KIRTON Suffolk Rehab User manual

Suffolk Rehab
User Instructions
Contents
1 Introduction to the Suffolk Rehab chair
2 Suffolk Rehab Product Information
2 Questions and Concerns
3 Guidelines for Best Practice
3 The User Instructions
General Operation of the Suffolk Rehab:
3 Lateral Supports
4 Lumbar Support
4 Seat Length Adjustment
4 Mobility Base
4 Integral Head Support
4 Back Angle Recline
4 Seat Angle Adjustment
5 Seat Angle Up and Down
6 Care and Maintenance
6 Potential Risks, Cautions and Warnings
6 Helpline
Suffolk Rehab User Information
August 2005
Introduction to the Suffolk Rehab chair
What is the Suffolk Rehab?
The Suffolk Rehab is a “working chair” designed to complement the efforts of therapists and
care staff assisting the recovery and rehabilitation of patients to the fullest extent possible.

Why is there a need for this type of
chair?
Ease of mobility and infinite adjustability
makes the Suffolk Rehab a comprehensive
and complete rehabilitation chair. The
adjustable lateral supports, variable angle
integral head support and inflatable back
lumbar provide comfort and positive
support. The Suffolk Rehab can be uniquely
tailored to each individual user through
back and seat angle and seat length
adjustments.
The Suffolk Rehab provides excellent user
stability through the incorporation of a
moulding foam cushion which is easily
removed to allow use of alternative
cushioning.
Who should consider using the
Suffolk Rehab?
The Suffolk Rehab is designed for those
undergoing rehabilitation following a stroke,
head injury or suffering from
neurological or
physical conditions. To assist therapists
and care staff, all alterations are simple and
quick to effect and the chair can manage a
wide range of user needs and postural
management configurations.
Suffolk Rehab Product
Information
Features
• Lateral Supports
• Clear plastic tray with cushioned
elbow pads
• Inflatable lumbar support
• Back angle recline
• Adjustable seat angle
• Variable angle integral head support
•
Adjustable seat length
• Moulding foam seat cushion
• Headrest
• Infilled Side arms
• Mobility base with sliding footrest
• Robust 75mm wheels (fully braked)
Accessories
•
Transflo pressure relief seat cushion
•
Hip pads
•
Side wedges
Questions and Concerns
Should you experience any difficulties or
have any concerns regarding the initial
purchase or subsequently adjusting the
Suffolk Rehab chair or have any concerns
regarding its use or operation then
immediately contact either your Kirton
representative, distributor or our Customer
Services Team on Freephone 0800
212709 or +44 (0) 1440 705352, they will
be delighted to help you.
Page 2

Guidelines for Best Practice
To ensure good practice when considering
purchasing a Suffolk Rehab chair and
effective use post purchase we advise that
the following guidelines are considered:
1. Seek advice and input from a qualified
therapist/professional and/or Kirton
representative/distributor at the initial
prescription of the chair.
2. If unsure when ordering the chair and
any accessories contact either the
therapist involved or your Kirton
representative or distributor or our
Customer Services Team on
Freephone 0800 212709 or
+44 (0) 1440 705352 to discuss
further.
3.
It is recommended that following
receipt of the chair all staff members
that will be supervising the user(s)
should be
trained in adjusting the chair
to ensure it is adjusted safely and
correct positioning is maintained for
the benefit of the user.
4. Users of the Suffolk Rehab should be
supervised and checked regularly to
ensure their most appropriate position
is maintained in the chair.
The User Instructions
The purpose of the following user
instructions is to provide a guide on how to
utilise, adjust and maintain the Suffolk
Rehab chair.
These instructions should be read by all
those involved with the supervision of the
user and/or the care of the chair before use.
The Suffolk Rehab must be adjusted in
terms of seat length, seat angle and back
angle positioning for each individual using
the chair to ensure safe and comfortable
use.
Please retain these instructions with the
Care and Maintenance card enclosed for
future reference.
Page 3
Lateral Supports
The Suffolk Rehab is fitted with two lateral
supports that operate independently but a
re
adjusted in the same way.
Both lateral supports can be completely
removed and fitted to either of the two
positional bars on the back of the chair.
•
To detach or adjust the lateral supports
loosen the “triangular” handle and adjust
to preference.
•
The two supports can be moved
horizontally across the bar to suit the
individual in the chair (ie: they can be
positioned closer or further from the
person’s rib cage).
•
The lateral supports are also marked to
ensure they are positioned evenly to
provide balanced support where
appropriate.
•
Ideally the lumbar supports should be
positioned firmly against the lower rib
cage rather than underneath the armpit
area. The lower positioning bar is
designed for shorter individuals. When
the most appropriate position has been
found then the “triangular” handles should
be tightened to provide stable and secure
support.

