The moving and handling of people is a regular day-to-day task in a care home, which if not done safely, can cause serious injury to carers and the client being transferred.

Although moving and handling procedures have improved immensely in recent years, poor technique is still a common sight in care homes that are yet to adopt a much needed moving and handling training policy.

This provides a number of issues, including increased staff sickness, compensation claims, client injuries, and in some cases death, which can have a terrible impact on a care homes’ all important reputation.

A recent report from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) described how one care home group was prosecuted and fined £100,000 after an elderly resident fell from a hoist and died as a result of the sling being used incorrectly.

A similar incident was outlined in the Yorkshire Evening Post 2013 where a 100 year old great-grandmother died only a day after falling out of a sling that was used by carers who had not been properly trained to use the equipment.

Safe moving and handling techniques do not only prevent such tragedies, it also benefits the client in many ways, as they will experience increased comfort, dignity and in some cases, empowerment during the transfer.

Here at Prism, we understand the importance of ensuring care staff are well trained in moving and handling practices, which is why we offer a range of on-site and off-site training courses, including free product awareness sessions.

With such an extensive range of training sessions available, there really is no excuse for poor moving and handling techniques, which could seriously affect your staff, clients and ultimately your business.


Contact us today to
 find out more about the range of training courses that we offer. We can even deliver bespoke training specific to your needs.

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Prism Medical UK is pleased to announce that private equity specialist LDC has completed a significant investment to support the £30million acquisition of Prism UK Medical Limited from Toronto-based TSX Venture Exchange listed business Prism Medical Limited.

The deal with LDC includes additional funding alongside the initial investment to accelerate growth, through organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. Initially, Prism will focus on the development and expansion of Prism’s existing product and service offering within the UK market, expansion into key European markets and target a number of acquisition opportunities.

Commenting on the investment, Martin Draper, Chief Investment Officer at LDC said: “In Prism we are partnering with a high quality management team led by Stuart Meldrum and a business operating in an attractive market driven by strong fundamentals, including an ageing population and the need to deliver health care more effectively in the community. The management team has successfully implemented a strategic plan to capitalise on the market opportunity going forward and we will work closely with them to accelerate the business’ expansion strategy.

“As part of the transaction, the team will be further supported by the appointment of Alan Pilgrim as Non-Executive Chairman and James Buckley as Non-Executive Director. Previously CEO of Alliance Medical and Chairman of Cancer Partners UK, Mr Pilgrim has a successful track record of working in the UK and international healthcare sector, while Mr Buckley was previously CEO of Tunstall Group and brings substantial M&A experience in this sector.”

The deal was led by Birmingham-based Investment Director Andy Lyndon, supported by Matt Newbold. Both will join the board as Non-Executive Directors with immediate effect.

Stuart Meldrum, Chief Executive at Prism said: “LDC’s investment and support brings additional strategic focus and financial backing to our business and reflects the confidence both parties have in Prism’s continued growth.  Looking forward, we anticipate that LDC’s support will allow us to further strengthen our UK market leading position, expand the company’s business into Europe and accelerate growth through acquisitions whilst maintaining our reputation for provision of high quality products and services to our valued UK and European customers, existing and new.”

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Prism Medical UK launches new research report questioning the requirement of double handed care

Prism Medical UK, in association with HFH Consulting and the University of Salford, has launched a new White Paper challenging the perceived status quo that two carers are necessary for clients who require manual handling.

The report forms the opinion that offering unnecessary double handed care has a major cost implication and taken in the current context of an ever increasing number of clients and tightening budgets, it is important to challenge and fully understand the decision making process.

The research within the report shows many misconceptions regarding moving and handling, insufficient knowledge of specialist equipment and an outdated and generalised attitude regarding the perceived need for two carers as opposed to one.

A large number of specialists and case studies have been consulted to provide a compelling argument for the opinion held within the study.

The paper was launched at The Waldorf Hilton Hotel, Aldwych, London on Tuesday, 1st April 2014.

