One of the UK’s largest independent care home providers, Maria Mallaband Care Group employ thousands of staff in over 80 care homes across the UK. They offer a wide range of care and support across all of their care homes and investment in innovative technologies alongside a solid staff training program has helped establish a reputation for the highest quality in care provisions.

The Challenge

With the recent release of government infection control funding within the care sector, Maria Mallaband wanted to make sure that they utilised the support wisely. Their first priority was to allocate a proportion of the funding to ensure they were able to continue to provide safe travel and facilities for their staff.

Next they decided to utilise the funding to upgrade and enhance sluice room equipment in their homes, as many of the machines were outdated without modern infection control features.

Having recently switched service provider to DDC Dolphin, Maria Mallaband had been impressed with the way we had seamlessly worked throughout the COVID-19 crisis providing required maintenance within government restrictions. They were therefore confident that they could rely on us to provide a rapid response to their request for a full asset report to help them identify any problem areas and where essential upgrades were needed.

The Solution

DDC Dolphin were able to act quickly, and within 24 hours had delivered a full asset report, detailing and reporting any areas of concern. The DDC Dolphin and Maria Mallaband team could then work together to establish a strategy for replacing the sluice equipment where necessary.

A selection of machines from the Panamatic washer disinfector range will ensure that all the sluice room machinery is CQC compliant. Site surveys will be carried out before installation to ensure each room is ready for the new machines, and working closely with Maria Mallaband we will ensure all 24 installations are completed within the specified time frame.

The Outcome

“Our relationship with our suppliers is important to us and having recently switched to DDC Dolphin as our service provider we have been impressed with their professionalism during these challenging times, maintaining our machines and keeping our sluice rooms functional. The speed of their response to our requests for asset reports was no surprise to us and we are confident that we have chosen the right partner to supply us with high quality reliable products and service and we look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship.”

James Burgan – Commercial Director – Maria Mallaband Care Group | Countrywide Care Homes

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Richmondwood Care Home is a family run residential care home situated in the heart of Bournemouth. Established in 1978 this historic building has been transformed over a number of years to a first class 22 bed care home with en-suite toilet and full bathing facilities. Its beautiful award winning landscaped gardens have been designed with residents in mind, so that all areas are level and easily accessed. Richmondwood pride themselves on delivering the best possible care for their residents at all times.

The Challenge

With the outbreak of Covid-19 in early March, Richmondwood took the decision to restrict access to the home to safeguard their residents. The outbreak of Covid-19 also made the Richmondwood team re-evaluate their infection control procedures to identify where improvements could be made that would support them in their fight against infection. They decided to increase protection by installing two UVMATIC® Air Purification Systems. Completely automated and chemical free with low running costs the UVMATIC® could be left to run 24/7, and was the perfect solution for removing any harmful bacteria from surfaces, purifying the air around the home, whilst removing any malodours and providing support to their existing cleaning regimes.

The Solution

DDC Dolphin installed the UVMATIC® Air Purification Systems in Richmondwood in early March. They were installed in two key access areas identified, one in the staff entrance area and another in a main corridor. Several months on and due to the swift action of the Richmondwood care team the home remains Covid free - a great achievement. The team are so pleased with the UVMATIC’s performance they have invested some of their government funding for infection control in another five machines for further placement around the home.

The Outcome

“When Covid-19 reached the UK we bought two UVMATICS® in the hope that if the virus got into our care home the machines would protect our residents and family. Several months on (and still Covid-19 free) we have just ordered a further five. They are a great size, not too bulky for our home and not only do they clean the air, but they remove odours, which is an added bonus.”

Holly Glazer, Business Manager, Richmondwood Residential Care Home

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Established in 2009, New Care Projects is a development-led care home operator providing ‘new generation’ care facilities. From the initial concept and design of the building, through to construction, recruitment and care delivery, New Care diligently considers every detail of each facility that it creates and the high level of service that it offers.

The health, well-being and happiness of their residents is always their number one priority. Providing a home-from-home experience in surroundings that provide the highest levels of comfort, each care home provides a safe environment and a warm welcome, whilst their dedicated care team provide professional, person-centred, friendly and compassionate care.

