Standard procedures
Loaning Leuchie Power Chairs
Purpose:
- To ensure that guests are able to mobilise independently and safely where possible and appropriate with the best possible postural support.
Leuchie House maintains a small stock of electronic power chairs (‘EPC’s or ‘power chair’s). These are available for use by guests who have been unable to bring their own power chair or for those that have brought chairs deemed to be unsuitable by the Nursing or Therapy teams.
Leuchie House insurance requires that, in order to be allowed to use and control a Leuchie power chair, guests must be assessed and found to be safe in control of the chair. If guests are unsafe, they must either revert to their own chair, use a Leuchie manual wheelchair or borrow the power chair under either a yellow or red flag restriction.
If we have a request in advance to borrow a power chair
- Check PCS, use information from Triage meeting, check with Nursing admin/bookings etc to determine size, dominant hand and cushion required. If necessary call guest/carer to determine.
- Decide which of Leuchie’s EPCs is appropriate, if any, and ensure that EPC is available for the correct week. Make a diary note to ensure that EPC is fully charged and adjusted where necessary, ready for the date of arrival.
When providing a power chair to a guest
- Ensure the EPC (and any cushions, supports etc) is charged and cleaned with wipes.
- Ensure chair is suitable for guest’s comfort and adjust footplates, side supports etc as necessary.
- Conduct EPC Assessment in full before allowing guest to use EPC https://lhnb.sharepoint.com/sites/CompanyData/Documents/Physio/Non-guest%20related/Forms/EPC%20Assessment%20141221%20DRAFT.docx.
- If guest fails EPC Assessment, make alternative arrangements and ensure guest understands them. For example, use of EPC on manual setting (red flag), supervised use only (yellow flag), use on lowest speed only, supervision in Dining Room, use of own MWC). If appropriate, arrange for second test on following day (e.g. if fatigue suspected).
- Ensure guest signs the EPC Assessment form (or verbal consent is noted on the form if unable to sign).
- Fill out the Therapy Equipment Loan Sheet, remembering to include any non-integral cushions and supports provided https://lhnb.sharepoint.com/sites/CompanyData/Documents/Physio/Non-guest%20related/Equipment/Therapy%20Equipment%20Loan%20Sheet.docx
- Document what you have done in SOAP format on PCS.
- Email nursing staff with results of test and any alternative arrangements
- Make a diary note to email nursing staff and reception immediately prior to guest’s departure date to ensure guest does not take any Leuchie equipment home.
- Scan EPC Assessment form in and save it to guest’s notes on PCS.