The first step when a client contacts us is to determine what the specific needs are in terms of implementing or expanding an ongoing Safe Patient Handling Program. Some common scenarios are:
- Installing ceiling lift systems in new construction or retrofit of an existing facility.
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- Selecting portable floor hoist systems for a new construction or existing facility.
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- Selecting slings or other transfer aids to complement an existing SPH program
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- Combinations of any of the above.
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We usually work with a committee designated to implement and manage an injury reduction or Safe Patient Handling Program (SPH) in a facility. The committee is usually comprised of representatives from different areas involved in an SPH program, such as
- Safety Officer and Clinical Manager(s) overseeing the departments where the SPH policy is to be implemented.
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- Ergonomists responsible for assessing safety and effectiveness of the proposed SPH solutions
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- Architects / Interior Designers responsible for incorporating SPH solutions to new construction layouts
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- Project Manager(s) in charge of the overall budget and installation logistics
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- Facilities Director in charge of coordinating onsite construction and maintaining equipment after project completion
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- Infection Control representative(s) in charge of overseeing compliance to infection control policies
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- Environmental Services in charge of implementing infection control policies and laundering lift accessories (e.g. reusable slings)
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For web guidance on how to structure a Safe Patient Handling Program and a Safe Patient Handling Committee see Resources
Decisions on equipment selection will often require equipment trials and provision of preliminary training to end-users to help determine optimal solutions based on facility infrastructure, end-user compatibility and patient populations.
These trials usually entail:
- Mockup Rooms for ceiling hoist systems.
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- Demo Slings or transfer aids
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In projects involving retrofitting an existing facility, we perform a site survey to:
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- Examine ceiling layouts (e.g. sprinklers, lighting, curtain rails, furniture and installed medical equipment) in order to determine feasibility and location of ceiling anchors or wall profiles if appropriate.
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- When floor lifts are being considered, assess flooring, door thresholds, compatibility with current hospital beds, storage availability and proximity.
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For new construction projects, we provide lead project architect(s) with building blocks needed to represent ceiling lift hardware in the CAD generated layouts of patient transfer areas. We are available to contract for different levels of CAD support according to clients' needs.
Once initial assessment is completed,we submit a proposal to the client consisting of:
- Quote based on
- CAD Drawings (new construction) or Reflective ceiling plans (retrofit) with proposed ceiling track layouts
- Feedback from end-users after mockup room trials
- Proposed floor lift equipment based on site assessments and equipment trials
- Proposed ceiling lift accessories such as slings when applicable based on demo feedback
- Cost of providing Stamped Structural Drawings when applicable
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- Generic Unstamped Shop Drawings for suggested supports for ceiling rails when applicable
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- Generic Site Elevation for fixture coordination and lifting height for ceiling lifts when applicable
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- Support Documentation required to obtain construction and retrofit permits from the Department of Health in each state such as
- Reflected Ceiling Plans showing rail configurations and any potential conflicts with sprinkler heads, light registers, fire detection systems, existing furnishings and installed medical equipment.
- Manufacturer's Technical specifications on proposed equipment (e.g. dimensions, electrical labeling and specs)
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- Warranty Statement for proposed solutions. Usually the warranty is five years for parts (except for batteries which is 90 days). Warranty for accessories such as reusable slings is 3 years provided manufacturer laundering protocols are followed.
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- Warranty Exclusions when applicable.
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