The Challenge

Following the successful collaboration between DDC Dolphin and New Care Projects for the supply and service of sluice room equipment at The Grand, New Care Projects then appointed DDC Dolphin to design 3 sluice rooms for their new specialist care home, Ashlands Manor.

This new generation care facility would provide the highest standards in safety, comfort and care within an expertly designed, purpose-built environment. DDC Dolphin were contracted to design and fully install each of the sluice rooms using the most advanced Panamatic bedpan washer disinfectors, stainless steel furniture and accompanying accessories.

The Solution

DDC Dolphin prides itself on being able to supply a unique, one-stop-shop methodology to sluice room design and installation, and our products encompass a wide range of features to meet our customers’ specific needs.

Quality engineered Panamatic Midi bedpan washer-disinfectors were supplied to Ashlands Manor, each featuring patented hands-free technology and antimicrobial surfaces to greatly reduce the risk of cross contamination, along with high-grade stainless steel furniture and accessories.

Upon completion of the project a comprehensive service program would form the basis of an ongoing service and maintenance agreement, fully reinforced by an extensive team of qualified engineers.

The Outcome

“I spent a lot of time selecting the correct supplier for our care facilities. A crucial factor is the relationship between us and our supplier, and we are confident that DDC Dolphin can supply quality, reliable products and services. The service level we have received from them has been outstanding on both projects; not just from a buying point of view, but also the aftercare and maintenance of the equipment. We have been very impressed with all aspects of our dealings with DDC Dolphin and long-term, on all future projects, DDC Dolphin will be our preferred supplier.”

Kay Johnson, Commissioning Manager, New Care Projects

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Founded in 1992, Barchester Healthcare is an award-winning group of care homes and is now one of the UK's largest quality care providers. Barchester delivers care services to more than 10,000 people in over 200 locations across England, Scotland and Wales and employs more than 17,000 staff.

The Challenge

As one of the leading care providers in the UK, Barchester Healthcare requires sluice room machinery, servicing and ongoing maintenance from a service partner that can cope with all of its requirements throughout the UK.

The Solution

DDC Dolphin has supplied sluice room equipment into many of Barchester's care home facilities and provides ongoing servicing and maintenance across all of its sluice machines in each of its sites.

With in excess of 200 care home locations, the practicalities of providing a high-level of service and maintenance means that DDC Dolphin liaises with regional managers located throughout the UK for all their sluice requirements. DDC Dolphin also completes a quarterly review with Barchester head office in Inverness to make sure that all of the contract requirements for attendance, call-outs and fix rates remain on track and of the highest possible standard.

The relationship between Barchester Healthcare and DDC Dolphin is a key one, which even sees DDC Dolphin happily supporting many of the events and activities organised by Barchester's charitable Trust, which raises vital funds for the range of charities it supports.

The Outcome

"Barchester has always tried to ensure that it builds solid, long-term relationships with its service partners that match the high standards of care and support that it then delivers for its residents. In DDC Dolphin, Barchester has a quality service partner that works across all of our 200 plus sites, and a system in place that reviews ongoing performance to ensure that standards remain high. The relationship is strong and I'm sure it will continue long into the future".

Bill Wilson, Director of Property Services, Barchester Healthcare

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Care UK are a leading independent provider of health and social care and have been providing high quality care for older people for over 30 years. With over 100 care homes and day clubs across the UK, they provide a wide range of expert care to older people including day and residential care nursing for respite, dementia and end of life care. This enables more than 7,000 people to continue living active and independent lives in warm, safe and comfortable surroundings.

The Challenge

Care UK embarked on a project in March 2015 to replace a large number of existing bedpan washer disinfectors and medical pulp macerators sourced from various suppliers over the years throughout Care UK properties. DDC Dolphin had already been servicing Care UK machines for a number of years and were invited to tender for the project. The successful tender would need to remove and dispose of existing equipment and supply and install new equipment, with all work to be completed by the end of August 2015.

The Solution

DDC Dolphin’s tender was a winner with Care UK. Care UK selected DDC Dolphin to have complete peace of mind by knowing that their newly replaced washer disinfectors and pulp macerators were of the highest quality, provided by a company with over 25 years’ experience, and able to offer comprehensive advice and support.

