Respond Healthcare

What Respond Healthcare does

Respond Healthcare Limited is a UK home delivery prescription dispensing service focused on stoma and continence care, operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eakin Healthcare and headquartered in Comber, Northern Ireland. The company dispenses NHS prescriptions as a Dispensing Appliance Contractor (DAC) and also handles private prescriptions, with NHS Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) integration in England and Wales enabling GP-to-dispenser electronic transmission. It operates nine regional care centres across the four UK nations and partners with DPD for last-mile delivery using an all-electric fleet in 30+ UK cities.

The core service is supplemented by a portfolio of own-brand stoma accessories — eakin Cohesive® seals, eakin freeseal®, NEUTRALISE odour control, ABSORB absorbent gel, COMFORT flange extenders, SECURE security frames, PEEL adhesive remover, REFRESH 3in1, GUARD barrier film, RENEW powder, and CLEANSE gel — plus the ModaVi® ostomy bag distributed from parent Eakin Healthcare. Differentiated service layers include a free precision stoma bag cutting service, community nurse home visits, a 200+ language telephone interpretation line, and complimentary packaging inserts. For healthcare professionals, Respond offers Respond Consult, a proprietary patient management system (desktop and iPad) with two tiers.

The business model combines recurring NHS dispensing reimbursement with higher-margin own-brand product attach, monetised through both NHS prescribing and direct private purchase at unit prices typically ranging from £0.00 to £62.96. Customer acquisition is multi-channel: GP and stoma care nurse referrals (B2B2C via Respond Consult and the Refer Your Patient program), self-serve online and phone ordering, and a community-led engine using 19+ patient ambassadors, the Beyond the Pouch podcast, Connect® Magazine, and partnerships with four UK ostomy charities. Pricing to patients is largely free at point of use on the NHS pathway, with private customers paying per item.

Name

Respond Healthcare

Legal name

Respond Healthcare Limited

Website

https://respond.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Respond Healthcare is a UK-based home delivery prescription dispensing service for stoma and continence care patients, operating as an NHS Dispensing Appliance Contractor and subsidiary of Eakin Healthcare across nine regional offices.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Stoma and Continence Care Home Delivery Services

NAICS

Home Health Care Services (62161), Offices of All Other Miscellaneous Health Practitioners (621399)

SIC

Services-Home Health Care Services (8082), Orthopedic, Prosthetic & Surgical Appliances & Supplies (3842)

akta.pro primary industry

Mail-Order & Home Delivery Pharmacies (HLAFALAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

In-Home Medication Administration (Nurse-Delivered) (HSABALAF)

Keywords

• Stoma care products
• Continence care supplies
• Prescription home delivery
• Ostomy accessories
• NHS dispensing contractor

Headquarters

HQ city

Comber

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. NHS Prescription Dispensing Service: Respond Healthcare operates as a Dispensing Appliance Contractor (DAC) for the NHS, dispensing stoma and continence care appliances against NHS prescriptions. In England, patients with permanent stomas can apply for Medical Exemption Certificates making prescriptions free. Prescriptions are free in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
2. Private Prescription Services: The company also handles private prescriptions for stoma and continence care products, providing the same home delivery service to patients regardless of NHS prescription coverage.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Respond Healthcare provides a prescription dispensing and home delivery service for stoma and continence care products across the United Kingdom, operating as an NHS Dispensing Appliance Contractor (DAC). The service manages prescription transfers from GP surgeries (including via NHS Electronic Prescription Service integration in England and Wales), delivers products discreetly to patients' homes via DPD, and provides a free stoma bag cutting service, complimentary essentials, and ongoing support from specialist-trained care advisors and community nurses. The company also distributes a portfolio of own-brand and third-party stoma care accessories and operates the Respond Consult patient management platform for healthcare professionals.

