Q.
Is my patient, who lives at home in Sheffield, able to have a cushion or mattress?
A.
If, following assessment, your professional opinion is that your patient is at risk of skin damage, then the answer is yes. You will need to discuss any particular risks with the patient and remember that equipment only supports the patient’s nursing care.
Q.
The equipment available – is that all there is?
A.
The mattresses and cushions that we provide offer a larger selection than most equipment loan stores and we pride ourselves in being able to offer choice.
However, in respect of patients whose weight exceeds that shown as maximum for the particular item of equipment, you should talk to the Nurse Advisor to discuss alternatives.
However, in respect of patients whose weight exceeds that shown as maximum for the particular item of equipment, you should talk to the Nurse Advisor to discuss alternatives.
Q.
Can I get a cushion for the wheelchair?
A.
No. You need to contact Mobility and Specialised Rehab at the Northern General Hospital. By putting in a cushion supplied by SCELS you could alter the patient’s distance from seat to foot plate and arm rest and the height in which the back canvas extends up the patient’s back. In addition, the cushion may not correctly follow the contours of the seat canvas. This will result in poor seating for the patient.
Q.
Can patients request equipment?
A.
No. Only qualified professionals, ideally who have been on the training provided.
Q.
How do I request equipment?
A.
By completing the ‘Request for Pressure Relieving Equipment’ form. All professional referrers to the service, either community or hospital based, must answer all the questions on Form ‘A’. Form ‘B’ must be completed in addition if the patient has existing skin damage. If parts of the forms are not completed, this will slow down the process and will result in delays for provision of equipment to your patient. The forms can be printed from the web site or are available from SCELS.
Q.
My patient is being discharged from hospital tomorrow, they need equipment – can you supply?
A.
We ask for at least 48 hours notice, but talk to the Nurse Advisor.
Q.
I am still not sure what to ask for – what should I do?
A.
Contact the Nurse Advisor who can give advice over the phone or visit the patient with you. Alternatively why not attend one of many training sessions held at SCELS?.
Q.
My patient lives in a nursing home and I need a mattress – what should I do?
A.
Contact the Nurse Advisor for advice.
Q.
How easy is it to upgrade / down grade equipment?
A.
Very easy and all patients should be reviewed at least 3 monthly. There will be some patients about whom the Nurse Advisor will be in regular contact with you. Downgrading, where appropriate, means getting the best from the equipment available. It also means that more equipment is available for those patients who need their equipment upgrading.
Q.
My patient has finished with their mattress and cushion, what do I do?
A.
The equipment should be returned to SCELS as soon as possible. Retrievals can be arranged by telephoning SCELS on 0114 2263800 or by informing the Nurse Advisor on 0114 2263821.
Important Note: Please don’t think you are doing the best for your other patients by using equipment for someone else – think what else you may be giving to your vulnerable patient!!
If you think your vulnerable patient needs something then talk to the Nurse Advisor.
Important Note: Please don’t think you are doing the best for your other patients by using equipment for someone else – think what else you may be giving to your vulnerable patient!!
If you think your vulnerable patient needs something then talk to the Nurse Advisor.
Q.
My patient is moving out of the area – can they take the equipment with them?
A.
No. The equipment must be returned to SCELS. For further advice on this contact the Nurse Advisor.
Q.
My alternating air mattress is alarming – what should I do?
A.
First, attempt to rectify the problem yourself by following the trouble shooting guidance available on this web site.
If this is not successful contact SCELS during office hours - Monday to Friday excluding Bank Holidays. Tel: 0114 2263800
Outside of these hours contact our 24 hour emergency call out number which will be found in the literature provided or attached to the equipment cable.