Abacus appoints new regional assessor to engage OTs and end-users in the South East
Abacus has bolstered its team with the appointment of Ryan Wilkes who joins the bathing specialist as its new Regional Assessment Manager for South East England.
A manufacturer of accessible baths for disabled bathers, Abacus is part of the Gainsborough Healthcare Group, a UK manufacturer of accessible baths for domestic bathrooms, respite centres and rehabilitation facilities.
In his new role, 33-year-old Ryan will support families and healthcare professionals across the region, providing bathing assessments, demonstrations and education to ensure the individual needs of disabled adults and children are met.
The Norfolk-based assessor brings a wealth of healthcare experience to Abacus, previous holding roles in the diabetes diagnostics and audiology sectors.
“It seemed a natural progression for me to further my career from fast-moving assisted audio technology to accessible bathing innovation,” commented Ryan.
“I am delighted to have been appointed and would like to thank the Abacus team for being so welcoming. The culture at Abacus is refreshing – there is a real team attitude so you never feel alone on the road. The other Regional Assessment Managers continue to be so supportive and the product training has been excellent.”
Ryan will now use his 10 years’ experience supporting nurses, GPs, CCGs and consultants to engage with occupational therapists in his new position.
“I intend to deliver a consistent and reliable service to all occupational therapists and families, as I have done throughout my working life,” added Ryan.
“I believe in always going the extra mile and take pride in a diligent approach.
“From a commercial point of view, the continued popularity of Abacus baths is clear to see with a strong pipeline of enquiries and orders, which I will be fulfilling as efficiently as possible. Now more than ever our bathing solutions are critical for health, hygiene and wellbeing in the community. They reduce reliance on carers and the risk of injury so pressure on the NHS can be eased.”
As with the other Abacus Regional Assessment Managers, Ryan has been equipped with a fully-kitted out demonstration vehicle housing a selection of Abacus baths in a bathroom setting. Additionally, the vehicle enables Abacus’ assessors to broadcast online webinars directly from the vehicle, providing a COVID-19 risk-free alternative.
Outside of work, Ryan is kept busy with his four small children and keeping fit, including completing several Tough Mudder type endurance events for charity.
Recently, Abacus, along with a number of healthcare suppliers, unveiled a first-look of its virtual stand at the upcoming Disability Awareness Day Virtual event, taking place on 25 October 2020.
