The Transfer Coach Team is responsible for managing the Sling Program. The TC’s are also the ones who educate the rest of the staff on the program and make sure proper sling procedures are being followed.

All slings at Haro Park are audited by the Transfer Coaches for type, integrity and size. New slings are purchased based on the needs found from the audits. As part of the program, all slings were re-categorized with a number, instead of a label with a resident’s name, room or unit. A central room was also set up to house all slings that are not in use.

An electronic database was created for the program, noting all styles, serial numbers, the new sling category number and condition. A Sling Process was then developed to ensure clean slings are always available from the sling room and are housed there until needed.

Audits are done monthly by the TC’s to assess correct sling use for the resident, sling integrity, equipment integrity and to ensure correct slings are available for portable lifts so that residents’ slings are not used. Staff satisfaction surveys are also conducted by the TC’s and the results are presented at Quality Meetings. Changes in the process were made based on this feedback.

The Sling Program has increased the confidence of the TC’s, giving them further experience in mentoring their colleagues through their role as educators. After two months of auditing, the rate of correct sling in resident rooms has increased by 29 per cent.

If you would like to learn more about the Transfer Coach program, the Sling Program or any other health and safety programs in place at Haro Park, send an email to Ilse Patterson, Manager of Assisted Living and Education at Haro Park.