Our latest innovation which you must have heard of (unless you have been in winter hibernation) is the specially designed men’s disposal unit, a product that’s turning heads not just for its practicality, but for its deep connection to a cause that affects millions—cancer awareness.
The decision to design the men’s disposal unit in teal was no accident. The colour teal is prominently associated with ovarian cancer awareness in the UK, a cause that is very close to the hearts of many. While teal’s connection to ovarian cancer is well known, we took this a step further by choosing the color to show support for all men who are affected by various forms of cancer, including prostate and bowel cancer.
Our collaboration with Cancer my Arse, a charity that advocates for stoma users, brings attention to a crucial aspect of cancer care—providing a dignified solution for stoma bag disposal in public and private washrooms.
Choosing teal as the color for the men’s disposal unit makes it stand out in any toilet, signalling its unique purpose. The colour choice is significant because it’s not only associated with a specific health cause but also serves as a visual reminder of the importance of supporting those with stomas or cancer-related medical needs. It breaks away from the traditional, neutral designs of public hygiene products, giving the unit a great look that carries meaning beyond just functionality.
Our units all display the Cancer my Arse QR code – this links directly to their website with more information about the cause. All units also show the wording ‘discrete hygiene disposal’ – this allows the user to quickly identify that there is an option for them to dispose of their waste in a dignified manner.
Teal’s the Deal: A Bold Step in Cancer Awareness and Stoma Care!
We are delighted to announce becoming one of the Official Sponsors of Cancer my Arse
CANCER MY ARSE! aims to raise awareness and much needed funds for Cancer charities, perhaps to save you or a loved one at some point in the future.
We have offered a male disposal unit for some time now but didn’t really understand the true requirements of the need until we sat down with Kevin Griffiths. Kev is a local business man who is a stoma user since having intrusive surgery as part of his bowel cancer diagnosis.
It is estimated 1 in 335 people in the UK are living with a stoma.
Some of the reasons for having a stoma
Cancer
Trauma/Perforation
Severe constipation
Damage after radiation treatment
It is already stressful for users to be out and about and need to find suitable washroom facilities. They are entitled to use accessible toilets, yet 25% have reported being verbally abused for having a ‘hidden condition’. The users need facilities to be able to change the bag, wash their hands, dispose of the bag in a waste unit. They do not want to have to carry a doggy bag around – they have the right to dignity and to prevent embarassment a disposal unit should be readily available for their use.
We are working to break the taboo on health related issues and normalise being able to talk openly. If you don’t know someone with a stoma or a male with urinary incontinence, perhaps you need to consider they haven’t shared this personal information with you, rather than it doesn’t exist.
Our units will now display a QR code for you to find out more information about the cause and also links to support from the charities.
Please help us to support Cancer my Arse ,talk to your employer, encourage the awareness and even join in to Kev’s cycling challenge
Stoma users are often faced with anxiety in simply knowing where to find a suitable toilet. As the condition is ‘hidden’ they often face discrimation in using accessible toilets. It’s not difficult for business owners to incorporate small changes into their premises and they can make a huge difference for people to easily and privately manage stoma care while away from home.
Women often can use sanitary disposal units whilst men find themselves struggling to find even a waste bin.
Increasing the availability of stoma-friendly toilets can significantly improve the ability to feel part of daily life and social activities without worrying and offer the assurance that someone can manage their stoma or catheter safely and privately without compromising hygiene or dignity. The push for more stoma-friendly toilets in public spaces across the UK is about meeting physical needs and promoting a more inclusive and understanding society. Colostomy UK are a brilliant charity providing great advice, their key aim is to see Stoma friendly signage and for more to understand why these facilities are needed.
The essentials to be provided:
Hook on door – To hang clothing, handbags and luggage while changing stoma bags. This provides more space in the cubicle.
Shelf space – To enable ostomates to spread out their items easily and avoid having to use unsanitary surfaces.
Mirror – To enable users to see their stoma while changing their appliances.
Disposal bin in every cubicle – To avoid embarrassment for men and women having to dispose of their stoma bag in public view.
At B Hygienic we are dedicated to offering the highest level of service while being mindful of our environmental impact. Today, we are proud to announce that we’ve successfully achieved both ISO 14001 and 9001 certifications, a milestone that underscores our dedication to both customer satisfaction and the environment.
ISO 9001 is an international standard for quality management systems (QMS). It provides a framework for organizations to consistently deliver products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements. Achieving ISO 9001 certification means we are dedicated to improving the effectiveness of our processes, ensuring customer satisfaction, and maintaining high standards of quality in everything we do.
