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MDA/2007/031 - Patient hoists and slings

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Document details:

Type: Medical Device Alert
Series No: MDA/2007/031
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: 23 April 2007 at 14:30
Ref: MDA/2007/031


 

 
Immediate action
 Tick mark 
Action
 
Update
  
Information request


Device:
Patient hoists and slings.

  
Problem:
Falls due to the poor compatibility of slings and hoists, inappropriate laundering of slings and inadequate maintenance of patient hoists used in hospitals and the community.

 >Page 2
Action by:
All those involved in the supply, maintenance or use of these devices, in particular nurses, care staff, laundry staff and maintenance staff or contractors.		  

Action:
Ensure that:

  • All hoists and slings are used and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • All sling and hoist combinations are compatible and appropriate for the patient and that risk assessments are repeated if the equipment combination or the patient’s condition changes.
  • All hoists and slings are visually inspected before use and are removed from service if defects are found.
  • All slings are cleaned in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • All hoists and slings are inspected by a competent person every six months as outlined in the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER).
 

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

>Pages 2-3
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): 29 June 2007
Deadline (action complete): 31 August 2007

 

Page last modified: 23 April 2007