CG86 - BEDRAIL GUIDELINES – Appendix 1C

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RISK ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROVISION OF BED RAILS

DATE OF ASSESSMENT

ASSESSOR

STATUS

BASE

CONTACT NUMBER

SIGNATURE

CLIENT NAME

ADDRESS

CLIENT TELEPHONE NUMBER

ANOTHER CONTACT To gain access: Next of Kin, Friend or Neighbour

In the event of the identified high risk of entrapment and death associated with the provision of bed rails (also termed cot sides) and the detailed bulletin from the Medical Devices Agency (MDA) there is a clear need to have a written risk assessment as part of the assessment process. The risks are particularly associated with inappropriate use of bed rails, poorly fitting bed rails and mechanical failure.

GUIDANCE FOR WEST ESSEX CHS DOMICILIARY SERVICES:

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CG86 - BEDRAIL GUIDELINES – Appendix 1C

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PART 1- Assessment of Needs

REASON TO PROVIDE – Including medical condition(s) Is the provision of bed rails absolutely necessary YES / NO Clearly state below why.

TIME LIMIT i.e. When is the Client intending to use bed rails, i.e. only at night? Only when turning? Please provide specific information.

PATIENT DETAILS AGE (Those under 12 years of age, refer to other publications cited by MDA and refer to note in Driver / Fitter section) PHYSICAL SIZE - WEIGHT

DISABILITY:

PHYSICAL

COGNITION

BEHAVIOUR

PERCEPTION

SENSORY

Please go through all the following alternative options and explain your reason for not choosing them.

YES NO COMMENT

Variable bed height

Soft cushioning on floor

Pressure alarm system

Body positioning devices

Alternative devices such as Cocoon

Inflatable cot sides

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BED DETAILS: Please tick the relevant details that best describe the bed you wish to place devices on to.

Hospital type bed – should have compatible bed rails

Sidhil Solite Laser bed = Trombone Side Rails or Sidhil Universal Side Rails.

Bed type: Divan base Metal base Slatted / pine type

Bed Size: Single Double Other

Total Bed Height Mattress Depth

Is there an additional

mattress on the bed?

YES** NO Comment:

Is there an overlay pressure

mattress on the bed?

YES** NO Comment:

** If yes to either of last two questions - you will need to request extended height bed rails

Head board present YES NO Foot board present YES NO

Is a Mattress Variator fitted

to the bed?

YES NO Comment:

Is a Pillow lifter fitted to the

bed?

YES NO Comment:

Is a hoist used for bed transfers? YES NO

If Yes – can it be used safely with bed rails in position or will they

impact upon hoist access?

YES NO

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Identify any other hazards that may cause risk of injury if there is a fall YES NO

Radiator beside the bed YES NO Comment:

Opening door YES NO Comment:

Furniture located next to

bed

YES NO Comment:

Equipment located by bed YES NO Comment:

Others Identified YES NO Comment:

The acceptance letter (for each organization) must be signed by client or carer

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RISK ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROVISION OF BED RAILS PART 2 - Driver / Fitter Assessment

ELMS CLIENT NUMBER: DATE FITTED:

Bumpers are automatically fitted

1. When fitting bed rails for a child the Standard Child Specification

(i.e. 60 mm bar gap) full length bed rails should be used where

possible.

If none available, the prescribing clinician MUST record clearly, as

part of their risk assessment process, what measures have been put

in place with family to reduce the risk of entrapment.

For adults the 120mm bar gap is sufficient and the bed rails are the

full length of the bed

YES

YES

YES

NO

NO

NO

2. Bed rails fitted to both sides of bed to ensure stability? (Essential on

divan bed bases)

YES NO

3. When fitting clamps (D02G and D03L) ensure the release button is

facing towards the middle of the bed.

YES NO

4. When fitting extendable rails the gap between the end of the rail and

the head board must be less or equal to 60mm. And more than or equal

to 250mm at the foot board, unless otherwise directed by the clinician.

When fitting Sidhil Universal style rails the gap between the end of the

rail and the head board must be less or equal to 60mm.

To avoid neck entrapment gaps of between 60mm and 250mm must be

avoided. If this cannot be achieved the cost sides cannot be fitted – please

refer back to EES.

YES NO

5. Does the mattress compress to leave a gap below the level of the

lowest bar and top of mattress – thereby a risk of entrapment

YES NO

6. Do the bed rails move away from the side of the bed resulting in

sufficient space to allow entrapment?

YES NO

7. Is there an additional mattress or overlay pressure mattress on the

bed?

YES NO

8. If yes to above, have extended height bed rails and bumpers

been fitted.

Driver / Fitter note – extra caution is needed when fitting extended

height bed rails to imperial size divan beds.

YES NO

9. Have instructions on safe use been left with client / carer? YES NO

List any other bed adaptations present when fitting bed rails on reverse side.

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IF YOUR ANSWERS HAVE NOT MATCHED THOSE IN BOLD/UNDER-LINED TYPE PLEASE DO NOT

LEAVE THE EQUIPMENT IN SITU. PLEASE REPORT BACK TO THE CLINICIAN IMMEDIATELY.

THANK YOU

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Independent Living Centre 3 Stortford Hall Industrial Park, Dunmow Road, Bishops Stortford, Herts CM23 5GZ Tel: 01279 698906 Fax: 01279 698966

Re: Provision of bed rails – Letter of Acceptance I (Name) __________________________________________ of (Address) ___________________________________________________

Accept delivery of bed rails and bumpers in respect of the above named.

I undertake to ensure that the bumpers are not removed from the cot sides at any time when the bed

rails are in use.

I further undertake to ensure that no other aids will be added to the bed without prior consultation with the prescribing Clinician. Signed ________________________________________ Print__________________________________________ Date __________________________________________

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