Clinical Study – Summary
Squirrel Diamond SDII (Patent Pending) is a full replacement air mattress that has been designed to aid and assist in the;
- prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers
- prevention of mattress acquired infections
- prevention of bed falls
- diminishment of neurological pain
- Independence of the patient (Getting Dressed)
- Physiotherapy & self initiated positioning
In September 2009, following the Squirrel Diamonds successful trial and deployment at Hampshire PCT, Peninsular Care, a major primary care provider within the South West of England decided to undertake a further assessment of the Squirrel Diamond mattress with regards to its possibly deployment amongst the groups high dependency clients.
Following the successful conclusion to this study, Peninsular Care invested in a further 40 x Squirrel Diamond mattresses for use within one of its premium care centre’s, Bramble Down, Newton Abbot, Devon. Since there installation, October 2010, all 40 mattresses have been used to aid and assist in the prevention of pressure ulcers amongst a client base (during this period) of numerous elderly and infirm patients.
Of these patients, were admitted to Bramble Down with existing pressure ulcers.
The pressure ulcers of all of the aforementioned patients were treated successfully.
It should be noted that the nursing care provided at Bramble Down is of the highest standard and that the clinicians use the Squirrel Diamond as an aid to assist in the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers coupled with high levels of clinical intervention.
- Brambledown Nursing Home is purpose built nursing home that has the reputation for providing the highest standard of nursing care in Devon.
Squirrel Diamond – Replacement Mattress
Date: 14th October 2009
Care Provider:
- Bramble Down Nursing Home (Peninsula Care Group)
- Woodland Road
- Denbury
- Newton Abbot
- TQ12 6DY
Credentials:
Since qualifying as an RGN in 1982, Sue Wright has since achieved numerous qualifications including ENB 941 Nursing People in Elderly Care. She has also undertaken a great many courses involved in the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers including subjects such as Nutrition & Risk Assessment. Sue was appointed Matron of BrambledownPrivate Nursing Home in June of 2008. Bramble Down is a purpose built nursing home situated on the edge of the village of Denbury, a quiet village located between Totnes and Newton Abbot. It has an outstanding reputation offering what we sincerely believe is the highest standard of nursing care in Devon. Bramble Down has a friendly well trained team led by the homes manager who is a qualified nurse. There is always at least one qualified nurse on duty alongside care assistants, qualified to NVQ levels 2 & 3 standard.Bramble Down is registered to accommodate 40 residents. There are 8 double rooms and 24 single rooms all with en-suite facilities. Each bedroom is equipped with a state of the art ‘profiling’ bed to promote independence and aid nursing care.There are choices of communal spaces including dining room, lounge, activity room and conservatories. The home has 4 assisted bathrooms each equipped with specialist baths and showers for the disabled.
Equipment Details
Squirrel Diamond – Full Replacement Mattress
This overlay was placed on top of a Volker 3080 electronic and fully profiling nursing bed.
Specifications:
Following the successful clinical trial – Peninsula Care treated all 40 residents to a Squirrel Diamond – featured on a Volker 3080 nursing bed.
- Dimensions: 200cm x 90 cm x 12.5cm
- Power: 220v / 50 Hz
- Pressure Range: 30-60mmHG
- Air Output: 3-7 litres
- Cycle Time: 10 Minutes
- Weight Limit:160Kg
- Noise: Less than 30db
Client Details:
Name: Name withheld (data protection act)
- Age: 76
- Weight: 72Kgs
- Sex: Male
- Condition: Prone to Grade 1 & 2 Pressure Ulcers
- Dislikes Dynamic Mattresses
- Immobile
- Diabetic
- CVE
Matrons Report
Bramble Down nursing home is a modern establishment that offers the highest levels of nursing care. We have used Squirrel Medical for several years, which include a level of consultancy and training in terms of maintenance, pressure ulcer prevention and issues pertaining to the latest medical device directives.
Having trained as a registered nurse at an NHS trust and worked in the care sector for twenty-four years, I expect the highest levels of managed pressure care from my respective care team. Conscious of the latest EU safety and directives, legal and safety implications I was pleased to provide Squirrel with an eight week study of the Squirrel Diamond, a full replacement mattress.
I identified a gentleman known as J of 76 years of age who was uncomfortable on his previous dynamic air mattress. J has an approximate weight of 72Kg and has had a CVE and is totally immobile. J has been assessed as very high risk.In line with our care plan his skin was assessed each week throughout the duration of trial. During this period his skin showed no signs of marking and to our surprise, he found the Squirrel Diamond comfortable.
Following the successful trial of the mattress and bearing in mind the benefits of its low height and stability we placed and order for 40 of the same for each of clients.
Our clients are primarily medium to high risk and with varying degrees of mobility. Squirrel Diamonds are now used by all but two of our clients who simply require static systems.
have not experienced any adverse incidences with regards patient care and continue to use them at present. Any adverse incident would be reported to the Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency.”
Sue Wright
Bramble Down Registered Manager
Peninsula Care Homes Ltd. Registered England No 4613800 Registered office N&P House, Derrys Cross, P{lymouth
www.peninsula carehomes.co.uk
- Squirrel Medical provide a facility for NHS, Nursing clients to undertake their own internal clinical review against their existing mattress stocks. Please call 0845 003 7979 for further details.
Manufacturers Report
We have evidence that the aforementioned product’s, when used in conjunction with good nursing care and when used as an aid to care rather than as a substitute, will assist in the prevention of pressure ulcers. The client category being treated on such devices is normally at very high risk of developing a pressure ulcer. We therefore feel that it should also be suitable for use by people at very high risk of developing a pressure ulcer. This decision however must ultimately be made by the qualified nurse based on their judgment and experience.
About Bramble Down Nursing Home
Bramble Down is a purpose built nursing home situated on the edge of the village of Denbury, a quiet village located between Totnes and Newton Abbot. It has an outstanding reputation offering what we sincerely believe is the highest standard of nursing care in Devon. Bramble Down has a friendly well trained team led by the homes manager who is a qualified nurse. There is always at least one qualified nurse on duty alongside care assistants, qualified to NVQ levels 2 & 3 standard.Bramble Down is registered to accommodate 40 residents. There are 8 double rooms and 24 single rooms all with en-suite facilities. Each bedroom is equipped with a state of the art ‘profiling’ bed to promote independence and aid nursing care. There are choices of communal spaces including dining room, lounge, activity room and conservatories. The home has 4 assisted bathrooms each equipped with specialist baths and showers for the disabled.
The home looks out over open farmland and has its own beautiful grounds with lawns, mature trees and flower beds. It has an inner courtyard that has a water fountain, bird tables and sensory garden. Visiting entertainment and interest is provided by a variety of musical entertainers, magicians, the donkey sanctuary and Shaldon Zoo. Bramble Down also provides end of life care (also known as palliative care). We understand how very difficult and emotional these situations are. Bramble Down gives the best quality of life for both residents and their families by providing active, holistic, compassionate care to chronically and terminally ill residents. Our multi disciplinary teams work with residents, friends and families, G.Ps and the local hospice to provide a holistic care package, managing well being while controlling pain and other symptoms. Bramble Down is very proud of its outstanding reputation and well trained team and would welcome you to come and visit the home.
