V. Guldmann A/S

Fitting a ceiling hoist in an operating theatre makes it easier for staff to do their job and improves patient safety. However, the presence of much other ceiling-mounted equipment is one reason why so few operating theatres in Denmark have ceiling-mounted hoists. The Regional Hospital in Horsens has installed ceiling-mounted hoists in all the operating theatres in its new surgical department.

At nursing homes, installing ceiling hoists as part of the basic structure improves the working environment, ensures safer patient transfers, and makes facilities accessible to all residents. Ceiling hoists are a great care tool for both staff and residents at nursing homes. Traditionally, they are installed only in bedrooms and bathrooms. But at the Marienlund Nursing Home in Silkeborg Municipality, in Central Denmark Region, they have been more widely integrated into a new nursing-home design. All individual apartments, group areas, and specialist facilities have been fitted with room-covering ceiling hoists as part of the basic structure. Walls and hoists can be moved and adapted to the needs of residents and caregivers at all times. “Having ceiling lifts installed just about everywhere gives us a much more efficient way of working and a good working environment, with tremendous benefits in terms of ergonomics, health, and safety. It allows residents to be assisted in personal tasks and needs as quickly and as gently as possible.” – Jette Laumann, Head of Section for the Nursing Homes in Silkeborg Municipality. Common rooms such as the TV room, the sensory room, the spa, and the ‘man cave’, are equipped with hoists, allowing them to be used by all residents – including wheelchair users. In the residents’ own apartments, the rail system has been integrated discreetly. The structure does not take up much space and thus prevents any undesirable “hospital feel" in private residential spaces.