Providers of specialist healthcare equipment, services, and Changing Places toilets
School Accessibility

How to make your school more accessible to disabled students – Part 1

How to make your school more accessible to disabled students – Part 1 – Legislation and general advice

In this blog we will be looking at the question ‘How can I make my school accessible to disabled students’. Many schools when faced with the challenge of looking after disabled children face a lack of resource and support and we hope this blog will help and demonstrate how you can meet this challenge.

Why should I make my school accessible for disabled students?

The Equality Act 2010 says that all council-maintained schools and academies must make themselves accessible so pupils with a disability can benefit as fully as possible from the facilities and learning opportunities available. They cannot discriminate against pupils because of their physical or mental disability, or some medical conditions, like HIV, MS and cancer. This means that you must continually aim to improve your physical environment for disabled pupils whilst also increasing the time they can participate in the curriculum and ensure they have appropriate learning materials.

However, the law does take into account “reasonable adjustments”. If in order to make your school accessible to disabled you would have to knock it down and rebuild it, it could be argued that this is not reasonable!

So what adjustments would I need to make for a disabled student?

The level of adjustments you have to make depend entirely on the level of disability that you are working with. It may be that in order to stand at a toilet, all that is needed is a grab rail in the correct place, for a more disabled student, a full hygiene room with a ceiling hoist, changing couch and specialist toilet may be required.

What are the main areas I need to consider?

Broadly speaking the main areas to consider are

  • Access to school. Can the school be accessed safely? Are any additional ramps, handrails or lifts required? Which areas will the student need to access and is access clear to these areas. Rather than making changes to all areas, you may wish to move rooms around, for instance if you have a classroom near a hygiene room, that classroom may be better suited for the student.
  • Access to learning. What additional resources are required for the child to access the curriculum. This may be learning resources, specialist software or computer hardware, or other enabling devices that will facilitate the learning process.
  • Personal care. One of the most sensitive areas when looking after a student with special physical needs, especially in Senior Schools as bodily changes are taking place, we will deal with this in more detail later in this series.
  • Emergency Procedures. One of the most important areas to consider is how evacuation can take place in the event of an emergency. Particularly important in schools with two storeys, and if your student has seizures or other conditions.

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Any questions or need further assistance? Call us today on 0800 298 6000 or email [email protected]

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Tagging

Sling Tagging System

Sling Tagging System – Hoist with confidence

How do i know my slings are safe to use?? – This is a common question when moving and handling procedures are to be carried out.

The sling inspection and tagging process we use will ensure that your slings are safe to use and clearly state when their next LOLER inspection is due. This tagging process means that staff can carry out hoisting with confidence and safety is dramatically increased.

Problems with existing solutions:

  • Lack of traceability.
  • Current tags can get in the way when using your sling.
  • Some providers hand write the LOLER dates on the tag which looks unprofessional.
  • The tags are large and unpleasant to look at.
  • Not all providers tag their slings, making it harder for users to recognise if their sling has been LOLER tested.

Our tagging solution:

  • Our sling tag is smaller and discreet.
  • The sling tag is easy to read and colour coded.
  • The LOLER dates are instantly visible and the sling tag is wash resistant.
  • The sling tag can be applied to any sling.
  • Our design means that it will not be uncomfortable or cause pressure points when using the sling.
  • The tag cannot be removed and then reattached.

What are LOLER regulations?

LOLER regulations (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Requirements, 1998) aim to ensure that all lifting equipment and lifting accessories in the workplace are used in a safe and appropriate manner.

The regulations state that all lifting equipment should have suitable strength and stability for its designed use. LOLER also states that the Safe Working Load (SWL) and maintenance dates must be clearly visible on the equipment and any faults are reported immediately.

LOLER is implemented to prevent the risk of injuries or fatalities which may occur from the use of lifting equipment within the care environment.

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Featured Product – Zurich double profiling bed

Zurich Double Profiling Bed

Double profiling beds are a common solution for those who need a nursing bed but do not wish to be split from their partner. With two mattress platforms acting independently, each user can control the action of the bed without affecting the other.

The Zurich bed is a modern, stylish and design-led bed. The timber surround hides all the metalwork and frame of the bed, creating a stylish and domestic feel to the bed. It is available in 12 finishes, therefore you can match the bed to your individual taste and decor.

Adjustments

Designed to impress, the Zurich has an enormous height range catering for a optimum transfer height and carer access. Together with back angle, knee raise and foot elevation this makes a highly adjustable bed.

Durable finish

Constructed from class-leading components and built to flawless standards, the Zurich is designed to endure the most intensive use and comes with an impressive 5 year guarantee on action and electrics.

Choices

The wood-swathed surround and durable metal frame are available in a selection of natural finishes to suit every taste. The Zurich is also available as a single bed in a variety of sizes.

  • 6 sizes (widths) single action bed, 900,1000,1100,1200,1400,1600 mm.
  • 3 sizes (widths) twin action bed, 1400,1600,1800 mm.
  • 12 wood finishes.