ISO 14001, is focused on environmental management. This standard helps organizations minimize their environmental impact, comply with legal requirements, and continuously improve their environmental performance. By obtaining ISO 14001 certification, we demonstrate our commitment to sustainability by adopting practices that reduce waste, conserve resources, and decrease our overall carbon footprint.
What does this mean?
1. For us, the goal is always to exceed customer expectations. By becoming ISO 9001 certified, we now have a robust system in place that ensures consistent, high-quality service. This gives our customers the confidence that we will deliver what we promise, with processes in place to handle any challenges that may arise. Our customers can rest assured that every washroom service we provide meets rigorous standards of quality and reliability.
2. As a company that operates in the washroom hygiene space, we understand the importance of maintaining a balance between service excellence and environmental responsibility. By achieving ISO 14001 certification, we have formalized our commitment to sustainable practices. Whether it’s optimizing resource use, reducing waste, or using eco-friendly products, our environmental management system helps us minimize our impact. We believe that sustainability isn’t just a word—it’s an integral part of how we do business.
3. ISO standards help us identify inefficiencies, streamline processes, and reduce waste. By adhering to the principles of ISO 9001 and 14001, we’ve been able to optimize our operations, saving time and resources. This not only improves our bottom line but also ensures we can continue providing the most cost-effective solutions to our customers without compromising on quality or sustainability.
4. Both ISO 9001 and 14001 help us stay ahead of regulatory requirements. The ISO 9001 certification ensures that we are consistently delivering products and services that comply with customer and legal requirements. ISO 14001, meanwhile, ensures we are complying with environmental regulations and proactively managing potential risks related to environmental sustainability.
As a customer, this means you can count on us to keep innovating, refining our processes, and adopting new technologies that improve the quality of our services.
At B Hygienic, achieving ISO 14001 and 9001 certifications is a significant achievement, and it’s one we are incredibly proud of. It validates the hard work and dedication of our team; it shows that we are on the right path—constantly improving to serve our customers better. It also demonstrates that our commitment to sustainability and quality is not just a talking point, but a core principle embedded in everything we do.
We believe in doing things right. We’re proud of this achievement and look forward to serving our customers with the highest standards of excellence for many years to come.
It’s that time of year again – Cervical Screening Awareness Week (17th June to 23rd June)! This is a great chance to shine a light on a crucial aspect of women’s health: cervical screening. Whether you are already in the know or you’re hearing about it for the first time, let’s delve into why this week matters and how you can participate.
What Is Cervical Screening Awareness Week?
Cervical Screening Awareness Week, held every June, is all about spreading the word and educating everyone on the importance of cervical screening. It’s an opportunity to encourage more women to attend their screenings and to clear up any misconceptions or fears. With increased awareness, we can significantly improve early detection and prevention of cervical cancer.
Cervical screening, often known as a smear test, is a quick and simple procedure that can detect abnormal cells on the cervix. These cells, if left untreated, could develop into cervical cancer. Early detection through regular screening can save lives, plain and simple. It’s one of the best tools we have in the fight against cervical cancer.
Tackling Fears and Misconceptions
We get it – smear tests can seem intimidating. But understanding what to expect can help to ease those worries. The procedure is quick, usually just a few minutes, and healthcare professionals are there to make you as comfortable as possible. A cervical smear test shouldn’t be painful, but it might feel a bit uncomfortable. If you’re concerned about potential discomfort, your GP or practice nurse can discuss ways to make the test more comfortable for you. Remember, it’s perfectly fine to express any concerns that you have.
A cervical screening test examines the cervix for abnormal cell changes. Screening is essential because these changes typically don’t present symptoms. By detecting abnormal cell changes early, including those most likely to develop into cancer, the screening enables prompt treatment. This proactive approach is highly effective in preventing cervical cancer.
The Benefits of Cervical Screening
Let’s talk benefits – because there are plenty!
Peace of Mind: Regular screenings can provide reassurance that you’re in good health or will catch issues early before they become serious.
Early Detection Saves Lives:Detecting abnormal cells early allows for treatment before the cells develop into cancer.
Early intervention is often simpler and more effective.
Cervical Screening Awareness Week is more than just a campaign; it’s a movement towards better health for all women. By raising awareness and supporting each other, we can encourage more women to attend their screenings and ultimately save lives.
In 2010, B Hygienic launched its ThinkPink campaign – a long-term commitment to supporting cancer prevention. As part of our commitment, we have pledged to make regular donations to charities and to actively support them by visiting centres, sharing updates, and assisting with fundraising activities. Also, to further raise awareness, we introduced our distinct and eye-catching “Pink Range” of products.
So, let’s get talking! Share information, book your screenings, and support others in doing the same. Together, we can make a huge impact. Here’s to a healthier, happier future for all women!
For more information and resources, check out the NHS website. Let’s keep the conversation going and make a difference!
