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.

13% of the world’s adult population are obese1 and the repercussions of managing this pandemic are substantial and intensifying.2 The complex and challenging needs of the plus size patient are well documented, but let’s consider how this impacts the caregiver. Are they able to provide effective bariatric care as well as protect themselves from injury?

For some time now, the EBME team at Stepping Hill Hospital (SHH) have had difficulty finding equipment when it was due for servicing. Staff have spent considerable amounts of time searching for equipment that would have been better spent on patient care, which led to the search for a solution to this common problem.

The average bed occupancy rate this winter remained very high, at 93.5%.1 NHS Improvement has said that at bed occupancy levels over 92%, emergency care standards will deteriorate, while the NAO put the suggested maximum safe bed occupancy levels at 85%.2 However, the worst day of the winter saw 95.7% of beds across England occupied (6th February 2019).1

Health and social care environments that are not fit for purpose can increase the risk of musculoskeletal injury to the caregiver and the individual person.1 A multidisciplinary approach to risk management requires consideration of access, ingress and egress, circulation space, floor structure and loading.2

An effective and efficient care environment needs to facilitate patient and resident mobility. This means that the space and layout should allow for the ergonomic use of mobility aids and equipment which enables patients and residents to participate in daily activities and personal care routines.

Functional mobility levels as detailed in the Mobility Gallery™1 provide a good basis for evaluating a person’s clinical needs. For optimum care, all relevant variables must be taken into consideration, including the person’s body shape (somatotypes) and weight distribution.

The most common challenge facing healthcare organisations today is funding, causing many healthcare facilities to service and maintain equipment well beyond it’s recommended life. Often equipment becomes uneconomical to repair, or due to a change in use of a facility the equipment no longer meets the needs of the patients being supported.

When designing a care environment, people – residents, patients and caregivers – should be at the centre of the entire process in order to achieve an efficient environment that stands the test of time.