Trust invests in specialist inflatable equipment to better support patients who have a fall in hospital

Specialist inflatable devices to better support patients who have a fall in hospital have been purchased by County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.

The FloJac enables a fallen patient to be raised from the floor in a safe and controlled manner.

Manufactured in the UK, it was designed with infection control as a priority and features a wipeable safety strap and ladder handles and has no removable parts.

The air assisted lifting device is designed to help clinicians safely lift patients weighing up to 500kg from the floor.

Noel Scanlon Executive Director for Nursing at CDDFT said: "Our colleagues work hard to prevent patients from having a fall while in hospital and to mitigate the impact of a fall when it does sadly occur.

"Unfortunately, falls can happen while patients are in hospital so we are pleased to have invested in equipment that not only improves patient safety, comfort and dignity but also reduces the risk of musculoskeletal injuries to our valued colleagues.

"In less than five minutes a patient is able to be safely lifted from the floor and be transferred to a chair or bed. I was impressed to see for myself our manual handling team achieve this in as little as 3 and a half minutes."

The pump is operated by a simple on/off switch, making it quick and easy to inflate and deflate. It is equipped with a head support wedge for added patient comfort and 10 wipeable handles to encourage better posture for clinicians.

"Staff are in a better position when using the FloJac and as it also slides quicker than other equipment, this involves much less pulling and tugging.

"Because it is so quick and efficient, it means colleagues are not crouched down in awkward positions for prolonged periods which can cause stress on their back or joints."

CDDFT has invested in nine FloJacs available for use at University Hospital of North Durham, Darlington Memorial Hospital, Bishop Auckland Hospital, Chester-Le-Street, Sedgefield and Shotley Bridge community hospitals and two designated for training.

The FloJac is also safe to use near an MRI machine and for pregnant people.