What to look for when choosing hospital beds

A hospital bed is used around the clock by patients and by the staff who care for them. The right bed supports recovery, protects staff from strain and is easy to keep clean.

Features that matter day to day

• Height adjustment, so staff can work at a comfortable level and patients can get in and out safely
• Backrest and leg-section adjustment for comfort and positioning
• Side rails and controls that are secure, simple and easy to clean
• Castors that move easily and brake firmly

The bed and the mattress work together

A pressure-relieving mattress only performs as intended on a bed frame designed for it. Check that the two are compatible, and ask which mattress options are available for patients with different levels of risk.

Choose for the ward you have, and for the staff who work in it.

Think about the full lifetime

Ask about cleaning materials the bed can withstand, the availability of spare parts and what service support is offered after delivery. These decide the real cost of a bed over many years of use.