INTRODUCTION: Sliding patient from one surface to other (bed to trolley), is a common patient handling manoeuvre undertaken by nurses. Lifting patients from one surface to other poses an extremely high risk to patient having a fall. More so the twisting and bending motion adopted by the staff to carryout the transfer, can result in musculoskeletal/back injuries to staff. WILSON’S MED PATIENT SLIDING BOARD

Patient sliding board: Sliding board is an ideal moving aid, especially when a patient is unconscious, needs full length support during the transfer, or when the heights of the two transfer surfaces are not the same, or when there is a small gap between the two surfaces. Wilson's med sliding board comprises of a foldable semi-rigid polypropylene board wrapped around with a sliding Sheet/sleeve. It works by bridging the gap between two surfaces and the sliding sheet/sleeve works like a tank's track to slide the patient across. Handles on longitudinal ends, and folding design makes for easy transport and storage.

PROCEDURE: To insert sliding board under a patient, roll the patient to one side with one carer on either side of the bed and trolley. To roll the patient bend the knee on the opposite side of the patient, from the way the patient is to be rolled. When rolling to the left raise the right knee. ‘Patient sliding board is placed under the patient and the patient is then rolled back on the board. The carer nearest to the patient places one foot in front of the other. The second carer waits at the other side to receive the patient in the same stance. The first carer pushes the patient across to the other surface over the patient sliding board. Whilst pushing manoeuvre the first carer transfers his weight from the back foot to front foot. The second carer transfers her weight from front foot to back foot whilst receiving the patient.

Once the patient is safely on the bed/trolley the previous transfer surface is Removed to create space for the first carer. Patient is rolled opposite of the first roll and patient sliding board is removed.