2003

Beginning in the late 1990s, a three-year review of Resthaven staff incidents and injuries confirmed that musculoskeletal injuries constituted the largest injury type. The emerging trend indicated a problem with the use of manual beds. A corporate decision was made to gradually phase out these manual beds and introduce electronic beds in high care facilities across the organisation to reduce hazards. The move to using electronic hi/lo beds in high care facilities involved a considerable investment of nearly $1 million.

An innovative research project began into developing a better electronic bed for nursing home residents. An ‘expo’ was held in April 1999, where managers, nurses, care staff, domestic and maintenance staff from Resthaven and other agencies were invited to identify the most desirable features of a bed, for safety, comfort and adjustability. The results identified that none of the beds available met the recommendations. In February 2001, another expo was held to review new beds on the market. Still, none met all the specifications Resthaven desired. Instead, a local manufacturer approached Resthaven with a proposal to build a bed to Resthaven’s specifications. Working collaboratively with the manufacturer’s design team, the result (after several prototypes) was the ‘Havenrest’ bed.

The work undertaken was acknowledged in April 2003, when Resthaven won the Department for Administrative and Information Services, Workplace Services, Augusta Zadow Award for “Best workplace health and safety initiative in providing a safe and supportive work environment”, with prize money of $10,000 awarded to Resthaven. The money was used to establish a training centre at Ridgway House, Westbourne Park.

In September 2003, Resthaven was acknowledged at the HESTA Awards, winning the “Better Health and Safety Award for Residential Aged Care” in the “Most Innovative OH&S Solution” category for the development of the bed. The award was presented at the Australian Nursing Homes and Extended Care Association (ANHECA) National Conference in Melbourne, in October 2003.

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