With a dedicated project manager assigned to the project, the first undertaking was a site survey on each property by a DDC Dolphin trained site engineer. The site survey would check the suitability of plumbing and waste outlets in preparation for the removal of old, and installation and commissioning of new machines. All machines would then be scheduled for replacement within the agreed time scales.

The solution from DDC Dolphin included a two-year service and maintenance contract, specifically tailored to the budget and requirements of Care UK. With a service contract in place, Care UK would benefit from faster response times for call-outs and regular maintenance and service visits, ensuring minimum downtime for the machines and time and cost savings.

The Outcome

“We have been really impressed with the service and professionalism shown by DDC Dolphin in all aspects of this project. Having visited their site offices and factory, we were impressed by the culture of the business and their complete dedication to the supply of sluice rooms to the care industry. Their ability to give comprehensive support and advice on planning throughout the project convinced us that we have definitely selected the right people for the job, and we look forward a long and mutually beneficial relationship with them.”

Steve Appleton, Head of Projects, Care UK

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Quantum Group is a Bournemouth-based construction company that creates vibrant, affordable healthcare communities and delivers secure, long-term real estate investments. Instead of just having a regulatory role through the planning system, they believe that the community and the local authority should be at the centre of the process, involved as partners, generating profits that can be enjoyed by everyone. Their entire ethos is based upon engaging with local people and using ‘patient’ private money to allow the local community to design, build and benefit from their new settlement.

The Challenge

Quantum Group and the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospital NHS Foundation Trust entered into a Joint Venture Partnership to build an 80 bedroom care home and to develop 35 residential units on the site of the Christchurch Hospital campus. In order to attract the support of the community, Quantum needed to produce a care home displaying quality and high standards of finish throughout. They sourced and engaged with reputable contractors to help them deliver the project. DDC Dolphin were proud to be selected to provide high quality solutions for the sluice room requirements at the home to be completed by December 2016.

The Solution

DDC Dolphin provided an initial site survey to ensure suitability, a full-size floor template, a pre-installation work pack and catalogue to ensure that the first fix mechanical and electrical works, were completed to the correct dimensions. On receipt of DDC Dolphin’s pre-installation paperwork, a DDC Dolphin trained site engineer was deployed to install and commission the new machines. We supplied and installed 4 Panamatic Midi bedpan washer disinfectors and 4 Pulpmatic Ultima macerator machines for each of the sluice rooms at the home, along with a variety of accessories, all designed to facilitate excellent infection control. By choosing DDC Dolphin, Quantum Group could be confident that the home’s newly installed washer disinfectors and macerators were of the highest quality, and with over 25 years’ experience DDC Dolphin could offer comprehensive advice and support throughout the project, plus aftersales service and care packages on completion.

The Outcome

”DDC Dolphin were extremely supportive throughout this demanding project and have worked within our very tight timescales. Throughout the process they provided clear communication and thorough planning. The equipment was delivered and installed in a timely manner and as a result of this successful delivery, we already have plans in place to use DDC Dolphin on our future projects.”

Andy Burton, MRICS, Chief Operating Office Construction, Quantum Group

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Quantum Group is a Bournemouth-based construction company that creates vibrant, affordable healthcare communities and delivers secure, long-term real estate investments. Great Oaks Care Home in Bournemouth forms part of their impressive portfolio of care home developments, a purpose-built 80 bed care home located within an impressive woodland setting.

Designed to complement its surroundings, with 180-degree views, the care home provides residents with a sense of independence; vital in enhancing their well-being and preserving the landscape’s beauty.

The Challenge

In order to attract the support of the community, the Quantum Group were required to produce a care home displaying quality of finish throughout. They sourced and engaged with reputable contractors to help them deliver the project. Having worked with Quantum Group on the Fairmile Grange development, DDC Dolphin were proud to be selected again to provide high quality solutions for the sluice room requirements at the home. The brief was to fully equip 8 sluice rooms with either bedpan washer disinfectors or medical pulp macerators, plus high-grade stainless steel fittings throughout.

