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Table of Contents

1. Welcome
2. Workshops & Seminars
3. Lifetipping update
4. Views from the field 
5. Feature product
6. Dates for the calendar
7. Product news

Welcome

Oops, we were late on the July edition such that now this is an August edition. Apologies for any confusion.

Welcome to new subscribers of Vic briefCASE. You will notice to the left we have a newsletter signup form. Simply select 'VIC BriefCASE' and enter the details of your fellow staff members or associates to join our ever expanding list of subscribers!

 

Workshops & Seminars

We sold out for our pressure ulcer prevention workshops. We had a waiting list running. Unfortunately, some people who had reserved a position did not show up on the day, hence some places went begging. We ask if you reserve a place and then are unlikely to make it, please contact us to advise so others wishing to attend can do so. Registration is now open for our next workshop. PRESSURE MAPPING: Using pressure mapping devices in equipment provision. This practical workshop is aimed at clinicians and care managers. It will focus on the complex nature of Pressure Ulcer development, and explore a problem solving approach to their clinical assessment and management. Following an interactive discussion on the theory and aetiology behind Pressure Care and Pressure Mapping, attendees will be lead through a hands-on practical session using the X3 Pressure Map system, and equipment from the Roho and Jay range. This workshop will give you an appreciation and understanding of why and when to use pressure mapping devices, how to ensure your equipment is prescribed and set up correctly, and alert you to the real dangers of incorrectly prescribed equipment. You will learn how to interpret pressure map readings in association with your clinical observations, and how to translate these findings into pressure care equipment prescription and setup. This seminar will be held on September 24^th 2009 at Brunswick Showroom. Click here to register now or for further information. Hurry, numbers are limited.

We are looking at running another Pressure Ulcer Prevention Seminar in future and also doing a workshop on hoists and slings. Please email jclamp@lifehealthcare.com.au to express interest in any workshop or to request a workshop topic. Enough interest can see workshops being held more regularly and in various locations throughout Victoria, possibly closer to you!

 

 

Lifetipping update

Congratulations to Andy w who won the latest week of Lifetipping, Lifehealthcare's footy tipping competition.

Views from the field

ROHO MATTRESS SECTIONS

We have had some excellent results recently with Roho Mattress Sections for customers who did not find alternating overlays to their liking.  Roho sections often work better for smaller, lighter people or those who dislike the sound of the pump of the movement of the powered overlay.  They are also great for bariatric customers as like all Roho neoprene products they have no upper weight limit.  Roho mattress sections can be interlocked with the Roho Foam Sections to cover the whole bed surface (4 sections = complete overlay) and we can also do custom cutouts in pressure relieving mattresses to accept Roho sections in any size bed.  Mattress sections are available for trial and hire as well as purchase.

TRANSPORT

I have had a lot of questions lately regarding transport of wheelchairs. Here is a repeat of a previous briefCASE article for those that may have missed it.

We often get calls re transport of wheelchairs. The relevant Australian Standard is AS 2942-1994 Wheelchair Occupant Restraint Assemblies for Motor Vehicles (available from Standards Australia webshop at http://www.saiglobal.com/shop/script/Provider.asp?Db=AS). 

The salient point is that this standard refers to the tie-down belts etc and DOES NOT specify strength requirements for the actual wheelchair – Australia does not currently have a domestic standard for this.  It is only wheelchairs from overseas that have been actually crash tested.  You are not breaking any law in Australia to travel in a wheelchair that has not been crash tested.  Duty of care would however suggest that the chair should be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and I would note that chairs that are NOT crash tested will not be warranteed or guaranteed for use in transport situations.    You ARE required by law to use an occupant restraint (seat belt) for all people traveling in a vehicle – in the case of the wheelchair user the occupant restraint (lap or lap-sash belt) is part of the wheelchair tie-down system. 

The above standard contains a list of “recommendations” (non-compulsory advice).  In regard to the type of wheelchair that should be used for transport, the information is a bit out of date now, but provides a guide where an item has not been tested to any standard: basically, a more rigid frame is safer.   If the chair tilts, it should be transported as upright as possible.   Trays and any other items that may fly off in an accident should be OFF and stowed in a separate compartment.   The occupant should be provided with postural supports such as a headrest, a harness and a positioning belt.  These postural supports allow the occupant restraint to do its best job if there is an impact:  they do not at any time replace or remove the need for the occupant restraint.  Probably the most important point is that wheelchair tie-down systems only work if they are attached and used appropriately.  If there are not wheelchair tie-down points provided, always attach the belts to the frame of the wheelchair, as low as possible and at four corners.  Never attach belts to wheels or other removable frame components.  Don’t cross the belts.  Thread the occupant restraint through so it is touching and holding  the occupant, not the chair.  If in doubt, refer to the manufacturer’s manual or website for further instruction.

Feature product

 

Product Overview

AUGUST

Tuesday 4th Pressure Ulcer Prevention Workshop BRUNSWICK
Tuesday 4th Seating Clinic GEELONG
Wednesday 12th Seating Clinic ALBURY
Thursday 13th Seating Clinic BRUNSWICK
Thursday 27th Seating Clinic BENDIGO

SEPTEMBER

Tuesday 1st Seating Clinic GEELONG
Wednesday 9th Seating Clinic ALBURY
Thursday 10th Seating Clinic BRUNSWICK
Thursday 24th Pressure Mapping BRUNSWICK
Thursday 24th Seating Clinic BENDIGO

OCTOBER

Tuesday 6th Seating Clinic GEELONG
Thursday 8th Seating Clinic BRUNSWICK
Wednesday 14th Seating Clinic ALBURY
Thursday 29th Seating Clinic BENDIGO

Product news

One-Way Slides are now available through Lifehealthcare.  These are simple, but fantastic products that makes transfers and positioning just so much easier.  There are slides designed for many applications, such as moving someone back in their chair, from bed to trolley, or transferring sideways from chair to chair. There is also a “Twist-Assist” swivel slider to make turning a breezed, such as when getting into a car.  Click here for more information.

JAY 3 CUSHIONS – I promise, they are coming. Still on their way! Look out for the information in future issues.