In December, the Ministry of Health issued a warning about the cause of some bed levers and poles, alerting carers to associated risks of head entrapment, serious injury, and death (refer to official statements issued by Enable and accessible below).
In addition to grave safety concerns, bed levers and poles often cause significant damage to beds, leaving them beyond repair.
Before support/side rails are used, a thorough risk assessment should be carried out by a qualified Health Care professional.
If you have any questions about safe bed support solutions, please feel free to contact our team of qualified occupational therapists at [email protected] or on 0800 656 527
Sourced from: www.disabilityfunding.co.nz 12.12.2018
It has been identified that the current Band 1 basic hoop bed lever has a potential risk for head entrapment. Recommendations propose that this risk is eliminated with the addition of a vertical centre bar and the use of a mattress strap/cleat. In conjunction with MOH, these recommendations have been accepted and a new model is being introduced effective immediately. These should be available for selection through RTL shortly. Due to changing the model, there may be a delay in providing this equipment as demand may exceed manufacturing capacity at times. Old model is below:
Sourced from: https://ems.accessableonline.co.nz/ 21.12.2018
It has been identified that the Band 1 List and Simple List Basic Standard Bed Lever have potential risk for head entrapment. These models will no longer be supplied by accessible (or Enable).
Recommendations propose that this risk is reduced/eliminated with the use of a three-bar design or a narrower equivalent with the use of a mattress strap/cleat. In conjunction with the Ministry and ACC, these recommendations have been accepted nationally by accessible (and Enable).
The Band and Simple lists have been updated with the Bed Lever Narrow option. There may be some delay in providing the three-bar design as demand may exceed manufacturing capacity at this time – this option will be added early in 2019 on OCO.
Responsibility for risk assessment to determine the suitability of the equipment and correct fitting instructions remains with the clinician.