As a member of the BHTA, Mangar International - suppliers of independent living products to disabled and elderly people - is dedicated to providing an excellent customer service, and higher standard of protection than the law requires.
Mangar International (http://www.mangarinternational.co.uk) is one of over 400 BHTA (http://www.bhta.net) member companies who provide a variety of products including first aid medical equipment, mobility access and stair lifts, prosthetics, rehabilitation products and visual impairment products.
Healthcare products sold by BHTA members offer assistance to thousands of people managing disability and chronic medical conditions. These products are often sold in the home, and the BHTA code requires members to take into account where customers are vulnerable.
Mangar International and other BHTA members have agreed:
•to protect pre-payments or deposits paid by consumers in the event that a BHTA member is unable to meet a promise to deliver goods or services,
•not to use high-pressure selling techniques, and encourage a carer or advisor to be present during home visits,
•where cancellation rights apply or are offered, to issue a 'cancellation card' with all contracts, making it easier for customers to cancel within the cooling off period, and
•to ensure that consumers have access to a free independent redress scheme if things go wrong.
The BHTA has also ensured that independent disciplinary procedures are in place to deal with non-compliant members, including warnings and ultimately termination of membership.
Mangar International will now be displaying the OFT Approved Code logo so that consumers can identify the services as protected by the BHTA membership.
John Fingleton, OFT Chief Executive, said:
'BHTA members provide important equipment and services to people with special physical needs. The BHTA code should provide extra protection which is especially important for vulnerable consumers. BHTA is the first trade association within the health sector to gain OFT code approval, and I congratulate them on their work to improve standards for consumers.'
Ray Hodgkinson, Director General of BHTA, said:
'Gaining the OFT Code approval is a testament to the professional standards of our membership. We are aware that the onus is upon every single one of us to maintain high standards and ensure that the special responsibility we have is carried out.'
