Patient handling is one of the most physically demanding tasks in healthcare settings. Nurses, healthcare assistants, carers, and support workers regularly perform tasks involving lifting, transferring, and repositioning patients, which can lead to serious musculoskeletal injuries if performed incorrectly. In fact, manual handling accidents account for a significant percentage of workplace injuries in the healthcare sector.

Our Patient Handling course is specifically designed for healthcare professionals who are involved in the daily handling and moving of patients. This comprehensive one-day programme equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to carry out patient handling tasks safely, protecting both themselves and the patients in their care.

The course combines theoretical instruction with extensive practical hands-on training, ensuring participants understand the principles of safe patient handling and can apply them immediately in their workplace. All training is aligned with current Irish health and safety legislation and best practice guidelines.

Who Should Attend?

This course is specifically designed for anyone working in healthcare or care settings who is required to move or handle patients as part of their daily work. It is suitable for:

• Nurses – working in hospitals, nursing homes, or community settings

• Healthcare Assistants – supporting patients in residential or domiciliary care

• Carers and Support Workers – working with elderly or disabled individuals

• Nursing Home Staff – all staff involved in patient care

• Hospital Staff – those working in wards, theatres, or emergency departments

• Home Care Providers – those visiting patients in their own homes

• Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists – those involved in patient mobility

• Ambulance Personnel – those involved in patient transport and transfer

• Any staff involved in patient handling – regardless of setting

Prerequisites: No formal qualifications are required, but participants should be physically capable of performing practical patient handling tasks. Please inform us of any medical concerns, pregnancy, or recent postnatal status before attending.

Course Content

Our Patient Handling training covers all essential knowledge and practical skills required for safe patient handling in healthcare settings:

Legislation and Responsibilities

• Overview of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005

• Manual Handling Regulations 2007 and their application in healthcare

• Employer and employee responsibilities under Irish law

• Workplace safety statements and risk assessment requirements

Anatomy and Back Care

• Basic anatomy of the spine and musculoskeletal system

• How patient handling injuries occur

• Biomechanics of safe movement

• Good back care, posture, and fitness for healthcare workers

• Importance of core strength and flexibility

Risk Assessment in Patient Handling

• The TILE approach – Task, Individual, Load, Environment

• Assessing patient ability and mobility levels

• Identifying risks when working with patients

• Recognising when mechanical aids should be used

• Understanding loads or patient movements that are too heavy or awkward for safe handling

Principles of Safe Patient Handling

• Kinetic lifting principles applied to patient handling

• Maintaining a stable base and good posture

• Avoiding twisting and bending movements

• Communicating with the patient throughout the handling task

• Working as a team during assisted transfers

Use of Patient Handling Equipment

• Safe use of hoists – mobile and ceiling track hoists

• Sling selection, inspection, and safe application

• Slide sheets and transfer boards

• Turntables and transfer discs

• Handling belts and walking aids

• Importance of safety checks for all equipment prior to use

Practical Patient Handling Techniques
Participants will practice a range of patient handling techniques, including:

• Inanimate lifting – practicing principles with non-patient loads

• Basic lifting techniques – foundation skills for patient handling

• Handling patients in bed – turning, repositioning, and moving up in bed

• Assisting patients to sit forward – preparing for transfer

• Moving from bed to chair – safe transfer techniques

• Moving from chair to bed – reverse transfers

• Assisting with walking – supporting mobile patients safely

• Supporting a falling patient – techniques to protect both patient and staff

• Assisting a fallen patient safely – getting help and safe repositioning

Controversial Techniques

• Awareness of handling techniques that are no longer considered safe

• Moving away from outdated practices

• Evidence-based alternatives

Bariatric Patient Handling

• Awareness of bariatric patient needs

• Referral processes and specialist equipment

• Additional considerations for safe handling

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand relevant Irish health and safety legislation and their responsibilities under the law

• Identify risks associated with patient handling and assess when mechanical aids should be used

• Apply principles of good back care and posture to protect themselves from injury

• Demonstrate safe techniques for moving, handling, and transferring patients

• Select, inspect, and safely use patient handling equipment including hoists, slings, and slide sheets

• Communicate effectively with patients during handling tasks to ensure cooperation and safety

• Work safely as part of a team during assisted transfers

• Respond appropriately to falling or fallen patients

• Understand the importance of patient risk assessment and individual patient ability

• Recognise the limitations of their own capabilities and seek assistance when needed

Assessment and Certification

Participants are assessed through:

• Continuous observation – practical skills are assessed throughout the course by the trainer

• Practical assessment – observed demonstration of correct patient handling techniques

Successful candidates will receive a Safety Response Training Patient Handling certificate, valid for 2 years.

Regular refresher training is recommended to maintain best practice and stay updated with evolving techniques and equipment.

Course Duration and Delivery

• Duration: 1 day (full day)

• Delivery: Classroom-based with extensive practical, hands-on skills sessions

• Class size: Small groups to ensure individual attention and adequate practice time

• What to wear: Comfortable clothing and suitable footwear for practical exercises

What’s Included

Each participant will receive:

• Comprehensive Patient Handling handbook/manual

• Certificate of attendance valid for 2 years

• Practical experience with a range of patient handling equipment

Why Train with Safety Response Training?

• Healthcare-focused expertise – our instructors have real-world experience in healthcare and care settings

• Practical hands-on training – extensive practice time with hoists, slings, slide sheets, and other equipment

• Small class sizes – ensuring individual attention and plenty of practice opportunities

• Relevant scenarios – training tailored to real-world healthcare environments

• Compliance-focused – meeting all Irish legislative requirements for patient handling training

• Nationwide coverage – we can deliver training at your premises for group bookings

• Recognised certification – valid for 2 years and accepted across Irish healthcare settings

• Support after training – advice and guidance available following course completion