Effortless patient transfers thanks to acquistion of advanced hoist system

By Petrina Wright | Posted: Sunday September 8, 2024

The absolute ease with which care home residents with complex medical and mobility needs can now be moved is being celebrated by Peacehaven Village staff and residents alike.

Thanks to funding from the James Russell Lewis Trust, managed by Perpetual Guardian, Enliven Southland has purchased two Ergolet Luna ceiling hoist systems for its Peacehaven Village care home, one in each of the care home’s two hospital wings for residents with the most need.

Enliven director Carol Riddle said without generous donations for equipment like the ceiling hoist system Enliven would not have this specialised equipment as the current funding model did not allow for such purchases.

“It is important we can provide safe and equitable care to all people in our community, but without specialised equipment like ceiling hoists for immobile residents, we would have to decline these complex residents who are entitled and need care.”

The Ergolet hoist system comprises an overhead lifter on a track mounted to the ceiling with a sling attachment.  Staff can transfer a resident anywhere within the room - in and out of an armchair or to and from their bed.

It is an efficient system that can be operated by a sole staff member compared to up to five staff needed to operate floor or manual lifts which are used currently.

In addition to the benefits for staff, the ease of the ceiling hoist system also reduced the stress and anxiety for residents around the transfer process.

Although the hoist can safely lift more than 200kgs, the ease of the lift system means no heavy lifting is required of the operator, thereby significantly reducing the risk of strain or injury to staff.

Presbyterian Support Southland people and capability director Janet Ellis said moving and handling in the care homes was one of biggest causes of injuries to staff at Enliven and the equipment the team members used was often the cause.

“Our new advanced hoists will not only be safer and secure for our residents but will reduce the injuries and risks to staff associated with lifting residents,” she said.