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MDA/2007/009 - Beds rails and grab handles

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Document details:

Type: Medical Device Alert
Series No: MDA/2007/009
Audience: Healthcare professionals
Published:
Format: Electronic and paper
Size: A4
Pages: 4
Price: Free
ISBN/ISSN:
Author:
Copyright: Crown
   

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Please note: In October and November 2010, the MHRA moved from its Market Towers address to a new location on Buckingham Palace Road. Please go to the contact us section of the website for updated contact details.

Page 1

Issued: 01 February 2007 at 11:00
Ref: MDA/2007/009


 
Immediate action
Tick mark
Action
 
Update
 
Information request


Device:
Beds rails and grab handles.

>Page 2
Problem:
Bed rails can successfully prevent falls, but their incorrect use has resulted in the deaths of bed occupants by asphyxiation due to entrapment..

>Page 2
Action by:
All those purchasing, supplying, selecting, using and maintaining bed rails and grab handles, especially in the community. This includes nursing staff, care at home staff, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, equipment stores managers and equipment purchasers.		  

Action:

  • Obtain the latest MHRA guidance on the safe use of bed rails, DB 2006(06), (see links on page 2) and ensure that appropriate procedures are in place.
  • Ensure that a risk assessment is carried out before the issue and use of the equipment. The assessment should include the needs of the occupant and the risks generated by the combination of the bed rails, grab handles, the bed and the mattress.
  • Existing equipment combinations should also be reviewed to ensure that they are compatible with the bed, are properly fitted and maintained and do not have gaps or traps that may allow an occupant to become entrapped.
  • Repeat the risk assessment if the equipment combination or the occupant’s condition
    changes.

>Page 2

Distributed to:

NHS trusts in England - Chief Executives*
Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) - Headquarters
Healthcare Commission (CHAI) - Headquarters
Primary care trusts in England - Chief Executives*
Social services in England - Directors*


* via CE Bulletin

>Page 3
Contacts:
Details of MHRA contacts for technical and clinical aspects.
Change of address or removal from address list for CSCI and Healthcare Commission.

>Page 3


Action deadlines for the Safety Alert Broadcast System (SABS)
Deadline (action underway): 14 March 2007
Deadline (action complete): 1 June 2007


Page last modified: 01 February 2007