Diligent has been a great partner with us in implementing our Safe Patient Handling Program.  Their expert guidance in our product selection and program development was invaluable.  Implementing a Safe Patient Handling Program throughout a healthcare system includes a major change in culture, or the "usual" way of doing things.  To stop and think about moving a patient in a particular manner during routine care is different, and a change from the way most were taught. Considering the use of select equipment in moving or lifting patients is a mindset change - and our Diligent consultants constantly provide assistance and ongoing support in changing these views. Monthly rounds with Diligent consultants provide insight and 'on the spot training' for staff and program leaders.  We have realized a great reduction in staff injuries since implementation of our Safe Patient Handling Program.

Marsena Pardee, RN, MHA

Clinical Nurse Specialist

Safe Patient Handling Coordinator

Moses Cone Health System

Greensboro, NC

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Diligent’s attention to our needs and readiness to help us resolve issues are more reasons why I'm so glad we chose Diligent Services.  Implementing a comprehensive Safe Patient Handling/Minimal Lift Program is challenging, and I can't imagine trying to do this without the support of people so dedicated to helping us succeed.

Mary V. Hinton, PT

Lift Program Manager

Franklin Square Hospital Center

Baltimore, MD

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Our facility initiated the Diligent Ergonomic Program training in July of 2007 and went live with equipment use October 2007. Since the education and implementation of the program our facility has seen a significant (30 %) reduction in employee strain injuries associated with patient care during the range of the first and fourth quarters of 2007.

Immediately upon use of the equipment staff were able to prevent injuries by using the equipment to lift a 440 pound patient from the floor to a chair.

Our transport team uses the Blue tubes and Maxislides religiously. On a recent occasion  an employee  fainted and several staff members were about to lift the traditional way when a transporter stopped them and  equipment was used to lift the individual onto a stretcher from the floor.

Our rehabilitation services employees are major utilizes of the equipment. They have noted that with the  use of the Sara Plus and/or Stedy for those first times of ambulation post operatively, patients are more at ease. We have  had family members of patients inquiring as to how they can obtain Maxi Slides, and the Stedy for use at home with love ones who are required dependent care. Even one of our local funeral director inquired about obtaining Maxi Slides after he saw the ease in which the nurses transferred a  350 pound deceased patient onto a gurney.

Not only has safe patient handling become a new way of thinking for our employees but for our community partners as well.

We realize that awareness and education has been a defining factor in the change and although we still have a ways to go, the culture and mindset of our employees is changing. We recognize the collaborative relationship that we have undertaken with Diligent is one that has been beneficial in providing a safer workplace for our caregivers and patients.

Best regards,

Letitia Pringle - Miller

Administrative Director

Tuomey Healthcare System

129 N Washington Street

Sumter, South Carolina 29150

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We implemented the Diligent Safe Patient Handling program in September and in the 5 months since we have had no staff injuries when following the safe patient handling policy. The approximate number of staff injuries prevented is 5 as compared to the same period last year. Our Workers Compensation program is self funded and the cost of those same 5 injuries last year was approximately $51,000. In addition the Diligent staff have been invested professionals and truly have been partners in our efforts. Please feel free to contact me for any additional information.

Steve Thornton, CHSP

Safety and Emergency Preparedness Manager

Satilla Regional Medical Center

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The Diligent partnership at Methodist North has worked very well.  The equipment allows us an opportunity to deliver a safe and comfortable transfer for our Patients. We have had some negative feed back from some of the Associates, I think because some just don't like change? And how we handle cases like that is we will have one on one training sessions with that person. Ask the Consultant when she is in town to work with that floor or unit for more inservice, ETC. Frequent discussion about the need for change with the Managers of the Units. Expectations of our Staff in using the equipment and 100% compliance in training of all Associates. I think having the Consultant come in once a month to talk with the staff assist in training and continue education has made a huge difference.

When the consultant comes in she invole the Staff in solving the problem. We provide positive reinforcement and assure the Associates the equipment is here to protect the Patients  and the Associates. All and all i would say the program is working well. We do still have some area i think could use the equipment more than they are. But i continue to work with them on the importance of having the equipment available and how blessed we are to be working for a organization that cares so much about the safety of the Patients and Associates.

Thanks

Antoinette Shaw

Unit Manager - Nursing Administration

Critical Care Services and Logistics Department

Methodist Healthcare North Hospital

3960 Covington Pike

Memphis, TN. 38128