Care staff who undertake bariatric patient care in clinics, hospitals and other medical facilities find that they increasingly
encounter people of many different shapes and sizes. Bariatric patient care can take place in specialised bariatric units –
or be integrated into general or critical care areas, including emergency departments, operating rooms, medical/surgical units,
long-term care facilities, etc.
The care of bariatric patients presents particular challenges related to promotion of dignity, respect and comfort.
These patients’ medical conditions and physical limitations often limit their ability to function in essential day-to-day activities
such as hygiene, mobility and positioning. Each patient’s degree of mobility determines the type and amount of assistance needed.
Adding more care staff may not always limit the risk of injury, and the use of Safe Patient Handling technology will be required
to keep patients and care staff safe – and to promote quality of care and service.
The kinds of lifting and handling tasks frequently carried out in bariatric care:
transferring patients to and from bed/chair, chair/toilet or chair/ chair
lateral transfer of patients to and from bed/stretcher/trolley
repositioning patients in bed – from side to side, up in bed
repositioning patients in wheelchair, chair or geriatric chair
patient handling that requires access to particular parts of the body (limbs, abdominal areas, etc.)
1. GH3+ ceiling hoist, 250-350 kg Extremely powerful, fast lifting module that is particularly user-friendly.
It is available with an optional scales module that is ideal for use anywhere it is important to monitor changes in the patient’s weight.
The patient’s weight is clearly and accurately shown on the display on the hand control unit.
2. GH3 Twin ceiling hoist, 250 or 500 kg Heavy-duty lifting module with double lifting strap.
3. Leg sling Function – for when a patient’s leg or legs need lifting and ⁄ or support.
Suitable for:
wound care
diabetic foot care
ace or other wrapping
applying therapeutic socks/hosiery, etc.
assistance with perineal access or bedpans
lifting and holding patients’ arm or arms.
4. Twin Turner Function – makes it possible to roll a patient onto either side without removing the sling.
Makes it possible to place a sling under patients without having to roll or move them.
Suitable for:
access to patient’s skin for inspection, treatment and care
rolling to provide easy access for hygiene, wound dressings, assessment, etc.
rolling initiation
tasks to be carried out while patients are lying on their sides.
5. Repositioning sling – 500 kg Function – a sling for use as part of the bedclothes on the patient’s bed. It can be left positioned underneath the patient,
ready for use in conjunction with care tasks.
Suitable for:
transferring patients to and from a range of different surfaces (bed, stretcher, floor, etc)