Gundersen Lutheran Health System is Recognized for Safe Lifting Leadership

Franklin, Mass. – August 20, 2008 –The pro bono healthcare injury prevention website, Safe Lifting Portal (http://www.safeliftingportal.com/),announced that its newly instituted Safe Lifting Leadership Award has been presented to Gundersen Lutheran Health System of La Crosse, Wisconsin. The award was given in recognition of Gundersen Lutheran’s outstanding accomplishments in safe patient handling, safe lifting, and caregiver injury prevention.

Gundersen Lutheran Health System includes a 325-bed teaching hospital and a Level II Trauma Center. As one of the leading medical facilities in the mid-west, the health system has received eleven top 100 designations. It serves patients throughout western Wisconsin, northeastern Iowa, and southeastern Minnesota, providing care in 19 counties.

In 2003, Gundersen Lutheran Health System initiated a patient and staff injury prevention program. Key components of the program included installation of ceiling lifts to transfer patients, an extensive staff orientation and training program, and on-going monitoring of usage compliance. The ceiling lifts were installed in units hospital-wide, including intensive care, coronary care, rehabilitation and PT, pediatrics, morgue, diagnostic areas, and the OB/GYN water birth room.

Among the more significant results of the program have been substantial decreases in injury rates, reduced workers’ compensation costs, and less employee lost time and restricted time. The program has also increased staff retention rates and proved to be an excellent staff recruitment tool.

Emphasizing Gundersen Lutheran’s firm commitment to patient and employee safety, Gary Brunslik, Manager of Safety, commented, “Preventing staff injury is good business from the financial standpoint, but also, it is the right thing to do." Kathy Weitekamp, RN, BSN, Care Manager, went on to say, “We’ve been able to show a 57% decrease in the number of patient handling claims, which we feel is pretty significant. Lost time has gone down 78% and restricted time has gone down 81%, so we’re very pleased. Our ceiling lift return on investment has been less than three years." Dr. William Scorby, Medical Director for Employee Health, added, "We also see the safe lifting program as playing an important role in staff retention and recruiting - keeping our experienced nurses safe and injury free while attracting new nurses trained in safe lifting techniques to Gundersen Lutheran."

The objective of the Safe Lifting Leadership Award is to encourage other institutions to follow the lead of “best practices” institutions in their attempts to instill permanent, sustainable culture change – a so-called “culture of safety” – within their organizations. Patient safety, advocacy for healthcare excellence, successful implementation of safe lifting initiatives, and willingness to share results and assist other institutions are among key evaluation criteria for the award.

For more information on the Safe Lifting Leadership Award or Liko’s sponsorship of the Safe Lifting Portal, contact Liko, 122 Grove Street, Franklin, MA 02038; telephone (888) 545-6671 or (508) 553-3993; fax (508) 528-6642; visit http://www.liko.com/, or http://www.safeliftingportal.com/

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Liko raises the bar for intelligence in patient lifts

Franklin, MA – August 12, 2008 -- Liko North America, a major supplier of patient lifts, repositioning aids and clinical educational services for the healthcare industry, has added intelligent self diagnostics to its Viking family of multi-purpose mobile floor lifts. The new Viking M (www.liko.com/na/viking_m.asp) incorporates numerous intelligence features designed to help customers better manage their Safe Lifting initiatives. Among these features is a smart diagnostics system that enables customers to manage service and more easily evaluate their lifting practices. In turn, this encourages more efficient use of each individual lift.

Intelligence – The Operations Console of the new Viking M houses the Liko Diagnostic System™, a pioneering new advancement in intelligence for patient lifts. The system helps customers manage their safe lifting initiatives and determine unit needs by tracking lift usage frequency. It also identifies workload for patients of size. In addition to managing on the nursing unit, the new Viking M comes equipped to provide additional key servicing information, including a Service LED that can be calendar- or usage-based. By identifying service issues before they happen, users can generate, for example, reports such as those required by Joint Commission standards. According to Gunnar Liljedahl, president and chief design engineer at Liko, “The intelligent control unit, which includes our own Liko Diagnostic System, allows the customer to see just how the lift has been used. In turn, this knowledge can be used to establish procedures that maximize the use of the lift, thereby providing the best total economy.”

Functionality – With the Viking M’s new ergonomically designed wireless Hand Control, the task of helping patients becomes easier and more convenient. For example, the wireless hand control means there are no more cumbersome cords to detangle, thus the caregiver can now work unhindered and in closer proximity to the patient. All new Viking Ms within a facility will be able to use the same hand control, and in the unlikely event a wireless hand control is not immediately available, the lift can be run directly from the operations panel on the control box. A powerful new NiMH battery pack lowers the lift’s overall weight even more and has a SmartCharge indicator that provides a continuous view of charging status. Finally, wireless control encourages caregivers to use the lift more frequently and gives patients a greater sense of security.

