Wellspect HealthCare

As we age, involuntary changes in the lower urinary tract physiology occur. This is often demonstrated by difficulties controlling the bladder such as more frequent urination or urgency in sudden access to a toilet. Incomplete bladder emptying and an increased risk for urinary tract infections also grow increasingly common as we get older. While the most common treatments for these issues are lifestyle measures in terms of fluid managements, exercise interventions and pharmacology, Intermittent Catheterization (IC) can play an important role in easing increased bladder control difficulties for an aging bladder. To learn more about the aging bladder, watch our on demand webinar on pelvic floor dysfunction: https://bit.ly/3Vs2Ssi

In our latest podcast episode, we explore together with our guests the current situation of Spina Bifida (SB) in different parts of the world. We also delve into its consequences for motor and sensory functions and talk about how we can improve the care for people with SB. Both in general and in relation to bladder and bowel management specifically. Our guests include Dr. Hanna Gabrielsson from Sweden, a clinical lecturer and researcher at the Department of Health Sciences at the Swedish Red Cross University. We also have Mr. Pierre Mertens from Belgium, once a parent to a child with SB who is also a psychotherapist and the Director of Child-Help International, a foundation that supports people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus to become thriving adults in an inclusive society. Our guests are hosted by Mr Anders Tennby, the Director of the Portfolio Management Office at Wellspect, Sweden. The overarching question of this episode is certainly how we, as caregivers or healthcare professionals, can improve the quality of life for people with SB. Today, on Spina Bifida Day, this question is all the more relevant. Click the link to listen or save it under your favorites tab to listen to it when convenient for you https://bit.ly/48qAlaO

As part of Wellspect’s sustainability action plan, our UK branch recently switched to using biogas, instead of fossil-based gas. The biogas will be used for heating and electricity in our UK warehouse and office premises. Biogas is considered a more sustainable alternative, compared to fossil-based gas. This is because it has at least 46% less carbon emissions than standard natural gas. Why? Because biogas is not produced from fossil-based fuels. It is produced by breaking down organic matter such as agricultural waste and municipal waste. This supports waste management at the national level while also capturing methane, a greenhouse gas, that would otherwise be released into the air if waste is left to decompose naturally. The move to biogas will enable an annual reduction of 13 tons CO2e, which totals 0,5% of our global direct emissions (Scope 1). While small, it adds up alongside other incremental changes including the shift to biogas in Sweden back in 2023. #ClimateAction #ResponsibleProduction #BioGas #MedTech

We are so glad that Kevin Mather has decided to join our team of Wellspect Ambassadors! Kevin Mather was training for an Ironman Triathlon in July 2009 with a group of friends when he was hit by a truck and paralyzed. This didn’t stop the athlete inside of Kevin – he went on to win the handcycle division of the Los Angeles Marathon in 2012 and finished second in the 2012 Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. In 2013, Kevin switched gears and moved to Aspen to train for downhill skiing – earning a spot on the 2017 World Championships Team. Then a fellow volunteer at Craig Hospital in Colorado invited him to shoot a bow and he fell in love with archery. He won Gold at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021, then backed up his title with a world championship win in 2023. Kevin loves all shotgun sports (sporting clays, trap, skeet), big game hunting, and nights out with his wife and friends. He has been using our LoFric Origo cathter since 2013. He also uses LoFric Hydro-Kit, which facilitates his traveling around the world with the archery team. #LoFric #Catheters #CatheterLife #SCI #SpinalCordInjury #IC #CIC

Say hi to Malin Rosén, future UX designer, who has embarked on an 8-week internship at our head office in Sweden. With a keen interest in graphics, color, and form, Malin is lending us a pair of fresh new eyes – diving headfirst into user interface design and consumer research. Asked about what she is hoping to achieve with her internship, Malin says that she wants to explore how her technical skills can be applied in large organizations. She would also like to have a feel for how different tasks and responsibilities allow her to channel her creative side. We extend a very warm welcome to you Malin and hope that you achieve what you have set your mind on 👋 #WeAreWellspect #YoungTalent #GraduateTrainee #UXDesigner