Product overview

Respond Healthcare is a UK-based home delivery prescription service for stoma and continence care, operating throughout the United Kingdom. The core offering is its prescription dispensing and home delivery service, which handles prescription transfers from GP surgeries, integrates with the NHS Electronic Prescription Service (EPS), and delivers discreetly via DPD with a free stoma bag cutting service. Alongside this service, Respond Healthcare offers a portfolio of manufactured and distributed stoma care products under its own brands — including the eakin® seal range (eakin freeseal® in air and versa variants; eakin Cohesive® in small, large, slims, and stomawrap formats), COMFORT Adhesive Flange Extenders, SECURE Security Frames, NEUTRALISE odour neutralising products (drops and sprays), ABSORB odour neutralising absorbent gel, GLIDE lubricating gel, PEEL and CLEAR adhesive removers, REFRESH 3in1, GUARD barrier film, RENEW protective powder, and CLEANSE cleansing gel. The company also distributes third-party products such as Osto-EZ-Vent® and, through parent company Eakin Healthcare, the ModaVi® ostomy bag. For healthcare professionals, Respond offers the Respond Consult patient management system (desktop and iPad app, in full and Lite tiers). Complimentary support services include a free stoma bag cutting service, community nurse visits, a Language Line interpretation service in over 200 languages, and educational content including Connect® Magazine and nurse-authored brochures covering travel, nutrition, intimacy, and surgery guidance.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Prescription Home Delivery Service Core service providing prescription dispensing and home delivery of stoma and continence care products to patients across the UK. Handles prescription transfers from GP surgeries, integrates with the NHS Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) in England and Wales, dispenses discreetly unbranded packaging via DPD, and includes a free stoma bag cutting service and complimentary essentials with every order.
• Continence Care Products Delivery Dispensing and home delivery service for continence care products including catheters, sheaths, and leg bags, integrated into a single delivery alongside stoma care products to simplify prescription management for patients.
• eakin freeseal® A mouldable stoma seal providing discreet, comfortable fit and leak protection, available in freeseal® air (thin, for low-profile, retracted or flush stomas) and freeseal® versa (thicker, for dips and creases) variants. Vegan-friendly, marketed as one of the most absorbent and mouldable seals on the market.
• eakin Cohesive® slims Thin, everyday skin protection and security seal for stomas under 50mm, designed to integrate into daily stoma care routines and prevent unexpected leaks.
• eakin Cohesive® large 98mm-wide seal for smoothing out uneven skin around stomas, including dips and creases, providing leak protection and enhanced comfort.
• eakin Cohesive® small The thickest eakin Cohesive® seal variant, designed to prevent leaks for users with looser output such as high-output stomas, loose or watery output, or urine.
• eakin Cohesive® stomawrap An oval-shaped seal with a cut-out section designed to be wrapped and overlapped around the stoma to create a secure, customised seal.
• COMFORT Adhesive Flange Extenders Adhesive flange extenders in three sizes (Small, Wide, Large) that keep stoma bags firmly in place, are highly absorbent, flexible, and allow free movement without peeling. Used to enhance security and protect skin from leaks.
• SECURE Security Frames Security frames that provide additional support and adhesion around stoma bags, designed to prevent lifting and leakage during physical activity.
• NEUTRALISE Neutralising Drops Nanozyme-based odour neutralising drops for faecal stoma bags, infused with scented oils in Gardenia with Jasmine, Mint, and Tangerine variants. Applied as 1–2 drops inside the bag before use to eliminate odour and provide confidence.
• NEUTRALISE Neutralising Sprays Spray-format odour neutralising product for use with stoma bags, available in multiple scent options, providing fast and reliable odour control.
• ABSORB Odour Neutralising Absorbent Gel Gel formulation that solidifies excess fluid inside stoma bags and neutralises odour, designed for ileostomy or colostomy users with fluid output. Dissolves in the bag to manage leaks and noise day and night.
• GLIDE Odour Neutralising Lubricating Gel Lubricating gel for stoma bags that neutralises odour and eases output through the bag, providing a more comfortable and discreet experience.
• Osto-EZ-Vent® A vented device for stoma bags designed to release gas build-up, helping prevent ballooning and associated odours in ileostomy and colostomy bags. Distributed by Respond Healthcare.
• PEEL Adhesive Remover Propellant-free 2-in-1 adhesive remover using bag-on-valve technology, designed to remove stoma appliances and adhesive residue gently without stinging. Available in Apple, Blackberry, Mint, and No Fragrance options, in 50ml spray or 30-wipe box formats.
• REFRESH 3in1 An all-in-one spray combining adhesive remover, barrier film, and linen scent in a single product. Alcohol and propellant-free with bag-in-can technology for 100% product usage and sustainability. Available in 50ml travel-size and 150ml formats.
• GUARD Barrier Film Skin barrier film spray applied before attaching a stoma bag to protect peristomal skin, reduce redness, and enhance adhesive adhesion.
• RENEW Protective Powder Protective powder for stoma care that removes excess moisture, shields against adhesive and bodily fluid irritation, and contains Aloe Vera to soothe and calm irritated skin.
• CLEAR Adhesive Remover Adhesive remover wipe and spray product designed to gently remove stoma bag adhesives from the skin without stinging or causing discomfort.
• CLEANSE Cleansing Gel Cleansing gel for use in stoma care routines to clean the peristomal skin area before applying a new bag, gentle on sensitive skin.
• Free Stoma Bag Cutting Service A complimentary service included with every prescription order, where Respond Healthcare cuts stoma bags to the customer's precise measurements using hand-cutting or precision machines, ensuring a perfect fit. Customers send their stoma template and bags are cut accordingly. Achieves 99% customer satisfaction.
• Respond Consult Patient Management System A next-generation patient management system for healthcare professionals (stoma care nurses), available as a desktop application and iPad app. Enables real-time access to patient records including notes, photographs, and cutting templates; diary management; referral to Respond home delivery service; live reporting on appliance usage; offline synchronisation; and data protection compliance. Two tiers: Respond Consult (full) and Respond Consult Lite (without data migration).
• Community Nurse Support Service Respond Healthcare's team of community nurses visit patients at home (where available) to provide expert support and advice on living with a stoma, complementing the care from hospital stoma nurses and healthcare professionals. Available to help with transition from hospital to home and ongoing stoma care queries.
• Language Line Interpretation Service A telephone interpretation service available to customers and nurses who wish to communicate in their preferred language. Provided in over 200 languages including Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Mandarin, Polish, Punjabi, Romanian, Somali, Spanish, Turkish, Urdu, and Vietnamese. A confidential service provided free of charge.
• Travel Certificate A multilingual travel certificate that explains the holder's stoma condition and necessary equipment, designed to help ostomates navigate airport security smoothly. Available in several languages and free with prescription orders.
• ModaVi® Ostomy Bag An ostomy bag launched by parent company Eakin Healthcare to the UK market, described as featuring cutting-edge design, comfort, and style. Distributed by Respond Healthcare.

