18 Jun Healthcare facilities and door safety: implementing finger guards for patient protection
With more than 30,000 children aged 15 or under visiting A&E with finger or thumb injuries annually in the UK, and over 1,500 of these needing surgery, according to this research, it is safe to say that healthcare facilities play a vital role in resolving the issues and emergencies that arise following entrapment. Even here, where patients receive vital treatment, there are safety incidents, medical errors and risks.
With this in mind, it is every healthcare provider’s duty to ensure health and safety is upheld to the highest standard throughout the setting and patients are protected in the process. Patient protection, experience and quality of care all go hand-in-hand with health and safety, and door safety is an integral part of the puzzle. This goes far beyond the provision, placement and maintenance of fire doors however.
Read on to discover why implementing finger guards for patient protection should also be a priority.
Safety for all – including society’s most vulnerable
From doctors’ surgeries and hospitals to care and nursing homes, healthcare facilities are used to treat and care for our most vulnerable. Children, elderly individuals and those with limited mobility all need our help, and are especially susceptible to injury.
Hospitals and other healthcare settings see a wide range of visitors beyond this of course, including family members, staff and other personnel. By installing finger protection guards throughout your healthcare facility, you can prevent painful accidents for all, including the vulnerable groups we mentioned earlier, and put patient safety first at every turn.
As well as protecting patients, it’ll work wonders for staff efficiency too. When patients avoid injuries, healthcare staff get to spend less time managing preventable accidents and more time doing what they do best – providing quality care to your patients.
An end to unnecessary discomfort and trauma
Hospitals and clinics can already be stressful environments. Preventing door-related injuries helps to reduce additional discomfort for patients. The effects of finger entrapment can after all be particularly traumatic, especially if surgery (such as amputation) is required. Here the National Library of Medicine (NLM) explains the unexpected consequences of finger and hand surgery for the patient, their families and the bigger picture:
“A finger amputation can have dire psychological and physical repercussions for the patient, not to mention the economic burden it places upon society. Studies have shown that the majority of the costs related to hand injuries are not incurred by the treatment but by the indirect costs, like cost of time off work, lost earnings, transportation to medical appointments, and greater dependence on family. Yet, these injuries are often preventable.”
With additions like finger protectors fitted to internal doors, a calmer, more positive and injury-free experience is possible during visits or stays.
Infection risk reduced for patients, staff and visitors
Reducing the risk of healthcare associated infections is a top priority for all settings, and incredibly our finger guards can help with that too!
In addition to preventing the injuries that can lead to open wounds, our specially developed Fingersafe® Anti-bacterial MK2 range is here to provide trusted protection where you need it most. We understand that hygiene is paramount in healthcare environments, that’s why our Anti-bacterial MK2 finger guards come with the added advantage of full antibacterial protection.
They’ve been proven to provide a 99.9% kill rate of bacteria, and deliver antibacterial protection that doesn’t wash or wear off over time. With the Fingersafe® Anti-bacterial MK2 range, you and your patients are protected for a lifetime with an ultra-hygienic, low maintenance finger protection alternative.
Our antibacterial finger guards are the latest in a long line of hinge protectors. Find out more about the evolution of our finger protection products for further information.
A commitment to patient care
Show your patients and all who use your healthcare facility that you take their safety seriously by investing in devices like finger protection guards. They put patient protection and wellbeing first, boosting trust and satisfaction among patients and their families.
With Fingersafe, it’s never been so easy to reinforce a culture of safety and care within your healthcare setting. Get started today by finding your Fingersafe product.
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