Patient Hoists & Slings | Mobile, Standing & Ceiling Hoists for Safe Transfers

Welcome to our critical category of Patient Hoists and Lifting Slings. These essential mechanical aids are fundamental to safe manual handling procedures, protecting both the patient and the caregiver from injury during transfers. Our range includes versatile mobile hoists (often referred to as Hoyer lifts), supportive standing and transfer aids, and a comprehensive selection of compatible lifting slings. By investing in high-quality, certified equipment, you ensure compliance with lifting regulations and promote the safety, comfort, and dignity of the user during every transfer from bed, chair, or floor.

Types of Patient Hoists and Their Applications

Choosing the right hoist depends on the user's mobility level and the environment:

• Mobile Hoists (Passive Lifts): These electric or hydraulic hoists are portable and designed for non-weight-bearing transfers, such as lifting a patient from a chair to a bed, or a floor recovery after a fall. They require the use of a full-body sling.

• Standing Hoists (Active Lifts/Stand Aids): These aids require the user to have some degree of weight-bearing capability and core strength. They facilitate a semi-standing transfer, often used for toileting, making them key to encouraging active rehabilitation and maintaining muscle tone.

• Ceiling Track Hoists (Fixed Lifts): While often installed professionally, we provide compatible slings for these systems. These fixed systems save floor space and allow for smooth, multi-room transfers across a permanently installed track.

Lifting Slings: Materials, Styles, and Compatibility

The sling is the most critical interface between the patient and the hoist, and correct selection is vital for safety and comfort:

• Sling Styles by Use:

  • Full Body Slings (General Purpose): Offer maximum support and are suitable for most transfers, including lifting from the floor.

  • Toileting Slings (Hygiene Slings): Designed with an opening for toileting access, providing high back support while leaving the lower body open.

  • Bathing and Mesh Slings: Made from quick-drying, breathable mesh material, ideal for use in wet environments like bathing or hydrotherapy.

• Compatibility (Loop vs. Clip): Slings are designed with either loop fittings (most common, simple to use) or clip fittings (often used for specific hoist brands). Always verify that the sling's fittings are compatible with the hoist's spreader bar before use.

• Material and Safety: Slings must be durable, comfortable, and regularly inspected. They come with a clearly marked Safe Working Load (SWL) rating that must never be exceeded.