Safety – A handy on-board two-language Quick Reference Guide helps lower the chances of operator errors; an Outer Tube on the actuator helps ensure trouble-free operation; and a new wheel design avoids collecting dirt or other foreign matter in order to ensure caregivers low push, pull and rotational stressors.

Lightweight and Environmentally Friendly -- All of the components of the Viking lift frame are constructed of strong, aircraft-grade aluminum, up to 40% of which is from recycled aluminum products. This means the Vikings are much lighter than steel frame lifts of corresponding size and patient lifting capacities, plus they are safer for the environment.

For more information on the new Viking M, write to Liko at 122 Grove Street, Franklin, MA 02038, e-mail info@liko.com, call 1-888-545-6671, or visit www.liko.com/na/viking_m.asp.

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Free White Paper: Hospital Tests Patient Lift Technologies; Improves Quality of Care

Franklin, Mass. – August 6, 2008 – A new, free white paper details how a Michigan hospital improved patient care - and reduced manual lifting injuries – by testing new products and designs utilizing a mock-up patient room in an effort to implement forward-looking patient handling technologies.

The white paper, titled “Michigan Hospital Leads the Way with Patient-Focused Environments and Leading-Edge Patient Lifting Technologies,” is available for free download at: www.safeliftingportal.com/hospital-patient-lifting.

The white paper details how the advanced planning, product research and equipment testing at Saint Joseph Mercy Health System (SJMHS) in Ann Arbor, Michigan have resulted in a facility-wide success story and increased patient quality of care by decreasing lifting injuries through out the hospital.

“What really aided in the success of this project is the complete mock-up patient room that was built on-site to run tests and functional simulations,” said Tom Tocco, director of facilities and plant operations at SJMH. “That enabled us to select the best systems and products for our patients. Now, we have taken the tried-and-true mock-up room and re-created it 356 times in the new tower.”

The new state-of-the-art tower includes facility-wide wireless internet access and inter-hospital overhead rail systems which has greatly decreased patient lifting injuries and significantly reduced worker’s compensation claims. – Do we have proof?

Download the white paper at: www.safeliftingportal.com/hospital-patient-lifting or call toll-free 1 888-545-6671 to request a copy. The paper is authored by Liko North America (www.liko.com/na), sponsor of the Safe Lifting Portal injury prevention site (www.safeliftingportal.com).

About Liko North America
Liko North America is one of the world’s leading suppliers of patient lifts, including mobile, overhead rail, sit-to-stand, and bariatric lifts, as well as a selection of more than 250 slings and accessories. The company is also the exclusive sponsor of the pro bono “Safe Lifting Environment” campaign designed to help prevent caregiver injuries (visit www.safeliftingportal.com for more details). For more information on Liko’s complete line of patient lifts, contact Liko North America, 122 Grove Street, Franklin, MA 02038. Telephone (888) 545-6671 or (508) 553-3993; fax (508) 528-6642, or visit the Liko website at www.liko.com.

About Saint Joseph Mercy Health System
Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, a member of Trinity Health, is a health care organization serving Washtenaw, Livingston, Jackson, Lenawee, Monroe, western Wayne and southwestern Oakland counties. It includes 537-bed St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, Saint St. Joseph Mercy Saline Hospital with 74 beds, Saint St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital in Howell, featuring with136 beds and St. Mary Mercy Hospital in Livonia with 304 beds. Combined, the four hospitals are licensed for 1,051 beds, employ more than 8,400 individuals and have a medical staff of nearly 1,500 physicians.

For more information on health services offered at Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, please visit www.sjmercyhealth.org.

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Safe Lifting “Toolkit” Provides Free Resources for Healthcare Injury Prevention

Franklin, Mass. – July 25, 2008 – Liko North America has announced the launch of a new “Toolkit” section of its popular Safe Lifting Portal Web site.

The new portal section is designed to assist hospitals and nursing homes with the start-up, development, and on-going support of their safe lifting initiatives.

The Liko-sponsored Safe Lifting Portal is a pro bono injury prevention site designed to help nurses avoid musculoskeletal injuries caused by lifting and repositioning patients.

