Stair Lift Article

The following stair lift article appeared in the Blackburn Citizen

Stair Lift Plea For Arthritic Wife, 75

Freelift Curved Stairlifts

Below are the order deadlines for curved stairlifts required before Christmas:

Deadline for placing new orders - 5.00pm on Tuesday, 28 November 2006, with a 'clean' FMP, whereby drawing is signed off by 3.00pm on Tuesday, 5 December 2006.

These orders will be available from Freelift prior to Christmas.

TNT will make their normal collections on Friday 22nd December, however, only certain postcodes will receive deliveries on Saturday, 23 December.

TNT will operate as normal on 27/28/29 December 2006.

Christmas Holiday Period: Freelift offices will be closed from 5.00pm on 22 December to 26 December inclusive, re-opening at 8.30am on Wednesday 27 December. They will be closed for New Year's Day, and open as usual from Tuesday, 2 January 2007.

Stannah 420 straight stairlift launched

Stannah have announced the launch of the 420 straight stairlift. The stairlift is available for us to order as of the 13th November.

The 420 straight stairlift is a direct replacement for the 400. The main difference being that the trailing cable/trolley weight has been removed and replaced with a constant charging system. In addition the 420 will no longer use hard-wired controls but will instead use the new style infrared remote controls.

Development of the Stannah 420 automatic hinge is still ongoing, in the meantime Stannah will continue to sell the 400 hinge using the trailing cable and trolley weight.

Bison release Christmas stairlift dates

Bison Bede Limited, the stairlift manufacturers, have released the last dates for orders guaranteeing delivery for Christmas 2006. They are as follows:

Curved Lifts - Orders received by 9.00 am on the 18th December

Straight Lifts - Orders received by 20th December

Bathlifts - Orders received by 21st December


The last date for shipment of Stairlifts & Bathlift orders for delivery before Christmas will be Tuesday 21st December.

Bison have stressed that these dates are subject to the limitations of their manufacturing capacity but if they can keep close to these dates then the delivery times are really quite impressive. We shall wait and see how accurate their claims prove to be.

Find out more about Bison Stairlifts.

Are stairlift prices too high?

Disability Now have written an article on the price of stairlifts and I was asked a few questions over the phone by one of their journalists. Whilst I agree with many of the points raised I would like to clarify one of the quotes attributed to me.

The article quotes me as saying that it costs only £300 or £400 for one of the manufacturers that supply us to make a stairlift. This price is purely based on the cost of the materials used to build a budget stairlift. It does not include the huge cost of running a factory in the UK such as wages, machinery, packaging and transportation not to mention the costs of running offices and a fleet of vehicles. The true cost of manufacturing a budget stairlift is therefore far far higher than £400. It is probably my fault for not making this clearer at the time but I feel that its only fair to the manufacturers that I make the point.

I should also like to make the distinction between the cost of manufacturing a budget stairlift to the cost of making a stairlift at the higher end of the market. For example Stannah Stair Lifts feature many more component parts when compared to a simple budget stairlift. Their emphasis on safety and producing highly engineered, quality products means that their costs will be higher still. This is reflected in the price to the end user.

I would agree with the comments of Jon Stannah, MD of Stannah Stairlifts who says

"We feel that £2,000 for a highly complex technological piece of equipment with an aftercare service which is second to none is actually relatively good value for money."

£2,000 for a straight Stannah stairlift is definitely good value for money. The problem is that some companies are trying to sell lifts at prices far higher than this.

In my opinion one of the main causes of high prices in the private market is the parlous state of the local authority market. It has become a profitless market in many respects. With dozens of companies vying for work, the prices charged to local authorities have plummeted and this has led to some companies hiking their charges to private buyers. It is a worrying trend and until there is consolidation in the industry it is not a trend that will be bucked soon.

Until then it is vital that private buyers do as much research as possible to ensure that they get a good deal. It is also worth pointing out that most companies are reputable and aren't con artists and with a little care taken before placing your order you can get a fantastic deal on a stairlift that may just change your life.

Stairlift worries

This article appeared in the Disability Now magazine and highlights a problem I mentioned in a previous post. If you buy a Stannah 260, make sure the people that sell it to you are Stannah authorised dealers.

A disabled man has been left without a maintenance contract for his reconditioned stairlift, after it was discovered the stair rail had been welded together using parts of other second-hand rails.

