The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a National Patient Safety Alert calling on healthcare organisations and care providers to strengthen checks and maintenance of patient hoists and slings.
The alert follows continued reports of serious incidents involving hoists, with the regulator warning that avoidable harm can occur when equipment is not correctly selected, checked, maintained or used.
Patient hoists are used across hospitals, care homes and community settings, including in patients' own homes, to support people with reduced mobility during transfers and repositioning.
The MHRA said the incidents identified in its review were not associated with a particular manufacturer or model, but had occurred across a range of care settings.
The new alert updates and reinforces national guidance first issued in 2014 and 2015, following continued reports of serious incidents.
Investigations have repeatedly identified factors including equipment failure at critical attachment points, incompatible components, inadequate checks and insufficient training.
Healthcare providers urged to strengthen hoist checks
Under the alert, healthcare organisations, care providers and individuals using hoists are being asked to take a series of measures to reduce risks during transfers.
These include carrying out pre-use checks before every transfer and ensuring that the hoist and sling are compatible and appropriate for the individual patient.
Users should also confirm that all attachments are secure before lifting.
The MHRA is further calling for equipment to be regularly inspected and serviced, with organisations maintaining appropriate records and ensuring equipment remains compliant with relevant regulations.
Staff and carers should also have up-to-date training and competency assessments covering the use of hoists and slings.
“Our alert sets out clear actions to help prevent avoidable harm,” said Dr Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the MHRA.
“We are urging healthcare providers, carers and anyone using a hoist to follow this guidance carefully and ensure equipment is safe before every use.”
The MHRA said it is working with NHS organisations, regulators and professional bodies to support implementation of the alert across the health and care system.
Problems involving patient hoists, slings or other medical devices can be reported to the MHRA through its Yellow Card scheme.
The alert comes as the MHRA continues to increase its focus on the safety and evaluation of medical technologies used across healthcare.
Earlier this month, the regulator partnered with Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust to launch a programme for testing emerging medical technologies in NHS settings, including AI-enabled medical devices.
