The Bariatric Moving & Handling Learning Hub for Plus Size People
Supporting plus size and bariatric individuals requires careful consideration of safety, dignity, and appropriate equipment.
This learning hub brings together guidance, training videos, and resources to support safe moving and handling for plus size people, including the use of slide sheets and bariatric in-bed systems.
Whether you are reviewing best practice, refreshing training, or selecting appropriate equipment, this page is designed to support safer outcomes for both patients and carers.
When Undertaking Any Slide Sheet Manoeuvres/Moving & Handling Tasks:
1. Make sure you have done your own risk assessment and that the technique being used is appropriate.
2. Or follow the handling plan from somebody who has done a risk assessment.
3. Check all equipment for any signs of wear and tear prior to use.
4. Always check equipment weight limits and manufacturer instructions before use.
Be aware that some standard moving and handling equipment may not be suitable for plus size individuals, and equipment specifically designed to support higher weights or wider body sizes may be required.
5. Consider additional factors such as available space, staffing levels, and the individual’s mobility and comfort, ensuring that dignity and safety are maintained at all times.
Introduction to our Bariatric Moving & Handling Equipment
Using Bariatric Slide Sheets when Moving or Repositioning Plus Size people
Bariatric slide sheets facilitate the safer repositioning and lateral transfer of plus-sized patients by reducing friction between the patient and the underlying surface. These manoeuvres represent some of the most frequently performed moving and handling tasks within UK hospitals and care facilities. When executed correctly with appropriate equipment, they promote client comfort, preserve dignity, and enhance safety for both patients and healthcare professionals. Slide Sheets are particularly valuable in circumstances where friction reduction is critical to minimising physical strain and preventing skin injuries.
Reducing Risk of Patient Harm
Bariatric slide sheets help minimise friction and shear forces acting upon the skin, a crucial consideration for plus-sized individuals who may face heightened vulnerability to pressure damage and skin breakdown. By reducing shear forces, these devices support patient comfort, help preserve skin integrity, and contribute to enhanced care quality and clinical outcomes.
Appropriate Sizing, Accessibility and Versatility
Complimenting Cromptons Healthcare by MIP’s range, Bariatric slide sheets are available in an range of sizes, designs, and materials to accommodate varying clinical needs and patient-specific risk assessments. When caring for plus-sized individuals, it is essential to select slide sheets of appropriate dimensions and specification, ensuring strict adherence to safe working load limits and manufacturers' guidance at all times. Available options include flat or tubular designs, reusable (launderable) or single-patient use variants, and extra-wide bariatric specifications designed to support best practice in patient handling.
Reducing Risk of Staff Injury
When incorporated into comprehensive risk assessments and safe systems of work, bariatric slide sheets support improved manual handling techniques by significantly reducing the physical effort and biomechanical load required. This helps protect healthcare staff from musculoskeletal disorders and workplace injuries when repositioning or transferring plus-sized patients.
Bariatric Moving & Handling Tutorial Videos by MIP
For More Support Tools - Visit our other Learning Hubs
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Meet our Partner Clinician
Julia Love RGN ONC, Advanced Member of NBE
Julia qualified as a Registered General Nurse at Guy’s Hospital in 1985, following Orthopaedic nurse training, and developing an early interest in safer moving & handling, becoming the moving and handling trainer for students, care assistants and qualified staff as a newly qualified staff nurse.
She started LPS Training with her physio husband in 1992 and currently delivers a variety of manual handling training in health, social care and special education settings. She also undertakes individual risk assessments, delivering bespoke training for the carers and family of clients with complex handling issues.
Julia was an author and co-editor of the Handling of People (HOP), 6th Edition writing the chapter on Safer Hoisting and is a co-author for the risk assessment chapter in the 7th HOP. Julia led a small working party to re-write the Skills for Health Moving and handling e-learning modules and led a group to revise the Moving and handling element of the Core Skills Training Framework.
She remains an active member of her local National Back Exchange group, having Chaired the group, as well as spending time on the National Executive Committee, as a Regional Officer, National Secretary and NBE Chair for 3 years. She is currently the Chair of the NBE Professional Affairs Committee.
Helpful Resources for Bariatric and Plus Size Moving & Handling
Moving and Handling of Plus Size People – An Illustrated Guide
A comprehensive, evidence-based guide covering risk assessment, equipment selection, techniques, and dignity-focused care.
NHS Procedure for the Safer Handling of Heavy / Plus Size Patients
UK clinical guidance outlining safer practice, risk management, and equipment considerations.
Plus Size and Bariatric Manual Handling Training (CPD Accredited)
Additional training options designed to support staff confidence and competence when assisting plus size individuals.
National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP)
Guidance on pressure injury prevention and management.
Association for the Study of Obesity (ASO)
A professional body focused on obesity research, education, and policy, offering science-based insight into obesity prevalence, impact, and multidisciplinary approaches to care.
A patient-facing charity offering resources and support for people living with obesity, alongside wider public health information and signposting to support networks.
What Our Customers Have to Say
"Using these slide sheets, you are assured of a good quality product for our moving and handling needs for our patients and our staff"
Feedback from Clinical Skills Programme Lead - Moving & Handling, NHS Trust
"Yellow to the bed, slide with the red. This effectively positions the patient"
Feedback from Manual Handling Manager - NHS Foundation Trust
"Good, sturdy, strong, slippery fabric caused less pains for our own backs and others as it is more gently to do this way than the main handling way"
Feedback from End User
Our Slide Sheet Range
Flat Patient Specific Bariatric Slide Sheets - With Handles
Flat Patient Specific Bariatric Slide Sheets - No Handles
Tubular Patient Specific Bariatric Slide Sheets
Ready to Go Patient Specific Bariatric Slide Sheet Pack
Tubular Bariatic Two-Tone Slide Sheets
JC100 Patient Transfer Sheet
Swift® Slider
Swift® Slider with Handles
Swift® UltraSlide® Bottom Sheet
Slide Sheet Glove
Slide Sheet Storage Bag
Extension Handle
As a global supplier of healthcare textiles for over 40 years, MIP provides comfort and efficiency for the healthcare community, but most importantly, for its people. It’s all part of our core belief that real, vital impact stems from the seamless integration of both the scientific side of healing and the human side of providing care.