Male genitalia may become trapped in hygiene chair

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The government's drugs and medical equipment watchdog has issued a warning over the risk of male genitalia becoming trapped in a multi-purpose hygiene chair.

Nurses and staff have been instructed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to trace all Arjo Carendo multi-purpose hygiene chairs in use or storage.

They must then contact the manufacturers to get latest product care instructions to minimise the risk of accidents.

Incidents have been reported in Sweden of male genitalia becoming trapped between the seat and the base of the chair when the seat or backrest is moved. No such incidents have been reported in the UK.

The MHRA warned: 'There is potential, while raising the seat or when the seat is in a raised position, for the occupant's genitalia to slide into the aperture.

'If the carer or occupant does not notice this, the genitalia can become pinched between the seat and the base of the chair when it is returned to its normal position, causing bruises, cuts or severe wounds.'

Arjo has reviewed the design and could not establish a suitable modification but has reissued instructions for use, including warning to check genitalia do not slide into the aperture during the lowering movement of the seat.

MHRA