According to Melissa Nowitz, administrator of the Safe Lifting Portal, “Over the course of the three or more years of our portal’s existence, many customers have contacted us and asked for individual items to promote safe lifting in their facilities – ranging from posters to pamphlets – and this new section allows us to make them available in one convenient location. Also, we are always looking for additional suggestions on how to improve the efficacy of safe lifting programs, and now we have a more direct means of sharing those ideas among healthcare workers and safe lifting committee members.”

The Safe Lifting Portal cover topics such as how to start and deploy a program, how to achieve caregiver buy-in, tracking legislative activities, and calculating projected savings using an interactive return-on-investment calculator. It also includes a monthly electronic newsletter and a question-and-answer column called “Ask the Lift Doctor.”

To access the Toolkit section of Safe Lifting Portal, visit http://www.safeliftingportal.com/toolkit or call 888-545-6671.

About Liko
Liko is one of the world’s leading suppliers of patient lift and transfer solutions. The company’s products include mobile lifts, overhead ceiling mounted systems, and a variety of injury prevention solutions. For more information on Liko’s sponsorship of the Safe Lifting Portal, contact Liko North America, 122 Grove Street, Franklin, MA 02038; telephone (888) 545-6671 or (508) 553-3993; fax (508) 528-6642; or visit the Liko website at www.liko.com/na.

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Liko Introduces Two Additions to its “Stat” Family of Low Friction Sheets

Franklin, Mass. – July 1, 2008 – Liko, a major supplier of patient lifts, slings and repositioning sheets for the healthcare industry, has announced two new additions to its “Stat” family of low-friction transfer and repositioning sheets.

Both new products, the Stat HandySheet™ and the Stat HandyTube™, help facilitate the placement of slings under patients or the movement of patients in bed.

Manufactured of extremely low friction fabrics, the new products are designed to reduce skin abrasions to the patient while also minimizing the caregiver’s workload during a variety of commonly encountered patient transfer and repositioning maneuvers.

Liko’s new Stat HandySheets are designed to be used in pairs and are recommended to facilitate placement of a sling while a patient is sitting in a wheelchair or lying on a bed. The Stat HandySheet is offered in two sizes – long and short – to accommodate a wide range of applications. In use, a pair of HandySheets are first placed beneath the patient, then the sling is easily slipped between the two sheets with minimum caregiver effort. The sheets can also be used to reposition patients higher up in bed. For more info: http://www.liko.com/web/show_page.asp?pageid=8254.

Liko’s new Stat HandyTube is designed to assist caregivers in repositioning, turning patients, or performing lateral transfer maneuvers. The Stat HandyTube is offered in three sizes: short, long, and wide. The wide model features sewn-on handles to provide extra grip when, for example, a single caregiver wants to turn or reposition a patient in bed. For more info: http://www.liko.com/web/show_page.asp?pageid=8253.

Certain models of the new sheets feature sewn-on pockets or loops in order to assist with specific caregiver tasks. For example, the HandySheet has corner pockets to ensure both sheets can be pushed completely under the patient at the same time. None of the new sheets are designed to be left under the patient for any extended period of time.

About Liko
Liko is one of the world’s leading suppliers of patient lift and transfer solutions. The company’s products range from mobile lifts to sit-to-stand models, overhead ceiling mounted systems, and bariatric models. For more information on either the Stat HandySheets or HandyTubes, contact Liko, 122 Grove Street, Franklin, MA 02038; telephone (888) 545-6671 or (508) 553-3993; fax (508) 528-6642; or visit the Liko website at http://www.liko.com/.

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Educational Articles Assist Healthcare in Starting, Sustaining a Safe Lifting Program

Franklin, Mass. – June 17, 2008 – Nurses and healthcare risk or safety professionals seeking detailed how-to information on starting and managing a safe lifting program at their hospital or healthcare facility are invited to download a new, free five-part series of educational articles from the Safe Lifting Portal injury prevention website.

The articles, which include such Safe Lifting Program details as assessing patients, selecting lifts for patients with special needs, infection control, and how to calculate the return-on-investment of a formal program, are available free at: http://www.safeliftingportal.com/slp-for-nurses.

Designed for nurses and safe patient handling committee members, the articles were produced by Liko North America, sponsor of the Safe Lifting Portal, to inform hospital employees about the importance of safe lifting in all aspects of patient care. The series details:

• Selecting Lifts for Patients with Special Needs – Special needs patients, such as elderly, morbidly obese, or orthopedic patients, require the correct lift or sling to safely move them throughout the hospital. This article explains the proper lift to use depending on the need of the patient.
• Safe Lifting: The Assessment Imperative – This article reviews the general guidelines for safe patient handling and the importance of a routine assessment of ergonomic hazards and the patient’s functional ability, level of assistance, and mental status.
• Infection Control for Lifts and Slings – In order to ensure patient safety during the lifting process it is important that lifts and slings are clean, decontaminated and disinfected. This article details the importance of infection control when using lifts and slings.
• Safe Patient Handling Programs: How to calculate Return on Investment – Implementing safe handling programs in hospitals not only reduces patient–handling injuries but significantly cuts the direct and indirect costs that coincide with lifting injuries. This article explains how facility managers can calculate their ROI which results in reducing expenses significantly.

