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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Safe Moving and Handling of Bariatric Service Users Policy

1. Purpose

This policy outlines the approach {{org_field_name}} takes to ensure the safe, dignified, and effective moving and handling of bariatric individuals (people who weigh over 25 stone (158 kg) or have a BMI ≥40) while complying with the latest CQC regulations, Health and Safety requirements, and best practice guidelines.

The policy ensures that:

• Bariatric individuals receive safe, person-centred, and dignified care during all moving and handling activities.
• Staff are fully trained and competent in the safe use of equipment and techniques.
• Risk assessments are carried out to prevent injury to both service users and staff.
• Specialist bariatric equipment is available and maintained to meet the specific needs of the individual.
• CQC and legal requirements for safety, dignity, and infection prevention are met.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All staff involved in moving and handling, including carers, nurses, physiotherapists, and support staff.
• Bariatric individuals requiring assistance with mobility, transfers, repositioning, and personal care.
• Management teams, responsible for ensuring compliance with training, risk assessment, and equipment availability.
• External professionals, including occupational therapists and manual handling specialists.

3. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

This policy aligns with:

• Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014:
  • Regulation 9 (Person-Centred Care) – Ensures care is tailored to the individual’s needs​.
  • Regulation 10 (Dignity and Respect) – Guarantees that bariatric individuals are treated with dignity during handling​.
  • Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment) – Ensures the safe handling of individuals to prevent harm​.
  • Regulation 15 (Premises and Equipment) – Requires suitable and well-maintained bariatric equipment​.
  • Regulation 17 (Good Governance) – Ensures compliance with risk assessments and best practices​.
• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Requires employers to ensure staff safety when handling bariatric individuals.
• Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR) – Requires employers to assess and reduce moving and handling risks.
• Equality Act 2010 – Ensures bariatric individuals are not discriminated against due to their weight.
• Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) – Governs the safe use of bariatric hoists and lifting equipment.
• Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) – Ensures specialist bariatric equipment is regularly inspected.

4. Managing Safe Moving and Handling of Bariatric Individuals

4.1. Risk Assessment and Care Planning

• Comprehensive risk assessments must be conducted upon admission and reviewed regularly for all bariatric individuals.
• Assessments must consider:
  • Weight and BMI to determine suitable equipment and handling needs.
  • Mobility level and ability to assist in their own transfers.
  • Skin integrity to prevent pressure sores during handling.
  • Breathing difficulties that may be worsened by certain positions.
  • Access and space requirements for specialist bariatric equipment.
  • Psychological impact, ensuring the individual feels respected and supported.
• A person-centred care plan must detail:
  • Preferred handling techniques to maintain dignity.
  • The number of staff required for safe transfers.
  • Equipment needed, such as bariatric hoists, chairs, and beds.
  • Frequency of repositioning to prevent pressure sores.

4.2. Specialist Bariatric Equipment

{{org_field_name}} ensures availability and proper maintenance of:

• Bariatric profiling beds that support weight capacities up to 60 stone.
• Reinforced hoists and slings, ensuring safe lifting and transfers.
• Wide-framed wheelchairs and commodes for comfort and safety.
• Bariatric seating and pressure-relief cushions to prevent skin damage.
• Extra-wide doorways and corridors, where necessary, to allow for safe movement.

All equipment must:

• Comply with LOLER & PUWER regulations.
• Be subject to routine maintenance and safety checks.
• Be used only by trained staff to prevent misuse.

4.3. Safe Manual Handling Techniques

All manual handling tasks must follow best practices, including:

• Avoiding manual lifting wherever possible by using hoists and slide sheets.
• Ensuring a minimum of two or more staff assist in repositioning or transferring.
• Encouraging the individual to participate in movements where possible.
• Using slow, controlled movements to reduce the risk of falls or injury.
• Maintaining dignity by covering the individual appropriately during transfers.
• Positioning the individual comfortably to support breathing and circulation.

4.4. Infection Prevention and Skin Integrity Care

• Regular skin assessments must be conducted to identify pressure ulcers.
• Pressure-relieving mattresses and repositioning schedules must be in place.
• Infection control measures must be followed, including cleaning of bariatric equipment after each use.
• Adequate hygiene support must be provided to prevent skin infections.

4.5. Staff Training and Competency Development

All staff involved in moving and handling must:

• Complete accredited moving and handling training, with a specific focus on bariatric care.
• Receive refresher training every 12 months to maintain competency.
• Be trained in emergency procedures, such as evacuating bariatric individuals in a fire.
• Demonstrate competency in using bariatric hoists and equipment before assisting individuals.

4.6. Emergency and Contingency Planning

• Fire evacuation plans must account for safe bariatric evacuation, with specialist evacuation sheets and slings where required.
• Medical emergencies involving bariatric individuals must have a clear response plan, ensuring paramedics are informed of weight considerations in advance.
• Equipment failures must have backup measures, such as spare bariatric hoists.

4.7. Emotional and Psychological Well-being

• Staff must provide reassurance and respect when assisting bariatric individuals.
• Language must be non-judgmental to prevent emotional distress.
• Staff should be aware of the mental health impact of obesity and offer psychological support referrals if needed.

5. Monitoring and Compliance

To ensure compliance with this policy:

• Bariatric risk assessments and care plans must be reviewed every three months.
• Incident reports must be reviewed for any injuries or near-misses related to moving and handling.
• Equipment audits must be conducted monthly, ensuring LOLER & PUWER compliance.
• Staff feedback must be collected, ensuring confidence in moving and handling procedures.
• CQC inspections must be fully supported, demonstrating clear documentation of safe bariatric care.

6. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

• CH11 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy​.
• CH15 – Premises and Equipment Policy​.
• CH17 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy​.
• CH16 – Health and Safety at Work Policy​.
• CH27 – Staff Supervision, Training, and Development Policy​.

7. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if necessary due to changes in legislation, CQC guidelines, or risk assessments.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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