Page 4
Integral Head Support
•
The top part of the back rest has a built in
variable angle head support.
•
This head support can be adjusted by simply
pushing or pulling on the top of the chair.
Relatively firm pressure will be required to
successfully adjust this feature but this is
deliberate to ensure the stable support of
the individual once they are using the chair.
Back Angle Recline
•
To recline the back of the chair, turn the
“finger” grip adjuster clockwise to release
the lock then adjust angle of recline to
preference.
•
Bringing the angle forward is done in the
same manner but to alleviate unnecessary
strain on the mechanism, “help” the
movement by placing the hand on the push
bar when bringing the angle forward.
Seat Angle Adjustment
•
The seat module has 20º
of adjustment from
horizontal upwards.
•
Fold out the “winding” handle situated on the
users left hand side below the level of the
wooden framework.
•
Turn the handle clockwise to increase seat
angle and turn anti clockwise to lower seat
angle.
•
Both adjustments can be conducted with the
chair occupied and when the adjustment is
complete, the “winding” handle should be
folded back to prevent it from protruding.
Lumbar Support
The lumbar support can be easily inflated or
deflated to suit individual comfort and posture.
If the patient is non-
communicative then adjust
to your own preference.
•
Inflating the lumbar support is done by
gently “pumping” the hand held pump.
•
Deflate by pressing the release button on
the top of the pump.
Seat Length Adjustment
It is important to establish the correct seat
length for each individual user of the chair. A
clearance of 25mm or one inch between the
front of the seat cushion and the calf is
desirable when the user’s pelvis is firmly
against the back of the seat, where possible.
The seat length can be adjusted by loosening
the two “easy release” wing nuts situated
underneath the seat base.
Once loosened, push or pull the seat module
to the desired length and then retighten the
two “easy release” wing nuts on the underside
of the seat base.
Mobility Base
•
The mobility base enables the Suffolk
Rehab to be moved easily even when
occupied.
•
All four wheels are braked ensuring stability
and security when “working” with the user.
•
The mobility base incorporates a sliding
footrest to facilitate movement of the chair
when occupied (feet aren’t catching on the
floor) and as support for the shorter
individual.

Page 5
1. Lateral Supports
2. Lumbar Support
3. Seat Length
4. Mobility Base
5. Integral Head Support
6. Back Angle Recline
7. Seat Angle

Potential Risks, Cautions and
Warnings
•
The user is at risk if the Suffolk Rehab
is not specified and adjusted to their
particular requirements.
•
Do not try moving the chair without
first ensuring that all wheels are
unlocked.
•
Do not sit on the arms as this can
cause damage to the covering and
could make the stability of the chair
unsafe.
•
Users should be regularly checked
and supervised when in the chair to
mitigate the user moving or sliding into
an inappropriate position.
•
Users and carers should take care not
to trap fingers down either the side of
the chair or between the back and the
seat module.
•
Do not let sharp or pointed objects be
placed down the side of the infill arms.
Page 6
Care and Maintenance
For recommended care, cleaning and
maintenance, please refer also to the care
and maintenance guidelines enclosed with
your chair and the care label fixed to your
chair.
•
Wipe down framework with soapy
water and a soft cloth.
•
Check castors regularly for build up of
fluff and dirt particles.
•
Cleaning with scouring pads is not
advised.
Chieftain Vinyl – Cleaning
Instructions
•
Clean with a damp soapy cloth and rinse
well with clean water. A soft brush can
be used for heavy soiling.
•
Do not use solvents, bleaches, abrasives,
synthetic detergents, wax polishes or
aerosol sprays.
Freshfields – Cleaning Instructions
•
Clean with a damp soapy cloth and rinse
well with clean water. A soft brush can
be used for heavy soiling.
•
Do not use solvents, bleaches, abrasives,
synthetic detergents, wax polishes or
aerosol sprays.
Helpline
Should you have
any concerns either pre or
post purchase of the chair contact
our Customer Services Team on
Freephone 0800 212709 or from outside
the UK +44 (0) 1440 705352 to discuss
further. Alternatively, if you purchased your
chair from a Kirton distributor in the first
instance please contact your point of
reference there.
If your call concerns a specific seating
product or item of furniture please have
ready your sales order number before you
telephone. This can be located at the base
of each chair and helps us identify your
details and deal with your enquiry
efficiently.


23 Rookwood Way
Haverhill
Suffolk
CB9 8PB
England
Telephone: +44 (0) 1440 705352
Facismile: +44 (0) 1440 706521
Freephone: 0800 212709
www.kirton-healthcare.co.uk
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