|
|
|
|||
 |
|
Two major hospitals in London’s West End, Hammersmith and Charing Cross, have introduced the use of Liko Solo patient specific disposable slings. Back Care Adviser Janet Hogger, the driving force behind this introduction, commented “The Solo slings make good sense for patients and staff alike. They are readily available on the ward, save on laundering costs and improve hygiene”. Outbreaks of MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) and C.diff (Clostridium difficile) in hospitals have dominated much of the press headlines recently, but a positive outcome of this has been the increased awareness of the need for infection control. This gave Back Care Adviser Janet Hogger the opportunity to introduce the concept of patient specific disposable slings at Hammersmith and Charing Cross. Liko equipment was already installed in almost every ward, easing the decision to invest in Liko Solo slings. Infection Control, Cost Efficiency and Availability “In an effort to improve the availability of slings, and to increase our levels of infection control, it was logical to introduce patient specific disposable slings” said Janet. “We still had to undertake a business case using a risk/benefit analysis, and ‘what would happen if we didn’t introduce the disposable slings?’ was one of the many questions we had to answer. I believe that investing in Solo slings was the right decision. Manual handling risk is reduced, as the slings are readily available, and the risk of cross infection is better controlled”. Even when patients are in hospital for less than a week, and the sling is disposed of on discharge, the Solo is very cost efficient and makes perfect business sense. Janet believes that “Liko equipment scores well on quality, ease of use, functionality and safety, and always comes out favourably in trials.” She added “All our equipment has to be cost efficient and reduce costs in the long term. As clinical staff are now well accustomed to using lifts, introducing a new concept such as the Solo slings has been reasonably straightforward.” A key step to implementing this new concept was the use of an automatic ‘top-up’ system where stock used is reordered on a weekly basis, thus ensuring that, subject to the correct assessment by nurses, the right size of sling is always available. Janet advised that medium and large sizes have been introduced to all wards, and she hopes to introduce the extra-large slings in the near future, using the same ‘top-up’ system. This will alleviate problems of slings being lost or ruined in the laundry, and patients using the wrong sized shared sling. Additional Safety The unique Solo sling was patented and introduced in 2003, increasing Liko’s range of slings; already the widest range available in the world, with more than 250 different variations of lines, styles and fabrics. The Solo can be used repeatedly for general use, provided it does not become wet and is not laundered. Extra safety is provided through the unique safety strap design surrounding the patient in all situations. The Solo XL (extra large) increases the lift capacity from 200 kg (32 Stone) to 500 kg (78 Stone), extending the patient specific concept to the Bariatric patient and their carers. In addition to significantly reducing the risk of cross infection prevalent when using shared slings, the Solo ensures the hygiene and cleanliness of each and every individual patient is respected. Here to stay Judging by the findings at Hammersmith and Charing Cross Hospitals, the patient specific disposable Liko Solo sling is here to stay. The patient is respected, their dignity upheld, and the risk of cross infection is reduced – and the Solo is very cost efficient. Janet Hogger concluded, “Using Solo disposable slings makes perfect sense.” Facts about MRSA and C.diff Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is a type of bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics. Staph infections, including MRSA, occur most frequently among persons in hospitals and healthcare facilities (such as nursing homes and dialysis centres) who have weakened immune systems. C. diff (Clostridium difficile) is spread by the over-growth of clostridiumdifficile spores, usually due to antibiotic therapy (antibiotics kill all bacteria in the intestines, allowing this one to overgrow). It can also be spread by hands – direct or indirect contact with contaminated surfaces. » Read more about our Solo range of lifting accessories |
