Welcome to the Winter Linkline
Our extensive range of accessories forms an important part of our product portfolio and in this issue we are giving you another opportunity to try a free sample of some of our most popular products. These are available on a first come, first served basis so please don't delay in ordering. I hope you all enjoy the festivities and we'll catch up with you again next year with our regular round up of news from across the UK. Adrian
Welcome to the last edition of Linkline in 2006. Doesn't time fly? It doesn't seem long since we were celebrating Christmas last year and it's almost upon us once again - please remember to check the opening hours of your Medilink branch on page 9 to ensure you are not left without supplies over the festive period.
s part of a collaboration between Salts Healthcare and a group of Stoma Care Nurses based in the Surrey area, patients about to undergo an ileostomy will have the chance to hear from existing patients and to find out, often for the first time, what a real stoma looks like and how it functions.
Cardiff's Medilink branch is offering an altogether more inviting welcome following the completion of a refurbishment project managed by Senior Customer Care Advisor Sarah Free (known to customers as Lou). Despite working to a tight budget, Sarah, who studied interior design on a course run by Ann Maurice (Channel 4's presenter of 'House Doctor'), has done a fantastic job. 
When the 25-strong group visited the HQ in September they were introduced to Peter, Philip and Robert Salt (MD, Chief Executive and Export Director), and enjoyed a presentation by Peter, as well as talks by Adrian Priest on the history of the company and by Leicestershire rep Rob Simons, who organised the event. Rob introduced the visitors to new products available from Salts such as Comfizz pants. 
She added, "It is gratifying to know that so much care and thought goes into making these products and this gives us so much confidence to get on with our lives."
Owen Cole, the hospital's Lead Consultant - Urology Cancer, explained the reason for the appeal:
Reporting on the visit, Sue continued: "Linda Congdon who heads the team in Redruth, gave us a brilliant talk. She described how a new ostomate is measured up for their pouch by the Stoma Care Nurse - the team has a close relationship with our Stoma Care Nurses in Treliske Hospital in Truro - the template is taken and a prescription is sent to Salts who keep all the patient's details. They then phone through to the relevant stoma care supplier and once the goods are received (generally within 24hrs), the team leaps into action, sometimes cutting the holes themselves, pack up the supplies (very discreetly) and navigate their way to our homes with our box of goodies which can be left in a prearranged location. We have some very tricky routes here in Cornwall, and the team have to be good map readers!
"The team also has a wealth of knowledge of skin problems and will advise on the best sprays, wipes, deodorants, etc. We were able to see some new supplies, try sprays and had a hilarious time discussing all our different methods of coping with bag changing and leakage problems. We all appreciate having the choice of where our supplies come from and value independence and there is never any pressure from Salts to use their own supplies - no hard sell - just a very professional, competent service.