The articles also review the general guidelines for implementing safe patient handling programs, including the importance of choosing the right lift for every patient and turning the need for assessment into an everyday habit.

The articles are available for immediate download at: www.safeliftingportal.com/slp-for-nurses. Copies can be requested by calling toll-free 1-888-545-6671.

About Liko North America
Liko North America is one of the world’s leading suppliers of patient lifts, including mobile, overhead rail, sit-to-stand, and bariatric lifts, as well as a selection of more than 250 slings and accessories. The company is also the exclusive sponsor of the pro bono “Safe Lifting Environment” campaign designed to help prevent caregiver injuries (visit www.safeliftingportal.com for more details). For more information on Liko’s complete line of patient lifts, contact Liko North America, 122 Grove Street, Franklin, MA 02038. Telephone (888) 545-6671 or (508) 553-3993; fax (508) 528-6642, or visit the Liko website at www.liko.com.

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Free Safe Lifting Booklet Available to Help Healthcare Professionals Start-Up, Manage a Patient Safe Lifting Program

Franklin, Mass. – June 9. 2008 – A new, free educational booklet, compiling dozens of the most-asked questions by healthcare professionals about starting-up and managing a safe lifting program, is available for free download at: www.safeliftingportal.com/lift-doctor-booklet.

Titled, “Ask the Lift Doctor – Real-World Questions and Answers about Safe Lifting,” the booklet compiles two years worth of questions and answers sent in by healthcare professionals – nurses, nurse practitioners, administrators and others – to the Safe Lifting Portal injury prevention website’s (www.safeliftingportal.com) popular “Lift Doctor.”

The “Lift Doctor” is a panel of Liko Specialists which includes a sling application expert, bariatric specialist, lift system design consultant, risk management professional, safety director, and an overhead installation designer.

Designed to help those starting up and managing Safe Lifting Programs to prevent patient and healthcare provider injuries in healthcare facilities and hospitals, the 22-chapter booklet covers a wealth of topics related to patient-specific injuries, training, policies, procedures, and general patient lift usage.

The booklet is just one of the many available informational tools of the Safe Lifting Portal, the Liko North America-sponsored online resource to educate and guide healthcare professionals and administrators on a host of safe patient lifting and handling topics. The Safe Lifting Portal provides how-to information on creating a safe patient handling program, achieving caregiver buy-in, tracking legislative activities, and calculating the projected savings that can result from the implementation of a Safe Lifting Program.

Request a free copy of the “Ask the Lift Doctor – Real-world Questions and Answers about Safe Lifting” booklet, at http://www.safeliftingportal.com/lift-doctor-booklet or call 1-888-545-6671.

About Liko
Liko is one of the world’s leading suppliers of patient lift and transfer solutions. The company’s products include mobile lifts, overhead ceiling mounted systems, and a variety of injury prevention solutions. For more information on Liko’s sponsorship of the Safe Lifting Portal, contact Liko North America, 122 Grove Street, Franklin, MA 02038; telephone (888) 545-6671 or (508) 553-3993; fax (508) 528-6642; or visit the Liko website at www.liko.com/na.

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New Liko Multiple Purpose Lifting Straps Facilitate Patient Care Tasks

Franklin, Mass., May 27, 2008 -- Liko, a leading supplier of patient lifting equipment, has introduced the Multi-Strap™ product line, a series of innovative multi-purpose handling straps designed to assist caregivers with a variety of patient care tasks.

The new the Multi-Strap product line consists of a highly functional set of aids designed to significantly reduce often-overlooked repetitive daily physical tasks incurred by healthcare caregivers including lifting limbs, turning patients, and holding patients in side-lying – while simultaneously providing better patient care.

In use, the Multi-Strap can help improve the ability of, and productivity among, caregivers to perform their tasks, as well as improve the overall quality of care for patients. Caregivers using the new Multi-Strap are able to improve patient care during wound dressing changes, skin care treatments, and other medical procedures. Such procedures can be both difficult – due to poor accessibility or problems with holding the patient or limb – as well as time consuming. When used in conjunction with existing Liko overhead or mobile lifts, the Multi-Strap may also reduce the number of caregivers required to perform certain tasks.

