Anyone involved in the healthcare sector with obese people on a day to day basis is aware of the growing cost- not just in stronger equipment, but the additional people- and therefore time- cost in moving and handling.

There is a means to reduce the strain and achieve positive outcomes on every level: AAT’s powered bariatric mobility stairclimber.

The equipment- developed in conjunction with the ambulance services- is already used by various public and private sector organisations across the country. It enables just one team of two- irrespective of build and strength- to easily move a person weighing up to 230kg/ 36st up and down stairs, into an ambulance, hospital or back home.

The German-engineered, Class 1 medical and crash test certified device looks like a compact wheelchair with an integrated  harness. A battery powered motor pack behind smoothly and safely drives the unit delivering 300 steps from a single charge.  Lightweight with a high balance point, the machine is easy to operate and manoeuvre. Finitely adjustable controls enable the operator to set the stairclimber to whatever speed/rate of action is comfortable to transfer the patient to where required. When not in use, it folds neatly away optimising storage space.

“Spending by NHS Trusts on bariatric provisions runs into £millions/annum. The figures available only relate to equipment and services. What about the hidden cost? The extra crews and staff  required to move a bariatric patient? The delays because more than one team is needed to move the patient?” observes Peter Wingrave, AAT Director. “In that alone, the manpower cost could be cut by at least 50% just by providing our piece of kit.

“But it’s not just about money. It’s about safety for everyone involved. It’s about single-handed care. It’s about that most basic human right- dignity for the patient. Taken together, that’s best value.”

  You can find out more about AAT’s bariatric stairclimber here: https://www.aatgb.com/cr230/, or by calling 01978 82 18 75.