Andrew Dunnington is considering legal action against the maintenance company, Stannah Lift Services (SLS), which took nearly five years to spot the alleged problem.

But Stannah claims the case highlights national concerns about some reconditioned stairlifts sold by firms.

Dunnington, who has a spinal injury, bought the reconditioned Stannah stairlift for £5,450 in 1994 from Multicare, which installed it on the curved staircase at his home in Stockport, Cheshire.

Three years later, Dunning-ton signed a contract with SLS to carry out regular maintenance.

But it wasn't until this February that SLS discovered the stair rail had been welded together from various second-hand rails, and told Dunnington it would no longer honour the contract.

Jon Stannah, managing director of SLS, said the reconditoned rail was "made to look extremely convincing, like a new Stannah rail".

"More of these re-welded products are emerging all the time and are a real concern," he said. "We do not believe you can recondition a [curved] rail safely."

But Martin Baldwin, managing director of Multicare, said: "Mr Dunnington had eight years of use out of it."

He added: "The integrity of a reconditioned curve is as good if not better than one Stannah would make. To all intents and purposes, it is a new track. There are a lot of very satisfied customers."

David Fazakerley, managing director of the Lift and Escalator Industry Association, said his organisation had "concerns" about the issue of reconditioned stair rails.

Stairlift gift spurned

This article appeared in the Ilford Recorder

Larry's lift gift spurned

IT IS in perfect condition and cost £2,500 - but when Larry Cohen approached charities to ask if they wanted a second hand stairlift, they said they had no use for it. Larry, of Stradbroke Grove, Clayhall was amazed when he was told by Red Cross, Green Lane, Goodmayes that they could not recycle the stairlift. But nothing could prepare him for the shock after he phoned a local NHS number and was also told they couldn't use it either."I am sure there is someone out there who is in desperate need of a stairlift," said Larry. I am upset that I have got a stairlift that no one can benefit from. "There is absolutely nothing wrong with it."

Swivel Seat Stairlift Chairs

There are a number of options available to make using a stair lift easier. The most obvious option is to have a swivel seat stairlift. This means that you can swivel the chair when you reach the top of the stairs, so that you are facing away from the staircase when you get off. The swivel seat is usually operated by pressing down on a lever at the side of the chair. A swivel seat stairlift makes it much easier and safer to get on and off the lift. The stairlift chair then acts as a barrier so that if you were to lose balance you could not fall down the stairs. A swivel seat is a standard option on most stairlifts these days, so you shouldn't have to pay extra.

Powered swivel seats are also available if you are unable to swivel the seat yourself. Most of the powered swivel options are now automatic. When the chair reaches the top of the rail there will be a short delay and the seat will then swivel the user onto the landing. This option will add to the cost of the stairlift and the quality can vary according to the manufacturer. As always seek independent advice and get prices from more than one source. If a powered swivel isn't necessary at the moment but could be useful in the future make sure the seat can be adapted.

Disability Now Stair Lift Question

This month's Disability Now magazine has this question posed by a reader. One of the replies was written by me in response to a request from the sub editor. In my opinion all of the answers make good points and should be considered when buying a stair lift.

Last month's question

"I need a stairlift and I have looked at various makes, but they all seem similar. I'm so confused and can't decide which one to buy. Can anyone recommend a good product, preferably from a company with a good after sales service and that doesn't use pressure selling techniques?"

Your answers:

I can't really recommend any one company or stairlift product as everyone has different needs and requirements. The stairlift company should recommend the correct solution once these individual needs have been established at the survey stage.

Advice that we tell visitors to follow is quite simple. Look for the basic safety features that should really be standard on all stairlifts, i.e. Swivel seat, D.C. power, Call / send devices. These sort of features should be really be included in the basic cost of a new stairlift and probably in most reconditioned stairlifts that are available today, (unless they are very old).

Try and get at least two or three quotes, making it clear that when you arrange your appointment you will not be making a decision at this time.

If you live alone, ask a neighbour or relative to sit in with you during your stairlift survey. If any extra option or "add-ons" are required, ask why they are needed and how would it benefit you.

When deciding which stairlift to choose, it is not always wise to pick the cheapest quotation. You should also consider the after-sales service and the warranty package that the companies provide.