Today, representatives from the life-science industry, academia, and research agencies gathered at Mölnlycke Health Care new headquarters at GoCo Health Innovation City to share ideas about “Life Sciences - from structural biology to medical technology”. Together, we explored how emerging technologies—like bioprinting, nanotechnology, AI, and the Internet of Medical Things—can address challenges in healthcare. Our Group Vice president Chris Schlenk participated in a panel discussion that explored how robust partnerships between industry, universities, and government-supported research facilities has become increasingly important to tackle healthcare’s biggest problems. These challenges include developing future medical devices and drug compositions that will address issues such as healthcare-associated infections and chronic diseases. The ultimate goal is to benefit society as a whole, as we all rely on medical treatments, devices, or medicines at some point. Collaboration is key. By combining our expertise with technologies from other industries, we can overcome funding and research hurdles. Facilities like the European Spallation Source ERIC and the MAX IV Laboratory, which are currently being developed, will further drive innovation by deepening our understanding of materials and biological structures. Special thanks to Vetenskapsrådet / Swedish Research Council and Vinnova for organizing this event. Looking forward to more opportunities for collaboration!

Waste management, which includes both the reduction of the amount of waste generated as well as the actual handling of waste – is a core area that businesses must attend to, to reduce their emissions. Whether food waste, electronic waste or production scrap. It all adds up. At Wellspect, we work together across various functions from product development to manufacturing and IT to level up our waste management processes and to reduce the amount of waste we generate. We also forge cross-sectoral partnerships with waste management actors like @Remondis and @3STEPIT. By joining forces and cooperating outside of our own industry boundaries, we can pave the way for more responsible production. #ARealDifference #NowAndForTheFuture #WasteManagement #ResponsibleProduction #MedicalDevice

At Wellspect, we explore evolving therapies and current trends in bladder and bowel management. We also conduct our own scientific research and partner with healthcare professionals to collect clinical evidence. Our free of charge educational platform gathers some of the above content including clinical studies’ highlights, webinars and in-depth articles on bowel and bladder care. Whether you are a healthcare professional, a caregiver, or a product user, you will find something there for you The bulk of the material is also CPD certified and available in your local language 👇 https://bit.ly/47E8BPw

Men who have to learn how to use (and live with) an intermittent catheter to empty their bladder, encounter numerous challenges and barriers. In the initial stages, as users begin to use intermittent catheterization (IC), it influences all aspects of their lives, including work and sex-life. In our latest publication highlight, we have summarized the findings of a popular literature review by Karen Logan, a clinical nurse specialist, which explores the key challenges faced by men using IC and explores how to overcome. While the study is primarily focused on men, its findings are still relevant for women who use IC. Key conclusions of the study point to the importance of proper follow-up care to support the incorporation of IC into daily routines and to ensure long-term adherence. Providing nurses, that teach patients IC, with access to specialized training and education is also crucial for them to acquire and retain the expertise needed and the skills necessary for instructing IC and for also facilitating its integration into users’ day-to-day life. You can access a summary of the clinical study on our free of charge educational platform https://bit.ly/3B21h4G #ScienceAlert #IntermittentCatheterization #QualityOfLife #ContinenceCare

Maria Lennerås Sjöberg, Medical Science Liaison at Wellspect, attended ISCoS in Antwerp last week. Here are her 3 biggest takeaways: - High-risk sports cause more spinal cord injuries (higher incidence) and individuals with SCI have a longer life expectancy than a few decades ago. People with SCI live longer due to better medication and treatment. Consequently, a larger group of individuals with SCI need life-long care (higher prevalence). - The length of stay at rehab centers has decreased from around 80 days (1988) to 50 days (2016). However, the time needed to obtain a bladder and bowel management routine stays the same, presenting challenges for patients. - There is need for more knowledge to understand the challenges of delivering life-long care for people with SCI in different countries. Patients want to be informed to be able to have a pro-active approach, for example about reducing risks for UTIs when being more fragile and prone to infections. What were your biggest takeaways from ISCoS Antwerp 2024? Comment below! PS. During our free ACCT webinar next week, you can get in-depth insights about aging with SCI and ask your questions to three experts on this topic. Sign up for our ACCT (Advance continence care together) here: https://bit.ly/3TPFcgf #ISCoS24 #ISCoSAntwerp #ISCoS #Wellspect #ACCT #ARealDifference #SCI #SCICare #BladderManagement #BowelManagement