A number of new developments to highlight in ceiling track hoists.

Abacus Healthcare's Shuttle 200 (shown here) has a unique auto charging feature, and is compatible with a wide range of slings.

Astor Bannerman's A2B ceiling hoist has a unique gravity powered system, and is made-to-measure for each installation.

Ergolet's Ergo Trainer is a ceiling track installation with a difference: it is designed for rehabilitation, rather than transfers.

Minimising the need for unnecessary transfers in the bathroom, a new range of changing benches from Prism Medical. Freeway Easi-Change wall-mounted stretchers (shown here) can be used for showering and changing, with powered or manual height adjustment available.

Astor-Bannerman's Nivano changing bench has a travel range of 700mm and can easily lift a client from near floor level to a convenient height for washing and changing. It folds away neatly when not in use.

Standing transfer aids are generally preferred, where a client can weight bear for at least a short time, and participate in the transfer.

Helping to maintain strength and muscle tone, they provide a more dignified means of moving from one room to another.

Drive Medical has extended their range of Able Assist transfer aids to include adjustable width and folding models.

Stairs can form an insurmountable barrier for wheelchair users, particularly in older buildings where access needs were not prioritised. AAT's S-Max Sella (shown here) can be used indoors or out, on virtually any staircase. With an integral seat, it is a particularly comfortable and manoeuvrable stair climber.

Turning in bed is very important to avoid pressure damage in immobile patients – but it has been difficult in the past to accurately measure high and low pressure areas and identify danger points for individuals. Sidhil's M.A.P. system is a first: it can be used with virtually any mattress, and continuously monitors pressure levels so that care staff can ensure that their interventions are effective.

There has been one particularly interesting development in emergency lifting - the Raizer lifting chair has been designed to help with raising someone who has fallen to the floor, and is unable to get up again unaided.

Falls are all too common amongst elderly and disabled people, and even when they don't cause injury, it can be difficult to get up again. The Raizer is a more versatile aid: it can be used by just one carer, with one hand on a remote control, leaving the other free to support and comfort the client. It can also be stopped at any stage of the lifting process.

Ergolet has launched the Luna Twin, a new bariatric ceiling track hoist with a SWL of 400kg (60 stone). Cleverly, it employs two Luna pods which can be separated and used independently making the system both versatile and cost effective.

Bariatric specialists Benmor Medical facilitate seated transfers for heavier clients with the wheeled Deporto shower/commode chair, which has four braked casters for stability in use.

Benmor also provides CPD certified training in safe techniques for working with bariatric patients.

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Until next time, when we will be looking at bathroom equipment.

All good wishes,

Frances