Move and position individuals

This standard covers the moving and positioning of individuals as part of their care plan according to their specific needs. This includes moving individuals from one place to another and re-positioning individuals within their immediate environment. 

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1. access and accurately interpret all relevant work instructions and information
2. work safely at all times and in accordance with all relevant legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols
3. deal promptly and effectively with any problems within your control and report those which cannot be solved
4. identify and minimise hazards and risk in the workplace
5. communicate with the individual and key people at a pace, in a manner and at a level appropriate to the individual's understanding, preferences and needs
6. respect the individual's rights and wishes relating to their privacy, beliefs and dignity
7. provide support to the individual and ensure health and safety measures are implemented at all times
8. check the individual's care plan and the moving and handling risk assessment prior to commencing any moving and handling

9. support the individual to understand:

   • what you are about to do and why
   • the detail of how they will be moved
   • how they can actively participate in the process
     

10. gain valid, informed consent from the individual in accordance with specific procedures

11. check that any equipment required is available and in working order
12. seek appropriate assistance to enable you to move, handle and position the individual safely
13. move the individual according to the care plan, encouraging the active participation of the individual
14. position the individual according to the care plan using the correct technique and in a way that will avoid causing undue pain or discomfort
15. observe the individual throughout the activity and stop the activity if any adverse effects occur or the individual appears to be in any discomfort
16. seek help from others if problems arise during the activity
17. use the appropriate equipment in order to maintain the individual in the required position
18. check and restore equipment and the environment to its original state on completion of the activity
19. complete and store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

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1. the current legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere
2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
3. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions and information
4. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
5. the duty to report any acts or omissions that could be unsafe/detrimental to you or others
6. the hazards and risks which may arise during the execution of your work role and how you can minimise these
7. how to adapt communication styles in ways which are appropriate to the needs of the individual 
8. the correct use of any equipment and PPE to protect the health and safety of you and others
9. the principles, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
10. organisational management structures, roles, and responsibilities
11. the importance of applying standard precautions to moving and positioning individuals and the potential consequences of poor practice
12. how to access up-to-date copies of organisational risk assessments for moving ,handling and positioning individuals

13. the importance of effective communication and co-ordinating actions between yourself and: 

    • the individual
    • the team involved in the activity
    • the wider health care team
      

14. the potential hazards associated with moving and positioning for the individual, yourself and others involved in the activity

15. the importance of moving, handling and positioning the individual according to the care plan and their presenting condition(s) and the potential consequences of poor practice
16. the action to take when the individual's wishes conflict with their plan of care in relation to health and safety issues and their risk assessment
17. the skeleton and muscle attachments
18. the range of movement in joints
19. common physical conditions of individuals in your work area, the effect they have upon normal movement, in relation to the importance of correct movement and positioning
20. the importance of offering effective verbal and non-verbal support and reassurance to individuals during preparation for moving and positioning activities
21. reasons why the individual's preferences affect how they are moved, handled and positioned
22. how to promote active participation and the individual's rights, choices and wellbeing when preparing to move, handle and position individuals
23. how individuals may be able to contribute to the moving/handing/positioning process and factors which limit their contribution
24. reasons for moving and positioning individuals according to the care plan and their presenting condition(s)
25. potential key changes in the conditions and circumstances of individuals that you are moving, handling and positioning, and actions to take in these circumstances
26. the aids and equipment you may use for moving, handling and positioning
27. the importance of preparing the environment for moving and handling prior to attempting to move and handle individuals
28. the importance of keeping the environment clear during moving, handling and positioning activities
29. why it is vital to follow the care plan
30. sources of further help for moving, handling and positioning individuals in different health and care settings
31. the importance of restoring the environment after moving, handling and positioning activities
32. how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

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3

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2026

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Current

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Original

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Skills for Health

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SFHCHS6

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Health and Social Care, Health and Social Services Officers, Health Associate Professionals, Health Professionals, Health, Public Services and Care, Healthcare and Related Personal Services

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2259

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Moving, positioning, handling

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