What equipment can S&E CareTrade service?

We service a range of care home and healthcare equipment including hoists, beds, mattresses, mobility aids and patient handling equipment. 

What is LOLER?

LOLER stands for Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations. It requires lifting equipment to be inspected regularly to ensure safe operation.

How often do hoists need LOLER inspections?

Most patient lifting equipment requires inspection every six months, although requirements can vary depending on usage and regulations.

Do you offer preventative maintenance programmes?

Yes, preventative maintenance helps identify issues early, reduce downtime and support compliance.

Can replacement parts be supplied?

Yes, replacement parts are available for many types of care home and healthcare equipment.

What is preventative maintenance?

Preventative maintenance is the routine inspection, servicing and testing of care equipment to identify potential issues before they become faults. Rather than waiting for equipment to break down, preventative maintenance helps keep equipment operating safely, extends its lifespan and reduces the risk of unexpected failures. Regular maintenance also supports compliance with manufacturer recommendations and helps ensure equipment is always ready for use.

Do you supply replacement parts for care equipment?

Yes. S&E CareTrade can source and supply a wide range of genuine replacement parts for many types of healthcare equipment, including profiling beds, hoists, pressure care systems and other care equipment. If a replacement part is available, our service team will advise whether repairing the equipment is the most cost-effective and appropriate solution.

How can regular servicing improve resident safety?

Regular servicing helps ensure care equipment continues to operate safely and reliably. Routine inspections can identify worn components, damaged parts or mechanical faults before they affect residents or staff. Well-maintained equipment reduces the risk of breakdowns during use, supports safer moving and handling, and helps care providers deliver consistent, high-quality care.

What happens during a healthcare equipment service?

During a healthcare equipment service, a qualified engineer will inspect the equipment, check that it is operating correctly and identify any signs of wear or damage. Depending on the type of equipment, servicing may include functional testing, lubrication, adjustment of moving parts, electrical safety checks where applicable, replacement of worn components and verification that the equipment continues to perform in line with the manufacturer's recommendations. A service record is provided for your maintenance records.

How can care homes stay compliant with equipment servicing regulations?

Care homes can support compliance by following the manufacturer's recommended servicing schedules, keeping accurate maintenance records and ensuring equipment is regularly inspected by competent engineers. Equipment used for lifting people must also meet the requirements of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER), including thorough examinations at the required intervals. Planned preventative maintenance programmes help care homes demonstrate that equipment is being managed safely and responsibly.

Which types of equipment require LOLER certification?

Equipment used for lifting or transferring people is generally subject to LOLER regulations. This typically includes mobile hoists, ceiling track hoists, standing aids used for lifting, patient lifting slings and certain bath lifts. These items must undergo a thorough examination by a competent person at the legally required intervals, usually every six months for equipment used to lift people, unless a written examination scheme specifies otherwise.

Can equipment be repaired instead of replaced?

In many cases, yes. If equipment is structurally sound and replacement parts are available, repairing it can be a cost-effective option that extends its service life. Our engineers will assess the condition of the equipment and advise whether repair is appropriate or whether replacement would provide a safer and more economical long-term solution.

What does preventative maintenance include?

A preventative maintenance programme typically includes scheduled inspections, functional testing, safety checks, adjustment of moving parts, lubrication where required, replacement of worn components, electrical safety testing where appropriate and detailed service records. The exact maintenance carried out depends on the type of equipment and the manufacturer's recommendations.

How often should care home equipment be serviced?

The frequency of servicing depends on the type of equipment, how often it is used and the manufacturer's recommendations. Equipment such as profiling beds, pressure care systems and specialist care equipment should be serviced at regular intervals to maintain safe operation. Lifting equipment covered by LOLER must undergo a thorough examination at legally defined intervals. A planned maintenance schedule helps ensure all equipment remains safe, compliant and reliable throughout its working life.

How often should pressure mattresses be replaced?