The Solution

DDC Dolphin provided an initial site survey to ensure suitability, a full-size floor template, a pre-installation work pack detailing the installation requirements and catalogue to ensure that the first fix mechanical and electrical works were completed to the correct dimensions. On receipt of DDC Dolphin’s pre-installation paperwork, a DDC Dolphin trained site engineer was deployed to install and commission the new machines. We supplied and installed 4 Panamatic Midi bedpan washer disinfectors and 4 Pulpmatic Ultima Macerator machines for each of the sluice rooms at the home, designed to facilitate excellent infection control standards. The home opened in June 2017.

By selecting DDC Dolphin at tender stage, Quantum Group had complete peace of mind in the knowledge that the Great Oaks Care Home’s newly installed washer disinfectors and pulp macerators were of the highest quality. Provided by a company with over 25 years’ experience, DDC Dolphin were able to offer comprehensive advice and support, as well as aftersales care.

The Outcome

“We were very pleased with the professional, efficient service provided by DDC Dolphin on this project. They provided options and advice regarding specification requirements at an early stage and assisted the decision-making process with regard to selection of the equipment, which best suited the care home’s operational strategies. Communication with the site team was very good and our required timescales for delivery and installation of the equipment were achieved.”

Simon Howell, Project Surveyor, Quantum Group

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Harkel Building Services operates primarily, but not exclusively, in the care sector. As a valued and repeat service M & E Contractor, they cover traditional contracting, design and build, partnering and management contracting. The company is based in Sheffield and undertakes projects ranging in value from £500,000 to £3,000,000.

The Challenge

The Hawkhurst House Care Home was designed to embody Graham Care’s unique concept of care suites and flexible accommodation within a group living environment. It provides a high standard of living and communal accommodation with the well-being of its residents at heart. The home offers a wide range of local employment opportunities and is very much needed in the local community to improve healthcare standards.

In order to attract the support of the community, Harkel Building Services needed to produce a care home displaying quality and high standards of finish throughout. DDC Dolphin were proud to be selected to provide specialist knowledge and solutions for all the sluice room requirements at the home.

The Solution

DDC Dolphin provided a full-size floor template, pre-installation instructions and catalogue to ensure that the first fix mechanical and electrical works were completed to the correct dimensions. On receipt of the pre-installation paperwork, a DDC Dolphin trained site engineer was deployed to install and commission the new machines. DDC Dolphin supplied and installed 6 Panamatic Midi bedpan washer disinfector machines for each of the sluice rooms at the home, designed to facilitate exceptional infection control. By selecting DDC Dolphin, Harkel Building Services had complete peace of mind in the knowledge that the home’s newly installed washer disinfectors were of the highest quality, provided by a company with over 25 years of experience who offered comprehensive advice and support throughout the planning and installation, as well as aftersales care.

The Outcome

“We have been really impressed with the service and professionalism shown by DDC Dolphin in all aspects of this project. Their ability to give comprehensive support and advice is the level of service we require to be able to deliver these projects on time and at a good standard. We look forward to future projects and a mutually beneficial relationship with them.”

Phil Gibson, Engineer, Harkel Building Services

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Metnor Construction is one of the four principal divisions of the Metnor Group of companies. The company currently operates primarily, but not exclusively, in the following sectors: care homes, student accommodation, hotels and leisure, data centres, commercial and retail. As a principal contractor, they cover traditional contracting, design and build, partnering and management contracting. The company is based in North Tyneside and undertakes projects ranging in value from £250,000 to £25,000,000.

The Challenge

Metnor Construction engaged DDC Dolphin for the supply and installation of sluice room equipment at Rectory Lane Care Home, Little Bookham, Surrey, formerly known as Preston Cross Hotel. Metnor’s brief was to retain and convert the 18^th century building and construct a 3 storey, 60 bedroom extension, including a basement, to provide a 70 bed, luxury, state-of-the-art nursing home for their client, Gracewell Healthcare. DDC Dolphin supplied and installed Panamatic Midi bedpan washer disinfectors for each of the 3 sluice rooms at the home, along with a variety of accessories to compliment the equipment. The home opened in the summer of 2017.