Multi-Strap products are offered in a variety of sizes from narrow to ultra, in both polyester and disposable materials. All feature a pocket to assist the caregiver with application solutions. An additional fix clip is included with a buckle for easy attachment of a strap to the bed for turning.

Typical applications include:

• Limb Lifting and Holding – There are multiple applications for Multi-Strap use across various departments. In burn units, the Multi-Strap Narrow can suspend a limb with limited skin contact. For the initial insertion or -reinsertion of a catheter for a patient of size, one Multi-Strap Ultra can help support each leg and eliminate the need for additional caregivers.


• Turning/Holding – Caregivers can also use the Multi-Strap for various tasks such as turning and/or holding in side-lying position. The Multi-Strap family can easily enable a single caregiver to handle such tasks such as turning a patient, inserting wedge pillows, providing backside wound management, or changing linens and repositioning sheets. Other uses include assisting caregivers with aerating the bed, or the simple application or removal of a seated sling or supine stretcher frame. Use of the Multi-Strap can also assist x-ray technicians with inserting and removing an x-ray cartridge for various bedside procedures (chest, abdominal, lateral hip, etc.)

About Liko
Liko is one of the world’s leading suppliers of patient lift and transfer solutions. The company’s patient lifts range from mobile floor lifts and overhead ceiling mounted systems to transfer solutions like HandySheet™, HandyTube™ and Multi-Strap™. For more information contact Liko, 122 Grove Street, Franklin, MA 02038; telephone (888) 545-6671 or (508) 553-3993; fax (508) 528-6642; or visit the Liko website at http://www.liko.com/

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Technorati tags: Liko, Safe Lifting, patient safety, hospital, healthcare, nurse, caregiver, injury prevention, risk manager, safety officer, safety official risk management

Sunnex Features Medical Surgical Lights, Examination Lights, MRI Lighting at HOSPITALAR 2008

Natick, Massachusetts, USA – May 23, 2008 – Sunnex Inc. will feature its full-line of state-of-the-art hospital medical surgical lights, examination lights, and MRI-compatible lighting at HOSPITALAR 2008 in Sao Paulo, in booth #37.

Leading hospitals and medical centers around the world utilize Sunnex medical lighting solutions in their hospital examination rooms, operating departments, and interventional MRI suites. Sunnex medical lights (http://www.sunnexmedical.com) deliver critical illumination, maneuverability, and ease-of-operation during use – while setting the standard for quality, durability, and versatility.

Sunnex Surgical Lights (http://www.sunnexmedical.com/medicalights/surgical.htm) provide intense filtered white light for use in hospital examination areas, emergency rooms, and trauma rooms as well as critical care areas such the ICU and the NICU. Models are available in ceiling, wall, and mobile configurations, providing maximum reach and range of motion and drift-free positioning. Patented features provide constant focus lighting in a wide consistent pattern, while minimizing shadows and heat output.

• The flexible, space saving design of the Celestial Star™ surgical light (http://www.sunnexmedical.com/medicalights/celestial-star-surgical-light.htm) allows for easy angling and positioning in emergency rooms, surgical centers, trauma centers, and clinics.
• Tri-Star™ Surgical Lights (http://www.sunnexmedical.com/medicalights/tri-star-surgical-lamps.htm) offers a superior value in delivering bright, cool light for examination and minor surgical applications. The caster base unit provides easy portability. The wall mount version features a flexible 30-inch extension arm.

Sunnex Examination Lamps (http://www.sunnexmedical.com/medicalights/examination.htm) deliver bright, near daylight color rendition, perfect for examination and related medical applications in examination rooms, hospital rooms, and waiting areas. Models and configurations (mobile, table, wall or c-clamp) include:

• The Solo Spot (http://www.sunnexmedical.com/medicalights/solo-spot-examination-light.htm) delivers intense, focused lighting of up to 4000 footcandles, while its specially designed lamp head remains cool to the touch. Ideal for OB/GYN, dermatology, exam and minor surgical applications. May be attached to medical equipment, tables and chairs.
• The PF Series (http://www.sunnexmedical.com/medicalights/pf-series50.htm) features versatile halogen lights, while the HM Series (http://www.sunnexmedical.com/medicalights/hm-series35.htm) features a compact flexible design.

