Abstract: A patient sling is formed of plastics sheet or moulded plastics or textile material having a back support portion and a patient seat support portion. Two straps are coupled to respective side flanges of the back rest support, while two straps are coupled to respective side flanges the seat support portion and connect to the straps. The straps can be adjusted in length and also detached from the upper straps in order to adjust the configuration of the seat portion. The seat support portion includes a cut out for assisting a patient in effecting bodily functions and fold lines can also enable the seat support portion to be either partially folded or fully folded back in order to assist a patient in dressing and undressing, while continuing to be retained and supported by the back rest support portion.

Abstract: A moisture control coverlet (10) includes a fluid pathway for moisture removal fluid It is selectively configurable to use a first fluid pump (32), and/or an adaptor (34). The first fluid pump (32) can be mounted on the coverlet and coupled to the fluid pathway for pumping moisture removal fluid into or out of the fluid pathway. The adaptor (34) can be mounted on the coverlet and coupled to the fluid pathway and can be coupled to a second fluid pump (48) for pumping moisture removal fluid into or out of the fluid pathway.

Abstract: A connector for an inflatable garment that detects a valid connection with a pump.

Abstract: An apparatus for promoting vascular circulation, including a garment configured to at least partially surround an anatomical structure of a patient. A compression element is coupled to the garment and configured to compress at least a portion of the anatomical structure when the compression element is actuated. A controller is configured to selectively actuate the compression element over a plurality of cycles. Each cycle has an actuated time during which the compression element is arranged to exert a first pressure and an unactuated time during which the compression element is arranged to exert a second pressure different than the first pressure, and the controller is configured to use a random value in determining the deflated time of one or more of the cycles.

Abstract: A patient assist handle includes an outer frame member, an inner frame member positioned within the outer frame member, a support post connected to the outer frame member, the support post having a first end and an opposing second end, a rotation actuator provided on the first end of the support post, the rotation actuator allowing rotation of the patient assist handle about a first rotation axis, and a release mechanism provided on the second end of the support post, the release mechanism allowing rotation of the patient assist handle about a second rotation axis.

Abstract: An apparatus has a patient care apparatus, a sensor disposed at the patient care apparatus, and an indicator device mountable to the patient care apparatus. The indicator device has an input device that inputs a patient type to the indicator device and an indicator that outputs a status to a user. The indicator outputs the status to the user based on the patient type and a configuration of the patient care apparatus sensed by the sensor. The patient care apparatus is selected from the group consisting of: a bed, a patient lift or hoist, a patient trolley and a patient standing aid.

Abstract: A patient repositioning device includes an upper body support and a lower body support which are generally planar and laterally spaced from one another by a spacing element. A handle can rotate in the plane of the supports, enabling a care giver to rotate a patient form a sitting to a lying position and then to roll the patient onto their back. Another embodiment provides a patient cradle for cradling a patient from a reclining to a sitting position and vice versa.

Abstract: A shower stretcher assembly (10) includes a frame (22) which supports a platform (20) consisting of three mattress support panels (50-54), and a headboard (16) and foot board (18). The support panels (50-54) define a back rest section (30), a seat section (31) and a foot section (32). The seat section (31) is of flexible material to more closely conform to the shape of a person lying thereon. The stretcher assembly (10) is provided with side barriers (68) at each head and foot end, the side barriers (68) arranged to move between a raised vertical position, a raised position extending outwards from the frame, and a lowered position in which they lie alongside the frame so as to be below the level of the mattress of the stretcher. The side barriers present substantially vertical walls to accommodate a water-resistant mattress with side walls (28).

Abstract: A patient transfer sheet acts as a combined sling and bed cover and includes a substantially rectangular sheet portion of a size to fit over a standard bed mattress and to which are attached a plurality of straps for coupling to a hoist. The patient transfer sheet is preferably made of a single-layered material which is breathable, strong and soft. The patient transfer sheet can act as a sling for transportation/repositioning of a patient as well as a replacement bed covering to replace conventional bed linen. The patient can thus be transported onto a bed without needing to remove the patient from the sling.

Abstract: A patient support is provided with a membrane made of a stretchable material. The membrane may be fixed in one embodiment to lateral supports and used as a patient's knee or calf support. During use, the membrane can stretch on the application of force by a patient, which stretch will reduce discomfort and pain and can also assist in preventing slippage of the patient during movement. The flexible membrane may be used also in patient slings and other supports.

Abstract: A hoist apparatus for use with a hoist for lifting a load is described. The hoist apparatus includes an elongate load bearing member having a longitudinal axis and at least two support points spaced apart along the longitudinal axis. An intermediate support member includes a hoist connection element for connecting the intermediate support member to a hoist, and at least first and second support point connection elements each connecting the intermediate support member to a respective support point of the elongate load bearing member. The first support point connection element is spaced a first distance from the hoist connection element, and the second support point connection element is spaced a second distance from the hoist connection element. Adjustment means adjusts at least one of the first and second distances so as to adjust the orientation of the longitudinal axis of the elongate load bearing member relative to the horizontal.