Our History
Silvalea is born
Established in 1993, Silvalea emerged from a commitment to improving the safety, comfort, and dignity of individuals requiring specialised care. Since then the company has built up a strong network of respected medical professionals, such as occupational therapists, caregivers and wound-care nurses. This has meant that Silvalea have been able to work collaboratively with medical specialists in order to develop and innovate, respected specific products which meet the demands and the high performing expectations of such a group, whilst delivering on patient safety, comfort and dignity.
First in-situ sling range launches in the UK market
Silvalea makes a significant advancement in the healthcare industry by launching its first in-situ sling range into the UK market. This product line was designed to meet the specific needs of patients requiring assistance with mobility and transfers, providing comfort, safety, and convenience. The introduction of these slings marked a milestone for Silvalea, showcasing their commitment to innovation and quality in patient care solutions.
Silva-Superfine COOLMAX® fabric is launched
Silvalea launches the Silva-Superfine, a revolutionary product in the realm of patient care. This lightweight yet durable sling is crafted from COOLMAX® mesh, a high-performance fabric renowned for its breathability and moisture-wicking properties. The Silva-Superfine is specifically designed for in-situ use, meaning it can be left under the patient for extended periods without causing discomfort or compromising safety. One of the standout features of the Silva-Superfine is its ultra-thin construction, making it ideal for use with the tightest of molded wheelchairs and seating equipment.
Silva-Superfine® PLUS is introduced
Silvalea expands its innovative Silva-Superfine range by introducing the Silva-Superfine® PLUS (spacer) with Coolmax® technology. This addition builds upon the success of the original Silva-Superfine sling by incorporating advanced features to further enhance patient comfort and utility. The Silva-Superfine® PLUS maintains the lightweight and durable qualities of the original Silva-Superfine sling while offering added benefits that make it suitable for a wider range of patient needs.
Universal D-anserclip® is launched
Silvalea introduces the D-anserClip®, a unique and fully patented innovation designed to replace standard sling loops. This safety transfer clip is universal and fits all leading hoist manufacturers across the UK and European markets. Its simple “click-on click-off” action ensures a physical click is heard when engaging the clip to the hoist, providing added security without any moving parts.
Silvalea introduces the Silva-Safety Slot®
Silvalea introduces the Silva-Safety Slot®, a unique and patented replacement for standard sling loops. Featuring a sleek, durable design, it is easy to wipe clean, maintaining high hygiene standards. The Silva-Safety Slot® also improves safety by preventing entanglement with machinery during transfers, ensuring smoother and safer patient handling.
Silvalea joins Savaria Patient Care
Silvalea announces its partnership with Savaria Corporation, a global leader in accessibility solutions. Savaria manufactures products that support personal mobility, offering industry-leading benefits for both institutional and home use. Their innovative designs feature advanced battery technology, the SureClip system for enhanced attachment safety, and a focus on overall simplicity of operation.
Introduction of Savaria hoists
Silvalea announces the expansion of its product range to include Savaria lifters and all related accessory products across the UK, Europe, and Australasia. The integration of Savaria’s innovative products into Silvalea’s portfolio ensures that customers in these regions will have access to state-of-the-art equipment that promotes better patient care and operational efficiency. This move reinforces Silvalea’s commitment to offering cutting-edge solutions and advancing the standard of accessibility and mobility solutions globally.
Silvalea moves to a new warehousing facility
Silvalea invests in a fully operational new warehousing and logistics depot at the Heathfield trading estate. This new facility expands Silvalea’s warehouse space and utilises advanced barcoding and tablet technology for streamlined operations. With over £1 million worth of stock securely stored on-site, the depot enables exceptionally fast lead times, allowing more than 60% of orders to be dispatched on the same day. This enhanced capability ensures that Silvalea can promptly and efficiently meet the needs of caregivers and their clients.
New online customer portal is launched
Silvalea launches its new online portal that allows customers to check order status, view stock levels, and place orders directly online. This new feature enhances service for its global customer base by providing 24/7 access to order documentation, including invoices, dispatch notes, and live delivery updates.
Silvalea invests in a suite of testing equipment
Silvalea invests in a suite of testing equipment ensuring its compliance with ISO 10535:2021 whilst demonstrating its commitment to quality control. The bespoke load testing machine enables Silvalea products to be tested to their safe working loads and put them through rigorous usage tests to provide confidence in each sling design. Every tailor-made sling is subject to thorough testing and our stock items receive regular quality checks throughout the production process and prior to dispatch.
Silvalea opens a new purpose-built product training studio
Silvalea opens a new purpose-built product training studio, complete with both gantry and mobile hoists, along with a full range of slings available to assist with all demonstrations. This space allows Silvalea to deliver live and interactive training sessions all over the world and collaborate with other mobility companies.
Silva® Care product care range is launched
Silvalea launches its Silva® Care product range, home of its high-end equipment to compliment its patient handling sling portfolio. This specifically designed product range has been designed to deliver an unmatched level of comfort, taking the patient experience to new heights. These meticulously crafted products not only enhance the overall experience for patients but also offer valuable options for unsurpassed comfort.
Silvalea installs a brand new bespoke testing machine
Silvalea installs a brand new bespoke testing machine to ensure optimal performance, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of its testing processes to uphold. This investment underscores the companies dedication to cutting-edge technology and superior results. Designed to hold up to 2,000kg, it showcases commitment to providing versatile and reliable testing solutions for diverse operational needs. This robust capacity ensures that all equipment meets a wide range of testing requirements.
Silvalea launches its new in-situ bariatric product range
Silvalea announces the launch of its new in-situ bariatric product range, specifically designed to address the unique challenges faced in the care of bariatric patients. This new range has been developed to provide comprehensive solutions for all aspects of bariatric care, ensuring that healthcare professionals have access to the most effective tools for managing patient transfers and mobility.
Silvalea introduces new COOLMAX® EcoMade fabric
Silvalea introduces the Silva-Spacer, now incorporating COOLMAX® EcoMade and COOLMAX freshFX® EcoMade into its product range. This advanced fiber technology represents a significant leap forward in textile innovation, providing enhanced performance and environmental benefits.
Redesigned website is unveiled
Silvalea unveils its newly redesigned website, developed in collaboration with Priority Pixels. This revamped site represents a significant advancement in both functionality and user experience, specifically designed to meet the needs of healthcare professionals and caregivers. This launch signifies a new chapter for Silvalea, reinforcing its position as a leader in patient transfer solutions.
Silvalea launches M-Series hoist range by Savaria
Silvalea launches the next generation of lifting solutions with Savaria’s M-Series range. The Clinical and Essential models are designed to enhance mobility and efficiency across diverse healthcare settings. The M-Series sets a new standard in patient care technology by featuring innovations like a proprietary emergency handling system and a sleek carry bar with an integrated Class III scale.
