Course Overview

The Patient Moving & Handling course is a specialised, classroom-based programme designed to equip healthcare workers with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to safely move and handle patients. Incorrect patient handling is one of the leading causes of musculoskeletal injury among healthcare staff in Ireland, and it also poses serious risks to patient safety and dignity.

This training covers the full spectrum of patient handling scenarios - from bed-to-chair transfers and repositioning in bed, to hoist operation, slide sheet techniques and assisted walking. Participants learn to conduct dynamic risk assessments, select the appropriate handling equipment and apply biomechanical principles that protect both the patient and the carer.

The course is delivered in full compliance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and the Manual Handling of Loads Regulations 2007. As a blended learning option, candidates may complete an e-learning theory module prior to attending the practical classroom session, making it flexible and efficient for busy healthcare teams.

📖 What You Will Learn

Principles of safe patient moving and handling
Dynamic risk assessment before, during and after patient transfers
Correct use of mechanical hoists (ceiling and mobile)
Slide sheet techniques for bed repositioning and lateral transfers
Transfer board use for bed-to-chair and chair-to-wheelchair transfers
Assisted standing and walking techniques
Ergonomic posture and body mechanics to prevent carer injury
Legal obligations under Irish health and safety legislation

👥 Who Should Attend

Healthcare assistants (HCAs) and care workers
Registered nurses and student nurses
Hospital porters and ward staff
Nursing home and residential care staff
Home care and community care workers
Physiotherapy assistants and rehabilitation aides
Anyone involved in the physical movement or repositioning of patients
Employers meeting their statutory training obligations

Course Details

Course Name	Patient Moving & Handling Training
Duration	4–5 Hours (practical session)
Format	Classroom-based, practical with optional e-learning theory module
Certificate	🏅 Nationally Recognised Certificate
Compliance	Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act 2005 · Manual Handling Regulations 2007
Provider	Auxo Training Ltd
Delivery	On-site at your healthcare facility or at our Dublin centre
E-Learning Option	Theory module available prior to classroom attendance
Refresher	Recommended every 2–3 years or as per employer policy

Why Patient Moving & Handling Training Is Essential

Under Irish law, employers in the healthcare sector have a legal obligation to ensure that all staff involved in the physical movement of patients are properly trained. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and the Manual Handling of Loads Regulations 2007 place clear responsibilities on employers to identify risks, provide appropriate equipment and deliver adequate training to prevent workplace injuries.

The consequences of inadequate patient moving and handling training are significant. Healthcare workers face some of the highest rates of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) of any occupation, with back injuries, shoulder strain and repetitive motion injuries being common. For patients, improper handling can result in skin tears, bruising, falls, psychological distress and a loss of dignity. Proper training protects both parties.

Auxo Training's people handling course is specifically designed for the Irish healthcare context. We cover real-world scenarios that care assistants, nurses and hospital staff encounter every day - from transferring bariatric patients to repositioning residents in nursing homes. Whether you need initial training or a refresher, our safe patient transfer training ensures your team is competent, confident and compliant with HSA manual handling regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Patient Moving & Handling training.

Is patient moving and handling training legally required in Ireland?

Yes. Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and the Manual Handling of Loads Regulations 2007, employers are legally required to provide appropriate training to any employee whose role involves the manual handling or movement of patients. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) actively enforces these regulations across all healthcare settings in Ireland.

What regulations apply to patient handling in Ireland?

The key regulations are the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 (the primary occupational safety legislation in Ireland) and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, which include specific provisions for manual handling of loads. These regulations require employers to conduct risk assessments, provide equipment and deliver training to workers involved in patient handling.

What is the e-learning theory module?

The e-learning theory module is an optional online component that covers the theoretical aspects of patient handling - including legislation, anatomy, risk assessment and ergonomic principles. Candidates can complete this module at their own pace before attending the practical classroom session. This blended learning approach reduces classroom time and allows participants to arrive prepared for hands-on practice.

How often should this training be refreshed?

Best practice and HSA guidance recommend that patient handling training is refreshed every 2–3 years, or sooner if there are changes in the workplace, new equipment is introduced, or an incident occurs. Many healthcare employers set their own policy for refresher frequency - typically every 2 years to align with other mandatory training requirements.

Do you provide the practical equipment for on-site training?

Yes. When we deliver on-site training at your premises, we bring all necessary equipment including slide sheets, slings and demonstration aids. However, if your facility has its own hoists, beds and handling equipment, we strongly recommend using your equipment during training so that staff gain practical experience with the exact tools they use every day.

Patient Moving & Handling Training