Leg lifter

Staff at Bradford University’s School of Health Studies have developed a leg suspension system that they claim will improve the recovery of patients and reduce risks for hospital workers.

The new system, which is being launched by health innovation company Salitas, has the potential to reduce the risk of back injuries associated with manually lifting a leg in operating theatres and hospital wards.

The system, which comprises a suspension stand and a sling, mechanically lifts and supports the patient’s leg, allowing medical professionals to safely carry out a variety of clinical procedures with reduced risk of experiencing the muscle strain often caused by repeated manual lifting.

The system supports the leg with one of two types of sling. The first, available in both sterile and non-sterile versions, is a disposable product that has been designed to provide support at either the thigh or the heel.

The second has been designed to provide full support along both the thigh and calf. It is light-weight, resistant to chlorine-based cleaning agents and has a wipe down surface.