Recruitment drive for Randox operations in China launches with student event in partnership with Ulster Universityās Confucius Institute
Recruitment drive for Randox operations in China launches with student event in partnership with Ulster Universityās Confucius Institute
Following the launch of a new market expansion initiative in China, global healthcare diagnostics company Randox Laboratories has this week marked the beginning of its recruitment drive in China with a student event in partnership with Ulster University and its Confucius Institute.
100 Chinese students currently studying business or science at Ulster University have come together this afternoon at Asian cuisine restaurant Zen Belfast to hear from a number of key speakers from the University’s Confucius Institute and the careers team at Randox.
Linda Magee, Head of Human Resources at Randox Laboratories, welcomed the students to the event and said;
“We are delighted to partner with Ulster University and The Confucius Institute to create a platform to raise awareness of the current and future job opportunities within our team based in China. Our increasing range of high quality products are in high demand in growing and dynamic markets such as China and we are therefore actively growing our market presence there and subsequently our team.”
Randox’s expansion in China means the recruitment team is actively seeking Mandarin speaking graduates in Northern Ireland who can join their dedicated Sales, Marketing and Scientific team in China.
Linda continued;
“Our workforce of 1400 continues to expand across the globe as we increase the output of our R&D programmes, enhance our manufacturing capabilities at the Randox Science Park, and excitingly, showcase our offering of Randox products and services to the 600 million viewers of the Randox Health Grand National.”
Ulster University’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement Professor Ian Montgomery said:
“As a global Confucius Institute of the Year award winner, Ulster University has an international reputation for its exceptional commitment to the growth of Chinese language learners in Northern Ireland as well as the development of academic, cultural, economic and social ties with China.
“In the spirit of our Confucius Institute, Ulster University’s support today enables Randox to access some of the best university-level Chinese speaking graduates currently available and more importantly offers students studying Chinese in Northern Ireland access to a unique career pathway with an exciting international employer that’s breaching new horizons.”
For more information about this event or about Randox recruitment in China please contact Randox PR on 028 9445 1016 or email RandoxPR@randox.com
The making of the Randox Health Grand National Trophy, with Silversmith Shannon O’Neill
Last night at the Weights Evening Reception in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the highly coveted trophy for the Randox Health Grand National was unveiled to the public for the first time.
We caught up with Silversmith Shannon O’Neill, who designed the trophy, to better understand what goes in to making such an iconic piece of art…
The making of the Randox Health Grand National Trophy
By Silversmith Shannon O’Neill
I think of myself as more design lead rather than process lead, because I don’t like the idea of limiting my designs to my own level of experience. I like to let the ideas flow and a design develop, before I start to think seriously about how the piece can be made, which puts me on the road to constant discovery and learning.
This is by far the biggest commission I have ever worked on and required me to incorporate the skills of other smiths with a wider skill base, for the various techniques that I wanted to utilize and not least, due to the time scale and gravity of the commission.
It was thanks to The Goldsmiths’ Company and Padgham and Putland that I’ve been able to work alongside and be mentored by some of the very best and most experienced silversmiths in the country. This piece would not exist without their immense input and for that I’m hugely grateful.
- With something of this size, it made sense to have the main body of the trophy spun from a flat disc. Spinning is one of the oldest techniques of forming circular metal components, dating back to the Egyptians. It’s a highly specialized skill, requiring a 5 year apprenticeship and is not for the faint-hearted, especially when you consider that the disc of silver needed to be over half a meter wide, whilst spinning at super high speed. Specific chucks were made and the whole process took more than 6 days to form.
- The top sweeping line of the trophy was marked out, before being pierced and a round wire was then rolled, shaped and fitted to the top edge, so it could be soldered into place. The main body was then planished to remove any visible spinning lines.
- While the main body was taking shape, work on the base section began. The curve of the lettering was first worked out on the flat and then modelled using CAD CAM, to create three flat sections of 3D printed wax, that were then cast in silver. Once cast, they were formed into the round, cleaned up and soldered together. The top wire was first rolled out from a large round wire and fabricated to fit, then soldered into place and finished on the lathe, while the base wires were rectangular.
