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Pelican-Announce - June 2002More about the IRC Ruling… IRC Ruling - New Report Was Wrong… In our May edition we wrote about the IRC ruling that was reported in the Australian Aged Care Housing Weekly News dated May 3rd 2002. This article stated that the workplace safety legislation takes precedence over other legislation including the Mental Health Act. The article went on to say that Aged Care Queensland was advising that residents who suffer from dementia or other conditions who may be a risk to staff are properly restrained. Aged Care Queensland has contacted us to tell us that they did not say that patients should be restrained. Below we have reproduced the article from NewsFax dated May 1st 2002 from Aged Care Queensland. "All Members - Workplace Health & Safety. In NSW, the Industrial Relations Commission has ruled that workplace safety legislation take precedence over other legislation (in this case the Mental Health Act) if the Act conflicts in a situation where employees are in danger. An Area Health Service was fined $180,000 after a psychiatric patient assaulted four nurses. Justice Schmidt said that no matter how dedicated to patient care a nurse or other employee might be, it was inconsistent with the requirements of the Occupational Health & Safety Act 1983 that the employer permit them to be the subject of physical assault by patients who were not restrained. The case raises serious questions about the validity of Sections of the Aged Care Act - particularly those about security of tenure - for residents who are a risk to staff. The case suggests (and the Queensland Act has a similar absolute responsibility) that Workplace Health & Safety issues take precedence over the Aged Care Act and ACQ recommends that members take this view of any risk of physical harm to staff." *************************** As we said in our article last month we feel that restraining should only be used as a last resort. We also said to contact us if you need any help with this challenging aspect of nursing as we have some Non-Restraint products that may help instead of a full restraint. Product Up-Dates … Sling Leg Shearing Sleeve (Item 564) … The Sling Leg Shearing Sleeve was designed to prevent shearing under the thighs that can occur when the sling begins to adjust itself while lifting patients. The product is a foam padded velour sleeve that goes over the leg of the sling. The sling material can then move inside the sleeve, without harming the patient. This product costs $40.00 a pair. Bed Side Wedges (Item 469)… There has been a modification to the Bed Side Wedges in the past week to eliminate the need for an unnecessary manual handling task. Rather than having to put the two straps of each set under the mattress we have added a plastic rod to them, which easily slides under the mattress, so you do not have to lift up the mattress. The idea for this came from the Slide and Turn Sheet (Item 509). Manual Handling Tip… It is sometimes very difficult to place the leg section of the sling underneath the patient's thighs. If a small box, about the size of a shoebox, is placed under the patient's foot, it would then lift the thigh higher to make it easier to place the sling underneath them. Pelican Port Competition… May's Pelican Port competition winner is Nona Oliver from the Department of Veteran's Affairs in WA. Nona your bottle will be sent out shortly. To enter this month's draw please reply to this email and write "Pelican Port Competition - June" as the subject heading. Just quickly…
For a laugh… A relative who was visiting Little Johnny asked how he liked living in their new house. "It's great Aunt Mavis, I have a my own room, Jess has her own room and even baby Michael has his own room." "The only bad thing is that poor mum still has to share her room with Dad." *********************** Well, that's about all for this month's edition of Pelican - Announce. Remember, if you know anyone who you think might like to be added to the Pelican - Announce list and receive this newsletter, ask them to contact us and I can add their name. Keep in mind that we can now email instruction sheets in pdf format, so let us know if you need any more information on any products. If you ever need any help, advice, or have any comments to make, you can always FreeCall us on 1800 641 577, FreeFax us on 1800 641 477, or email We would be happy to hear to from you. Regards, Ben Roberts 'Pelican's Nest'
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