOquit® was designed as a personal CO monitor, however we adapted this and the accompanying app and literature to enable the iCOquit® to be used for remote CO testing. This was so successful, the market then asked for a version to help expectant mothers quit smoking, and we provided –these innovative moves helped us succeed during a time of economic regression The Bedfont Family worked so hard to make this happen and I couldn’t be prouder to share this Innovation award with them.”

Bedfont’s excellent Work/Life balance acknowledged with 3 awards by Kent County Council (KCC)

Posted on

Kent Family Business, Bedfont® Scientific Ltd., have been awarded Bronze, Silver, and Gold Kent and Medway Healthy Workplace Awards.

In 2022, Bedfont® joined the Healthy Workplace Programme, which involves building new initiatives and putting the wellbeing of employees at the forefront of the business. Bedfont is pleased to announce it has received 3 awards for their efforts to create a positive workplace environment.

The programme funded by the KCC and Medway Council, helps to support health and wellbeing at work with relevant policies, training and guidance(1). Recent studies have shown that those with a healthy work/life balance have more motivation and are more productive at work(2).

Jason Smith, Managing Director at Bedfont®, comments, “As a second-generation family business, Bedfont® has implemented workplace policies that focus on creating a friendly and positive workplace atmosphere with the Bedfont Family at its heart. We have been working hard to achieve a healthy work/life balance for our employees for some time now, and it’s really rewarding for us as an employer to know this has been recognised with the Healthy Workplace Awards. We look forward to continuing and improving upon these efforts, and we have our sights set on the Platinum award next.”

The Kent and Medway awards team, comments, “From the great evidence submitted and interviews conducted, it is evident Bedfont Scientific has created a very social and inclusive organisation which always looks at ways to introduce new initiatives and equally cares for the wellbeing of its customers as much as its staff. Well done to you and all your hard work in making Bedfont Scientific a lovely place to work”

References:

  1. Council M. Kent and Medway Healthy Workplace Programme | Medway Council [Internet]. Medway.gov.uk. 2022 [cited 6 October 2022]. Available from: https://www.medway.gov.uk/healthyworkplace
  2. 10 Statistics on Work-Life Balance That May Surprise You (2022) [Internet]. Apollo Technical LLC. 2022 [cited 23 September 2022]. Available from: https://www.apollotechnical.com/statistics-on-work-life-balance/

Bedfont Scientific Ltd receives FDA clearance for NObreath® FeNO monitor

Posted on

Bedfont’s NObreath® monitor for airway inflammation has been cleared for sale in the USA

UK, med-tech company, Bedfont Scientific Ltd., is celebrating a brighter 2022 as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared its NObreath FeNO monitor for use in monitoring airway inflammation.

The NObreath®, which conforms to ATS and ERS guidelines1, is a portable, non-invasive device for the measurement of Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) in human breath. The production of nitric oxide is often found to be increased in inflammatory conditions such as asthma.

The NObreath® works by measuring FeNO through breath analysis, making the process quick, simple, and non-invasive for both the Healthcare Professional and the patient. Interpreting FeNO levels aids in identifying patients who do/do not require ongoing treatment2 whilst also differentiating between allergic (eosinophilic) and non-allergic asthma3, and if used daily, FeNO measurements can help to predict and prevent exacerbations and attacks4.

Jason Smith, Managing Director at Bedfont, comments, “NObreath has been available outside the US for over 12 years now, we have been working towards FDA clearance for quite some time and we are over the moon to have received it. We are one step closer to achieving our purpose; to make FeNO monitoring lower cost and therefore more accessible globally. According to the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), around 25 million Americans suffer from asthma; that’s a potential 25 million people that the NObreath® can help through FeNO monitoring.”

-ends-

REFERENCES

  1. ATS/ERS Recommendations for Standardized Procedures for the Online and Offline Measurement of Exhaled Lower Respiratory Nitric Oxide and Nasal Nitric Oxide, 2005; American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine; vol. 171: 912-930;2005
  2. Andrew D. Smith, Jan O. Cowan, Sue Filsell, Chris MacLachlan, Gabrielle Monti-Sheehan, Pamela Jackson and D. Robin Taylor. Diagnosing Asthma: Comparisons between Exhaled Nitric Oxide Measurements and Conventional Tests. Am J Respir Crit Care Med Vol 169. pp 473-478, 2004.
  3. Coumou HBel E. Improving the diagnosis of eosinophilic asthma [Internet]. Taylor and Francis online. 2017 [cited 21 December 2021]. Available from: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17476348.2017.1236688
  4. Harkins M. Exhaled Nitric Oxide Predicts Asthma Exacerbation [Internet]. Taylor & Francis. 2017 [cited 21 December 2021]. Available from: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1081/JAS-120033990

Bedfont Scientific Ltd. spreads festive joy by donating 250 presents this Christmas

Posted on

Bedfont and its sponsored football team, Medway United FC, have teamed up to donate 125 gifts to Medway hospital and 125 gifts to Children’s Cancer Charity, My Shining Star

Medical device manufacturer, Bedfont Scientific Ltd., has joined forces with the local football team it sponsors, Medway United FC, to spread a little Christmas Joy by donating 250 gifts. On Tuesday 14th December, Bedfont and Medway United donated 125 gifts to Medway Hospital for the children who will be there over Christmas, and another 125 gifts to the children’s cancer charity ‘My Shining Star’ also based in Medway.

Jason Smith, Managing Director at Bedfont, “Winston Churchill said, ‘We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.’ Medway United and Bedfont are happy to spread some festive cheer at a time of year, which can be so difficult for many.”

Cherly Jones, Fundraising Officer at the Medway Hospital Charity, “We are extremely grateful to Bedfont and Medway United for their incredible donation of presents to our children’s ward at Medway Hospital.  Their generosity is very much appreciated, especially at this time of year, and I know our patients will be thrilled to receive them.”