- In addition to the base section that you see from the outside, a couple of beautifully engineered parts were needed, to enable the top and bottom sections of the trophy to be screwed together. Given the time factor, this was a huge help, enabling us to work on both sections of the trophy simultaneously, whilst also making it easier for the gilding and polishing process, as well as future restorers.
- Before the chasing could commence, both the top and bottom sections were pre-polished. This is an important step, which avoids any potential damage, caused by the later polishing, so no hammer marks or subtle lines would be lost.
- Next came the transfer of the design onto the form. Since the shape contracts significantly in the middle as well as being concave, it was necessary to make sure that the integrity of the illustration was not lost in the process. Having unsuccessfully tried to use a computer adapted version, I reverted to an old method of cutting the illustration into hundreds of strips and tailoring it to the shape. This was then combined with drawing of a grid onto the form, to keep the lettering in proportion. A white primer provided the ideal surface to sketch onto and the lines were scribed into the metal, in preparation for the chasing.
- Chasing is such a wonderful process. Unlike engraving which can look similar to ‘flat-chased’ pieces, the process doesn’t just leave a blank surface on the inside. Personally, I love the way that chasing moves the whole surface of the metal, as it bends and curves in response to your marks and then right at the end, when all the pitch is emptied out, you see the reversed illustration, as the pattern is echoed inside.
- The trophy was filled with hot, molton ‘pitch’ (like bitumen), which was then allowed to cool overnight. This provides support for the form, to stop it from denting while creating the low-relief process. The chasing tool is held in one hand and a ‘chasing’ hammer in the other, as multiple hammer blows allow the chasing tool, to glide over the surface of the metal, so creating an impression.
- All the lines were chased twice over, before the pitch was melted out in preparation for the ‘repousse’ of the lettering – basically the same process, but tapping on the tool from the inside and supporting it from the outside, to create the embossed surface.
- At the end of the repousse work, the trophy was again loaded with the molten pitch, in preparation for the final round of ‘chasing’ to create further definition and ‘matting’. The ‘matting’ created the sparkly texture on various details in the design. The whole process is quite physical, when you consider how heavy the piece was, once it was filled with pitch and this entire process took over four weeks.
- Meanwhile, the base section was also ‘matted’ to create the texture behind the lettering. It then went to the stone setters, to have the red crystal mounted in the center of the ‘O’, to replicate the drop of blood Randox’s logo.
- The final stage in the fabrication followed, as the engineered section, which fits into the base of the trophy, was soldered onto the main body.
- Both sections were then given their final polish, with a high-polished finish on the base and the inside of the trophy, with a much softer brushed sheen, to maximize the visibility of the illustration on the outside. It’s so important to get a great polish, because it’s like framing a work of art – it can either make or break a piece of work.
- Almost finished and onto the ‘platers’. The inside was given a first layer of hard-gold plating and a second lemon yellow top-coat, to create the perfect shade. The base section was plated with ‘black-gold’, around all the lettering.
- Finally the two sections were assembled!
For more information about the Randox Health Grand National 2017 Trophy please contact Nicola McHugh or Amy McIlwaine in the Randox PR team by emailing randoxpr@randox.com or phone 028 9442 2413
AP McCoy unveils 2017 Randox Health Grand National trophy at Weights Event
It stands at 45 centimetres tall, is solid silver gilded with gold, and depicts horses galloping through strands of DNA – and in just over 50 days will be presented to the winner of the 2017 Randox Health Grand National.
The sought-after trophy was unveiled by Dr Peter FitzGerald, founder of Randox, and 20-time Champion Jockey Sir Anthony McCoy at the annual Weights Reception, held this year in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The Northern Irish sporting legend won the Grand National in 2010 and has now joined Randox Health as a brand ambassador.
Dr. Peter FitzGerald, Founder and Managing Director of Randox Health, said,
“To win the Grand National is one of the crowning achievements in sport and in this our first year of sponsorship, we sought to commission a trophy which would complement this tremendous success. I am delighted with the result, as the trophy captures the heart of both the race and Randox – in the speed of the horses and the strands of DNA. I look forward to the moment this trophy is presented to the winner of the 2017 Randox Health Grand National and wish everyone taking part the very best.
