MINUTES OF THE MANUAL HANDLING AND IMPLEMENTATION GROUP

02/08/1
MINUTES OF THE
MANUAL HANDLING AND IMPLEMENTATION
GROUP
23rd October 2013
Pocock Street Meeting Room
Attendees:
DC
HD
JS
WC
JC
IL
AC
DL
AK
David Campbell (Chair)
Harry Day
John Selby
Wendy Chalk
Jason Challen
Ian Lee
Arthur Carasco
David Lang
Andrew Kelly (Minutes)
ITEM
NOTES
ACTION
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Welcome, Introductions and Apologies
Apologies were received from:
PW
MB
NP
JW
BL
CT
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Paul Ward
Martin Bowdler
Nick Pope
John Winnister
Bill Leaning
Clive Tombs
Previous Meeting Notes
Minutes were not distributed before the meeting, but following a discussion no
actions were identified.
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Demonstration of CAMEL by Mangar
Andrew MacPhail from Mangar began the meeting with a demonstration of
their CAMEL (Complete Air Moving Elevator Lift) product, which operates
similar to their Elk product. It allows a patient to be lifted with only one
operator, and although it is larger than the Elk it can use the same
compressor as the Elk, or it can use a new compressor whose function has
been streamlined.
A new battery has been designed which can be used in both models of
compressor, which can be slided in and out easily. This battery is of the same
capacity, i.e. one battery is good for one complete lift, but as it can be easily
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interchanged it is advised to carry spares so that a new battery can be
plugged in if a second lift is required before the battery recharges, which
takes approximately 1½ hours. Battery indicators are the same – steady
green = ok for an entire lift; flashing green = will operate but is not likely to
complete a lift; red = will not operate. The battery can be charged from mains,
but the device cannot be used directly from mains due to EU regulations
prohibiting electrical devices being connected to mains in bathrooms.. The
charger is not interchangeable between the two compressors as they operate
on different voltages , but they are colour coded and with a different jack to
prevent damage to the wrong model of compressor.
The CAMEL has four cushions that can be inflated independently, with colour
coded and numbered intakes and nozzles. There is no need for stabilising
rods as the cushions are doughnut-shaped underneath which ensures
stability. It has been tested for the 98th percentile of male heights, and has an
SWL of 50 stone.
Logistics staff are being trained by Mangar to service their products. This will
allow us to service their products in house. The servicing schedule of the
CAMEL is the same as the Elk (1 year).
The opinion of the group was very positive, and it was recommended to take
the replacement of the Elks to the Equipment Working Group. Mangar have
offered a CAMEL product for trial purposes.
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Terms of Reference of the Group
HD confirmed that the TOR of the group is to research and trial new
equipment with respect to manual handling, submitting recommendations and
findings to the Vehicle Working Group. HD also suggested that the group
continue its work in completing manual handling risk assessments, which was
agreed by DC. It was also agreed that the bariatric risk assessment should be
discussed at this meeting.
DC requested that a full day ‘meeting’ be booked after Christmas, where the
risk assessments can be completed in the morning and the meeting can be
held in the afternoon.
JC asked if the group could have a set agenda and more structure. AK
agreed that the minutes would be circulated, and DC agreed that the group
needs to be restarted. HD proposed that contact needs to be made with the
Clinical Education Group and Vehicle Working Group notifying them of our
terms of reference and ability to trial equipment with respect to manual
handling issues.
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Bariatric Issues
JC updated the group that no changes have occurred since the last meeting.
PTS still provide a vehicle for A&E use. IL updated that three vehicles are
proposed for dedicated 24 hours bariatric use, staffed by HART staff. The
vehicles are still being researched by Nick Pope so they are very unlikely to
be in operations by April 2014, however it is likely that the purchase will have
been completed by then.
JC also updated that the two serious incidents relating to bariatric incidents
have been closed, with a recommendation that A&E Operations review 24
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HD
hour bariatric resources. Marc Rainey (CBRN/HART coordinator) is leading
the Bariatric Group that is reviewing these issues. DC will pursue an update
from him regarding the proposed solutions.
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DC
Trolley Bed Straps
The group discussed two serious incidents where patients fell of their trolley
beds as they were not effectively secured to them. WC stressed that the
issue was not with the trolley bed itself falling over as there have not been
any incidents where the trolleybed itself had actually fallen over: in the
serious incidents the patient was not strapped in effectively.
WC relayed to the group that Stryker had commented that their trolley bed
could be moved in any position, but that it is advisable for it to be lowered if
moving on an incline, undulating or unstable surface. Trolleybed poles are an
optional extra to allow an operator, but not necessary. WC also informed the
group that the Stryker sales representative implied that private ambulance
crews were taking trolley bed poles from hospitals when they came across
them. AC asked if it were possible to have a bag to keep the poles in on the
trolley bed, but HD responded that they were provided with them, but had to
be removed due to infection control issues.
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Chair Transporter Purchase
IL asked for an update regarding the chair transporter purchase. HD updated
that it was raised for the last SMT but was not discussed as they ran out of
time. They discussed it at the SMT meeting on the morning of the 23rd
October 2013 (the same day as this MHIG meeting), and is being sponsored
by the Finance Director. HD also updated that Richard Deakins (purchasing)
is waiting for the go-ahead to purchase the chairs on a short 6 week tender.
The case was priced at £550k for 520 chairs, and installation will require a
modified bracket that a company is Slough is ready to build.
NB – At the Operational Partnership H&S Forum on the 24th October 2013,
Peter McKenna (ADO West) confirmed that the business case was approved
but there were reservations regarding training requirements. It was agreed to
purchase before the end of the financial year and then make the decision how
to roll out the devices – AK 24/10/2013
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Manual Handling Training
IL asked what input the group has on manual handling training. WC advised
that the Training Strategy Group (TSG) drives training and timescales. IL
asked why we only do ½ an hour manual handling training on Core Skills
Refresher, yet an ergonomist originally advised us to do 6 hours. JS
responded that the National Ambulance Safety and Risk Forum (NARASAF)
has an ergonomist on its panel. In addition, our staff works with a different
risk profile, with Mangar Elks and CAMELS, hydraulic trolley beds and
Manual Handling kits being used in the Trust. WC added that to change the
training would require data to justify the change. DC asked for more data to
be gathered regarding manual handling injuries.
AK
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Manual Handling Kits
DL commented that ‘Spider Straps’ are rarely found on vehicles. DC agreed
that a shortfall in Manual Handling Kits has been identified, with flexible fleet
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compounding the problem. IL added that in the East Area the administrators
were attempting to order replacements on eProc, but only the slide sheet is
listed on the catalog. HD and DC advised that they speak to purchasing who
can edit the catalog.
Date of next meeting: 22nd January 2013, Pocock Street
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