Leading Falls Management Expert Launches Safeguarding Initiative for Local Community

Leading Falls Management Experts, Winncare, has launched a community safeguarding initiative in Presteigne, Powys.  The objective is to improve the outcome of elderly fallers in the local area by decreasing ambulance wait times, reducing the occurrence of long lies (the time a faller lays on the floor waiting for help to get up) and minimising potential injuries to the care giver.

To achieve this, Winncare are donating two Mangar Lifting Cushion Community Boxes which will be placed in community areas where falls commonly occur, such as high streets, leisure venues and community centres.

The Community Boxes will be positioned on the East Radnorshire Day Centre and the Winncare manufacturing facility situated in Presteigne. The Community Chests will contain the Mangar Eagle Lifting Cushion, the Airflo 24 Compressor, quick start instructions and access the post fall assessment tool, ISTUMBLE®.

Working in collaboration with community groups, volunteers will be trained to use the lifting equipment and assess a faller using ISTUMBLE® to ensure people who fall are lifted quickly and safely.

At the heart of this project is the requirement to safeguard the local community. Falls are a common and serious concern for older people and their care givers. The outcomes for the elderly and vulnerable waiting for the ambulance service to support can be critical. When someone is on the floor for an hour or more it is categorised as a ‘long lie’ and current ambulance wait times are currently averaging around 4 hours, but often longer.

Simon Claridge, CEO, Winncare, said, “This initiative is very personal to us. We’re honoured to be providing a falls solution to the local community of Presteigne , where we’ve been manufacturing for more than 40 years.  Our aim is to promote best practice in falls management, while reducing the impact on an already very busy NHS.”

The Mangar Eagle Lifting Cushion can be used to lift someone from the floor wherever they fall, wherever it’s outside or indoors in a tight space. It can lift a faller weighing up to 35 stone (220kg).

If you’re interested in finding out more information or would like to discuss a similar project in your local area, please contact Daniel.colclough@winncare.uk.