Most importantly Ð choose the correct solution for your needs.

Roy Williams Ð Stairlift Surveyor

Arc produces over 80 information booklets, including Stairlifts and Homelifts, which is an excellent guide to the issues which need to be considered when making such adaptations to the home. The booklet is written by medical professionals and includes useful contacts for people to get professional advice on grants for equipment or conversions.




Buying a stairlift is a daunting task these days. If you need a straight stairlift then (generally speaking) there is not a huge difference in quality.

Curved stairlifts on the other hand are far more complicated and some are definitely better than others.

I would be reluctant to recommend a particular stairlift without seeing your staircase and discussing your needs but I can offer you advice on how to make sure you get the right lift.

There are several manufacturers and many more independent companies that supply lifts from a range of manufacturers. There are good and bad companies among these. The industry has become very competitive over the last few years and there are a number of unscrupulous traders now operating - even some of the big manufacturers have a poor record for after-sales service and pushy salesman, as well as charging an exceedingly high price for their lifts.
However, with a few sensible precautions you can get a really good deal. It is a good idea to ask your local authority who they use - they will be happy to provide a list for you and this should ensure that you avoid rogue traders.

Try a manufacturer and a local independent supplier to get a comparison. Always get three or more quotes - this is time consuming and intrusive but is really the only way to feel confident that you are making the right choice.

Never agree to purchase the lift while the salesman is with you. A reputable company will respect your decision. If the salesman starts to pester you, or offers you a discount if you buy now, be very sceptical.

Ask about maintenance costs - will the company still look after your lift if you don't sign up to an expensive contract?

Find out if the company has engineers local to you and if they attend out-of-hours callouts. Also, if they are independent suppliers, check with the manufacturer to ensure that they are authorised dealers. If they aren't, they will not have access to spare parts and will not have had the correct training.

Once you have all of the quotations in writing take your time to make a decision and make sure that you read the small print. If you are confused about any detail, speak to someone from the company and ask for their response in writing if necessary. These precautions should ensure that you get a suitable lift at a fair price.

Good luck! Christian Dunnage Director Dolphin Mobility Ltd




Help with funding a stairlift is sometimes available from the local council through a Disabled Facilities Grant so, before proceeding with a private purchase, it's worthwhile contacting your council's social services department to find out whether they can help.

If you buy privately, engineers will need to do a home visit before they can give you a price for the stairlift and its installation.

They'll need to look at the staircase itself, and the immedediate environment, eg landings, overhangs and the siting of doorways and windows.

You should get quotes from at least three companies and compare them, find out what their guarantee covers, their servicing and maintenance costs, and how long it will take them to supply fit the stairlift..

Stairlifts will have subtle variations, but you need to be sure that you can transfer on and off the seat safely, that your legs are supported by the footplate and that you can manage the controls.

You may have a Disabled Living Centre near you where you can see and try out a range of stairlifts (addresses are on the Assist UK website)

You may prefer to buy from a company that belongs to a trade association such as the Lift and Escalator Industry Association or the British Healthcare Trades Association.

You can also contact your local home improvement agency and ask if they can give you any advice (addresses can be found on the Foundations website.

The DLF has a factsheet on their website on choosing equipment to get up and down stairs, that includes advice on stairlifts.

Lucy Andrews

Finally...a replacement for the stairlift that was faulty for TWO YEARS

I found this stairlift article on the Leeds Today website after it had appeared in the Yorkshire Evening Post.

BY ALISON BELLAMY

A MULTIPLE sclerosis sufferer had to be carried up and down stairs at her council home by her husband for two years after her stairlift kept breaking down. But today Paula and Dave Whitaker were celebrating after Leeds City Council bosses promised to replace the faulty appliance after the YEP stepped in.

Mrs Whitaker, 55, who has suffered MS for two decades and uses a wheelchair, said: "The stairlift is downright dangerous. I am frightened when I am on it, just in case it goes. "It has been breaking down on average twice a week for two years, we have called the helpline endlessly and there has been a stream of repairman, continuously coming to mend it. "At one time there were sparks flying from under it. "It usually breaks once it reaches the top of the stairs, so my husband Dave has to carry me back down, once I have been to the bathroom. It is a real pain."

