Mobility Partner As healthcare facilities around the UK begin ramping up in response to the COVID-19 crisis, demand for beds, pressure mattresses and patient mobility equipment as well as onsite service support is rising rapidly. A number of healthcare facilities are short staffed or need additional service engineers to help them during this critical phase. Arjo is in a position to support our customers, who find themselves needing to expand critical services at short notice.

Larger skin folds on the plus size person can become overheated because of the thick layers of subcutaneous fat, which increases the risk of friction and moisture.1 Retained moisture in skin folds encourages the growth of bacteria and fungi, which can lead to rashes and infection such as intertrigo. Moisture is one of several extrinsic factors that contribute to skin infection, with friction and shear being another two.2

"I have worked as a plus size demonstration model for medical equipment and education companies for almost twenty years. Over the years, I have had the chance to experience numerous methods of manual handling and being transferred and I have developed fairly definite views on my preferences.

"As a plus size person, I have faced multiple forms of prejudice and discrimination because of my weight. The prevalence of weight discrimination has increased over the years, and has parallels with discrimination based on race, religion and sexuality.

All patient groups, where clinically appropriate, will benefit from time spent in an upright position1 and this is especially true when caring for plus size people. Providing safe access to comfortable seating is an important aspect of care. Sitting upright can help improve clinical outcomes in a number of areas such as lung function and blood circulation.2 This also has positive benefits for combating immobility and provides an opportunity for social interaction, which enhances quality of life.3 Safe transfer solutions to and from the chair are available for individual patient needs, making access a simple procedure.

Every minute of every day, an average of 40 people arrive at Accident and Emergency departments in England.1  A&E attendances each year are increasing – 7% over the last five years2  and the complexity of the problems they have may be rising.

Due to fluid retention and poor circulation, plus size patients can have increased skin fragility, making them vulnerable to infection, pressure ulcers and skin tears.1 To mitigate this risk, the use of appropriate therapeutic support surfaces and microclimate management solutions are recommended in guidelines from expert bodies such as the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP).2

Good bariatric care1 requires not only special handling equipment with appropriate weight ratings, but also solutions that take into account the associated care required for patients of different body shapes.2

Fact: 13% of the world’s adult population is obese.1 Whilst a hospital stay can be an unnerving experience for all of us, it may be more so for a plus sized person. When faced with a new environment, there is constant uncertainty around even the simple things we all take for granted, such as bathing, toileting and getting in and out of bed. The negative impact on the patient’s wellbeing should not be underestimated. Sufficient space and adequate weight capacity is always in the mind of a larger patient, which can lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety in any situation.2

According to the World Health Organisation, the figures for obesity within the world's adult population have almost doubled since 1980, with 600 million people recorded as obese in 2014.¹ As the number of overweight people continues to rise, so does the pressure on hospitals and healthcare workers to address the issue, both practically and psychologically.