Sunnex’s RLM Magnifying Lamp/Examination Lights (http://www.sunnexmedical.com/medicalights/rlm-magnifying-lamp.htm) combine high-intensity illumination and magnification for detailed inspection applications. Features include an ergonomic-design, easy-to-grip handle, an adjustable glass, and distortion-free magnification of 5 diopters (2.25X).

Sunnex’s MRI Compatible Surgical Lights (http://www.sunnexmedical.com/medicalights/mri.htm) brings high-intensity illumination safely into the MRI suite. For installation in new suites, or to enhance the lighting in existing suites, Sunnex’s MRI-compatible lighting solutions include:

• The high performance Celestial Star™ MRI Surgical Light (http://www.sunnexmedical.com/medicalights/MRI-surgical.htm) features unlimited positioning and unsurpassed vertical and horizontal reach for optimal functionality around the bore. Its compact design minimizes work area obstruction and “no tool” service reduces risk.
• The PF Series MRI Exam Light (http://www.sunnexmedical.com/medicalights/MRI-mobile-exam.htm) provides convenient high-intensity lighting for minor medical procedures (IVs or biopsies) inside the MRI room, imaging centers, radiology departments, and CAT/PET Scan labs and clinics.

Sunnex Custom Lighting Solutions (http://www.sunnexmedical.com/medicalights/custom.htm) meet the needs of hospitals seeking to integrate lighting with medical equipment, anesthesia machines, examination tables, chairs, head walls, trolleys, and equipment.

For more information, visit Sunnex at HOSPITALAR 2008 in booth #37, or on the Web at www.sunnexmedical.com.

About Sunnex
For more than 30 years, Sunnex has provided the finest lighting products for the medical market. Designed for durability, high-performance, Sunnex lights are offered in a wide variety of configurations. Sales and service representatives are located in over 40 countries. American headquarters are in Natick, Massachusetts, USA. Sunnex is an ISO 9001:2000 registered company. Visit www.sunnexmedical.com or call +1-508-651-0009.

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Technorati tags: [Sunnex] [hospital] [medical center] [Swedish Medical Center] [anesthesia] [anesthesiologist] [medical light] [surgical light] [examination light] [task lighting] [task light] [task lights] [C.B.E.T.] [HOSPITALAR]

New Disposable Repositioning Sheet for Hospitals and Nursing Homes

Franklin, MA – May, 16, 2008 – Liko, a leading supplier of patient lifting equipment, has announced the launch of new disposable repositioning sheet. Repositioning patients in bed is often cited as one of the most potentially dangerous care tasks for caregivers and may account for between 45% to 60% of bedside patient handling injuries.

The new sheet, designated the Solo RepoSheet™, is designed for those patients and residents with specific needs such as isolation patients, where specific needs exist to control infection and cross-contamination, or where a method is needed consistent with current laundry control practices. Outbreaks of MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) and C.diff (Clostridium difficile) and new CMS regulations have greatly increased the demand for products that can help control nosocomial or institution-acquired infections.

The Solo RepoSheet is usually applied above the fitted sheet and below the draw sheet, but can be used in place of the draw sheet. Because the Solo RepoSheet rests under the patient ready to be used, the sheet is not composed of ordinary disposable paper-like material, but a fabric made of 100% light weave breathable cotton. The soft fabric was especially selected for the patient’s comfort. The Solo RepoSheet is a single patient use sheet which should be disposed of when it becomes soiled or when the patient no longer needs it.

As part of a Safe Lifting Initiative in Healthcare, the Solo RepoSheet is used in combination with a facility’s existing overhead (ceiling) or mobile floor lifts. In addition to eliminating rotational and compression forces associated with moving patients up in bed, the Solo RepoSheet can eliminate cumulative trauma associated with turning patients, holding them in side-lying, and rotating a patient from supine to prone.

In order to facilitate these patient handling actions, each Solo RepoSheet has five strap loops sewn securely to each side. One strap loop is color coded to indicate the head end of the sheet. The strap joints are sewn onto the sheet without pressure points for maximum comfort and skin safety. While laundering does not impact the sheet’s safety or physical properties, the original label disintegrates upon washing and exposes a “DO NOT USE” symbol to prohibit use with other patients.

For more information on the Solo RepoSheet™, write to Liko at 122 Grove Street, Franklin, MA 02038, e-mail at info@liko.com, call them at 1-888-545-6671, or visit them at www.liko.com.

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Public Relations contact: Tiziani Whitmyre Inc.