The grandmother from Wood Nook Drive, Tinshill, Cookridge, says she and Dave have lost track of how many times they have called the council repair helpline since they moved into the house in 2004. Dave, who is Paula's full-time carer, said: "Coping with MS is bad enough, we could do without this carry on a regular basis. "They keep saying that a part needs replacing, but the chair is ancient and like something from the 1970s."When the YEP visited Paula's home the stairlift broke down as the mum-of-three was trying to get upstairs.

A spokeswoman for Leeds North West Homes said: "The number of repairs required of this stair-lift over the past couple of years is certainly out of the ordinary, therefore we will be requesting a replacement stairlift be fitted." The spokesman could not say when the lift would be replaced. Mrs Whitaker added: "That is brilliant news. I can't say enough thankyous to the YEP. They simply have not been listening to me. Surely they must have realised that coming out twice a week to mend the lift does not make sense."

12 September 2006

Stairlift Plan Rejected

Artist Alex Murdin's plan to install a 30ft stairlift on a craggy hill on Dartmoor has been rejected by the park authority. Murdin, 35, wanted to test commitment to equal access.

Disappointment at stair lift buy-back

This stair lift article appeared in Newcastle's Sunday Sun.

How's your maths? Peter Heslop bought a stair lift for £1250 on the understanding he could sell it back when it was no longer needed.

Seven months later he moved to a bungalow and was offered - wait for it - the princely sum of £60.

No wonder Peter, of Spennymoor, County Durham, felt the need for some sabre rattling.
He said: "The company told me they had a buy- back policy, depending on the length of time I had the equipment. I expected more than £60 but accepted it as I had to be out of the house quickly."

I wondered how Peter Brown, of Sabre Stairlift Systems, Keighley, West Yorkshire, could justify his figures. He said: "The reason we offer a relatively small amount is we sell reconditioned machines for only £999. We have to remove the machine, renovate it, advertise it, and reinstall it."

Stairlift waiting lists debate in the commons?

Labour MP Keith Vaz asked the following question in the House of Commons recently.

Keith Vaz (Leicester, East) (Lab): May we have a debate next week on the guidelines for the provision of stairlifts for elderly people by local authorities? My constituent Vera Cheshire is 78 years of age. She has a colostomy bag, an artificial leg and has lost the use of one of her arms. She has been waiting for 18 months for a stairlift from Liberal-led Leicester city council. Does my right hon. Friend agree that when local authorities fail to discharge their duties, especially to the vulnerable in society, it is important that Ministers intervene and that, at the very least, we should debate such important matters?

Mr. Hoon: As ever, my hon. Friend makes his point, and he does so with considerable force. It is outrageous that anyone should have to wait so long for assistance from their local authority. I am sure that the Liberal Democrat leadership in the House of Commons will look at that as a matter of some urgency.

How to buy a Stair Lift

Buying a stair lift is certainly a daunting task these days. If you need a straight stair lift then generally speaking there is not a huge difference in quality. Curved stairlifts on the other hand are far more complicated and some are definitely better than others. I would be reluctant to recommend a particular stairlift without seeing your staircase and discussing your needs but I can offer you advice on how to make sure you get the right lift. There are several manufacturers and many more independent companies that supply lifts from a range of manufacturers. There are good and bad companies among these. The industry has become very competitive over the last few years and there are a number of unscrupulous traders now operating. Even some of the big manufacturers have a poor record for after sales service and pushy salesman as well as charging an exceedingly high price for their lifts. However with a few sensible precautions you can get a really good deal.

It is a good idea to ask your local authority who they use, they will be happy to provide a list for you and this should ensure that you avoid rogue traders. Try a manufacturer and a local independent supplier to get a comparison. Always get 3 or more quotations, this is time consuming and intrusive but is really the only way to feel confident that you are making the right choice. Never agree to purchase the lift while the salesman is with you. A reputable company will respect your decision. If the salesman starts to pester you or offers you a discount if you buy now, then be very sceptical. Ask about maintenance costs, will the company still look after your lift if you don't sign up to an expensive contract? Find out if the company has engineers local to you and if they attend out of hours call outs. Also if they are independent suppliers check with the manufacturer to ensure that they are authorised dealers. If they aren't, then they will not have access to spare parts and will not have had the correct training. Once you have all of the quotations in writing take your time to make a decision and make sure that you read the small print. If you are confused about any detail then speak to someone from the company and ask for their response in writing if necessary. These precautions should ensure that you get a suitable lift at a fair price. Good luck!

