The Assessment

Project Scope

When a project is being reviewed there is a need to scope out the project at the beginning. A good assessment will assist in delivering a successful installation. When writing an assessment report, it is important to assess the building fully along with gaining an understanding of the users’ needs.

Users

The users need to include the patient, any family members or person(s) using the shared space and the carers/healthcare professionals.

Location

The location of the ceiling track hoist system needs to be understood and what is required by the actual. Consideration on the environmental restraints need to be identified such as room furniture and potential interaction with users and other equipment.

Rooms and furniture to be considered when designing and installing a ceiling track hoist are highlighted below:

Room	Item(s)
Lounge	Chair(s) Sofa(s) Shelving
Bedroom	Bed Wardrobe(s) Cabinet(s)
Toilet	Toilet Sink
Bathroom	Toilet Sink Shower Bath

The Project Team

Mackworth recomends input from several stakeholders, which could include:

• User
• Carer
• Clinician
• Technical
• Architect
• Ceiling Hoist Expert

Each stakeholder should be involved throughout the project and be on hand if specific questions are raised during the design, installation and commission.

The Lifting Method

When patient moving is required, there needs to consideration on the type of patient raising/lifting required. The options are summarised as:

• Manual lift
• Manual lift with belt
• Transfer Aids
• Stand Aids
• Mobile Hoists
• Ceiling Hoist

The Ceiling Track System

The ceiling track system required needs to be identified through the assessment of the users and the building. The systems have been discussed earlier and a summary is below:

• Single Track
• H System Track
• Combination Track
• Inset Track

The Building

Consideration on the building needs to be taken into account when assessing the design, installation and use. The ceiling track can be adapted to accommodate for most user needs and building requirements.

If the user does not own the building, permission from the owner needs to be sought before proceeding with the design of the ceiling track system. If at any time of the design, further permission is required from the owner due to any required change to the building structure – this must be gained immediately.

If the building is listed there needs to be consideration on the user gaining permission before any work on design commences. The situation of the building/room can provide differing options when it comes to the design of the track system. If the building is existing, being renovated or a new build – this can provide options for the design.

Electrical Connection

In most cases, the hoist systems wiring is taken from the premises’ ring main circuit. Although this only involves basic wiring, every care must be taken to ensure that all wiring and connections are in line with the current IEE regulations. All wiring should be done in such a manner that it is agreeable with the client. It is advisable to consult the client as to the positioning of any switches and the routes of any surface mounted trunking.

The ceiling track hoist system can take power through a plug or a fixed wiring system. When selecting the method for the power source ensure the relevant electrical regulations are met and health and safety is considered – for example tripping hazards due to the flex. The power source needs to be

assessed during the assessment and a plan needs to be decided on how and where the power source will be accessed for the ceiling track hoist system.

Further Considerations

Other considerations to consider during the assessment are:

• Carers working environment
• User’s quality of life and independence
• Providing access to all required areas of the room and/or building
• How to minimise carer time
• How to minimise carer manual handling and any other carer health & safety considerations
• Understanding and maximising budget available

Prism Healthcare is committed to making care easier for all stakeholders during the design, installation process along with ensuring during use it meets the original project scope safely.