IMPORTANT REMINDER - use of Hoverjack

After a patient has fallen it is very important to have a high suspicion of bony injury.

If a hip fracture is suspected, the correct method of recovering the patient from the floor is using flat lifting equipment (Hoverjack).

If a spinal injury is suspected, please summon the Medical Emergency Team by calling 2222.

There have been cases of patients sustaining a fractured neck of femur following a fall, where staff have assisted the patient onto a commode for transfer back to bed.

There is a significant risk of causing further harm and pain/distress to the patient and also risk of harm to staff when moving an injured patient in this way.

At SRH, the Hoverjack can be obtained from the Medical Equipment Library (MEL), and from wards B21,E56 and F61

At STDH, the Hoverjack can be obtained from ward 23 / Manual Handling Training Room and from wards 2 and 10

Our porters will assist with this.

Please note, we are aware that staff have sometimes experienced problems in locating a Hoverjack. We are looking at ways to improve accessibility to this vital equipment.

Please remember to return the Hoverjack promptly following use.

If you have any queries or would like to discuss further, please contact a member of the patient safety team.