“As sponsor we sought to further recognise the achievements of the winning team, which will join a cast of legends. This year for the first time and for every year of our partnership, the trainer, jockey and groom will receive a scale representation of the trophy, as we pay tribute to the teamwork that goes into achieving such monumental success.”
As the trophy was unveiled on stage in the V&A its designer, Silversmith Shannon O’Neill, explained to the audience the thinking behind her design and the work involved in creating such an iconic piece of art.
“As an artist, you search for that foothold of inspiration in every commission. With Randox, that came immediately. I wanted to depict the pursuit of glory in the race with the pursuit of health. For me, nothing is more positive than encouraging people to take control of their lives in order to achieve greatness – in whatever field they choose.
“Months of hard work have gone in to designing and creating the piece of art that will this year become the trophy awarded to the first ever winner of the Randox Health Grand National. I look forward to seeing this trophy put into the hands of the victor!”
The official reveal of the trophy has come after a number of weeks of teaser images released to the public, following its hallmarking at the Goldsmith’s Assay Office in London on the 24th January.
Guests were also given an exclusive viewing of Randox’s virtual reality film which stars Sir Anthony McCoy and reveals what goes on inside a Randox Health clinic, including a look at its revolutionary ‘Evolution’ blood screening machine.
The full virtual reality video will be displayed at the Randox Health Grand National on Thursday 6th April.
Randox are rolling out additional clinics across the country including in Liverpool and Manchester, and internationally including Dubai and in the USA.
For more information about Randox Health please contact Nicola McHugh or Amy McIlwaine in the Randox PR team by emailing randoxpr@randox.com or phone 028 9442 2413
20-time Champion Jockey Sir Anthony McCoy partners with Grand National sponsor Randox Health for new campaign to transform the health of the nation
In advance of the highly anticipated Randox Health Grand National 2017, the race’s new sponsor is launching a nation-wide campaign to encourage people to take control of their health and wellbeing, with the help of legendary jockey AP McCoy.
Global healthcare company Randox Health is offering one lucky winner the chance to join AP on its elite team of brand ambassadors, which also includes Olympic Sailor Matt McGovern. The winner of the competition will receive the world’s most advanced personalised health check – the Randox Health Signature Programme, as well as tickets to the Randox Health Grand National 2018, and an iPad Pro.
Via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, entrants have to submit a photograph and accompanying text to tell the world’s greatest jockey why they want to #FeelLikeAP and enjoy a healthier future.
AP McCoy has encouraged others to start thinking about their health and commented;
“I’m delighted to be involved with such a positive campaign, asking people to think about their health and why it is so important to them, and to take preventive action to secure it. The information I got from my Randox Health check showed I was on the path to getting diabetes and needed to address low calcium levels and malnutrition among other things which could – if left untreated – have been big problems. But I can take action now to prevent this.
“Some people may be inclined to wait until you feel ill before going to the doctor but it’s better to do what you can to prevent it from happening, if you can.”
Dr. Peter FitzGerald, Founder and Managing Director of Randox Health, launched the new health campaign by saying;
“AP McCoy has a special place in the hearts of millions of people across the world – those who shared his passion and were inspired by his commitment and drive. By spreading the Randox message of preventive health, he is giving back to those supporters by giving them the tools to live not just a long life but a healthy one too.
“Right across society, too many people suffer from preventable illnesses, and almost a quarter of all deaths under 75 in the UK are avoidable. The solution is to reduce the risk of becoming ill and we achieve that through preventive health. It’s no longer enough sto say you’re healthy today. The diagnostics exist and are being used in our Randox Health clinics to tell you how to be healthy in the future as well.
“This is not just a competition we are launching with AP, but a nationwide campaign which I hope will create a sea-change in how we view our health.”
To enter the #FeelLikeAP competition and be in with a chance to join AP as a Randox Health brand ambassador, win a Randox Health Signature Programme, 2 tickets to the Randox Health Grand National 2017, and an iPad Pro, you must:
- follow Randox Health on either Facebook, Instagram or Twitter
- upload a photo
- tell AP and Randox Health why your future health matters to you. Don’t forget to include the hashtag #FeelLikeAP.