There is no set timeframe for replacing a pressure relief mattress. Its lifespan depends on the type of mattress, how frequently it is used, how well it is maintained and the manufacturer's recommendations. Pressure mattresses should be inspected regularly for signs of wear, damage or reduced performance. If the mattress no longer redistributes pressure effectively, has a damaged cover or foam core, or cannot be cleaned properly, it should be replaced. Regular servicing and inspections help ensure residents continue to receive effective pressure care.

When should care home equipment be replaced?

Care home equipment should be replaced when it is no longer safe, reliable or suitable for its intended purpose. This may be due to wear and tear, repeated breakdowns, structural damage, obsolete parts or changing resident needs. Routine servicing and preventative maintenance help identify when equipment has reached the end of its serviceable life, allowing care homes to plan replacements before equipment failure affects resident care.

How often should care home equipment be replaced?

Moving and handling equipment should be serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations as part of a planned preventative maintenance programme. In addition, equipment used for lifting people, such as mobile hoists and ceiling track hoists, must undergo a thorough examination under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER), usually every six months unless a written examination scheme specifies otherwise. Regular servicing helps ensure equipment remains safe, reliable and compliant.

What mattress is best for pressure ulcer prevention?

The most appropriate mattress for pressure ulcer prevention depends on the resident's individual level of risk, mobility and clinical assessment. High-specification foam mattresses are suitable for many residents at risk of pressure damage, while those at very high risk or with existing pressure ulcers may require an alternating air or hybrid pressure relief mattress. Mattress selection should always form part of a comprehensive pressure ulcer prevention plan that includes regular repositioning, skin assessments, nutrition, hydration and continence care.

How long does a profiling bed last?

The lifespan of a profiling bed depends on its quality, usage and maintenance. A well-maintained profiling bed can provide many years of reliable service when regularly inspected and serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Beds should be replaced if they become unsafe, unreliable, uneconomical to repair or no longer meet the clinical needs of residents. Regular preventative maintenance can help maximise the lifespan of the equipment and maintain resident safety.

What is the difference between a hoist and a stand-aid?

A hoist is designed to lift and transfer residents who cannot safely bear weight or who require full assistance during transfers. It uses a sling to support the resident while moving them between locations, such as from a bed to a chair.

A stand aid is designed for residents who can bear some weight and actively participate in the transfer. It supports the resident into a standing position while assisting with short transfers, helping to encourage independence where appropriate.

The choice between a hoist and a stand aid should always be based on an individual moving and handling assessment to ensure the safest and most appropriate method of transfer for the resident.

How do I know if care equipment is safe to use?

Care equipment should be inspected before use and serviced regularly in line with the manufacturer's recommendations. Any equipment showing signs of damage, wear or malfunction should be taken out of service immediately until it has been inspected or repaired.

Who is responsible for maintaining care equipment?

The care provider is responsible for ensuring equipment is maintained in a safe condition. This includes arranging regular servicing, inspections, repairs and keeping accurate maintenance records to demonstrate compliance with relevant regulations.

What equipment should every nursing home have?

Essential equipment typically includes profiling beds, pressure care mattresses, mobile hoists, slings, shower chairs, commodes, transfer aids, rise and recline chairs, clinical waste systems and infection prevention products. The exact requirements depend on the services provided and the needs of residents.

What should I check before using a hoist?

Before using a hoist, staff should check that it has been serviced, the battery is charged where applicable, the sling is suitable and undamaged, safety clips are secure and the equipment is operating correctly. A visual inspection should be carried out before every use.

How often should slings be replaced?

There is no fixed replacement period for slings. They should be inspected before every use and thoroughly examined during LOLER inspections. A sling should be replaced immediately if it shows signs of wear, damaged stitching, fraying, tears or any other defect that could compromise safety.

Can damaged slings be repaired?

No. Damaged lifting slings should not be repaired unless this is specifically authorised by the manufacturer. If a sling is damaged, worn or fails inspection, it should be removed from service and replaced.

What records should care homes keep for serviced equipment?

Care homes should keep service reports, LOLER examination certificates, repair records, maintenance schedules and inspection logs. Accurate records help demonstrate compliance during inspections and support effective equipment management.