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Hospital Facilities

Why fit a Changing Places in a Hospital

The importance of Changing Places

Over a quarter of a million severely disabled people in the UK, including those with profound and multiple learning disabilities, don’t have access to public toilet facilities that meet their needs. As a result, these people can’t participate in the day-to-day activities that so many of us take for granted.

Standard accessible (’disabled’) toilets don’t provide changing benches or hoists, and most are too small to accommodate more than one person.

Without Changing Places toilets, severely disabled persons are put at risk. Families or carers are forced to change them on toilet floors, in the back of their car, or a number of other places that are equally unhygienic and undignified. This puts the individual and the person administering the care at risk.

Great news for Hospitals!

The Department for Health and Social Care has announced £2 million in funding to install over 100 Changing Places toilets in NHS hospitals.

Minister for Care Caroline Dinenage, said: “It is utterly shocking how few Changing Places toilets there are currently in NHS hospitals and other public spaces. People with disabilities and their carers rightly expect to find suitable facilities in a hospital of all places. A quarter of a million disabled people need Changing Places and this investment will mean many more of them can access a toilet safely and comfortably. Whilst this is something most of us take for granted, access to spaces like these make a big difference to the lives of disabled people and their carers.”

Planning a Changing Places? – Contact us today

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Moving and Handling Risk Assessment Moving and Handling Risk Assessment

The Importance of a Moving and Handling Plan

Moving and handling activities

Moving and handling plans are implemented to reduce the risk of injury to staff and patients using patient handling equipment.

Moving and handling activities are a key part of carers everyday routine within the health and social care industry. Their duties can range from using moving equipment, assisting residents in moving, bathing and dressing, plus much more.

If moving and handling tasks aren’t carried out correctly, there is a danger of serious injury to carers and patients. Any care provider or organisation that uses patient handling equipment will need to introduce safety procedures and risk assessments to avoid any accidents and injuries.

It is important that an appropriate system of work is followed when using the equipment that is provided. Avoid manual handling tasks which could result in an injury and assess risks that cannot be avoided. Enforcing safety measures will help to reduce the risk, where reasonably practicable.

5 points to consider when writing a moving and handling plan:

  • Competency: Ensure that the carer(s) conducting the task have been suitably trained to do so.
  • Plan ahead: Identify what is needed to reduce the risk for all moving and handling tasks. This includes techniques, equipment, accessories and number of carers needed.
  • Risk assessments: Ensure there is a current risk assessment for the procedure you are undertaking. The risk assessment should include; techniques to be used, equipment type/size, the number of carers needed and any other relevant information. The risk assessment should be reviewed constantly, especially when the patient’s needs change.
  • Service of equipment: Ensure that any equipment you are using is checked daily and has had a LOLER inspection within the last 6 months with documentation. The date of the next service should be clearly marked on the equipment.
  • Cooperation and communication: When moving a patient, constantly cooperate and communicate with both the patient and the carer assisting. Cooperation helps to ensure that you and the assisting carer know what you are doing. Communicating the task helps to reassure the patient that they are in safe hands.

Importance of training

Employers need to make sure that staff receive adequate training and information on people moving and handling. Practical training has an important role to play in ensuring that staff have the skills and confidence to hoist people safely. In addition to practicing with the equipment selection and use, staff need to understand the principles of hoisting, the potential risks, how to use the specific equipment they have in their workplace and how to implement individual handling plans.

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What to do if your carers don’t really care!

Caring Practices

As a care home manager you’re responsible for ensuring that good caring practices are set in your organisation. Unfortunately we hear many nursing home owners speak of tearing their hair our because they simply cant make training stick with their staff.

Trainers come and go but nothing changes, staff do what they did before and carry on the same old way.

Personalised Training

Have you heard of personalised training? Our trainers don’t just go through the motions, they ask what specific challenges your staff are having right now and then provide practical training and solutions for those needs. In care environments there are a vast range of complexities and differing needs of individuals. Therefore specific training to those needs is of great benefit to carer staff.

Importance of training

Employers need to make sure that staff receive adequate training and information on people moving and handling. Practical training has an important role to play in ensuring that staff have the skills and confidence to hoist people safely. In addition to practicing with the equipment selection and use, staff need to understand the principles of hoisting, the potential risks, how to use the specific equipment they have in their workplace and how to implement individual handling plans.

It is important that supervisors also receive training so that they are able to monitor, identify and correct poor practice.

Who benefits from training?

Some of the key areas identified as benefiting from training are as follows:

Management – Compliance with the law, peace of mind, increased efficiency (Staff time), reduced likelihood of litigation and associated costs from injury.

Carer staff – Have more confidence in handling patients/residents, have more time due to the increased efficiency, are kept safer and have less risk of injury. Achieve consistent care standards.

Patients/Residents – Are kept safer, are cared for better, have improved well-being, are more comfortable during manual handling.

