Winthrop-University Hospital Launches Safe Patient Handling Program

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Nov 15, 2016, 08:13 ET

NEW YORK, Nov. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Winthrop-University Hospital has partnered with Atlas Lift Tech, Inc. to launch a progressive new program, aimed at improving patient safety while reducing injuries among nursing and care staff members involved in patient handling. The "Lift Coach Program" provided by Atlas is designed to bring Winthrop into compliance with New York State Safe Patient Handling Act S6914/A9205, enacted in 2014, which requires the establishment of a safe patient handling program within acute-care facilities, residential healthcare facilities, and diagnostic and treatment centers by January 1, 2017.

Stacey Pfeffer, Sr. Vice President of Human Resources and Organizational Development at Winthrop noted: "Winthrop-University Hospital recognizes the value of implementing a Safe Patient Handling program. Our clinical staff and patients alike will benefit from a safer environment of care and an improved quality of life. Employee and Patient Safety are a priority every day!"

The program at Winthrop delivers legislative compliance through the delivery of lift equipment and competence training at the bedside by the Atlas Lift Coaches, professionals specially trained in safe patient handling technology, equipment, resources, and accessories required to position and mobilize patients. Patient safety, reduction of caregiver injury, and improvement of quality of care are all hallmarks of an effective and sustainable safe patient handling program. Winthrop has recognized the need for a comprehensive program, not only to align with the laws in place, but to protect the health and safety of both its patients and its care staff. It is with that understanding that Winthrop has engaged Atlas to partner with them in developing a healthier and viable culture of safety.

About Atlas Lift Tech:
Founded in 2009, Atlas Lift Tech is transforming the way care delivery organizations nationwide deploy and manage safe patient handling and mobility programs. Atlas provides proven and effective practices that reduce caregiver injury, promote patient safety, and produce a thriving and sustainable culture of safety. Working together with a facility's interdisciplinary team, Atlas identifies opportunities for integration of an SPHM program customized to the unique requirements of each facility.

For more information, call 1-844-ALT-LIFT or visit www.atlaslifttech.com.

About Winthrop-University Hospital
Founded in 1896 by a group of local physicians and concerned citizens, Long Island's first voluntary hospital is a 591-bed university-affiliated medical center and ACS Level 1 Trauma Center offering a full scope of inpatient and outpatient programs and services to address every stage of life.

Ever changing and growing with the diverse community it serves, Winthrop is, in many ways, a unique institution, simultaneously large and small, regional as well as local. Winthrop has the country's highest volume CyberKnife Center and is one of the busiest TAVR centers in the country. It is the first Baby Friendly Hospital on Long Island, and has a Magnet-designated nursing staff. Recognized by Healthgrades as one of the top five percent of hospitals in the U.S. for clinical excellence, Winthrop successfully blends the progressive philosophy, sophistication and advances of a teaching and research institution with a personal approach to patient care – an approach that has become the cornerstone of our organization.

For more information, call 1-866-WINTHROP or visit www.winthrop.org.

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SOURCE Atlas Lift Tech