Upgrading hoists can be an expensive business. However there is another option – what if the hoist unit itself could be upgraded, and the track left in place? Well the good news is that this can be done. Here’s 5 considerations if you’re fitting new hoists to old track.

1. Check Compatibility of hoist and rail. In order for the hoist to run on the old rail, the new hoist trolley must be compatible with the existing rails. This should be checked and confirmed that the trolley not only fits in the rail, but that the trolley moves freely around track curves, through gate systems and through switch tracks and turntables if fitted.
2. Safe Working Load. It is important that the hoist has the same Safe Working Load as the rail. The rail system has been designed to take a specific loading, and it is important that eth hoist does not exceed that loading, and put the users at risk.
3. Charging. Check how the new hoist will charge, as if the old rail system has an in track charging system, the new hoist may not be compatible. A modern hoist such as the GH1 has a handset charge system meaning that it can be fitted to any type of pre-existing rail system.
4. Spreader Bar. Ensure that if there are any specific requirements on yor existing spreader bars, these can be also supplied on the new hoist. A hoist such as teh GH1 will have a range of spreader bars to meet differing requirements.
5. Training. If your hosts are being upgraded, consider whether a training session may be required to familiarise staff with the features of the new hoists. Multicare offer a range of training sessions including on line refreshers, face to face and complete manual Handling Training.

Upgrading your hoists by fitting a new hoist on an existing track track offers many benefits at a reduced cost when compared to replacing the whole system.

• Increased lift height – Modern hoists are far more compact than previous generations, so it is highly likely that you will gain significant lift height making transfers safer and easier.
• Faster lifting. The GH1 offers an improved hoisting speed so your staff will save time all day every day when hoisting.
• Improved reliability. A new GH1 will offer vastly improved reliability over your existing hoist. Furthermore you can opt for 3 or 5 year extended warranties, giving you total peace of mind.

Interested in upgrading your hoists systems? Call us today on 024 7647 2600 or fill in the form below.

Hygiene Rooms – an essential part of school provision (Part 1)

Hygiene rooms are an essential part of disability provision in mainstream and SEN schools. Unfortunately they are the Cinderella of schools, unloved, left out and only thought about at the last minute! The result often is a room that is impractical for the pupils it is supposed to serve. We’ve seen a few hygiene rooms in our time, and we wanted to share what works and what doesn’t, so you can get it right.Read on for our essential guide on how to get your new hygiene room right.

Make it big!

When your hygiene room is full of a wheelchair, student and maybe two carers plus other equipment, space is often at a premium, so make it as large as you can. We recommen 3 metres by 4 metres, if you can make it bigger than that that is even better.

Get the right equipment

Think about the needs your student will have, and what needs may come up in the future. Questions you may want to ask are

Hoists – Will the student need hoisting? If so a ceiling may only need one carer to operate, reducing staff time and restoring student dignity.

Showering – Will the student need showering? If so how often. How will they be changed? Is a wall mounted couch better, or will a shower trolley that can be accessed from both side meet their needs betters?

Toilet – Many designers place the toilet in a typical disabled configuration, i.e. close to the wall in a corner but if you are hoisting this is awkward to access. Place your toilet centrally with plenty of room each side and if you are working with teenagers consider a toilet that washes and dries users – perfect for preserving dignity through those awkward teenage years.

Location, Location, Location

Think about where in the school your hygiene room is located, remember that time will be evry short during breaks for personal procedures, and you dopn’t want to spend 15 minutes three times a day walking from one end of teh school to another. Choose a central location that is accessible to all students, no matter what year or class they are in.

Make it bright

Make it cheerful, bright, warm and inviting – you want your students to feel safe and protected, they are being put into a vulnerable position and need to feel secure.

Part 2 coming soon…

Multicare – Hygiene Room fitout specialists

Call us today or fill in the form below – we’re here to help and would love to assist with fitting out your next hygiene room. We can offer a full service from concept to completion, or work wit your contractors to supply the equipment. Whatever your needs we have the answer!