These workshops feature examples from the wide range of equipment available from suppliers, providing delegates with the opportunity to discuss handling issues through assessment and identify equipment and handling techniques. They also provide an opportunity for delegates to discuss their own related queries with the Workshop Facilitators and colleagues.

Delegates will be provided with two scenarios for workshops 2 - 4 and may use the workshops to discuss individual client moving and handling issues and solutions they have encountered and developed.

This part of the programme provides an opportunity for delegates to discuss specific client needs and bespoke equipment for more complex cases.

All workshops will consider both paediatric and adult handling issues and solutions in the home, social care and acute environments.

Workshop 1:
Designing Safe Systems of Work for Handlers

The purpose of this workshop is to investigate the possibility of designing different safe systems of work including safe use of equipment for handlers of different skill ability’s that still encourage independence and reduce risk of injury. The session will use a variety of simple but complementary tools to choose a handling plan. The session will use mixed media and practical demonstration to measure success. Delegates will also consider how a handler’s competency can be enhanced through training and experiential learning. The workshop will consider designing Safe Systems of Work in complex paediatric handling situations; the principles of which can be applied to adult handling situations

Lead Facilitator: Carole Johnson, Freelance Back Care Advisor

Workshop 2:
Practical Problem Solving and Use of Equipment in Emergency Situations

Emergencies are unforeseen/sudden occurrences which require immediate actions; these arise in everyday moving and handling and can be due to a number of causes – client unpredictability, poor assessment, lack of equipment etc. The workshop will consider a range of ‘emergency handling’ situations including limited access to the client, Upstairs/Downstairs transfers, Out of the bath and Out of a Building

Lead Facilitator: Melanie Sturman, Moving & Handling Adviser, Norfolk County Council, Adult Care Community Services

Workshop 3:
Problem Solving & Practical Skills in Complex Handling Situations

The focus of this workshop is to discuss and identify safer handling solutions for manual handling practitioners exposed to more challenging clients in complex moving and handling situations. Given the unique issues faced when dealing with certain clients, environmental constraints, challenging and changing capacity, the use of controversial/unsafe handling techniques, resources and safe use of equipment will be discussed to develop safe moving and handling strategies.

Lead Facilitator: Evelyn Otunbde, Manual Handling Advisor, Ealing PCT

Workshop 4:
Falls Management & Retrieval – Problem Solving in Situations involving the Falling & Fallen Client

Falling people can injure both themselves and workers who intervene in their management as they fall; their age, medical condition and environment influencing both their management and retrieval. Many organisations will have a ‘Falling Person Policy’ and these will feature similar contents but implementation by workers is problematic – the focus of this workshop is to look at the prevention of falls, dealing with the falling & fallen client and their safe retrieval.

Lead Facilitator: Laura Wotley, Senior Therapist, Croydon University Hospital

Please note that although the workshops offer delegates the opportunity to participate practically, they are not intended as training sessions