Paediatric Slings

Slings are designed to safely lift and move children who have difficulty moving themselves.

Specifiying the right sling can be very difficult as the child may have complex needs. Our expert sling assessors can assist in joint assessments, and help in choosing the correct sling from a variety of shapes and sizes according to the needs of the child.

Sling Properties

The nature of every sling will be determined by its four main properties:

1. Fixing - how it's attached to the hoist
2. Shape
3. Size
4. Material

1. Fixing (Clip or Loop)

Clip Fixing Slings have a safety "Click-on Click-off" action, which ensures that a physical click is heard as the sling is attached to the spreader bar. Moving parts are internal to the sling for greater durability. This type of sling is common in a hospital setting.

Clip Fixing

Loop Fixing Slings are more common and are compatible with 'coat hanger' hoists. They come with multiple, colour-coded, loops of differing lengths, which provides greater flexibility for positioning.

Loop Fixing

2. Shape

The shape of the sling is determined by the purpose of the sling eg general purpose slings, hammock slings, amputee slings, toilet access slings etc (see below for more detail).

3. Size

Paediatric slings will cater for a wide range of sizes, but in some cases the child's proportions or posture will be unusual and then tailor-made (bespoke) slings may need to be prescribed.

4. Material

The right choice of material can be crucial. For instance, in situ slings, which wto be made of 'breathable' material.ill be in contact with the skin for long periods, have

General Purpose Slings

These are suitable for children with limited mobility who require full support during transfers. They provide support for the body and legs (and, if specified, the head). Our range includes a variety of designs with different fixings, shapes, sizes and material, each suited to specific users. These include:

In Situ
Recline (Hammock / Glove)
Tinkham (for users with problems with body control)
Toileting (Dress / Easy Access)
Standing
Bespoke

In Situ Slings

These are a type of general purpose sling designed to minimise any pressure from the slings, for instance by having recessed seams. The material must be breathable to reduce the risk of skin damage. This allows them to be left in place for longer periods after the child has been moved to a chair or wheelchair. These slings can be specified in either straight-leg or deluxe leg configurations, depending on needs.

Recline (Hammock / Glove) Slings

Recline slings are shaped like a hammock and provide closed leg full body support for the head, neck, and back on transfer. They are suitable for children with limited mobility who require support in these areas.

Tinkham Slings

The Tinkham Sling is shaped to provide addtional support for children who have difficulty maintaining body control

The Tinkham Sling is shaped to provide addtional support for children who have difficulty maintaining body control

Toileting Slings

Toilet access slings (also sometimes called Dress / Easy Access slings) help with toileting and are designed with extra access for hygiene purposes. In general, good upper body tone is required.

Standing Slings

Standing slings for standing aids or standing hoists: these are designed for lifting to a standing position. They are often used for children who can bear weight but require assistance with balance and stability.

Tailor-made (Bespoke) slings

Some children may need something different from a standard sling. Working in collaboration with healthcare professionals we can provide advice and guidance and then send a technician to carry out a detailed on site assessment, including measurements. Once the clinical assessment is completed we can arrange to create a customised solution, with the appropriate shape and size, using the right fabrics.

Rehabilitation and Mobility

Our range of specialist products can be used in rehabiliation and to faciliate mobiity and travel. These include:

•  Rachel Harness
•  Jolly Jumper
•  Walk assist jackets
•  Floatation Slings
•  Travel-lite

Rachel Harness

This light-weight mesh jacket harness is designed to encourage confidence and help promote independence. It can be worn for extended periods and can reduce handling.

Some weight bearing ability is recommended.

Jolly Jumper

This supportive harness can help improve standing tolerance and transfers. It helps rehabilitation and in promoting inclusion in school and family activities.

It can be used with either an overhead or mobile hoist and is easy as it has only two straps attached to the top of the head support.

Walk Assist Jacket

This is designed to assist a child with an unstable gait and is ideal for children using a walking stick or frame.

The assistant stands behind or at the sides and is able to provide some postural support using the handles, without grasping the child or their clothing.

The jacket is easy to put on, with zip fastening and side zips to allow expansion for bulky clothing.

Travel-lite

This versatile dual-purpose sling folds up into its own bag making it ideal for days out or travelling.

It can be used both as a manual or hoistable sling (hoist tapes can be tucked neatly away when used as a manual sling).

The sides draw up to create a cocooning effect. There are divided or hammock leg options.

Hydro-Float Buoyancy Sling

These high-quality floatation slings are designed for use in swimming / hydrotherapy pool environments.

They help reduce handling needs in the water, by providing excellent support and buoyancy to the user, in a horizontal position.

Learn More

To find out more:

Access our webform - this will guide you through sending us the basic information we'll need to advise you on choosing the right sling.

Or, contact us directly: assist@fortunambach.com or 020 8805 2020

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I need a sling. What do I need to know?

If the sling is for a new patient, it will be necessary to involve a qualified healthcare professional
They'll carry out a full risk assessment to understand the exact requirements
They'll give training to carers on the how to use the sling
The best way to start is to complete this simple WEBFORM. Alternatively you can phone or email us

Q. How do I know what size of sling to order?

if you know the size and shape of an existing Silvalea sling, just let us have the information and we'll do the rest
for a new patient, you'll need to work out what type of sling is most appropriate
start by completing our simple WEBFORM - alternatively you can phone or email us
we can then guide you throught choosing the right sling
if the patient needs a tailor made sling, we can send a technician to carry out an assessment

Q. How long should a sling last?

this will depend on how much the sling is used and how it's looked after
to help the sling last longer, always follow the guidance on washing

Q. How often does the sling need to be inspected?

Visually check the sling before each use, paying attention to all lifting straps and ensuring that the sling label is clearly legible
Follow LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) guidelines - normally slings will need to be inspected every 6 months. More information on organising a LOLER test.

Q. What happens if the label has faded?

It's a legal requirement that all lifting equipment must be visibly marked with appropriate information
If the safety information is illegible the sling has to be withdrawn from use

Q. Which sling should I choose for a standing hoist

Check patient can weight-bear, otherwise they should not use a standing aid
Check hoist fixings
Contact us for guidance WEBFORM

Q. Which sling should I choose for toileting?

most full-body, divided-leg slings will have enough ‘aperture’ to allow toileting needs
however, if more access is required, a toilet/access sling may be needed. A risk assessment should be carried out since this style of sling offers limited support, so the patient must have good upper body/hip strength

Visit our Showroom & Training Centre

We stock a wide range of products, with over 1000 lines available in the showroom.
Come and TRY out the products to see what suits your needs.
Our friendly highly-trained staff will help you make a choice which is right for you.

We're located just off the A10,
less than 10 minutes from the North Circular or M25
5-minute walk from Southbury Road Station
Level access showroom & Accessible toilets
Free local delivery available
Home assessments and delivery can be arranged
FREE PARKING in our large car park

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Paediatric Hoist Slings