Technorati tags: Liko, Safe Lifting, patient safety, hospital, healthcare, nurse, caregiver, injury prevention, risk manager, safety officer, safety official risk management

Liko Introduces New LowBase™ Model of Its Popular Golvo Mobile Lift

--New unit is designed to meet the needs of emerging low-profile beds and stretchers --

Franklin, Mass., USA - March 5, 2008 – Many of the newer model beds and stretchers emerging onto the healthcare market utilize components such as frames and drive mechanisms that are within just a few inches of the floor. This means traditional mobile patient lifts can be difficult to use because their legs normally are too high to extend under these beds and stretchers. Liko’s newly introduced Golvo LowBase™ model circumvents this problem with a lower total leg height, including wheels, of only 2 1/3 inches.

Liko’s Golvo is unique among mobile lifts due to its flexible lift strap, vertical lifting motion, and parallel widening base legs. Originally introduced in 1986, Golvo represented a breakthrough in mobile lift design because its unique telescoping mast and lifting strap enabled patients to be lifted vertically, similar to an overhead ceiling mounted lifting system.

The new Golvo 7007 LowBase™ model is an ideal solution for applications such as lifting or transferring patients to or from low profile beds or stretchers. In addition to its low bed compatibility, the Golvo 7007 LowBase™ is ideal for lifts to/from the floor, horizontal lifts, and ambulation assistance for patients weighing up to 440 lbs.

About Liko North America
Liko North America is one of the world’s leading suppliers of patient lifts, including mobile, overhead rail, sit-to-stand, and bariatric lifts, as well as a selection of more than 250 slings and accessories. The company is also the exclusive sponsor of the pro bono “Safe Lifting Environment” campaign designed to help prevent caregiver injuries (visit http://www.safeliftingportal.com/ for more details). For more information on Liko’s complete line of patient lifts, contact Liko North America, 122 Grove Street, Franklin, MA 02038. Telephone (888) 545-6671 or (508) 553-3993; fax (508) 528-6642, or visit the Liko website at http://www.liko.com/.

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Public Relations contact: Tiziani Whitmyre Inc.

Technorati tags: Liko, Safe Lifting, patient safety, hospital, healthcare, nurse, caregiver, injury prevention, risk manager, safety officer, safety official risk management

New Online “Help Desk” Offers Safe Lifting Assistance to Healthcare Facilities

- Associated Forum Provides Resources for Healthcare Professionals, Industry -

Franklin, Mass. – December 4, 2007 – The Liko-sponsored Safe Lifting Portal today announced the launch of a safe lifting “Help Desk” for healthcare professionals worldwide.

In addition, an associated safe lifting forum, called “Safe Lifters,” will allow healthcare professionals to discuss their patient lifting challenges and successes with others, as well as support those who are getting started with a safe patient handling program.

Of the approximately 6,000 hospitals in the United States, fewer than 500 have instituted some type of safe lifting or caregiver injury prevention program. The new, community-based forum is designed to facilitate identification of problems and solutions for injury-prevention programs by connecting current and experienced professionals with those planning or implementing new programs.

The “Help Desk” and forum are the latest additions to the Safe Lifting Portal, a non-profit safe patient handling and injury prevention website sponsored exclusively by Liko. Other sections of the new “Help Desk” include a strategies and tips area, safe lifting starter-kit request page, and contact page for comments or questions directed to Liko and the Safe Lifting Portal.

“The addition of the forum to the Safe Lifting Portal marks a new era for the safe lifting community,” said Melissa Nowitz, Administrator of the Safe Lifting Portal. “Now healthcare professionals worldwide can learn from each other and move forward without waiting for individual state legislatures to enact laws.”

To contact the Help Desk, members or anyone with safe lifting questions, comments, or concerns can visit www.safeliftingportal.com/helpdesk or call 888-545-6671.

To access the new forum site, visit http://www.safeliftingportal.com/forum, or call 1-888-545-6671. Participation is free of charge.

About Liko
Liko is one of the world’s leading suppliers of patient lift and transfer solutions. The company’s products include mobile lifts, overhead ceiling mounted systems, and a variety of injury prevention solutions. For more information on Liko’s sponsorship of the Safe Lifting Portal, contact Liko North America, 122 Grove Street, Franklin, MA 02038; telephone (888) 545-6671 or (508) 553-3993; fax (508) 528-6642; or visit the Liko website at www.liko.com/na.

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Public Relations contact: Tiziani Whitmyre Inc., http://www.tizinc.com/

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Technorati tags: Liko, Safe Lifting, patient safety, hospital, healthcare, nurse, caregiver, injury prevention, risk manager, safety officer, safety official risk management

New, Free Safe Lifting Poster Available for Healthcare Facilities

Franklin, Mass. – November 8, 2007 - A new, free educational poster designed to caution healthcare professionals against the dangers of unsafe patient lifting is now available at: www.safeliftingportal.com/seven-deadly-sins.

