Designed & created by

Gavin Wright

Terms & Conditions    30 Smilie Road, Peterlee, Co.Durham, England. SR8 4AN    e-mail

There has been a lot of mention of the New moving and handling of children book written by Pat Alexander and Carole Johnson and published by the National Back Exchange. I am lucky enough to have a copy so I thought I would tell you all about it.

The first thing I would like to say is that there have been an influx of new publications recently that have raised the bar regarding standards in the moving and handling world. This is

no exception. It briefly discusses various issues such as birth defects and genetic conditions such as Down’s syndrome, autism and cerebral palsy etc. And summarises this section by reminding readers that “Every Child Matters”.

Due to the lack of research in this field, Pat and Carole have had to make certain assumptions. One of these led to the invention a system indicating child size. Each of the suggested techniques included in the book show which child sizes, the technique would be suitable for.

Using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) each techniques shows the level of ability the child must have in order to complete the task. There is a brief description of each task as well as a series of icons which indicate the number of handlers required, the equipment needed, the skill level of the handler and the estimated time taken to complete the task. Many of the suggestions have alternatives ideas as well. There is also visible for each technique a body map illustrating the likely areas of potential discomfort for the handler. This will help in making judgements about the use of a technique for individuals who suffer from ailments to those areas already.

A section on equipment looks at hoists and the usual handling aids but also includes work stations, in-car seating systems and wheelchairs.

The 50 scenarios which are discussed include, helping a child to change a nappy while they are standing up, helping a child use a urine bottle (while standing, seated and in a hoist sling), use of a transfer board, toilet transfers, lifting a child to a changing table, showering a child, sitting to standing, use of a walking frame, getting a child from the floor, helping to stand, floor to buggy and back again, hoisting into prone standing frame, assisting onto a therapy ball both manually and with use of a hoist, getting a child in and out of a pool, onto a horse, a trampoline and a tricycle, transfers into various vehicles including cars and mini busses

The space I have available here cannot give full justice to this book, but for just £15 it is a bargain. I would strongly recommend that you purchase a copy if you are dealing with children, even occasionally.

Part of the current training package (see story elsewhere in this newsletter) I am working on comprises 3 minute mini lectures aimed at instructors. Both Pat and Carole have contributed to this section along with many others. Examples are available in M&H TV via the link above.