Patient handling is a vital part of healthcare, aged care, and disability support services in Australia. From moving patients in beds and wheelchairs to assisting with transfers and mobility, safe patient handling directly impacts the health and well-being of both patients and carers.
In Australia, where aged care and hospital admissions are steadily increasing, effective patient handling solutions are more important than ever. With the right equipment and techniques, facilities can reduce injury risks, enhance patient comfort, and improve the overall quality of care.
What Is Patient Handling?
Patient handling refers to the tasks involved in supporting or moving patients who have limited mobility. This includes:
- Lifting, repositioning, or turning patients in bed
- Assisting with transfers between beds, chairs, toilets, or vehicles
- Supporting ambulation or mobility exercises
- Bathing or hygiene-related support
- Handling bariatric (overweight) patients safely
It is commonly carried out in hospitals, aged care homes, rehabilitation centres, and home care environments.
Why Patient Handling Matters in Australia
Australia’s healthcare and aged care sectors face increasing pressure due to an ageing population and rising demand for support services. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), over 16% of Australians are aged 65 or older—and this number continues to grow.
As mobility limitations become more common, patient handling becomes a daily necessity. However, manual handling also remains one of the leading causes of injury among healthcare workers. This makes proper equipment, training, and workplace design essential to both patient safety and staff wellbeing.
Risks of Improper Patient Handling
If patient handling is performed incorrectly or without the proper equipment, it can lead to serious consequences, such as:
- For patients: Discomfort, bruising, falls, or emotional distress.
- For staff: Back injuries, muscle strain, and long-term musculoskeletal disorders.
According to Safe Work Australia, healthcare and social assistance is one of the highest-risk sectors for workplace injury—many of which are related to lifting or moving patients.
Key Patient Handling Equipment in Australia
Modern patient handling solutions reduce reliance on manual lifting and offer a safer experience for everyone involved. Some of the most widely used equipment in Australian facilities includes:
1. Patient Lifters / Hoists
Mobile or ceiling-mounted hoists assist with lifting patients from beds, chairs, or bathrooms. These devices are vital for non-weight-bearing patients and bariatric care.
2. Slide Sheets & Transfer Boards
These low-friction sheets and boards help reposition patients in bed or move them between surfaces without causing strain to carers.
3. Standing Aids & Transfer Aids
Used for patients who can partially support their weight, standing aids allow safe transitions and promote independence.
4. Wheelchairs & Shower Commodes
Multi-purpose wheelchairs or shower commodes support mobility, toileting, and hygiene with comfort and stability.
5. Bed Mobility Equipment
Adjustable beds, bed poles, and turning devices are essential for in-bed repositioning and care delivery.
Training and Safety Standards in Australia
Using equipment is only one part of the puzzle. Healthcare providers must ensure that staff are properly trained in manual handling procedures in line with Australian WHS (Work Health and Safety) standards.
Training typically covers:
- Body mechanics and correct lifting techniques
- Understanding patient conditions
- Equipment operation and maintenance
- Emergency handling protocols
Many organisations also carry out risk assessments to evaluate individual patient needs and recommend specific handling plans.
Patient Handling in Home Care & NDIS Settings
With the rise of in-home aged care and the expansion of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), more patient handling is now happening outside of traditional hospitals.
This shift means family members, support workers, and independent carers must be trained and equipped to safely handle patients at home. Compact hoists, transfer aids, and mobile commodes are often used in these environments, with NDIS funding available to cover costs when approved in a participant’s plan.
Choosing the Right Patient Handling Supplier
If you’re purchasing equipment for a healthcare facility, aged care centre, or NDIS participant, here are some things to consider:
- Quality & Compliance: Make sure the supplier offers TGA-approved, hospital-grade products.
- Customisation: Look for suppliers who can assess your space and recommend solutions.
- Warranty & Support: Choose providers with strong after-sales service, including repairs and training.
- Australian Standards: Ensure products and practices align with AS/NZS ISO standards.
Well-known brands in the Australian market include Arjo, Invacare, Etac, and local specialists like Patient Handling Australia, which provide tailored solutions for facilities of all sizes.
Final Thoughts
Patient handling in Australia is more than just moving someone from one place to another—it’s about delivering care with dignity, safety, and efficiency. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, facility manager, or family carer, investing in the right equipment and training ensures that both patients and carers are protected.
As demand for mobility support continues to grow, embracing modern patient handling solutions is no longer optional—it’s essential.
