I was talking to a podiatrist yesterday, how interesting!!

[RATTER15]

He had to do some extensive work on a client toenails, he opened up a medical pack containing all sorts of scissors, clippers, forceps and files, after using the said items he rolled them all up together and asked me to dispose of them. I reminded him that all his equipment was still inside. He replied its all disposable, it was all made from plastic and coated in titanium and totally disposable, the whole pack casts about £7.00. I examined the equipment and appeared to quite heavy and clearly metal coated.

Well I thought it was interesting!!

[boxtops]

It is interesting - so much is disposable now, I know round here it's more economical to buy disposable clinical packs than to send stuff to Sterile Services for sterilisation and reissue.

[roobidoo]

Working in Social Care does bring you into contact with new technologies and procedures that you might otherwise never discover - I had to go on a course about swallowing and it was fascinating!

[RATTER15]

roobidoo, I have also done the swallowing course, I was fascinated by it as well.

My 3 day Physical Intervention course is coming up soon :-/

[roobidoo]

:-/ indeed, that and PBM neither of which are much practical use, imo :(

[carlton23]

What does a swallowing course consist of, as I am finding it very difficult sometimes to swallow tablets which normally are easy.

[RATTER15]

roobidoo, I put the ":-/" it just saddens me that I will need to use the PI frequently, almost daily so it is essential in my work.

carlton23, yes that was covered on the course, it is aimed at the many, especially elderley people that frequently choke trying to swallow food.

[RATTER15]

PBM?

[RATTER15]

carlton23, Talk to your GP, many tablets are also available in liquid form.

[roobidoo]

Totally agree, but the incidents that require intervention are not as black and white as they present them, so that it is not possible to carry them out safely, which means both parties are left vulnerable.

Sorry, didn't mean to hijack your post with a rant about all that is wrong with the Care services!

[roobidoo]

Ratter15 - PBM is positive behavioural management, good advice for 'everyday' situations -looking at tone of voice, body language etc. But little use when being physically attacked :(

Carlton23 - agree with Ratter15, most meds have a liquid/powder alternative and your GP should help with alternatives

[beso]

Disposabilty is the holy grail of any manufacturer.

None better than the candle maker. The customer goes home and burns their purchase.

[RATTER15]

roobidoo,>>positive behavioural management<<

Thats fine but we would need to teach it to all our clients, 9 times out of 10 it is them being attacked.

I think I would enjoy the course though.

[roobidoo]

Ratter15, have you been on a 'Whose home is it anyway?' course, I think you'd find that interesting.

[RATTER15]

roobidoo, 'Whose home is it anyway?' Where I work it is drummed into new staff that we are entering their (the Clients) home and to never forget it.

With fees up to £2600 a week! it damned well should be their home.

[Old_Geezer]

One use clippers and scissors ? Can't help but think we are still a wasteful throw away society even if they are plastic (hopefully bio degradable) and cost just £7. Some sort of hygiene reason was it ?

[joeluke]

^ from the guy who clips ratters toenails

[askyourgran]

I cannot believe that it costs £2.600 per week to care for someone. How can they justify that?

[RATTER15]

>>Where can i get this pedicure kit for £7 from?<<

I really don't know, I never asked where he buys his supplies, I'm sure it can be found on-line somewhere.

joeluke, I actually cut my own toe nails.

OG. >>Some sort of hygiene reason was it ?<< He just said it is a lot easier and more hygienic to throw them away each time.

Personally I would just buy good quality equipment and ensure it was kept clean and as sterile as is practical, we aren't talking about invasive surgery here.