In The Swing Of Things With Moving And Handling Training At Kare Plus

Carers from across the Kare Plus network got into the swing of things (in some cases, literally!) with the launch of our new Moving and Handling Training Level 2 course.

Whether using a hoist or hands, health and social care can involve helping move those who can no longer move or easily move themselves.

With patient comfort first and foremost, along with the safety and care of the caregiver, moving and handling sits within the core skills training framework for carers looking after those unable to easily move themselves around.

Moving and Handling Level 2 is tailored for healthcare professionals who regularly engage in manual handling tasks.

This includes lifting, transferring, and repositioning patients, which are common activities in medical settings that can pose significant risks if not performed correctly.

The safe techniques taught in the training aims to minimise risk to patients, prevent injuries and ensure they are compassionately and safely receiving the personal care they need.

Our Modern Matron Kate Willis, delivered comprehensive training in proper techniques and risk assessments to minimize injury and improve patient care.

Previously known as manual handling training, the course emphasizes the importance of using proper techniques to protect both the caregiver and the patient.

A key component of the moving and handling course is the comprehensive risk assessment.

Healthcare assistances from across our network attended Kare Plus HQ in Shropshire for a half-day course, which covered how to conduct thorough evaluations of handling tasks, identify potential hazards and implement strategies to mitigate these risks.

This proactive approach is essential for creating a safer work environment and reducing the incidence of work-related injuries.

Manual handling training also covers the latest best practices and equipment used in healthcare settings.

What Did The Moving and Handling Course Cover?

Trainees gained hands-on experience with various aids and devices designed to facilitate safer patient handling, such as hoists, slide sheets and transfer belts.

Understanding how to effectively utilize these tools is crucial for enhancing both safety and efficiency in patient care.

By completing the training course, our healthcare workers left better equipped to handle the physical demands of their roles.

They were trained to perform tasks with confidence, knowing they are using methods that prioritize safety and well-being.

This advanced training is a vital investment in the health and safety of the workforce, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and a more resilient healthcare system.

Kate was delighted with the successfully completed first course and praised the carers who took part.

“They were really engaged throughout and needed no encouragement to get stuck in with the practical sessions,” she said.

“Of course moving and handling is about ensuring patients in a social care setting are protected, but it is also very much to ensure the safety and protection of the care provider from potential risks or injuries.

“We covered all the dos and don’ts of manual handling, good and safe posture, reassurance and consent from the patient to be moved and encouraging them do as much as they can for themselves.

“Both moving someone by hand and using a hoist was covered in detail, including practical sessions where the group put their learning into practice on our willing volunteer.”

Throughout the course, the emphasis remained on correct manual handling techniques being the very last option to change someone’s position.

Preparatory checks, including ensuring the patient knows and understands what is about the happen and has given their consent, are as important as the actual handling side of things.

“Always encourage the patient to do as much as they can themselves, then use a hoist if required,” added Kate.

“Only when there is no other option to move someone physically from one place to another, should the correct manual handling techniques be used.”

We Needed A Willing Volunteer

You need to get hands on to learn properly at a moving and handling course and that means we needed a willing volunteer.

Luckily, after a busy few weeks, Wayne from our Kare Plus National team was more than willing to lie on a bed and sit in a comfy chair where he could on a Wednesday afternoon.

He even seemed to quite enjoy his time in the hoist, being gently moved between the bed and chair by our care workers!

In the social care sector, while older people do make up a large number of those with mobility issues, there are also many younger people with medical conditions or disabilities that may need similar assistance.

HCAs on the course practiced the proper way to lift and reposition Wayne on the bed, how to put a slide sheet in place and the correct way to use a transfer belt to move someone from a chair.

Finally participants had the chance to safely move him around using the hoist.

At each stage, Kate remained on hand to guide and advise where needed but having followed the proper training earlier in the day, all sailed through the practical moving and handling part of the course.

“There was very little input needed from me when we got to the practical handling stage, after everyone had been so engaged and focussed throughout the training course.

“It all went brilliantly and we finished with everyone gaining their Level 2 certificates in Moving and Handling.

Why Is A Thorough Understanding Of Safe Moving And Handling Techniques Vital?

For healthcare facilities, implementing this advanced level of moving and handling training is a strategic move towards reducing workplace injuries and ensuring that staff are prepared to manage the complexities of patient handling with expertise.

As healthcare environments continue to evolve, ongoing education and training in manual handling remain critical components of professional development and workplace safety.

All our healthcare workers at Kare Plus are encouraged to enhance their skills and ensure compliance with health and safety standards by enrolling on our new Moving and Handling Level 2 course.

This investment in education not only safeguards their health and significantly reduces the risk of common injuries from incorrect moving and handling, it also elevates the quality of care provided to patients.

At Kare Plus, we ensure all our staff are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to do their jobs safely, effectively and compassionately.

Like most aspects of social care, movement and manual handling regulations do get updated, making training courses on the latest requirements vital.

What was considered acceptable a few years ago isn’t necessarily still the right practice today and all care staff must remain up to date with the relevant legislation and requirements.

Even the name has changed to reflect the updates. No longer called manual handling training, it is now movement and handling training.

For more information about booking the Moving and Handling training course with Kare Plus, contact us on 01952 783333.