Christian Dunnage
Director
Dolphin Mobility Ltd

Risks and benefits of stair lift use

Example: weighing up risks and benefits in assisting a client in relation to stairlift use. A social work service occupational therapist [OT] refuses on safety grounds to recommend a stairlift for a disabled woman, instead recommending a through-floor lift. She judges that the risk of using the stairlift is simply too great.

The woman does not want the through-floor lift and manages to obtain her own second-hand stairlift. Some months later she is using the stairlift several times a day and gets back in touch with the OT and asks whether she could visit and arrange the installation of rails at the top and bottom of the stairs to make transfers safer. The OT visits, concludes that the stairlift use is just as unsafe, recommends that the woman should not use it - but decides nevertheless to assist with the rails [even though one of her colleagues advises her against it, because it would be `collusion' with an unsafe practice].

The OT would need to reason out her decision in terms of risks and benefits to the client; for example, provision of the rails might reduce the risk inherent in what the woman was anyway doing several times a day. Thus the therapist would be making clear that far from introducing, creating or encouraging the taking of unacceptable risks, she was in fact reducing the risks that the woman was anyway determined to take. Furthermore, so long as the OT carefully documents her reasoning and that she has in any event advised the woman not to use the stairlift - then whether or not the OT assists with the rails, a court is likely to view the woman, rather than the OT, as the overall cause of any accident in respect of the stairlift.

New Stair Lift Websites

We currently have 2 new Dolphin stair lift websites under development. When completed they will show details of our Manchester and Anglia branches. You can see hgow they are coming along on the following links.

http://www.dolphin-stairlifts-anglia.co.uk/

http://www.dolphin-stairlifts-manchester.co.uk/

OAP Trapped by power cut

http://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/viewarticle.aspx?id=391641

This article highlights a potential problem with mains powered stair lifts. Although a rare occurrence power cuts can strike at any time, to safeguard against this a battery powered stair lift can be installed. This means the lift will continue to work in the event of a loss of power to your home. However the stairlift should only be used sparingly at this time as the batteries will not be recharged until the power is switched back on. The downside to battery powered stairlifts is the additional maintenance costs involved. Manufacturers suggest that the batteries will need replacing every 3 years. It is also crucial to remember to keep the lift switched on at all times to ensure that the batteries are fully charged.

Welcome for a stairlift

TOWN councillors in Marlborough have welcomed plans by the town's public school to install a stairlift to aid disabled access to its Memorial Hall.

The hall in Bath Road is used for numerous community events as well as Marlborough College activities.

It is the biggest venue in the town and, only last week, was used for a public consultation meeting about the future of health services in the district.

Former mayor Coun Graham Francis urged colleagues to support the application.
Coun Francis said there was already a stairlift at the Memorial Hall's eastern entrance used mainly by artistes.

He said the general public usually used the western entrance where access for the disabled was difficult because of steps.

Solar stairlift 'just bonkers'

Here's an update to the Stair Lift on Dartmoor Tor story. Not quite sure how a solar powered stairlift would work, but it doesn't sound very reliable.

Care and Repair team provide stairlift help

http://www.peterborough.net/news/articles/careandrepair100.asp

For more information about Care and Repair services and the forum telephone: 01733 742510

Stairlift planned for Dartmoor tor

Another article related to stairlifts. This one appered on the BBC website, and raises an interesting dilemma for visitor attratctions and their responsibility to provide access for the elderly or disabled. Should a stairlift be installed at Haytor Rocks?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/5136316.stm

Radio 4 presenter mentions his stairlift embarassment

In this article, which appeared on the Guardian website, Nick Clarke mentions his embarrassment at needing a stairlift, but explains that he'd rather conserve his energy for other things.

http://observer.guardian.co.uk/business/story/0,,1810504,00.html

Nick Clarke, 58, is a presenter of The World at One on Radio 4. He was diagnosed with cancer at the end of last year and underwent surgery to remove a leg, an experience he documented, along with his twins and wife in a moving diary broadcast last week.

You can listen to the diary on the BBC website by clicking the following link.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/news/fightingtobenormal.shtml

Pensioner stranded 'by phone signals'

The following report appeared on the Manchester Evening News website.

