NEWS


Safety warning after patient falls from ward I


ndustry leaders are warning that current testing standards for window restrictors in mental health units are inadequate


following news that a man suffered serious injury after falling 20 feet from a hospital ward earlier this year. The concerns come despite a Department of Health, Estate and Facilities Alert published in 2013 which stated that ‘window restrictors may be inadequate in preventing a determined effort to force a window open beyond the 100mm restriction’. The alert stated that: “All healthcare


organisations should review the guidance on window restrictors contained in Health Technical Memorandum HTM 55 Windows and associated hardware; and where problems are identified, a programme to repair or replace damaged restrictors should be put in place.” But problems remain, evidenced


by the recent incident at the Medway Maritime Hospital in Kent in January in which a 52-year-old patient was treated for multiple injuries. Commenting after the fall, Karen Rule, executive director of nursing at


Medway NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We can confirm that a patient on one of our wards fell from a ledge earlier this month after forcing a window open and climbing out. “The window was fitted with


restrictors which met all the required health and safety standards to ensure that our patients are protected. “However, the patient used significant and sustained force to break through these restrictors. “The safety of our patients is our number one priority and we have robust, well-established processes in place to ensure their wellbeing. “An investigation is now under way to


understand how this incident occurred.” And experts warn that, without action,


there will be more incidents. Toby Staff, managing director at


Newstar Door Controls, told hdm: “We have known for five years that that the force testing of window restrictors to the BS EN 13126-5:2011 standard does not adequately address the excessive application of pressure, as was detailed in the 2013 alert. “The DOH stated that the forced


opening test, which is a maximum of 500N, is insufficient and in mental health facilities there is a requirement for higher levels of strength than the standard.” Offering advice to hospital trusts, he added: “This recent incident shows the importance of auditing windows and window restrictors already fitted to assess if they are fit for purpose. “There should also be a review of


risk assessments, inspection, and maintenance systems and all installed windows should be inspected to ensure they are adequate for the purpose intended and meet regulations. “In particular we recommend inspecting areas where there is potential for abuse from excessive force, or the potential to defeat the window restrictor by the insertion of a blade such as a screwdriver, thin knife, or scissors.” Cubelock is one of a number of


manufacturers to have taken the 2013 advice on board, routinely testing and retesting its products to far-higher levels of strength.


www.cubelockrestrictor.com mhdf magazine 7


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