Aids, adaptations and equipment

If your equipment is faulty

Check the following before calling:

• power supply
• for electrical equipment, that all leads are connected
• for air mattresses - the CPR valve (on the side of the mattress) is secure

If the equipment still does not work:

• contact the provider for a replacement
• for specialist items, a professional may need to reassess and re-prescribe

Returning equipment

You can either call the provider to arrange collection or return the equipment to the warehouse yourself. Please keep the equipment safe until it is collected.

Servicing equipment

Some items need an annual service. The provider will contact you to arrange this. Please make sure they can access the equipment.

Bed rails, also called safety sides or cot sides, are used to reduce the risk of a person slipping, sliding, falling or rolling out of bed.

There are many types and sizes of bed rails, as well as different beds, mattresses and accessories. Because of this, a risk assessment must be carried out before bed rails are prescribed. The assessment should consider the individual needs of the person and the equipment being used.

Risks

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued a safety alert on 30 August 2023 about the use of bed rails, bed levers, bed grab handles, trolleys and turning mattresses.

The MHRA has received reports of deaths and serious injuries caused by entrapment or falls.

The above involved:

• medical beds
• bed rails (also called bed safety rails)
• trolleys
• bariatric beds
• lateral turning devices
• bed grab handles (also called bed levers or bed sticks)

Bed rails should only be used when they reduce the risk of a person falling out of bed.

For information on standards and guidance, see the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency bed rails guidance.

This advice is for people using bed rails, bed grab handles or bed levers.

A health or social care professional, or the supplier of the equipment, must carry out a risk assessment to check it is safe, suitable and meets your needs.

Maintenance and safety checks

You should have a copy of the manufacturer’s instructions and be shown how to use the equipment safely, it is important that you carry out regular safety checks.

This includes checking for:

• rust or cracks in the frame or joints
• flaking paint or plating
• missing locking handles or fixing clamps
• loose fixings or joints
• worn threads on clamps
• bent or distorted parts
• torn or damaged padding

If you find any damage or faults, contact the person or service that provided the equipment as soon as possible.

Cleaning

Clean all parts of the equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you move or remove the equipment for cleaning, return it to its correct position. If you are not sure, check the manufacturer’s guidance.

Safe use of bed rails and bed grab handles

You and your carer should monitor the use of the equipment and arrange a review if any of the following change:

• your physical, cognitive or behavioural condition
• the bed the equipment is fitted to
• the mattress, including if a second mattress is added
• the position of the equipment, leading to gaps with the mattress
• any gaps that could create a risk of entrapment
• the physical condition of the equipment
• the ability to secure or use the equipment correctly
• any alterations or adaptations to the equipment

Bed rails must never be used to restrain someone, as this is unlawful without their consent or a legal order. If someone is very agitated, using a mattress on the floor may be safer, speak to a health or social care professional about this.

If a floor bed is used, side rails should not be in place when the person is alone, the bed must be at its lowest height, and fallout mats should be used.

If bed grab handles or levers are removed for cleaning or making the bed, always refit them following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Contact for review

If your bed rail was provided by West Northamptonshire Council staff, you can request a review through Community Therapy.

Please note, if your bed rail was supplied by another organisation, contact the supplier directly to request a review.

The Equipment Loans Service in West Northamptonshire provides essential items for people with medical conditions that affect mobility, posture or skin health. This includes beds, mattresses, pressure cushions and specialist seating.

All equipment supplied meets UK fire safety standards for mattresses and upholstered furniture. These standards reduce the risk of fire, but they do not remove it completely.

Smoking risks

Smoking while using items such as pressure mattresses, cushions or specialist seating is dangerous. The risk increases if creams for skin conditions are used, as some contain flammable ingredients.

Smoking in bed is a leading cause of fatal fires. People with limited mobility or awareness may find it harder to react and escape. It is strongly advised not to smoke in bed and to look for safer alternatives.

There are safer smoking practices which you can follow.

These include:

• smoking outside or in a safe area, away from bedding, upholstery and oxygen equipment
• using fire-safe cigarettes, which self-extinguish more easily
• avoiding smoking when tired, medicated or under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Reduce fire risks at home

Improve the environment

• Install smoke alarms in bedrooms and test them regularly. Use vibrating or flashing alarms for people with hearing loss
• Use fire-retardant bedding and mattress covers
• Keep a fire extinguisher or fire blanket nearby and ensure the person knows how to use it

Store flammable creams and chemicals safely

• Keep only small amounts and seal containers when not in use
• Store in a cool, ventilated place away from heat or ignition sources
• Use fire-resistant cabinets if possible
• Keep out of reach of children
• Clean up spills immediately

Use assistive technology

• Bed occupancy sensors linked to telecare can alert carers if someone smokes in bed
• Smart smoke detectors can notify carers or emergency services

Engage support networks

• Involve family, carers or support workers in a fire safety plan
• Contact local fire services for free home fire safety checks and advice

Consider alternatives

• Vaping may reduce fire risk, though it is not risk-free
• Nicotine patches or gum can help reduce the need to smoke indoors

Helpful links

For more advice and support, you may find these links helpful:

• Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue home safety visits
• Assistive Technology Service
• Advice for carers and support workers caring for smokers