Bed Protection, Bibs & P-Bag

Westcare Disposable Clothing protectors come in a tie-back and self-adhesive version, both with a pocket.

P-Bag

P-Bag comes in two parts for funnel reuse and easy storage of disposable bags. P-Bag is an ideal substitute for bedpans and urine bottles and can be used in many situations such as ambulance transportation, camping and excursions, army needs and other cases where it is difficult to find a toilet.

*P-Bag is produced by an ISO9001 certified company.

P-Bags or bed pans - a real choice
Busy nurses now have an alternative to bed pans - the P-Bag, which has found staff and patient acceptance in a NSW hospital survey. The P-Bag required fewer staff and less time to administer, was comfortable and easy to use.

The P-Bag is an anatomically shaped unisex product which comes in two parts - a funnel and a disposable bag holding up to 1500mls. It can be used in many situations such as ambulance transportation, and where it is difficult to find a toilet, as well as a substitute for bedpans and urine bottles in hospitals, nursing homes and even at home.

Sutherland Hospital conducted trials of P-Bag and Bed Pan use in its surgical and aged care wards during July - August 2005, as part of its ongoing assessment of new products for suitability and whether they will lead to an improvement in the quality of patient care provided.

Results showed that P-Bags were easier to use (one patient even used it unaided), required less staff and lifting, took less time and had less likelihood of spillage.

Staff reported patient discomfort, a loss of dignity and privacy, and the potential for spillage with bed pans. While the P-Bag was unfamiliar, requiring staff then patient education in usage, it was seen as easy and simple, requiring less manual handling and assistance.

The report concluded that “The success of the P-Bag at ward level is determined by the ability of the nursing staff to educate, support and encourage patients in its use.

“The negative aspects, for some patients, such as concern over the look of the device, and lack of confidence could be addressed by providing the nursing staff with information and education sessions on the proper use of the P-Bag. If through education the staff become more positive in their attitude towards the P-Bag and confident in their own ability to use the product then they may be in better position to provide more encouragement to the patients. “

The survey identified benefits for the nursing staff with participants stating the P-Bag was “faster” and involved “less nursing time”.

“The P-Bag has been very effective and eliminated the use of pads during the day. Skin condition had been very poor with breaks in skin and macerated areas – all now greatly improved. Patients can be resistive towards physical contact and this is now reduced through the use of the P-Bag. Over a period of time the P-Bag will most likely turn out to be a very cost effective product.”

"It is obvious from the survey results that P-Bag is not an option for all patients. However, as 85% of the survey participants offered positive comments about the product and the cost of the product is negligible at $3 each, it is worth making the P-Bag available, as an alternative to ward patients,” the report concluded.