Oxford Hoists new solution to manual handling for the heaviest clients is a heavy duty mobile hoist and fully adjustable bariatric bed.

The Oxford Calibre is an ergonomically designed mobile patient lifter designed to accommodate safe lifting of patients weighing up to 60 stone (385 kg). It has a powered base, with adjustable legs that facilitate better access around armchairs, wheelchairs and other furniture. Leg adjustment is achieved by pressing the appropriate button on the hand control. There are twin pivoted castors to the front of the legs, which make the hoist much more manoeuvrable, particularly over uneven floor surfaces and room thresholds.

The Calibre was developed with input from clinical consultants, with five key principles in mind:
• Get close to the load
• Use a wide stable base
• Ensure a comfortable firm grasp
• Keep the spine close to neutral
• Make sure movement is smooth

The hoist has a large, six-point cradle, and an integrated digital weighing scale, making it easy to monitor patients' weight, without the need for extra equipment and unnecessary transfers.

Another new development on display is Joerns' online special slings design resource. Intuitively designed, the prescription tool enables users to customise special slings and is now available alongside the already acclaimed Oxford Sling Selector Tool, which was launched last year.

The new online Special Sling Prescription Tool has been developed by Joerns in association with eminent moving and handling specialist Pam Rose MCSP, Chartered Physiotherapist.

The interface is easy-to-navigate and allows users to pre-select a standard sling from the Oxford range and then customize that model using simple-to-follow instructions supported by visual prompts. This allows the user to:
• Adjust shape and dimensions (within agreed parameters)
• Specify adjustments to legs / straps / head support
• Specify changes to padding
• Specify changes to material choices

In addition, there is a reporting facility built-in, so that usage can be tracked and recorded. Once the design process is complete, a unique reference code is produced, so that simple ordering can be achieved. The bespoke prescription can then be printed or saved for future reference.

This new resource is available on the Joerns UK website, and can be accessed freely by all healthcare professionals.

You can find out more about Joerns' range on their showcase page