LEC MEDICAL PRICE FREEZE SET TO THAW OUT NHS END OF YEAR BUDGETS

With current NHS budgets coming to a close, Lec Medical - one of the leading manufacturers of medical refrigeration - is urging hospitals, GP practices and pharmacies to take advantage of its NHS end of year price freeze and invest in the latest energy efficient medical refrigeration that is not only friendly to the environment but will help save on running costs.

“For the fourth year running, prices remain frozen across our entire range of medical refrigeration that includes pharmacy, laboratory, bloodbank and ward models,” states Jon Usher, Sales and Marketing Manager at Lec Medical.

“With the pressing need for the NHS to achieve a 10% reduction in its carbon footprint by 2015, now is the time to invest in energy efficient equipment that will not compromise budgets, yet can use up to 45% less energy, as well as cutting carbon emissions,” Jon adds.

Despite the importance and urgency attached to reducing energy use in the NHS, it is still commonplace to find some establishments not using purpose built medical fridges for storage, with some even failing to check the temperature of the fridge – as proven by the recent GP spot check investigation by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Not only can this compromise patient safety as drugs need to be stored safely and securely at controlled temperatures, such equipment is not energy efficient and can be costly to run.

Simply replacing the refrigeration that does not incorporate R600a refrigerant will lead to improved energy efficiency and lower running costs. Not only do Lec Medical’s models with R600a refrigerant models use around 45% less energy than comparable systems using the less environmentally friendly R134a refrigerant to obtain the same performance, they also have zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and a negligible global warming potential (GWP) of 3.

Jon continues: “With an average annual energy bill of £583m, every possible reduction in energy use is welcomed by the NHS, as this helps cuts carbon emissions and improves our overall resilience to climate change.”

Lec Medical fridges and freezers incorporate a custom designed digital controller that can show air and simulated load temperature readings to one decimal place via the external digital LED display. Not only does this mean that the temperature is easier and more accurate to record daily, but there is a better awareness of how the unit is functioning and increased confidence that the contents are being kept safely within the required temperatures. The advanced digital controller can also be locked for added security and is easy to wipe clean. All new models also feature a unique antimicrobial handle for improved hygiene and come fully lockable with two keys.

Jon adds: “Investing in the latest medical refrigeration also means an investment in security. All good quality medical fridges should come with a variety of alarms, including audible and visual warnings for high and low temperatures.”

He adds: “A simple ‘open door’ alarm helps ensure that the contents of the fridge are safe and secure by alerting the user if the door has been left open for more than one minute. These high-pitched alarms can provide the necessary time to act on the problem and possibly save the contents.”

Jon also cautions that medical fridges should only be sourced from a reputable manufacturer, such as Lec Medical, that supplies quality products and offers a nationwide network of service engineers in the event of breakdown. Lec Medical also offers further peace of mind with a two-year warranty covering both parts and labour on all medical refrigeration.  

For further information visit www.lec-medical.co.uk or call 0844 248 4220

-ENDS-

PHOTO-CAPTION: Pictured here, Lec Medical’s line-up of pharmacy glass door fridges in three sizes. Solid door options are also available. With a unique antimicrobial handle for improved hygiene, and a custom designed digital controller that shows the internal air temperature accurate to 0.1⁰C, this latest range is designed to push the boundaries of medical refrigeration, whilst meeting the specific needs of pharmacy, ward and laboratory applications.

The Lec Medical brand is renowned worldwide and is part of Glen Dimplex Professional Appliances (GDPA) - one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of medical refrigeration. The Lec Medical range offers a comprehensive range of models that provide safe and reliable storage of drugs and vaccines. All models use energy efficient refrigerants and high specification insulation that helps reduce energy consumption.

PRESS CONTACT:
Julie A. Garrido - Wentworth Communications Ltd
Tel: 0161 973 6763 Fax: 0161 969 6813
Email: julie@wentworthcomms.co.uk

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