Pensioner stranded 'by phone signals'

Whilst there is a possibility of interference from a radio mast, it is a rare occurrence. We have occasionally encountered problems with radio controls on stair lifts that are near an airport. However with hard wired controls and infra-red controls now widely available then there is always a solution.

Minivator Simplicity 950 Stairlift Series

The Simplicity 950 stairlift is Minivator's latest addition to their expanding range of lifts. It is a straight stairlift which, as the name suggests, has been designed with ease of use in mind. The technical boffins at Dolphin have had a good look at the new machine and have been impressed with what they have seen. More details and images are available on the dolphin lifts website.

Fast delivery times for new curved stairlift

The Bison 80 curved stairlift can now be manufactured in a 2 week turnaround period. So if you urgently need a new curved lift then Bison has the quickest delivery times. The only way you can get one faster is to use a company that refabricates old rails. The manufacturers all agree that the refabrication of rails is a dangerous practice. For more details on the curved Bison stairlift click the following link. Bison 80 curved stairlift.

Council fined over care delay

The following news story appeared on the BBC website.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/tyne/4944288.stm


Council fined over disabled care

Ombudsman Anne Seex criticises the council for delays to care. A council has been criticised for failing to assess the needs of disabled people in Northumberland and leaving them without help for several months. The problem was highlighted after a complaint from a 30-year-old woman wheelchair user with spina bifida. She complained to the Government Ombudsman that Northumberland County Council was forcing her to wait nine months to be assessed for a stairlift. The watchdog found delays for help were widespread and fined the council.
Investigating the complaint Ombudsman Anne Seex, found that other recent patients classed as non-urgent cases, had been forced to wait more than 18 months for their needs to be assessed.

Personal apology

Ms Seex said council chiefs must pay the 30-year-old complainant, known only as Miss Stone, £50 for every month they failed to give her an assessment. In a report released on Wednesday she also ordered council officers to say sorry to her personally and for a backlog of cases be addressed "as a matter of urgency". The council has six months to report its progress in tackling problems. Miss Stones' doctor wrote to the council asking that she be assessed for a stairlift on 17 May 2005. She is still waiting.

Ms Seex concluded delays in assessments were "unacceptable and clearly maladministration".
She said: "The complaint draws attention to a wider problem affecting the well-being of other disabled people in the area." No-one at Northumberland County Council was available for comment, but a letter to Miss Stone said: "It is a matter of regret that the situation was not monitored more closely."

Mobility Products Blog

Following on from the success and positive feedback from the stair lift blog I have decided to run a similar site concerning some of the other products available to the elderly or disabled.

Mobility Products for the Disabled Blog

A blog about mobility products and aids for the disabled. Featuring reviews on new products released to the market, guides for end users and comment on the mobility aids industry.

Stairlift to Heaven - Channel 4

Stairlift to Heaven broadcast last night at 9pm on Channel 4, was a brutally honest account of the difficulties facing a father and son when the parent can no longer live independently.

The programme was of special interest to us at Dolphin as we have installed a stairlift for the family involved. The following link is a review of the show which appeared in the scotsman.

http://news.scotsman.com/opinion.cfm?id=494632006

Stairlift to Heaven is part of a short season of films showing on Channel 4 called ' The Trouble with Old People' you can click the following link for more details. Channel 4.

Meditek Stairlift Rail

I have a customer who is in urgent need of a five metre long Meditek stairlift rail. If you have a current model Meditek stair lift that you no longer require then please call 0800 9800 126.

The World's best selling stairlift?

"The World's best selling stairlift" that was the claim of Acorn Stairlifts during a recent advertising campaign. Not so, said Stannah Stairlifts, who challenged Acorn's advert and complained to the Advertising Standards Authority. The following link shows the ASA's conclusions. Stannah versus Acorn.

Mind you, Stannah have also had some of their adverts challenged by competitors. Minivator Ltd challenged a claim in Stannah's advertising that they were "unbeatable on bends" the ASA agreed with Minivator. Click on the following link to read their verdict Minivator versus Stannah.

The moral of the story? Take the claims of stairlift advertisers with a large pinch of salt. If you are considering getting a quote for a stair lift then make sure you contact an independent supplier as well as the manufacturers.

