Colleagues in the MHRA have issued a new 2026 alert around risks and safety when using patient hoists and slings. This most recent alert highlights the ongoing risk of fatalities and falls. 5 key tasks are required including device management, documentation. risk assessment, pre-use checks and training.
This alert is for action by all those responsible for the use, purchase and/or maintenance of patient hoists, working within all acute and community healthcare organisations, care homes, nursing homes and care services supporting people in their own homes, and their equipment providers.
NAMDET are working on a national e-learning course to help support the training element of this alert, and hopes to launch the free training course at NAMDET national conference in November 2026.