Preventative Services: Specialist Moving and Handling Team - WNC

West Northamptonshire Council’s Specialist Moving and Handling Team have up-to-date knowledge of the latest equipment and techniques to support people who require care.

The team aims to improve how care is delivered, taking a person-centred approach. They strive to ensure carers have access to the latest equipment to improve comfort and dignity for the person. They aim to reduce the amount of moving and handling needed. They promote independence and autonomy wherever possible.

West Northants Council is investing in support to ensure that if an individual wishes to remain at home, they can have that chance. However, it must be safe and appropriate to do so. Remaining at home must not put the person at risk of harm.

Assessments From the Specialist Moving and Handling Team

The team will provide an assessment free of charge. The assessments are carried out with the person (and their carer/s) at the centre of what they do.

Changes in moving and handling practices mean that many care tasks can be managed with one carer. This enables good relationships between the carer and the person being cared for.

If a person is paying for their own care, the assessment will inform them of how many carers will be needed to meet their care needs safely.

Not all care providers practice the single-handed care approach, so it is worth asking the provider before starting a care package with them.

The assessment process includes a risk assessment to ensure the care practices are safe and dignified.

Risk Assessments

A risk assessment considers the required care task, the person being moved during the care provision, and the environment.

Following the risk assessment, a moving and handling plan will be completed with the person. It will describe how the person will be moved during the care task and what equipment will be used.

The risk assessment will consider the needs of the person being moved and their carer to ensure both parties are safe.

Equipment Provision

Equipment is rapidly advancing, and the specialist moving and handling team accesses the latest equipment through the Integrated Community Equipment Store.

Equipment identified through assessment can be loaned free-of-charge to an individual with identified care needs. Commonly used equipment includes:

• Bed management systems
• Positioning wedges
• Transfer platforms with supports
• Floor beds
• Gantry hoists
• Ceiling track hoists

For more information visit Specialist Moving and Handling.

How To Get This Service

You can request an assessment using this online form:

• Make a referral to a Preventative Service (Therapy, Visual Impairment, Assistive Technology)