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What are bed rails?
Bed rails are also known as siderails or cot sides are used to help prevent someone from rolling out of bed. They should not be used as a restraint (e.g. to keep someone in bed) and they should not be used if a person is able to independently transfer.
Bed rails should always be used with suitable bumpers. Bed rails are not suitable for everyone.
Safe use of bed rails
There is a risk of entrapment if this equipment is not used correctly:
- Our Community Equipment Service team will fit the bedrails so that they are securely fitted to the bed
- When in use, the bed rails should always be used with bumpers as there is a greater risk of entrapment if used without
- Please seek advice from a healthcare professional if there has been a significant change in the service user's or patient's physical or mental abilities
- Also seek advice from a healthcare professional if the service user or patient is actively trying to climb over the bed rails, or is moving to the bottom of the bed to try and get around them.
When are bed rails ready for review?
You will be able to tell when bed rails are ready for review if:
- They becomes loose or will not remain in position
- They show signs of wear and tear, have rusted, or appear to be in a poor condition
- There has been a significant change to the service user's or patient's cognition or they are displaying signs of confusion
- There are any significant changes to posture or if the service user or patient is marking from the rails
- The service user or patient is actively trying to climb over or put limbs over the rails
- There is a risk the service user or patient may use the bedrails for ligature purposes.
Our patients matter
Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust listens andresponds to patients and their carers to help improve the services we deliver.
If you have any comments, compliments or concerns you can speak with a member of staff or contact our Patient Advice and LiaisonService (PALS) and Complaints Team.
Telephone: 0151 471 2377Freephone: 0800 328 2941Email: palsandcomplaints
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Approval date: 28 March 2025
Review date: 23 March 2026
Version number: 1
