Popular CPD educational programmes and accessible bath launch lead to OT Show success for Abacus
Abacus Specialist Bathroom Solutions has reported a highly successful OT Show through its diverse educational presentations, Gemini 2000 launch and BioCote introduction.
Held at the NEC on the 21st and 22nd November, the Occupational Therapy Show attracted large numbers of occupational therapists and healthcare professionals seeking the latest in assistive equipment, services and CPD-accredited training.
Abacus showcased a selection of its popular power assisted baths, which aim to deliver assured, accessible bathing for disabled bathers. These solutions strive to provide greater comfort, support and dignity for bathers, along with safer moving and handling for carers.
At the event, Abacus launched the Gemini 2000, a larger version of its flagship bath with pioneering BioCote antimicrobial protection. This bath provides, for the first time, a solution that can be adapted to deliver space appropriate bathing from childhood to adolescence. 99.9 of Superbugs are eliminated due to its integrated invisible silver-ion technology that cannot be wiped or worn away.
Complementing the products on display, Abacus also delivered a comprehensive programme of CPD-accredited seminars which were popular amongst visitors.
Abacus works closely with OTs to ensure positive and appropriate outcomes for clients. It leverages a relationship with The OT Service, an independent practice, to ensure its product design, bath provision and client assessments maximise occupational performance in the long term.
Kate Sheehan, a respected OT with over 30 years’ experience, alongside her peer Adam Ferry, OT, presented a series of educational sessions in the Innovation Theatre and on the Abacus stand respectively. Both attracted strong attendance, noted Abacus, as relevant topics were illustrated regarding the importance of bathing versus adapted showering.
Kate delivered a talk entitled “Bathing is Better” which focused on the clinical and legislative evidence to support bath justification and DFG funding.
Adam supported this keynote presentation with on-stand ‘express’ seminars – ‘Bathing and Sleep – joining the dots’ and ‘Posture and Bathing – are you thinking straight?’ Abacus said that every session received extremely positive feedback and OTs commented that knowledge gained would be used in everyday practice.
The combination of OT-led CPD education, product launches, Trevor the Turtle and free advice-focused literature culminated in one of the most successful OT Shows ever for Abacus.
Its stand was busy throughout the two days with continual bath demonstrations, particularly focusing on the benefits of the Gemini’s unique dual lift functionality. Visiting OTs were also keen to discover more about Abacus’ CPD assisted bathing seminars and Lunch and Learn practical bathing workshops, all of which are free and delivered across the UK at any suitable location.
With over 30 years’ clinical experience, Kate Sheehan is one of the UK’s most respected independent OTs. She has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in client assessment, bathroom accessibility and housing design.
Kate is a Director of The OT Service and is the educational lead for the Abacus CPD training programme and ‘Lunch and Learn’ bathing workshops.