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 1 Welcome, Introductions and Apologies Apologies were received from: PW MB NP JW BL CT 2 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. 3 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 1 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. 4 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. 5 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 2 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. 6 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. 7 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 8 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 9 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 3 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 4