Dolphin Stair Lifts Surrey Showroom

Dolphin have recently finished refurbishing our showroom in Chobham, Surrey. We have a range of straight and curved stairlifts on show, as well as a selection of mobility scooters, bath lifts, riser recliner chairs and a fully operable ceiling track hoist.

If you would like to visit the showroom to test any of the equipment that we sell then please call us on 01276 856060 to make an appointment.

Dolphin Anglia Director celebrates first year in charge

Paul Smith, owner and Director of Dolphin Stair Lifts (Anglia) Limited, has recently celebrated his first year in charge of the company, after buying out the previous owner Graham Barber at the start of 2005. During this time he has continued to provide an excellent service to the firms existing customers whilst expanding the client base to include more local authorities, charities and business's.

The majority of Paul's work concerns the supply, installation, maintenance and servicing of stair lifts and mobility products. In addition to this they also have an excellent portfolio of platform lifts and other solutions with regard to disabled access in public buildings.

As part of the Dolphin Lifts group, Dolphin Stairlifts (Anglia) Ltd adhere to the following business practises, ensuring that the customer get's not only the right equipment for the right price. But, also, the personal touch of a local company with the professionalism and buying power of a major group of companies.

Independence

Dolphin aims to stay totally independent in the supply of quality products in the disability market. This enables us to recommend the right equipment for each customer’s needs without compromising on quality or safety.

No Pressure Sales

Pushy salesman selling unsuitable products are the blight of our industry. At Dolphin we will never try to rush you into making a decision. We will only sell you equipment that is suitable for your condition.

Competitive Prices

We aim to keep our overhead low, allowing us to pass on our price benefits to all of our customers. The majority of our sales are generated through local authority grants and recommendations. We do not spend a significant amount of money on advertising, which is the largest overhead of many of our competitors.

Excellent Service

We give a 12 month guarantee on all of our products, both new and reconditioned. Cost effective maintenance contracts and extended warranties are available for further peace of mind. Our service charges are among the most competitive in the market and if you buy a product from us we will always maintain it for you.

Customer Satisfaction

We are proud of our work and strive to maintain a friendly “Customer First” philosophy from the moment you contact us. It is our intention to give first class service in all the stages of product supply. From your initial enquiry through to the installation and subsequent maintenance of your equipment, our staff will be friendly, conscientious, professional and polite.

Dolphin Stairlifts (Anglia) Limited operates over the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk and Paul Smith can be contacted on:

telephone - 01394 277 100

email - anglia@dolphinlifts.co.uk

post - Paul Smith, Dolphin Stairlifts, 43 Roman Way, Felixstowe, Suffolk ,IP11 9NP.

Stannah Stairlifts Trade Award

As announced previously, Dolphin Mobility have won the Stannah Trade Award 2005 and were presented with their certificate earlier today.


The award was presented by Rory Cupples, the Trade Business Development Manager for Stannah Stair Lifts, and received by Craig Dunnage, Managing Director Of Dolphin Mobility Ltd. Pictures of the award ceremony will follow soon.

Stair Lift Chairs

Deciding which stair lift to buy can be a confusing business as there are many different makes and models on the market. In certain circumstances a person's illness or mobility issues may mean one type of stairlift is more suitable than another. However, in many cases the choice is simply down to which design the customer prefers. To make that choice a little easier I have posted some photo's of stair lift chairs that are currently on the market. Dolphin can supply all of these stair lifts.

Brooks Straight Stair Lift Chair

Bison 50 Stair Lift Chair

Bison 45 Stair Lift Chair

Minivator 1000 Straight Stair Lift Chair

Meditek Straight Stair Lift Chair

Stannah 400 Straight Stair Lift Chair

Bison 80 Curved Stair Lift Chair

Freelift Curved Stair Lift Chair

Minivator 2000 Curved Stair Lift Chair

Stannah 260 Curved Stair Lift Chair

Dolphin Mobility win Stannah Stair Lifts trade award

I am delighted to be able to announce that Dolphin Mobility Ltd are the winners of the Stannah Stair Lifts trade award for UK dealer of the year. The award is recognition of the excellent working relationship that Dolphin enjoy with Stannah. More details and photgraphs of the award ceremony will follow soon. In the meantime follow the link to learn more about Dolphin Stair Lifts and the Stannah stairlift models that we sell.