First in the UK device to modernise patient care
A new patient transfer device to the UK, designed to prioritise dignity and safety during manual patient handling in CT scans, has arrived at Whipps Cross Hospital.
Atle 180, a Swedish-designed device funded by Barts Health, was sought after to improve the physical demands of radiography, through smooth and controlled patient transfers, after colleagues reported back and shoulder pain at work.
Nadia Apopei, senior nursing assistant, manual handling link worker and wellbeing champion, who led this project said: “My personal motto is ‘take care of people, and everything else will follow’. I introduced fitness sessions focused on improving posture and safe manual handling techniques, to help colleagues reduce injuries at work, however I realised that exercise alone was not enough, and there was a need for innovation.
“After researching alternative solutions, we were confident this new equipment would make improvements. It’s very rewarding to see colleagues coming into work with a smile. One patient recently told us that her transfer was so gentle, she didn’t feel any pain - and that confirmed all the effort was worth it.”
This £25,000 technology is a major step forward in how we’re improving wellbeing by:
Protecting Staff Wellbeing
Designed by a radiographer who truly understands the physical pressures of patient handling, the Atle 180 removes the need for heavy manual lifting during lateral transfers. This dramatically reduces the risk of musculoskeletal injuries and supports a safer working environment for our teams.
Boosting Operational Efficiency
What once required several staff members can now be safely completed by one or two colleagues, freeing up capacity amongst staff, improving patient flow and helping reduce waiting times.
Enhancing Patient Dignity and Comfort
It delivers a smooth, controlled, mechanised transfer—removing the jolts often associated with slide sheets or manual boards. Patients can expect a more comfortable, dignified, and reassuring experience when moving from beds or trolleys onto the scanner.
Being built for the Future
While Radiology is leading the way, this technology has the potential to benefit teams right across the hospital where lateral patient transfers take place.
Supporting the NHS 10‑Year Plan
This investment demonstrates our commitment to innovation that improves:
- staff safety and retention
- productivity and departmental flow
- patient experience and outcomes
It’s a powerful example of how technology can help us deliver outstanding, sustainable care.
Jane Muparadzi, senior radiographer, said: “Current staff constraints across hospital departments has mead a reduction in the number of staff available to carry out manual patient transfers, so this couldn’t have come at a better time. Since we started using the Atle 180, I genuinely noticed a difference in how I feel after my shift, and it’s also improved efficiency in our department.
“Patient transfers used to be physically demanding, and I would often go home with back and shoulder discomfort. Now, with smooth and controlled transfers, I have confidence that I can do my job safely and focus on the patient rather than worrying about personal injury.”
Congratulations to the entire Whipps Cross team for championing this advancement and leading the way in modernising patient care!