More information about the #FeelLikeAP competition visit http://www.randox.com/feel-like-ap-mccoy/
For more information about Randox Health please contact Nicola McHugh or Amy McIlwaine in the Randox PR team by emailing randoxpr@randox.com or phone 028 9442 2413
Randox success celebrated at community Farmers’ Breakfast
This weekend we held our annual Farmers’ Breakfast, which recognises the continued support we receive from the local community. We brought local farmers, friends and neighbours together to share breakfast in our Randox headquarters in Crumlin, to look back over our organisation’s history, and to look forward to our future.
Seventy local Antrim and Crumlin residents attended the event on Saturday 4th February, during which breakfast was provided by Big Occasions Catering, based in Antrim near the new Randox Science Park.
The Randox Science Park’s £161 million investment, with 540 new jobs, will enhance Randox’s R&D and manufacturing operations, increasing global competitiveness.
Dr. Peter FitzGerald, Managing Director of Randox Laboratories, commented;
“The annual Randox Farmers’ Breakfast has become a highlight in our events calendar and every year is enjoyed by farmers, friends and neighbours in the area. Whilst a global company, Randox is rooted in the local community and we believe it is important to show our appreciation each year for the support we have received. This year, as we look to the future, and in particular to our first year of sponsorship of the Randox Health Grand National in April, we are delighted to share this event with those who are closest to us. A hearty breakfast, in the beautiful South Antrim countryside, provides a great platform to build and sustain friendships.”
For more information about the Randox Farmers’ Breakfast please contact Randox PR on 028 9445 1016 or email RandoxPR@randox.com
We Are Randox | Career opportunities in India and beyond
With a presence in as many as 145 different countries around the world, a lot of our Randox team work outside the UK. This week we headed in the direction of Asia and met up with Pankaj Chitkara, who is our National Sales Manager for the RX Series in India.
Hi Pankaj, can you tell me about your relocation?
When I first started with Randox I was based in Mumbai and then I relocated to New Delhi. I have been with Randox for nearly ten years now and I am employed as the national sales manager for the RX Series – I love my job.
How did you find the relocation process?
I never really imagined relocating when I first started off in Randox but now I love living in New Delhi. I think because I am doing the exact same role as I did when I was based in Mumbai I am quite lucky because relocating didn’t involve starting off from scratch. I was saved from having to learn a whole new role as well as getting used to a whole new city, which I know can be a bit daunting. Of course, as with any move there are always a few hurdles you have to get passed before you’re fully settled in. House hunting usually takes a bit of time before you find something that’s right and then you have the hassles of packing and unpacking and getting your family all settled into their new home and routine. But overall relocating was never a big issue for me. I think if I was given the opportunity to relocate again I would definitely consider it. As long as there are opportunities to grow, learn and improve it can be a very positive experience.
Do you travel back to Mumbai often?
New Delhi is my home now so I don’t need to travel back to Mumbai. It’s roughly about two hours on the plane so if I needed to go back it wouldn’t be a problem. My parents currently live here so it was good to already have family near. They were able to help me get settled in and find somewhere to live.
How are you finding living in New Delhi?
There is loads to do and see here, and I am really enjoying the lifestyle that it offers. The weather is always on your side and I love the culture of the city. The India Gate which is 42m high is like an archway in the middle of a crossroad. It was built to commemorate 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives during World War 1. At night it is beautifully lit up while the fountains nearby make a lovely display with coloured lights.
What has been the highlight of your relocation so far?
The highlight of my relocation definitely has been managing the business without an office. It’s fantastic!
If you would be interested in joining our team you can visit Randox careers to see what current opportunities we have available for you. #WeAreRandox
We Are Randox | Randox raises Ā£4464 for local charity Hope 365 to build āHope Homesā in Ethiopia
A care centre in Ethiopia which looks after rescued street children has expressed its gratitude after thousands of pounds were raised by global diagnostics firm Randox, which will go towards supplying new furnishings for the centre and employing additional staff.
Almost £4,500 was donated in the company‘s annual charity raffle which will go towards improving facilities at the Tesfa Manoriya Bota Centre which is run by the Northern Ireland charity Hope 365. It was established 18 months ago by Chief Executive, Michael Holmes who has an extensive background working with charity organizations. Before establishing Hope365 Michael spent the last eight years working in Ethiopia to help improve the life of children who were left homeless.