Contact us today – We have training covered

Our trainers are here to help you.

Call us today on 0800 298 6000 or email [email protected]

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Height Adjustable Sink

Featured Product – Pressalit Height Adjustable Basin

Pressalit Height Adjustable Basin

Height adjustable wash hand basins (also known as a rise and fall wash hand basin) are specifically designed to meet the needs of wheelchair users. A height adjustment feature means that in multi use environments both wheelchair and non wheelchair users are able to confidently use the facilities.

The Pressalit Select height adjustable basin is a stylish and contemporary powered wash basin that offers height adjustment via a simple lever providing great functionality.

Powered Action

The Select features a high quality motor which effortlessly lifts the basin from its lowest point of 670mm up to it’s highest point of 970mm, a total of 300mm. All the electrics are hidden behind the panel front of the Select giving a sleek sophisticated appearance. The front panel also hides all the plumbing, meaning that all services cannot be accessed by unauthorised users.

Modern looks

The Select height adjustable basin bracket looks simply stunning. It is finished in hard wearing contemporary materials that are easy to clean, and the front panel can be specified in either White, Grey or Lime Green.

Ergonomic design

The Select height adjustable sink unit is extremely easy to operate. The rise and fall height adjustment function is controlled by a lever at the end of an arm to the side of the basin. The arm can be specified as either right hand or left hand. Additionally the users can use the arm for support when standing.

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Ceiling Hoists for Disabled Ceiling Hoists for Disabled

Modern ceiling hoists saving time and improving safety

Modern ceiling hoists for disabled persons

Today’s modern ceiling hoists offer far more than just a lift mounted on a track. There are many innovative features bringing massive benefits to both patients and carer staff alike.

In this Blog we will cover just 3 features that help save time and improve safety.

1. Constant Charge

This saves carers time – as they don’t have to return the hoist to a specific charge point after each use, it is one less thing to remember, one less thing to do, which gives them more time to care for patients. It also improves safety as the hoist is always fully charged and ready to use.

2. Anti Twist and Anti Rewind Device

Anti Twist – This is a great device that stops the strap from being raised if it is twisted. If the strap is lifted whilst twisted, it could jam resulting in the strap having to be cut to release the user. This feature removes the risk of this happening improving safety.

Anti Rewind – In older hoists, there was a danger that if the user continued to operate the hoist after the lifting strap was fully unwound, it could rewind the strap the wrong way on the hoist. This means that when the up button is pressed the hoist goes down, and when the down button is pressed the hoist goes up! Not only is this dangerous, but could damage the lift tape of the hoist.

3. Twin Speed Lifting

Carer’s time is precious, therefore the GH3 has two speeds for lifting. When lifting a patient it lifts at a reduced rate, making for a more comfortable lift with a soft start and stop. However when there is no patient in the hoist, the GH3 lifts three times as fast, enabling the carers to move the hoist out of the way, and focus on the patient care.

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Zoo Access - Changing Places

Why fit a Changing Places in a Zoo

The importance of Changing Places

Over a quarter of a million severely disabled people in the UK, including those with profound and multiple learning disabilities, don’t have access to public toilet facilities that meet their needs. As a result, these people can’t participate in the day-to-day activities that so many of us take for granted.

Standard accessible (’disabled’) toilets don’t provide changing benches or hoists, and most are too small to accommodate more than one person.

Without Changing Places toilets, severely disabled persons are put at risk. Families or carers are forced to change them on toilet floors, in the back of their car, or a number of other places that are equally unhygienic and undignified. This puts the individual and the person administering the care at risk.

Don’t miss out on opportunities

Some amazing figures released by VisitEngland showed that 83% of disabled people made a conscious decision not to visit an unwelcoming or inaccessible organisation — particularly those with no suitable, clean toilet facilities.

Zoos and wildlife parks can capitalise on revenue by unlocking a new customer base. Changing places facilities provide opportunities for the disabled persons in our society to get out and about, and the revenue generated for organisations that invest in these facilities is significant.

You can also tell people via social media or PR about the great features and accessibility you offer to boost your ‘disability friendly’ reputation!!

Cash in on the purple pound

According to Government research the money that households with a disabled person spend is estimated to be worth £212 billion.

This figure is known as the ‘purple pound’ and relates to all the disabled people in the UK.

Whilst many of these people can use a standard accessible (’disabled’) toilet, there’s still a huge number of profoundly disabled people whose families have to carefully plan any day out. This is because so few organisations and attractions cater for their needs. Interestingly one of the main reasons that many disabled people don’t visit certain destinations is the lack of suitable toilet provisions. A Changing Places toilet offers much more than a regular accessible toilet and will open your business up to many more customers.

Planning a Changing Places toilet? – Contact us today

Any questions don’t hesitate to call us on 0800 298 6000 or drop us a line to [email protected]

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Registered Office: Progress House, Jacknell Road, Dodwells Bridge Industrial Estate, Hinckley. LE10 3BS