Triton is working with Midlothian Council to improve the showering experience for residents, significantly reduce failure rates and deliver more inclusive showers, through the installation of its Omnicare Ultra thermostatic shower.
Midlothian Council owns and maintains over 7,000 rented homes across the South East of Scotland, stretching from Penicuik to Dalkeith. The properties, maintained by the in-house Building Maintenance Service, are available to residents of varying ages and with varying accessibility requirements, meaning all bathrooms must be adapted to facilitate independence.
However, with ongoing quality issues stemming from previous suppliers, shower breakdowns were becoming an increasing issue. As a result, the council was receiving a growing number of tenant complaints due to disruption caused by product downtime. In many cases, faults could not be easily fixed due to long lead times for replacement parts, meaning the whole unit would require replacement — causing a rise in maintenance costs and an unsustainable outlay.
A promising partnership
With extensive experience in specifying accessible showering solutions across multi-location housing associations and the care sector, Ron Henderson, Senior Sales Manager — Scotland & North England — at Triton, worked with Scott McCormack, Stores Officer at Midlothian Council, to find a long-term solution. The partnership began in October 2021, with Ron recommending Triton’s Omnicare Ultra thermostatic shower — a versatile, safe, and easy-to-fit model that offers ease of showering for a range of capabilities. With the combined principles of design, safety and simplicity, the shower includes thermostatic temperature control and a soft press, audible stop/start button for tactical operation and ease of use.
After a successful trial, 53 showers were initially installed across properties in the council’s district, with a further 40-50 showers being installed every month since.
Ron Henderson said: “The Omnicare Ultra has provided a great solution for Midlothian Council’s inclusivity requirements. With no need to change pipework, the simple installation process allowed us to fit replacements quickly and with minimal disruption.
“As the Omnicare range has a failure rate well below 1%, issues have been few and far between, while our enhanced repair service has provided added reassurance that a Triton engineer can be on site to resolve any faults and supply spare parts on the same day, if needed.
“I was also able to fast track the delivery and installation process by using distributors that were already on the council’s procurement list, as well as suggesting shower accessories — such as support railings — to help improve accessibility further, where required.”
Scott McCormack Stores Officer at the Midlothian Council added: “Product failure has dropped substantially since our partnership with Triton began. On top of this, Triton’s same day repair service means shower downtime has been kept to a minimum, avoiding any ongoing disruption.
“Ron has been extremely helpful throughout the entire process, from setting up the partnership, through to coordinating distribution channels and providing installer training for new starters. We look forward to continuing our relationship in the future.”
For more information about Triton Showers and its range of Omnicare electric care showers, please visit: http://www.tritonshowers.co.uk/omnicare-electric-range
