At Atlantic Health System, all of our hospitals and other locations are committed to providing you with outstanding medical care in the safest environment. That’s why our health care professionals follow a process for safe patient handling.
Our multidisciplinary, structured safety program is established on evidence-based best practices using patient handling equipment to eliminate or limit manual lifting and transferring of patients – decreasing potential injury for both health care providers and patients.
Other benefits for the patient include:
- Decreased complications from excessive bed rest
- Improved oxygenation
- Improved blood flow
- Fewer bedsores and skin problems
- Reduction of fall hazards
- Increased mobility and easy repositioning
Essential to the program is the appropriate use of modern patient handling equipment or aids, specifically designed for use in the lift or transfer process. The equipment used includes ceiling track lift systems, mechanized portable lifts, portable stand assists and air-assisted lateral and vertical transfer aids. Our health care team comprehensively evaluates each patient’s functional needs to determine what methods are safest on an individualized basis. All health care providers who use our patient handling equipment are thoroughly trained to ensure patient safety.