Slings for Resident Transfers (new breathable material)

[Eve Wilson]

Hi Everyone

Arjo now has a new material for their slings which can be left under residents who require constant repositioning (i.e. in regency chairs etc.)

We have been finding that some staff leave slings under residents for long period which causes a few issues:

1. Any folds in the sling are a high pressure area risk.

2. Most sling materials are not breathable when compressed.

3. Sitting over any pressure device they reduce the effectiveness of the device in spreading or alternating pressure to soft tissue.

4. Non-compliance with pressure area standards.

I am sure you can think if a few more reasons. The new sling material may help to alleviate some of these issues. Best practice is still removing slings if able to do so safely and effectively, however sometimes this is not always a black and white issue (skin tears in removing slings, difficulty removing/replacing, staff time especially night staff etc.) Particularly when regency chairs are concerned it can cause multiple issues as staff can not adjust the height to ergonomically work to remove slings etc.

Please find attached the ARJO product catalogue for slings, the material can be selected with most of the slings.

Cheers

Paul Norris (QLD Clinical Manager)