UK Manufacturer DDC Launches National Division to Protect Care Workers and Ensure Dignified Patient Transfers
Dorset-based healthcare manufacturer DDC is continuing to strengthen its healthcare offering following the launch of its dedicated Moving & Handling division earlier this year, helping hospitals, care homes and healthcare providers improve staff safety while delivering safer, more comfortable patient transfers.
The Poole-based company, which has operated for more than 35 years, has built its reputation on supporting healthcare organisations with infection prevention equipment. The new division marks the latest stage in DDC's growth, enabling the company to support customers with another critical aspect of healthcare safety by providing specialist patient lifting equipment alongside installation, servicing and ongoing compliance support.
The expansion comes as healthcare providers continue to experience high levels of workplace injuries linked to manual handling activities. According to Health and Safety Executive (HSE) data, handling, lifting and carrying accounted for 17% of all non-fatal workplace injuries in 2025. The health and social care sector also continue to report significantly higher rates of work-related ill health than the national average, with musculoskeletal disorders remaining one of the leading causes of sickness absence among healthcare workers.
Moving and handling is an essential part of everyday patient care, but repeated lifting, repositioning and transferring of patients can place considerable physical strain on nurses, carers and support staff. Without the appropriate equipment, these routine tasks can increase the risk of back injuries, joint problems and other musculoskeletal conditions, placing additional pressure on healthcare teams that are already managing increasing demand for services.
In response, DDC has launched a comprehensive range of Moving & Handling solutions, including overhead hoists, mobile hoists and stand assist units. Designed for use across hospitals, care homes and community healthcare settings, the equipment supports safer patient transfers while helping to reduce the physical effort required from caregivers. The range has been developed to improve comfort, dignity and independence for patients while creating safer working environments for frontline staff.
As every care environment has different requirements, DDC works closely with customers to identify the most appropriate solutions for their setting. Whether supporting a single room installation, refurbishing an existing care environment or delivering a wider moving and handling programme, the company provides practical equipment that meets the needs of both patients and caregivers. From initial consultation through to installation, DDC helps ensure each solution is tailored to operational requirements, available space and long-term patient handling needs.
Alongside its equipment offering, DDC has also invested in a dedicated servicing division providing installation, preventative maintenance, repairs and LOLER Thorough Examinations. Regular servicing helps healthcare providers maintain compliance while ensuring lifting equipment remains safe, reliable and performing effectively. By reducing downtime, preventing unexpected breakdowns and extending the lifespan of equipment, the service helps organisations maximise the value of their investment while keeping essential equipment available when it is needed most.
"Nurses and care workers are the backbone of our community, but the physical demands of the job are contributing to high injury rates and staff shortages," said Alan Hyde, Managing Director at DDC. "For over 35 years, we've focused on keeping healthcare environments safe from infection. This expansion is a direct response to what local providers are telling us they need now practical solutions that protect staff and keep services running safely."
The launch marks a significant milestone for the Poole-based manufacturer as it continues to broaden its support for healthcare providers across Dorset and the wider UK. By combining its long-standing expertise in healthcare safety with specialist moving and handling solutions, DDC is helping organisations improve staff wellbeing, support compliance and deliver safer, higher-quality care for patients.
For more information about DDC's Moving & Handling solutions, visit here.