The Safe Lifting and Movement (SLAM) Committee of University of Maryland Shore Regional Health surprised the 4th floor Telemetry Unit at UM Shore Medical Center at Easton on Tuesday, February 23, with a visit to celebrate the unit’s staff on their outstanding success in reducing injuries incurred while moving or lifting patients. According to SLAM co-chair Mandy Bounds, MS, RN, CCRN-CMS, Easton Telemetry was the first unit to be recognized in what will be a series of quarterly celebrations for achievement in avoiding staff injuries related to moving or lifting patients.
“The Telemetry Unit at Easton has made huge strides in making sure that staff are properly trained in safe moving and lifting techniques and use of equipment,” notes Bounds. “Thanks to their efforts, more than a year has passed since a staff injury has occurred on the unit.”
Bounds also reported that across UM Shore Regional Health hospitals and outpatient facilities, the rate of staff injuries incurred while moving or lifting patients has decreased significantly in the past two years. SLAM has accomplished this by identifying barriers to the use of safe lifting equipment and updating staff in the proper strategies for use.
“We also have completed an inventory of all the equipment currently in use and also conducted an organization-wide needs assessment that will help us plan for the future,” explains Bounds. “We are cultivating a culture of safe lifting and will be kicking off a nursing clinical subgroup that will implement clinical practice guidelines.”
In addition to Blem and Bounds (co-chair), SLAM Committee members are: Gina Anciano, Nancy Bedell, Gary Bigelow, Susan Coe, Chris DiFatta, Pamela Pardun, Steve Pittman and Amy Stafford.
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