The impact of delays in specialist moving and handling equipment procurement

Delays in obtaining the right moving and handling equipment after specification can have significant implications for patients, carers, healthcare professionals, and service providers. The longer it takes to assess, source, and install essential specialist equipment, the greater the risk to safety, wellbeing, and overall care outcomes.

In this article, we take a close look at how these delays impact different stakeholders in care with some example scenarios.

Impact on Patients

Loss of independence and increased risk of injury

Patients who require moving and handling equipment often have complex mobility needs due to disabilities, aging, or medical conditions. When equipment is unavailable or delayed this can lead to,

Loss of independence – Without appropriate hoists, transfer aids, adjustable baths, or height adjustable changing couches, patients who otherwise have some degree of independence may become fully dependent on carers for even basic movements. This can have a detrimental effect on mental health and self-esteem
Increased risk of falls and injury – Patients attempting to move without appropriate support are at a higher risk of falls, pressure sores, and musculoskeletal injuries
Slower rehabilitation and recovery – Patients recovering from surgery or illness may experience longer hospital stays due to the lack of essential equipment needed for safe discharge
Compromised dignity and comfort – Delays in bathing or toileting equipment, ceiling track hoists or changing tables, can impact personal hygiene and comfort, leading to reduced quality of life

Here is an example scenario
A patient with a neurological condition requiring a ceiling track hoist for transfers may be unable to leave their bed independently. Without access to the right equipment, they lose autonomy, become more reliant on caregivers, and experience reduced social interaction, further impacting their mental and emotional well being.

Impact on Carers & Family Members

Increased strain and risk of injury

When appropriate moving and handling equipment isn’t readily available, caregivers, whether professionally paid staff or family members, must take on manual handling responsibilities that can be physically demanding and unsafe which can result in,

Higher risk of musculoskeletal injuries – Caregivers frequently performing manual lifting or transfers without proper hoists, slings, or support aids are at high risk of developing back, shoulder, and joint injuries
Increased physical and emotional strain – Lifting and repositioning individuals multiple times a day without the correct equipment can lead to chronic fatigue, burnout, and stress
Lower caregiver retention in professional settings – In care homes and hospitals, staff working without the right moving and handling equipment are more likely to suffer from workplace injuries, leading to staff absences and higher turnover rates

Here is an example scenario
A family caregiver supporting a relative with limited mobility may need to perform repeated manual transfers from a wheelchair to a bed or toilet. Without a mobile hoist, ceiling hoist, or transfer aid, they may develop chronic back pain, forcing them to reduce care ability or having to seek external care support, which increases financial pressures.

Impact on Healthcare & Care Facilities

Operational inefficiencies and higher costs

Delays in moving and handling equipment procurement can significantly disrupt healthcare services, leading to,

Delayed hospital discharges – Patients who are medically fit for discharge but require home adaptations (such as hoists, slings, or adjustable beds) cannot leave the hospital until the required equipment is in place. This increases delayed transfers of care (DTOC) or ‘bed blocking’ delaying admissions for other patients
Increased costs for healthcare providers – Hospitals and care facilities may face higher staffing costs due to the need for additional manual handling support, temporary equipment rentals, or extended patient stays
Reduced care quality and compliance risks – Care homes and hospitals must meet strict manual handling and patient safety regulations. A lack of proper moving and handling equipment can lead to compliance failures, penalties, and reputational damage.

Here is an example scenario
A hospital ready to discharge a stroke patient cannot do so because the patient’s home lacks the necessary ceiling track hoist and adjustable bed. The patient remains in a hospital bed unnecessarily, while newly admitted patients face delays in accessing care, affecting overall hospital efficiency.

Impact on Occupational Therapists & Care Professionals

Increased workload and administrative delays

OTs working within local authorities, hospitals, and private practice are responsible for assessing patients and recommending suitable moving and handling equipment. However, long procurement processes add to their workload and create frustration. As a result, they can experience,

Administrative delays – Obtaining quotes, securing funding, and coordinating supplier installations extends the time needed to implement solutions
Increased caseload pressure – While waiting for equipment approvals, OTs may need to reassess patients due to changing needs, or find temporary solutions, which adds to their already demanding workloads
Reputational Impact – OTs who cannot secure the right equipment quickly may struggle to maintain trust with patients, families, and care teams

Here is an example scenario
An OT assessing a wheelchair user for home adaptations submits an urgent request for a ceiling hoist and an adjustable bed. However, supplier delays and funding bottlenecks mean the equipment takes months to arrive, preventing the patient from transitioning to home care.

How to prevent delays in the procurement of moving and handling equipment

At Multicare Medical, we work very closely with OTs, care professionals, and healthcare providers to reduce the delay in supplying specialist equipment through

Stock availability and short lead times – We keep a wide range of hoists, transfer aids, and mobility solutions in stock with many items on a reduced lead time
On-site assessments – Our moving and handling specialists travel anywhere in the UK for rapid assessments
Upfront pricing and quotes – We can provide quick cost estimates, backed by detailed quotations and adaptation designs, reducing delays in funding approvals
Full installation and training – We handle everything from delivery to setup and training, ensuring equipment is ready to use immediately
Flexible payment and leasing – We offer flexible purchasing and leasing options for some of our equipment, ensuring that even clients with limited funding can access high-quality moving and handling equipment without delay

If you need fast access to moving and handling equipment, contact Multicare Medical today.

Call: 0800 298 6000
Email: sales@multicaremedical.co.uk
Click to submit an enquiry

Multicare Medical: ‘Helping you deliver better healthcare’ since 1988