HONOLULU (July 8, 2014) -- Tripler Army Medical Center here has completed the installation of 41 patient lift systems into private and semi-private patient rooms to enhance staff and patient safety, while enhancing the quality of care provided to patients.
Brig. Gen. Dennis Doyle, commanding general of Tripler Army Medical Center, known as TAMC, and Pacific Regional Medical Command, known as PRMC, along with Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Luciano, senior enlisted advisor for TAMC and PRMC, and other hospital leaders attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the project June 26, at TAMC.
TAMC first began the implementation of safe patient handling and mobility programs May 22, after a Joint Incentive Fund proposal was accepted and funded in 2012 to install the comprehensive program.
"Enhancing patient safety and reduction of acute and chronic injury to staff and patients is the core to the Safe Patient Handling Program initiatives," explained 1st Lt. Ashton Kimbley, Safe Patient Handling program manager at TAMC.
Kimbley also says staff members are required to complete safety training prior to operating the lifts.
"We trained unit leaders and select staff for the Super User Course," Kimbley said. "These users will have a monumental impact on the effectiveness of staff training requirements."
Patients can expect to see the lifts at inpatient wards such as Antepartum Gynecology, Medical Oncology, Medical Telemetry, General Surgery, Ortho-Neuro-Vascular, as well as Pediatrics and Labor and Delivery. Sit-to-stand assist lifts and a mobile lifts similar to the wall-mounted lift systems will be provided to the Emergency Room, Progressive Care and Intensive Care Unit.
The second phase of the project includes installation of wall mounted lift systems into private, semi-private, and four-person patient rooms in these wards. Additionally, ambulation tracks will be installed into select hallways. Phase II paperwork has been initiated and has potential for completion in 2015.
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