Universal Patient Handling Sling by Select Healthcare
- Full-body support universal hoist sling available with or without head support, covering the broadest range of patient transfer scenarios in NHS wards and care homes where a single sling specification must serve multiple patient types, from fully head-supported patients to those with sufficient head and neck control to transfer without dedicated head support.
- Compatible with standard spreader bar hoists; not suitable for wishbone spreader bar or buckle-fastening hoist configurations, with hoist-sling compatibility confirmation a mandatory pre-use check under LOLER 1998 before each patient transfer episode.
- Easy-fit design reduces the setup time for each hoist transfer, with clear positioning instructions for both seated and supine starting positions supporting consistent, safe sling application by nursing and care staff across different shifts and team members, reducing the risk of incorrect sling application that creates patient safety risk during the hoist transfer.
- LOLER 1998 relevant hoist sling requiring six-monthly thorough examination and pre-use visual inspection, with reusable washable construction supporting cost-effective deployment in NHS ward and care home environments where hoist slings are used multiple times daily across a large patient caseload.
Select Healthcare Universal Patient Handling Sling: Full-Body Hoist Sling With or Without Head Support
The Select Healthcare Universal Patient Handling Sling provides full-body support during hoist transfers and is available in two configurations: with head support for patients who require full head and neck support throughout the transfer, and without head support for patients with sufficient head and neck control to maintain their own head position during the hoist arc. This dual configuration makes the Universal Sling the appropriate default specification for NHS ward and care home hoist inventories, covering the broadest range of patient types without requiring separate sling specifications for different head-support needs. Compatible with standard spreader bar hoists as part of the Locomotor Sling Range.
Product Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Select Healthcare - Locomotor Sling Range |
| Type | Universal full-body sling |
| Head Support | Available with or without - specify at order |
| Hoist Compatibility | Standard spreader bar hoists ONLY |
| Not Compatible With | Wishbone spreader bar or buckle-fastening hoists |
| Type | Reusable, washable |
Regulatory and Clinical Compliance
LOLER 1998 requires that hoist slings are thoroughly examined every six months by a competent person, with the sling also visually inspected before each use. Sling selection for each patient must be documented in the patient's individual hoist transfer plan, specifying the sling type, size, configuration (with or without head support) and compatible hoist, as LOLER requires that lifting operations are planned and carried out safely by trained personnel using appropriate equipment. The choice between the head support and no head support configuration must be made following an occupational therapist or moving and handling advisor's assessment of the patient's head and neck control: using the without-head-support configuration for a patient who lacks adequate head control creates a patient safety risk during the hoist arc that the head-support version prevents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I determine whether the head support or no head support Universal Sling is appropriate for a patient?
Head support is required for patients who cannot maintain their head in an upright position without assistance throughout the hoist transfer arc, which includes patients with significant neurological conditions affecting neck muscle control, patients in very low consciousness or sedated states, and patients who become hypotonic (muscle floppy) when lifted. For patients with good voluntary head and neck control who can maintain their head position throughout the transfer, the without-head-support configuration may be appropriate and may be preferred by the patient as more comfortable. The individual patient assessment by an occupational therapist or moving and handling advisor should determine which configuration is specified in the patient's hoist transfer plan.
Can the Universal Sling be used for both seated and supine hoist transfers?
Yes. The Universal Sling can be applied from a seated position - sitting the patient forward, positioning the sling centrally with the top of the commode aperture level with the seat edge, crossing the leg straps under each thigh and attaching to the spreader bar - and from a supine position in bed. The specific application technique differs between starting positions, and all care staff using the Universal Sling should be trained in both application methods as part of their hoist and sling competency assessment, as incorrect sling application from either position creates an unsafe configuration that could result in patient injury during the lift.
Part of our specialist Patient Moving and Handling Equipment range. Our patient slings are designed for safe, compliant transfers in care homes and clinical environments.
NCL-LOCO-079XS
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- Full-body support universal hoist sling available with or without head support, covering the broadest range of patient transfer scenarios in NHS wards and care homes where a single sling specification must serve multiple patient types, from fully head-supported patients to those with sufficient head and neck control to transfer without dedicated head support.
- Compatible with standard spreader bar hoists; not suitable for wishbone spreader bar or buckle-fastening hoist configurations, with hoist-sling compatibility confirmation a mandatory pre-use check under LOLER 1998 before each patient transfer episode.
- Easy-fit design reduces the setup time for each hoist transfer, with clear positioning instructions for both seated and supine starting positions supporting consistent, safe sling application by nursing and care staff across different shifts and team members, reducing the risk of incorrect sling application that creates patient safety risk during the hoist transfer.
- LOLER 1998 relevant hoist sling requiring six-monthly thorough examination and pre-use visual inspection, with reusable washable construction supporting cost-effective deployment in NHS ward and care home environments where hoist slings are used multiple times daily across a large patient caseload.