Henderson Biomedical

28/07/2026

Hepatitis: Let's Break It Down - World Hepatitis Day

Today is World Hepatitis Day. This year's theme, "Hepatitis: Let's Break It Down," calls for removing the barriers, stigma, cost, access, that stop people from getting tested and treated in time.

Viral hepatitis still causes over a million deaths a year, and most people carrying hepatitis B or C don't even know it. The tools to change that already exist: vaccines, accurate diagnostics, and effective treatment. What's needed is wider access to them.

Every diagnosis starts somewhere in a lab, which is a big part of why we do what we do at Henderson Biomedical, keeping that equipment running reliably behind the scenes.

Here's to a hepatitis-free future.

07/07/2026

It's Plastic Free July 🌍

Every July, people and businesses around the world take part in a simple challenge: reduce single-use plastic, one small change at a time. It's not about being perfect, it's about making progress through everyday choices.

As a trusted supplier to the NHS, we're committed to making responsible decisions across every part of our business. That includes continually looking for ways to reduce unnecessary plastic in our packaging while ensuring our products remain safe, secure and fit for purpose.

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important across healthcare, and we believe suppliers have a role to play. While protective packaging is essential for many of our products, we're always exploring opportunities to minimise waste, reduce plastic where we can, and make more sustainable choices as we grow.

This Plastic Free July, we'll be sharing some of the simple changes we've made behind the scenes and highlighting the small steps that, together, can make a meaningful difference.

06/07/2026

We were delighted to welcome one of our engineer's sons back to the workshop last week. It wasn't his first visit, and as always, he loved getting involved and lending a helping hand.

It's fantastic to see such enthusiasm and curiosity at such a young age, we might just have a future engineer in the making! 👷🔧

22/06/2026

Celebrating Women in Engineering Day 👩‍🔧⚙️

Today, we celebrate the achievements, creativity, and expertise of women engineers who continue to shape the world around us through innovation and problem-solving.

As a company with a majority of women in management and leadership roles, we recognise the importance of creating an environment where women can thrive, contribute their ideas, and lead with confidence. We are proud to support a culture where diverse perspectives are valued and where talent and ambition are given the opportunity to grow.

Engineering is about finding solutions, challenging possibilities, and building a better future and women engineers are making a vital contribution across every sector, from technology and infrastructure to energy and beyond.

Today, we celebrate the women who are inspiring the next generation of engineers and helping to create a more inclusive future for the industry.

Happy Women in Engineering Day! 💡🌍

19/06/2026

🩸 World Sickle Cell Day - June 19, 2026
In support of the Sickle Cell Society and their 2026 campaign "Young Voices Rising"
This year's theme is "Closing the Survival Gap: Equity in Sickle Cell Disease."

And closing that gap starts with understanding - including understanding the biology of these cells at the most basic level.

Here's something that surprises many people:

Sickle cells physically behave differently from normal red blood cells - even in a lab tube.

🔴 Shape & stiffness
Normal RBCs are round, soft, and flexible. Sickle cells are C-shaped and rigid. That stiffness isn't just a clinical problem, it makes them harder to handle and easier to damage.

⚖️ Denser than normal
Sickle hemoglobin (HbS) cells are measurably heavier. In centrifugation, they settle faster and lower, so reliably that a spin test can actually diagnose sickle cell disease and distinguish trait from full anemia.

💥 More fragile under stress
The cell membrane stiffens from repeated cycles of hemoglobin polymerization. Shake the sample too hard and the cells break apart. This is called hemolysis and it matters for lab accuracy.

⏳ Short-lived
Sickle cells survive only 10–20 days. Normal RBCs live 120 days. That difference drives the chronic anemia millions of patients live with every day.

In the lab, this means:
→ Gentler mixing
→ Lower centrifuge speeds
→ Oxygenated storage
→ Faster processing

Understanding the biology behind a disease improves how we care for the people living with it.

On World Sickle Cell Day, let's not just raise awareness; let's deepen it.

💬 Are you a healthcare or lab professional working with sickle cell patients? Share what you wish more people understood about this disease 👇

12/06/2026

🩸 World Blood Donor Day - June 14, 2026 🏥 National Blood Week
Every unit of donated blood represents a decision, someone chose to show up for a stranger.

This World Blood Donor Day, the NHS is marking a milestone: 1.3 million units of blood donated across England since last year's campaign. That blood supported patients through surgery, cancer treatment, and emergency care. A remarkable achievement.

But demand is constan,and right now, three blood types are critically needed:

🔴 O negative
The universal blood type. Safe to give to any patient in an emergency before blood typing is possible. Used so widely that stocks are always under pressure.

🔵 B negative
Held by only ~2% of the population. A small donor pool means shortages develop quickly and hit hard.

🟠 Ro subtype
Vital for sickle cell patients, many of whom require regular transfusions throughout their lives. Ro blood is significantly more common in people of Black heritage, which is why increasing donor diversity is not just a goal, it is a clinical necessity.

If you are of Black heritage and have never donated blood, your blood type may be exactly what a patient needs right now.

What each of us can do today:
→ Check eligibility and register at blood.co.uk
→ Share this post, it may reach the donor whose blood type is missing
→ Encourage colleagues, friends, and communities to get blood typed at NHS events this week

To every donor: your contribution is not a gesture. It is someone's survival. 🙏
🔗 NHS Blood and Transplant blood.co.uk
Register to donate or find a blood typing event near you.

Register to be a blood donor, give blood and save lives. Find out more about blood donation.

11/06/2026

⚽ The wait is almost over!

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off, everyone at Henderson Biomedical would like to wish both England and Scotland the very best of luck in the tournament.

We're looking forward to a summer of exciting football, memorable moments, and great sportsmanship from all the teams taking part.

Good luck to the Three Lions and the Tartan Army! 🏆

05/06/2026

Today is World Environment Day.

It reminds us that the environment is not something fixed, it is always changing, shaped by how we interact with it every day.

The way we consume, produce, and design all leaves a mark. Small actions add up, whether positively or negatively.

So today is just a reminder to be more mindful, more intentional, and to aim for a better impact in everything we do.

Together for the environment.

02/06/2026

Value of the Week: Family Orientated 🤝

At Henderson Biomedical, we believe our people are more than colleagues, they are part of the Henderson family.

The values that define us, honesty, courtesy, fairness, and hard work, shape the way we support one another, collaborate with our partners, and serve our customers every day.

Being family orientated means creating a workplace built on trust and respect, where everyone is valued and works together towards a shared purpose.

Because strong relationships are at the heart of everything we do.

27/05/2026

Value of the Week: Swift⚡

At Henderson Biomedical, being Swift means making decisions and taking action promptly and efficiently.

We focus on what matters most, avoid unnecessary complications, and keep things moving forward with purpose. Whether we are supporting our customers, servicing equipment, or solving technical challenges, we believe that speed and simplicity help us deliver better results.

Because in our industry, efficiency is not just about saving time — it is about providing dependable service when it matters most.