Leg Trough (43 x 22 x 20 cm)
- U-Shaped Floating Heel Design - the U-shaped trough elevates the heel to achieve the floating heel position required by NICE CG179 for complete heel offloading; pressure is distributed evenly along the calf while the heel is suspended free of all contact, with the THS model providing consistent 43x22x20cm dimensions throughout rather than the tapered profile of the THS-43 and THS-61 variants.
- Wipe-Clean Vapour-Permeable Cover - wipe-clean, multi-stretch, vapour-permeable cover maintains infection control compatibility in care home and clinical settings while allowing moisture vapour to pass away from the skin; the vapour permeability is particularly important for residents with fragile or damaged heel skin where moisture accumulation accelerates tissue breakdown.
- Machine Washable to 95°C - the cover is machine washable to 95°C for thermal decontamination per HTM 01-04 laundry standards, supporting repeated use in NHS-contracted and CQC-regulated environments; the cover should be matched to its original trough body after washing and visually inspected between uses for integrity and cleanliness.
- Clinical Assessment Required - selection and use of the Thorpe Mill Leg Trough must be carried out by a qualified healthcare professional following clinical assessment under local pressure care and infection control policy; suitable for high-risk patients and those with Stage I-II heel pressure damage; supports CQC Regulation 12 when documented in the tissue viability care plan.
Thorpe Mill Leg Trough - 43x22x20cm - Heel Offloading - Floating Heel
The Thorpe Mill Leg Trough (THS, 43x22x20cm) is a clinically developed U-shaped heel offloading device designed to achieve the complete heel suspension required by NICE CG179 for pressure ulcer prevention and Stage I-II heel pressure damage management. Constructed from combustion-modified polyurethane foam with a wipe-clean, multi-stretch, vapour-permeable cover that is machine washable to 95°C. The THS model maintains consistent dimensions throughout; the THS-43 and THS-61 variants provide tapered profiles. Clinical assessment by a qualified healthcare professional is required before use.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Reference | NCL-THS |
| Dimensions | 43 x 22 x 20 cm |
| Profile | Consistent (non-tapered) |
| Construction | Combustion-modified polyurethane foam |
| Cover | Wipe-clean, multi-stretch, vapour-permeable |
| Wash Temperature | Machine washable to 95°C |
| Origin | Designed and manufactured in the UK |
| Range | Also available: THS-43 (tapered, DVT flexion) and THS-61 (tapered, longer) |
Regulatory Compliance
NICE CG179 and NICE QS89 specify complete heel suspension - the floating heel - as the standard for effective heel pressure ulcer prevention; the Thorpe Mill Leg Trough achieves this through the U-shaped design that removes all heel-to-surface contact. The device is intended for use following professional clinical assessment per local pressure care policy; self-selection or carer-only selection without clinical oversight is not appropriate. The vapour-permeable cover and 95°C wash capability meet NHS IPC infection control requirements for reusable patient positioning aids. CQC Regulation 12 documentation should record the clinical assessment, device selection rationale, and ongoing inspection findings within the resident tissue viability care plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the THS, THS-43, and THS-61 models?
The THS (43x22x20cm) maintains consistent dimensions throughout the trough, providing a uniform support profile along the calf. The THS-43 is tapered from knee to ankle, additionally providing slight knee flexion that helps reduce the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) as well as heel offloading - making it the indicated choice where DVT risk is also a clinical concern. The THS-61 is a longer tapered version for taller patients or where greater calf coverage is required. The appropriate model should be selected by the clinical assessor based on the individual resident's anatomy, risk profile, and care plan requirements.
Must a healthcare professional select and fit this device?
Yes. Thorpe Mill's Leg Trough range is clinically developed medical-grade equipment intended for use following professional clinical assessment per local pressure care and infection control policy. The assessor should determine the appropriate model, confirm correct sizing, and specify application duration and repositioning intervals. Carers should receive instruction on correct application, inspection, and cleaning before use. CQC Regulation 12 (safe care) requires that medical-grade equipment is used appropriately and that documented evidence of clinical assessment and care plan inclusion is maintained.
NCL-THS
- U-Shaped Floating Heel Design - the U-shaped trough elevates the heel to achieve the floating heel position required by NICE CG179 for complete heel offloading; pressure is distributed evenly along the calf while the heel is suspended free of all contact, with the THS model providing consistent 43x22x20cm dimensions throughout rather than the tapered profile of the THS-43 and THS-61 variants.
- Wipe-Clean Vapour-Permeable Cover - wipe-clean, multi-stretch, vapour-permeable cover maintains infection control compatibility in care home and clinical settings while allowing moisture vapour to pass away from the skin; the vapour permeability is particularly important for residents with fragile or damaged heel skin where moisture accumulation accelerates tissue breakdown.
- Machine Washable to 95°C - the cover is machine washable to 95°C for thermal decontamination per HTM 01-04 laundry standards, supporting repeated use in NHS-contracted and CQC-regulated environments; the cover should be matched to its original trough body after washing and visually inspected between uses for integrity and cleanliness.
- Clinical Assessment Required - selection and use of the Thorpe Mill Leg Trough must be carried out by a qualified healthcare professional following clinical assessment under local pressure care and infection control policy; suitable for high-risk patients and those with Stage I-II heel pressure damage; supports CQC Regulation 12 when documented in the tissue viability care plan.