 

 

Authors

Jean Phillips BHSc Hons, Cert Ed, SROT, Assistant Director, HFH Consulting

Jo Mellson MSc, Dip Cot, SROT, Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy, University of Salford

Norma Richardson BA Hons, Cert Ed, RN, Training & Development Manager, Prism Medical UK

Click here to download the full ‘It Takes Two?’ research report

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As part of a number of processes designed to improve efficiencies and reduce costs, an increasing number of authorities are adopting the Single Handed Care model to those who have been assessed as suitable for such a care package.

Prism Medical UK has vast experience in assisting authorities to deliver Single Handed Care, and we have developed a range of products specifically for the use of a single carer.

One of the most popular Single Handed Care products in the Prism range is the 4Way Glide, a complete bed management system that makes turning and positioning a client simple and safe for the client and a sole carer.

Below is a short video demonstration, highlighting the benefits of using the 4Way Glide in a Single Handed Care environment.

Enabling Single Handed Care: The 4Way Glide

Click here to find out how Prism Medical UK can help you improve efficiencies and reduce costs through implementing a Single Handed Care model.

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The need for continuous care is increasing year on year due to the UK’s ageing population. This has seen the care home sector put under immense scrutiny with regards to the standard of equipment and care offered to clients. Moving, handling and bathing equipment are essential in a day to day care package in order to provide a safe environment for both the client and the carer.

The service and repair of this equipment has never been more significant, especially since the increase in unannounced care home inspections by the Care Quality Commission.

The effects of neglecting such an essential maintenance program could be detrimental to a care home, should a patient or carer become injured as a result of using ill-serviced equipment.

However, the safety of staff and clients is not the only benefit to complying with maintenance regulations. Care Homes will also benefit from increased equipment efficiency and reduced costs via less reactive service call outs.

Prism Medical UK offer extensive service and repair packages, and operates the UK’s largest team of DBS checked engineers, complying with all moving, handling and bathing regulations such as LOLER, WRAS and BS EN ISO 10535.

Why take needless risks? Obtaining a service and repair package has never been so easy, and we at Prism Medical UK can even tailor a package specifically for your business.

Contact us today to discuss your service and repair needs and to book your free of charge audit/asset report.

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Moving, handling and bathing specialists Prism Medical UK have today announced they are to offer Occupational Therapy services to their Local Authority and independent care home clients. In response to increasing levels of customer requests, Wakefield based Prism have entered into a strategic partnership with Able 2 – a specialist Occupational Therapy service provider.

The partnership will provide increased flexibility and responsiveness to the ever increasing demands stipulated by both Authorities and care homes. It is envisaged the service will assist clients with short and long term OT planning requirements, to help them achieve a nil waiting list. The service provides complete case management from initial assessment to final inspection and is delivered by Able 2’s team of experienced Occupational Therapists.

Prism Medical UK have been increasing their product and service offerings in recent years through investment in new product development and growing a network of strategic partnerships in areas such as beds, pressure relieving mattresses, assisted baths, stairlifts and through floor lifts. The partnership with Able 2 signals Prism’s intention to provide a wide range of products and services through a ‘one stop shop’ to clients.

Managing Director, Marshall Reid said: “For some time, we have been looking at ways to assist our clients make savings with their OT planning requirements. We are delighted to have the opportunity to develop a partnership with Able 2 with their long standing reputation for helping Authorities and other organisations within the care sector achieve their targets. With the addition of a full OT provision, we now more than ever provide a fully rounded service ensuring that both our care sector customers and end users receive a premium quality, yet cost effective solution.”

Madeleine Butler, Able 2 Managing Director added: “Able 2 is delighted to form this partnership with Prism Medical. We have been looking to widen the range of products and services we offer our clients for some time. Prism Medical provides us with a highly professional partner who has a comprehensive range of products which can be designed for general or for individual needs. Authorities need to be delivering their services to an increasingly elderly and disabled population. I believe this partnership will enable Able 2 to deliver our Occupational Therapy services in the most efficient and cost effective way.”

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