Supporting people to access the sensory rooms
Customers must be supported using their individual manual handling risk assessment. The carer supporting customers in the sensory rooms are responsible for ensuring that the risk assessment is in place, complete and up to date.
Customers being supported to use the rooms will require an individual risk assessment that covers managing epilepsy. Each customer should be assessed individually and medical advice sought where appropriate to pinpoint trigger factors and identified procedures for managing and supporting people with epilepsy. Carers are encouraged to attend beforehand to understand the equipment available.
Where necessary customers being supported in the sensory rooms will need assessments and support plans that assist them to manage behaviour that could put themselves and other building users in the vicinity at risk.
Ordinarily a sensory session will not last more than one hour. This allows for time to access the room, get comfortable, prepare the equipment, run the session, finish the session and tidy the room.
Manual handling and moving about in the sensory rooms
The rooms should be kept clear of trip hazards and carers need to be aware of plinths,equipment and matted areas.
The weight limit of the sensory rooms hoists (200kg) must be adhered to at all times, and the hoist operated as per the manufacturers’ instructions (located in the room).
Customers may only be manually handled out of the room in exceptional circumstances that either follows an individual risk assessment or as required in a life threatening situation.
Customers using the sensory rooms will need to provide their own sling if they need to use the hoist system.
The sensory rooms have a range of foam supports, beds and bean bags that are appropriate for most people. If a customer requires a support or aid that is particular to their needs, then they will need to purchase/provide this equipment themselves.
The number of customers/carers in the rooms will vary according to the customer’s needs.The room capacity is 1 customer with up to 3 carers supporting.
Maintenance of the sensory rooms
The sensory rooms are maintained by the Facilities Management Team. Any defects should be reported to reception as soon as possible.
Individuals using the rooms should always leave the rooms in a fit state for the next customer.
All shoes should be removed before walking on any of the soft areas.
No food or drink in the sensory rooms (exception being for peg feed etc).
Infection control:
- Customers should bring their own towel or sheet to lie on if using the soft areas, beds and bean bags If there is spillage, especially of bodily fluids these should be cleaned up by the carer and appropriate cleaning materials will be provided upon request
- All equipment used in the sensory rooms will be checked during routine inspections by the Facilities Management Team
- The sensory rooms will be kept free of excess equipment, clothing or other obstacles, which may create a hazard in the area. It is the responsibility of all staff/carers to keep the rooms reasonable, clear and trip hazard free
- The sensory rooms will be cleaned on a daily basis by the agreed contractor. However, immediate cleaning when required is the responsibility of the individuals using the resources and cleaning materials will be made available for this purpose
- All personal items should be removed from the sensory rooms at the end of each session
- Any defective equipment should be reported to reception and taken out of use until repaired or replaced
Incidents and Accidents
All accidents and incidents should be reported to reception immediately after the carer has called an ambulance or for assistance.
Emergency Procedure
Please follow staff instructions in the event of an emergency:
- assistance should be summoned to the room by activating the emergency pull cord
- all first aid procedures should be initiated and continued until such time as an ambulance arrives
- other building users in the vicinity of the room should leave the area as appropriate
- the carers should contact the customer's next of kin/representative to inform them and go with the customer to hospital
- the emergency will be documented by reception using the online incident reporting form
In the event of an emergency building evacuation
- in an emergency situation carers will be required to move their customer as quickly and safely as possible taking into account their individual risk assessment
- all staff and users must assemble in the designated area (Fire Assembly point on pavement side of the car park) and await further instructions
- customers at particular risk will require an individual risk assessment and this should identity appropriate levels of support
Responsibilities
The Facilities Manager will:
- Endeavour to provide a safe and suitable environment.
- Work in cooperation with the in house service provider to ensure that appropriate manual handling equipment in the sensory rooms is provided and maintained to required safety standards
- Provide inductions to the sensory rooms, including the hoisting system
Carers will ensure that:
- The privacy, safety and comfort of the customers being supported in the sensory rooms is maintained.
- They comply with this policy and subsequent systems to ensure that customers are supported safely.
- When sessions are in progress, appropriate levels of staffing will be maintained.
- Ensure the correct manual handling techniques are recorded and carers are aware of these for each individual.
- All carers have adequate and appropriate training in manual handling techniques and use of hoisting equipment.
Charging Policy
Cancellations will be charged if less than 24 hours notice is not provided. Failure to attend a booking will also be chargeable.
Carers/representatives can manage bookings online and if a refund is applicable, this will
be made through the online system.
Payments for bookings are ideally made online at the time of booking (preferred option),
when attending the session and using the hand held card reader, or an invoice will be
raised one month in arrears.
Abridged terms and conditions for letting Sutton Inclusion Centre
- The premises must be left in good order and vacated no later than the time booked.
- The hirer must not sub-let to another party
- No intoxicants may be brought on to or consumed on the premises
- No smoking is permitted within the centre nor on the land after the entrance gates
- The Facilities Manager reserves the right to cancel a letting if the premises are closed or required for official or electoral purposes.
- The Council takes out insurance cover for the premises to cover the hirer’s third party liability. The hirer must take reasonable care to ensure that no accidents occur.