The Solution

By selecting DDC Dolphin at tender stage, Metnor Construction had complete peace of mind in the knowledge that the home’s newly installed washer disinfectors were of the highest quality, provided by a company with over 25 years of experience, who offered comprehensive advice and support throughout the planning stage, as well as thorough aftersales care. DDC Dolphin provided a full-size floor template and pre-installation work pack and catalogue to ensure that the first fix mechanical and electrical works were completed to the correct dimensions. On receipt of DDC Dolphin’s pre-installation paperwork, a DDC Dolphin site engineer was deployed to install and commission the new machines.

The Outcome

“The service provided by DDC Dolphin was exemplary; the idea of the on-site template, making it impossible to get the services and builders work wrong, was a simple but innovative idea.”

Lee Kirk BSc (Hons), Senior Contracts Manager, Metnor Construction

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Vida Healthcare Group has two specialist dementia care homes, Vida Hall, with 70 beds and Vida Grange, a new state of the art 124 bed care home based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Vida Hall opened in February 2013 and Vida Grange opened in December 2016. Vida Grange has incorporated eight individual houses within the home and offers a range of care options. Each home is self-contained, with all bedrooms having private en suite bathrooms. There are a variety of communal areas including indoor courtyards and outdoor sensory gardens. Using the same ethos of care as they do at Vida Hall, Vida Grange is a centre of excellence in the UK for dementia care.

The Challenge

Following the successful collaboration between DDC Dolphin and Vida Healthcare for the supply and service of sluice equipment at Vida Hall, Vida Healthcare appointed DDC Dolphin for the supply and installation of all sluice room equipment for their new specialist care home, Vida Grange. This new centre of excellence for dementia care would need each sluice room fitted with the most advanced bedpan washer disinfectors, designed using the latest technology along with a fully comprehensive service and maintenance plan.

The Solution

During the build period DDC Dolphin’s team worked closely with the construction company and Vida Healthcare to ensure everything was scheduled in to the build programme within the required timeframe. DDC Dolphin supplied 8 quality engineered Panamatic Midi bedpan washer disinfectors, all with our patented hands-free technology and antimicrobial surfaces, greatly reducing the risk of cross-contamination. These features perfectly reflect the ethos of Vida Healthcare, with infection control being a key point. After completion of the project a comprehensive service program would form the basis of an ongoing service and maintenance agreement undertaken by our extensive team of qualified engineers.

The Outcome

“Following a successful partnership with DDC Dolphin in the provision of our sluice equipment at Vida Hall, Vida Healthcare Limited were pleased to appoint DDC as the preferred company to provide this equipment at our new facility in Pannal. This decision was based on the quality, reliability and ease of use of the equipment at Vida Hall, plus the excellent aftersales service that we have always experienced from DDC Dolphin.”

Jillian Young, Operations Director, Vida Healthcare

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Stella Maris is a non-profit, long-term care facility, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy as an affiliate of Mercy Healthcare Services. For more than 60 years, Stella Maris has offered a worldwide comprehensive range of health and residential services for the care of the elderly, from retirement through to the end of life. Their core values are fairness, equality and integrity in everything they do.

The Challenge

Stella Maris had been with their previous supplier of bedpan and urine bottle washer disinfectors and thermal sanitisers for over 10 years, and were due to replace these with newer, more efficient machines. As a non-profit organisation they were very keen to reduce their operating and maintenance costs in terms of energy usage, serviceability and reliability of their equipment. whilst not compromising their infection control procedures. Stella Maris were also keen to maintain their core and wanted this to be reflected in everything they did, including the selection of new equipment.

The Solution

DDC Dolphin, through their Australian distributors Aidacare Pty Ltd in NSW, were able to adopt a consultative approach to help Stella Maris in their choice after a detailed assessment of their needs. They decided to install several DDC Dolphin Optima 2 bedpan washer disinfectors.

The Outcome

“We would like to take this opportunity to recommend this product to anyone who is looking to replace or renew their washer disinfectors or thermal sanitisers. We have found the DDC Dolphin Optima 2 thermal sanitisers to be very water and energy efficient, as well as compact, allowing us to make not only the best use but more use of our available space. DDC Dolphin produced excellent brochures and detailed information, everything was of good quality and the size and pricing for the washer disinfectors was perfect, not only for our usage needs, but also for our budget. The technology is easy to use for all our staff and we haven’t had any issues with this product, it is highly recommended!”

Melanie Grace, Facility Manager, Stella Maris, NSW

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