The ‘hope home’, as it’s known locally, offers a new start for street children in Ethiopia who have been living in squalid, unsanitary, dangerous and unhealthy conditions. The Randox raffle donation will fund new furnishings for the centre and support the employment of specially trained staff, counselors and educational experts to develop individual care plans for each child, helping them to look forward to a bright future.
Randox Founder and Managing Director, Dr Peter FitzGerald said;
“We hold an annual raffle every year and donate the proceeds to charity. This year we decided to pick a local charity, Hope 365, which is near our headquarters in Crumlin. When we heard about the great work that Hope 365 were doing for children in Ethiopia we decided that the money would go a long way to improving their lives and wellbeing. The Tesfa Manoriya Bota Centre is really a life-changing place for Street Kids that will not only give them the opportuntiy to learn and develop but give them a whole new lease of life and security for the future. We were thrilled that all our staff were able to raise so much to support this worthy charity.”
Hope 365 Chief Executive, Michael Holmes said;
“This funding will make a huge difference in the lives of the children we work with, many of whom don’t even know what age they are when we meet them. Their parents have died due to either illness or poverty and they are left homeless, sleeping in doorways and drains, with no one to take care of them or protect them. No human being deserves to live like this, especially not a child. Though the charity is only in its infancy, every donation goes directly to the Hope Home and we ultimately aim to provide a home for 26 children in the future at the Hope Home. We want to help them reach their full potential and educational ambitions and where possible, reunite them with their extended family.”
If you would like to get involved with charity fundraising in 2017, please share your ideas with us by emailing internal.communications@randox.com.
Tantalising first images of 2017 Randox Health Grand National trophy released
For the first time in the Grand National’s history a new trophy will be designed every year during the sponsorship with the global diagnostics company Randox Health. The first of the five new trophies will be unveiled at the highly anticipated Weights Evening Reception on Tuesday 14th February.
Today marks the final step of the 2017 trophy design, with its hallmarking at the prestigious Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office, in the City of London, which has been hallmarking precious metals for over 700 years. This concluding stage in the design of the trophy has enabled its sponsor to release to the public for the first time some tantalising teaser pictures of what will be presented to the 2017 Randox Health Grand National winner.
In advance of the annual Weights Reception, over the next 14 days a series of images from the trophy will be released before the grand unveiling at the Victoria and Albert in London.
Dr. Peter FitzGerald, Founder and Managing Director of Randox Health, commented;
“Given that the Randox Health Grand National is such an iconic event it is fitting that each winner will receive an inimitable trophy; their own unique piece of history. To win this event, given the demanding nature of the course and the quality of the competition, requires preparation, stamina, skill and teamwork of the very highest standard. There is no other race in the world like this and we want to ensure the winner’s trophy, which will change each year, reflects the status of the achievement.”
The trophy has been created at workshops at the magnificent Burghley House in Stamford by Silversmith Shannon O’Neill, who described the silver 2017 trophy as an ornate work of art, laced with images depicting the speed, agility and excitement of jump racing, and decorated with a red stone.
Shannon commented;
“I’m incredibly honoured to have been given the opportunity to design and create a piece of art as important as the trophy for the Randox Health Grand National. Meeting the Randox requirement has been an exciting challenge – the brief was ambitious and we’re all delighted with the final outcome. That this is a unique piece makes it even more special. I look forward to its unveil in February and additionally to seeing the next four trophy designs over the coming years.”
Additionally, for the first time in history, each member of the winning team, made up of owner, trainer, jockey and groom will receive their own version of the trophy, a decision about which Ed Chamberlin, Lead Racing Presenter for ITV is delighted;
“Nothing comes close to the immense amount of passion, dedication, and teamwork that goes in to preparing for these big races, and for the biggest race of all, the Randox Health Grand National. From the stable staff in the yard to the punter at the bookies, the jockey training for the race of his life to the ground staff tending to the racecourse and the fences, in racing everyone has a very important role to play, whether that’s in front of the camera or behind the scenes. So I’m thrilled that Randox Health is paying tribute to the fact that the contributions of each member of the winning team are equally important.”