Designed to maintain workplace visibility and awareness of caregiver injury prevention, the informative poster details crucial precautions that Liko North America has compiled while creating – and expanding – the Safe Lifting Portal (www.safeliftingportal.com).

The poster, titled “The Seven Deadly Sins of Unsafe Lifting,” depicts the common mistakes made during patient handling – and how to combat them.

“Safe patient lifting and handling has emerged as a leading issue for many healthcare professionals in recent years,” said Melissa Nowitz, administrator of the Safe Lifting Portal, “and we couldn’t be more happy to see that. However, there is still more that can be done to raise awareness and we are pleased to make this new poster available for use wherever patient handling takes place.”

Through the Safe Lifting Portal, healthcare professionals can also obtain other awareness materials, free of charge. Those include cafeteria tent cards, newsletter templates, and instructional materials to assist with the creation of injury prevention programs.

The Safe Lifting Portal is a Liko North America-sponsored online resource to educate and guide healthcare professionals and administrators on a host of safe patient lifting and handling topics, including: creation of a safe patient handling program, achieving caregiver buy-in, tracking legislative activities, and calculating projected savings.

To request a free copy of the “Seven Deadly Sins of Unsafe Lifting” poster, visit www.safeliftingportal.com/seven-deadly-sins or call 1-888-545-6671.

About Liko
Liko is one of the world’s leading suppliers of patient lift and transfer solutions. The company’s products include mobile lifts, overhead ceiling mounted systems, and a variety of injury prevention solutions. For more information on Liko’s sponsorship of the Safe Lifting Portal, contact Liko North America, 122 Grove Street, Franklin, MA 02038; telephone (888) 545-6671 or (508) 553-3993; fax (508) 528-6642; or visit the Liko website at www.liko.com.

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Public Relations contact: Tiziani Whitmyre Inc., www.tizinc.com

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Technorati tags: Liko, Safe Lifting, patient safety, hospital, healthcare, nurse, caregiver, injury prevention, risk manager, safety officer, safety official risk management

New Case Study Details How an Illinois Hospital Created a Safe Lifting Team that Dramatically Reduced Injuries, Increased Staff Satisfaction

Franklin, Mass. – September 12, 2007 – A new, free white paper details how OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois, has substantially reduced lift injuries while boosting staff satisfaction with the creation of a new lift team department that provides patient transfer and mobility assistance.

Available for free download at: www.safeliftingportal.com/st_francis, the paper is provided by the Safe Lifting Portal (http://www.safetliftingportal.com/), a pro-bono healthcare site designed to support safe lifting and caregiver injury prevention programs.

Titled, “Illinois Hospital Reduces Lift Injuries, Staff Satisfaction Soars with Lift Team Department and Liko Lifts,” the free case study describes how the new safe lifting department was originally created to curtail increasing lift injuries and growing worker’s compensation costs. It then evolved into a dedicated patient lift team department that provides 24/7 lifting assistance to the staff and patients in all areas.

Implementing the program at Saint Francis, a 616-bed, Level I, trauma facility, has reduced staff injuries associated with patient handling activities by 30%, slashed more than 1,200 restricted work days, and generated an estimated $400,000 in savings that has been re-invested back into St. Francis’s safe patient handling program and lift team department.

The case study details the design, development and implementation of the comprehensive program, including the tracking of injuries, rating and selection of lifting equipment, extensive training of staff to become “Lift Team Technicians,” education of patients and caregivers, and measurement of patient and staff satisfaction.

Download the free case study, “Illinois Hospital Reduces Lift Injuries, Staff Satisfaction Soars with Lift Team Department and Liko Lifts,” at: www.safeliftingportal.com/st_francis or call toll-free 1 888-545-6671.

The Safe Lifting Portal (http://www.safeliftingportal.com/) is sponsored by Liko North America, one of the world’s leading suppliers of patient lift and transfer solutions. Liko North America’s products include mobile lifts, overhead ceiling mounted systems, and a variety of injury prevention solutions. For more information, contact Liko North America, 122 Grove Street, Franklin, MA 02038; telephone (888) 545-6671 or (508) 553-3993; fax (508) 528-6642; or visit the website at www.liko.com/na.

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Public Relations contact: Tiziani Whitmyre Inc.

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Technorati tags: Liko, Safe Lifting, patient safety, hospital, healthcare, nurse, caregiver, injury prevention, risk manager, safety officer, safety official risk management