New standing and transfer aid aims to improve users’ strength and standing abilities

After making its debut at the OT Show in November 2018 and receiving positive feedback from healthcare professionals, Joerns Healthcare has officially launched its Oxford Switch standing and transfer aid.

Designed to help a person with reduced mobility stand from a seated position and facilitate their transfer to another surface, the Switch actively encourages the user to participate in the standing process, engaging core muscle groups while improving strength and function.

As a secondary function, the Switch can also be utilised to help re-position a patient who has slouched or slipped forward in a chair.

With a safe working load of 180kg, the Switch maintains a very compact footprint and can be wheeled and stored with ease. Four swivel castors, alongside two independently braked, central wheels, ensure the user’s weight is distributed more widely and evenly, resulting in improved stability and control.

For added convenience, the Switch can separate into two components for hassle-free transportation, for example in the boot of a car.

Joerns emphasises that injury and fall prevention are key considerations with the design of the Oxford Switch.

A choice of hand hold points for the user and a carefully selected frame angle ensure optimum user positioning. The height and angle adjustable knee pads, coupled with optional padded covers, ensure high levels of comfort and support.

An easily accessible foot bar allows the carer to provide counter-balance support during standing and also doubles as a carry handle for ease of transportation. Joerns adds that a carefully sized recess in the base provides excellent access around toilets.

As a complementary accessory, the Oxford Patient handling Belt is available separately. Designed for use with the Switch, it is offered in a choice of sizes and provides added reassurance and support when standing and during transfer. It also provides a means for care staff to assist the user in rising from a seated position.

Joerns Healthcare is a manufacturer and national service provider of patient handling products to the healthcare sector. It aims to deliver patient handling solutions that prevent caregiver and patient injuries, minimise falls, reduce the severity of pressure injuries, and increase patients’ mobility.