Quantifiable outcome

• 96% customer recommendation rate
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• DPDcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDPD is Respond Healthcare's primary delivery partner for home prescription deliveries across the UK. DPD operates an all-electric delivery fleet covering 30 major UK cities, supporting Respond's environmental sustainability goals. The partnership includes carbon certificate reporting showing CO2 savings from electric vehicle deliveries. 93% of customers rate DPD delivery service as excellent or very good.
• Crohn's & Colitis UKcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerThe UK's leading charity for Crohn's and Colitis. Respond works with the charity to provide support and information to people affected by these conditions, which are common reasons for stoma surgery.
• The Ileostomy & Internal Pouch Association (IA)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerNational support group for people living with an ileostomy or internal pouch across the UK and Ireland. Partnership provides community support resources and travel certificates for ostomates.
• Urostomy AssociationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerUK charity offering support and information for people with, or considering, a urinary diversion (urostomy). Partnership supports this patient community with product access and education.
• Colostomy UKcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCharity which supports and empowers people living with a colostomy. Partnership provides educational resources and community support for colostomy patients using Respond services.
• BHTA (British Healthcare Trades Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRespond Healthcare is a member of BHTA, voluntarily committing to their Code of Practice - the first and only healthcare industry code approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI).
• Eakin HealthcarecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRespond Healthcare is a division of Eakin Healthcare, an international healthcare company established in 1973. Eakin manufactures ostomy products including eakin Cohesive® seals (first ostomy seal manufactured globally), soft convex ostomy bags, and the ModaVi® ostomy bag. Manufacturing sites in Cardiff (Wales) and Comber (Northern Ireland) serve UK and 30+ global markets.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Fittleworth Medical: UK Dispensing Appliance Contractor specialising in home delivery of stoma, continence, and wound care products on NHS prescription. Direct competitor to Respond as a DAC serving identical patient populations through similar GP/stoma nurse referral and home delivery models.
• Pelican Healthcare: UK-based stoma care product manufacturer and home delivery DAC owned by Eakin Healthcare competitor group (formerly part of Corbridge). Directly comparable as a smaller UK DAC with own-brand ostomy products competing for the same NHS dispensing referrals.
• Charter Healthcare: UK Dispensing Appliance Contractor providing home delivery of stoma and continence products on NHS prescription. Direct DAC competitor to Respond, operating with similar GP referral integration and home delivery model across the UK.
• Salts Healthcare: UK-based manufacturer and home delivery provider of stoma care products, operating from Birmingham with NHS dispensing services. One of the most direct competitors to Respond as a UK DAC with own-brand ostomy products (Salts Confidence, Harmony), directly competing for the same stoma nurse referrals and NHS prescriptions.
• SecuriCare (formerly CliniSupplies): UK home delivery service for stoma, continence, and wound care prescriptions with NHS dispensing status. Direct competitor to Respond as a DAC serving stoma patients via home delivery, GP referrals, and own patient support programmes.
• Welland (part of CliniMed group): UK ostomy brand and home delivery service under CliniMed, distributing own-brand ostomy bags alongside manufacturer products via NHS prescriptions. Competes directly with Respond for stoma nurse referrals and end-patient dispensing in the UK.

Broad incumbents

• Coloplast: Global leader in ostomy and continence care products with direct-to-consumer home delivery services across multiple markets including the UK. Highly comparable as a manufacturer-distributor of ostomy appliances with competing dispensing services, though it operates at much larger scale and broader geographic footprint than Respond.
• ConvaTec: Major global manufacturer of ostomy, continence, and advanced wound care products with established UK presence. Comparable as both an upstream product manufacturer competing with Eakin/Respond's own brands and a potential home delivery service provider via its own channels.
• Hollister Incorporated: US-headquartered global manufacturer of ostomy and continence care products with significant UK operations. Comparable as a competing ostomy brand that also distributes direct to patients in many markets, including competing for the same stoma care nurses and NHS dispensing channels.

Regional players

• Dansac (Hollister): Ostomy brand owned by Hollister with strong UK presence and home delivery services for stoma patients. Comparable as a competing ostomy product manufacturer-DAC combination serving the same UK ostomy patient population, though owned by a larger US parent.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/respondltd
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@respondhealthcare
• Facebookfacebook.com/respondltd
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/respond-healthcare-ltd
• Instagraminstagram.com/respondltd

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Respond Healthcare