Choosing the right hoist depends on several key factors, including the service user’s mobility level, weight capacity requirements, the care environment, and the frequency of transfers.

Mobile hoists are typically used where flexibility is required between rooms. Stand assist hoists are suitable for individuals who can bear some weight and have core strength. Ceiling or overhead hoists are ideal for environments where transfers occur frequently, offering smoother movement and reducing floor obstructions.

A proper moving and handling risk assessment should be completed to determine the most suitable equipment for both patient safety and caregiver wellbeing.

DDC offers mobile, stand assist and overhead hoist systems, along with installation, training and servicing, helping care providers select safe, compliant solutions for their facility. 

Mobile hoists are floor-based units that can be moved between rooms, making them a flexible option for many care environments.

Ceiling hoists or over the head are installed on overhead tracks and are often used in environments where transfers occur frequently. They can improve workflow, reduce floor obstruction and support safer single-handed transfers.

DDC provides both mobile and overhead hoist systems, helping healthcare teams select the most appropriate solution based on their care environment.

Yes. Ceiling hoists can often be installed in existing care environments, depending on the building structure and room layout.

Installation typically involves fitting an overhead track system that allows the hoist motor to move along the ceiling to support safe transfers between key areas such as beds, chairs and bathrooms.

DDC provides site assessments, installation planning and professional installation services to ensure ceiling hoist systems are safely integrated into healthcare facilities.

Yes. Regular servicing is essential to ensure hoists remain safe and reliable. Preventative maintenance helps identify potential issues early and reduces the risk of equipment downtime.

In addition to servicing, hoists used for lifting people must undergo LOLER inspections every six months to maintain compliance.

DDC offers servicing plans, LOLER inspections and maintenance support to help healthcare providers manage compliance and equipment performance.

The cost of a LOLER inspection can vary depending on the number of lifting devices, their location and the service provider.

Under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998, equipment used for lifting people must be thoroughly examined by a competent person at least every six months to ensure it remains safe and compliant.

DDC supports healthcare providers with LOLER inspections, preventative servicing and maintenance plans, helping care homes, hospitals and contractors keep their equipment compliant, reliable and safe for everyday use.

Under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998, hoists used for lifting people must be thoroughly examined every six months by a competent person.

Regular inspections ensure the equipment remains safe and compliant with UK safety regulations.

DDC provides mobile hoists, stand assist and overhead hoist systems, along with professional installation, staff training, servicing and LOLER inspections, helping care providers ensure transfers are safe, compliant and comfortable for service users.

A LOLER inspection must be carried out by a competent person with the appropriate training, knowledge and experience to examine lifting equipment safely and identify potential defects.

In healthcare environments, this is typically performed by qualified service engineers or specialist inspection providers who are experienced in patient lifting equipment such as hoists and slings. The inspector must be able to assess whether the equipment meets safety standards and remains suitable for use.

DDC provides professional LOLER inspections, servicing and maintenance for moving and handling equipment, helping care homes, hospitals and contractors maintain compliance and ensure lifting equipment remains safe and reliable.

Patient hoists are available in a range of weight capacities to support different care needs. Standard hoists commonly support 150kg to 220kg, while specialist systems can support higher capacities.

Selecting the correct safe working load (SWL) is essential to ensure safe transfers and compliance with lifting regulations.

DDC provides hoist solutions designed for various weight capacities and care environments, helping healthcare providers choose the right equipment for their service users.

Standing hoists are highly effective when used correctly, but problems can occur if the equipment or assessment is not appropriate for the individual.

Common issues include selecting the wrong sling type or size, using the hoist with individuals who cannot safely bear weight, poor positioning of feet or knee supports, and limited space for safe manoeuvring. Inadequate staff training or lack of equipment maintenance can also increase the risk of unsafe transfers.

DDC helps care providers avoid these issues by supplying stand assist hoists designed for healthcare environments, along with installation support, staff training, servicing and LOLER inspections, ensuring equipment is used safely and remains compliant with healthcare standards.

A moving and handling risk assessment should consider several factors to ensure patient transfers are carried out safely and effectively.

1. The service user’s condition and mobility
Assess the individual’s mobility, weight, medical needs and ability to assist during the transfer.

2. The task being performed
Consider the type of transfer required, how often it takes place, and whether additional support or equipment is needed.

3. The environment
Evaluate the space available, floor surfaces, obstacles and access to ensure safe manoeuvring of equipment.

4. The equipment required
Confirm that the correct hoist and sling type are selected, compatible and suitable for the individual.

5. The caregivers performing the task
Ensure staff are trained, competent and that the correct number of caregivers are available to carry out the transfer safely.

DDC supports healthcare providers with expert advice, equipment selection, installation, training and servicing, helping ensure moving and handling solutions meet safety, compliance and operational requirements.

Before using a hoist, caregivers should consider three key factors to ensure safe and effective patient transfers.

1. The service user’s needs and risk assessment
Review the individual’s mobility, weight, medical condition and care plan to confirm that a hoist transfer is appropriate and that the correct sling type and size are selected.

2. Equipment condition and compatibility
Check that the hoist and sling are in good condition, correctly fitted and compatible. Ensure the hoist battery is charged and the safe working load (SWL) is not exceeded.

3. A safe environment and trained staff
Make sure the transfer area is clear of obstacles and that staff using the hoist are trained in safe moving and handling procedures.

DDC supports care providers with reliable hoist systems, professional installation, staff training, servicing and LOLER inspections, helping ensure lifting equipment remains safe, compliant and ready for everyday use.

A LOLER certificate is issued after a thorough examination of lifting equipment by a competent person, as required under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998.

During the inspection, the hoist and associated lifting accessories are checked to ensure they are safe, correctly maintained and suitable for use. If the equipment passes the examination, a LOLER certificate and inspection report are provided confirming compliance.

DDC supports healthcare providers with LOLER inspections, servicing and maintenance for patient lifting equipment, helping care homes, hospitals and contractors keep their hoists compliant, safe and ready for everyday use.

Sling compatibility is a critical clinical safety issue. Under HSE guidelines, using an incompatible or mismatched sling with a hoist spreader bar is a primary cause of patient falls and catastrophic compliance failures. You cannot simply mix and match lifting accessories to save budget. While some loop or clip slings are universally graded, the specific attachment points must precisely match the hoist. During your initial site survey, DDC Dolphin clinical experts will conduct a rigorous audit of your current hoist lifting accessories. If your existing slings are not legally certified for use with our EN ISO 10535 compliant hoists, we will supply the exact, certified slings required to guarantee absolute patient dignity, safety, and legal compliance.

[Request a clinical sling and equipment compatibility audit for your ward today.]