Bed Rails is the most common term, but other names include; bed side rails, side rails, cot sides, and safety sides.
Bed rails are used extensively in hospitals, care homes and people’s own homes to reduce the risk of bed occupants falling out of bed. However, The MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency) continue to receive reports of adverse incidents involving these devices. The most serious of these have led to injury due to falls and death by asphyxiation as a result of entrapment of the head, neck or chest.
From the 1st of January 2018 to the 31st of December 2022, they received 18 reports of deaths related to bed rails and associated equipment, and 54 reports of serious injuries. Most incidents occurred in nursing homes or the patient’s own home.
In August 2023 the MHRA issued a National Patient Safety Alert which highlighted the need for providers to carry out adequate and appropriate risk management to prevent the occurrence of such incidents.
- Click here for the National Safety Alert on Bed Rails from August 2023
- Click here to view full Bed Rails Guidance
Webinar – National Safety Alert – Actions for Hertfordshire Care Providers
HCPA, together with Hertfordshire County Council and Hertfordshire Equipment service, hosted this 1 hour webinar to support providers to meet the actions set out within the guidance.
Investigations into incidents involving falls often found the likely cause to be worn or broken parts, which should have been replaced during regular maintenance and servicing, but which were either not carried out or were carried out improperly.
This webinar is for Managers, Moving and Assisting leads, clinical leads and organisation’s so you are clear on the guidance and expectations to ensure you have everything in place to prevent the risk of death from entrapment or falls.