He added;
“For ITV it’s exciting to have an ambitious and innovative partner in the form of Randox Health for the world’s greatest race. Everything we do as racing broadcaster is about making the sport much more accessible and engaging with the public, and the revamping of the Randox Health Grand National trophy with this fun, teasing roll-out is a perfect launch for this.”
For more information about Randox Health please contact Nicola McHugh or Amy McIlwaine in the Randox PR team by emailing randoxpr@randox.com or phone 028 9442 2413
We Are Randox | Randox employees give back to the community with charity events and fundraising initiatives
With the January blues in full force we decided to have a look back over all the wonderful events that Randox staff took part in during 2016. Together Randox staff rallied together to raise money for numerous events and charities making a huge difference to the lives of others.
Back in April Rachel Walls, our technical support specialist in Ardmore initiated a bake sale on behalf of her sister, Ursula McKenna who ran both the Dublin Marathon and Manchester half Marathon in aid of Cystic Fibrosis Trust. The bake sale was a roaring success and Randox staff enjoyed a selection of scrumptious buns raising a total of £308 that went towards Ursula’s total fundraising amount of £3000.
Ursula said,
“Our cousin suffers from Cystic Fibrosis, and running a few marathons is easy compared to what he has to deal with on a daily basis.”
Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic condition caused by a faulty gene that controls the movement of salt and water across the cell wall. This causes mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive tract, causing problems with breathing and digestion. An estimated 1 in 2,500 babies born in the UK have Cystic Fibrosis, with more than 2.5 million people in the UK carrying the faulty gene. Currently there is no cure for Cystic Fibrosis, however there are treatments to help manage the symptoms. The Cystic Fibrosis Trust helps suffers by funding cutting-edge research, driving up standards of care and supporting people with the condition and their loved ones every step of the way.
May was the month that Randox staff and the Randox Biosciences department joined together to help raise awareness of stroke by wearing purple clothes to work.
Stoke is a brain attack that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Blood carries essential nutrients and oxygen to the brain so without blood your brain cells can be damaged or die.
This damage can have different effects, depending on where it happens in your brain. A stroke can affect the way your body works as well as how you think, feel and communicate. The Stroke Association have dedicated the month of May to raising awareness and increasing the public’s knowledge of this condition.
In July Gary Laverty, one of our software developers who works in our Laurelbank site took a beating when he allowed Randox staff to throw water balloons at him in order to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. This charity aims to improve the lives of everyone who is diagnosed with cancer. Their aim is to make life a little brighter and ensure that no one faces this horrible disease alone. They are on hand to offer assistance right from the beginning of a diagnosis, through treatment and beyond, including support to the wider family circle.
Gary raised a total of £409.38 on the day which was presented to Margaret Young from Macmillan Cancer Support at Randox headquarters in Crumlin.
Gary Laverty said,
“When my father was ill last year, Macmillan offered tremendous support to both him and my family. Their commitment to helping cancer patients is incredible, really life-changing. I debated a few fundraising ideas but thought that the water balloon idea was something unusual so I hoped people would see it as a really fun event. The fundraiser went really well and I am delighted at the amount we raised for such an amazing charity! My colleagues got really involved and it was a really fun event, thankfully it wasn’t too cold on the day!”
In the months leading up to Christmas Randox Teoranta in Dungloe our team of scientists engineers and software developers organised a Christmas shoebox appeal in conjunction with Team Hope, a charity based in Ireland, who for the past 18 years have delivered Christmas shoebox gifts to over three million children in some of the remotest and poorest parts of the world. Randox Teoranta filled a total of 54 boxes with items ranging from school essentials, clothes, hats, scarves gloves and socks and of course extra special gifts for Christmas including games toys, sweets and even musical instruments.
Claire Newbon, Manufacturing Operative said,
“Within the team here at Randox Teoranta we are all very fortunate to have great jobs, loving families and a roof over our heads. But we are very aware that there are adults and children in other parts of the world who aren’t so lucky, through no fault of their own.
“At the most joyful time of the year, the Teoranta team wanted to be able to share the magic of Christmas with those children who would otherwise not get any presents.”
In the week leading up to Christmas Randox staff organised a Christmas jumper day with donations going towards Save the Children and a Christmas raffle on behalf of Hope 365. £640.25 was raised for Save the Children, and £4464.00 was raised for Hope 365, which would go towards furnishing “Hope Homes” in Ethiopia so that the children will have somewhere peaceful to sleep at night.
The Christmas raffle took place on 23rd December during which all staff from each site came together to see if they were lucky enough to win any of the prizes that were on offer. Prizes included a 55inch TV, M&S and Amazon vouchers, Christmas hampers, an IPad Air 2 and an extra day’s annual leave.
Randox Teoranta in Donegal also held their own Christmas Raffle and Coffee Morning with all proceeds going towards the local hospital in Dungloe. A total of €740 was raised for the hospital which was greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your generous donations throughout the year, we hope that we can continue to support charities and events throughout 2017.
If you would like to further support Hope 365 they are actively seeking 52 people to take part in a marathon or part of a marathon this year, to compliment a person who is running 52 marathons in one year for the charity. There is also a football academy, endorsed by Paddy McNair, which is taking place in July in Ethopia if you would like to get involved with this. For further information, please contact Internal Communications.
If you would like to get involved with charity fundraising in 2017, please share your ideas with us by emailing internal.communications@randox.com.
Randox supports calls from Oxford University for more accurate diagnosis of diabetes following report warning
Calls for more accurate diagnosis of people at risk of developing Type-2 diabetes have been supported by Randox, following a warning raised by an Oxford University study which looked into efforts to tackle the worsening epidemic of the condition.
The study, which was published in the British Medical Journal, examined results from the NHS’s programme which involves a screening test for pre-diabetes. The authors determined that the UK’s National Diabetes Prevention Programme is unlikely to have much impact because the blood tests used were inaccurate at detecting pre-diabetes, though these are currently the only ones available to doctors and patients. The study argues that if the screening is inaccurate then people will either be falsely reassured or receive incorrect diagnoses, which will not help the worldwide challenge to reduce people at risk of developing diabetes that continues to increase across the world.
It is estimated that Type-2 diabetes causes 22,000 early deaths every year in England alone. Across the UK over 3m people currently have the condition though experts say this will increase to 5m by 2025.
With current treatment taking up almost 9% of the annual NHS budget – roughly £8.8bn a year – the implications for future healthcare budgets are clear if this dangerous trend persists.
Global reagents Manger Susan Hammond said,
“Although we wholly back the NHS’s belief that positive lifestyle changes make crucial differences in people’s health and lives, we also believe that unless earlier and more accurate diagnostic screening is employed on a twin-track of treatment, this epidemic will continue to worsen. We welcome that this study highlights the fact that clinician’s s are currently limited in what they can use to tackle the threat posed by diabetes. There are emerging biomarkers they could be given access to, such as Adiponectin and determining a person’s risk of Metabolic Syndrome.”
Assessing Adiponectin levels allows doctors to calculate the amount of visceral fat stored around a patient’s organs. This deep fat, which is not visible to the naked eye, is linked to health problems including Type-2 diabetes. High levels of adiponectin equate to low levels of visceral fat which can be combated by improving your diet, exercise habits and even stress levels. Given that 70% of Type-2 diabetes can be prevented by lifestyle changes, there is strong correlation that by detecting low levels of Adiponectin and taking corrective and preventive action, it could results in a decrease in the numbers of people who develop the life altering condition.
In addition to a test for the Adiponectin biomarker, Randox Biosciences have created a Metabolic Syndrome Array that measures 12 markers associated with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. Metabolic Syndrome is a is a group of cardiovascular risk factors that affects over 20% of adults and results in a person being three times more likely to have a stroke or heart attack, and five times more likely to develop diabetes.
Mrs Hammond concluded,
“We would ultimately like to see all medical professionals who are at the forefront of patient care armed with the most accurate diagnostic tools available. Updating traditional practice may not be easy but we believe it is imperative to do so, if we are to effectively challenge this global epidemic.”
Randox remains focused on providing early diagnoses and preventing illnesses by providing innovative diagnostics tests that will continue to revolutionise the healthcare landscape.
To find out more about our tests for metabolic arrays click here and Adiponectin click here.
