The Challenge
The typical NHS bedside cabinet which looks and behaves like an adapted piece of domestic furniture has been left behind in design terms, especially when compared with the sophisticated developments that have taken place with hospital beds. The current design has many square formed edges, cervices and joins that can harbour germs making cleaning extremely difficult, as well as lacking the flexibility demanded in the modern healthcare environment. Patients find that current designs, many with deep drawers are hard to access from the bed, with less mobile patients often having to ask for assistance when accessing their belongings, placing additional pressures on nursing staff.
The challenge for Bristol Maid™ & Kinneir Dufort was to bring the traditional bedside cabinet into the 21st century, focussing not only in providing a flexible storage area to satisfy the needs of the patient, but also more importantly develop a product that is easy to clean and assist with reducing “Healthcare Associated Infections” (HCAI's) around the patient's bed.
Design Solution
The design team carried out extensive user research with patients, medical staff, cleaners, matrons, pharmacists, as well as reviewing future policy with regard to infection control with senior medical staff. Focussing specifically on infection control and the needs of the patient, the design team deconstructed the current bedside locker, in order to identify key features to be included in any new product.
Results
The revolutionary backless design bedside cabinet eliminates hard-to-clean areas with a continuous moulded form, smooth surfaces with no joints, junctions or sharp corners to harbour germs.
Patient storage is provided through: two upper shelves which are easily accessible from the bed, one shallow, one deep drawer, a lower open storage area and clothes hooks positioned on the rear of the unit. An innovative 'reversible drawer' design was incorporated, allowing the cabinet to be used on either side of the bed by simply removing the drawers and slotting them into place through the other side of the unit; also providing assistance when cleaning.
Both drawers can be fitted with concealed RFID controlled electronic locks suitable for use in conjunction with “Self Administration Programmes”, as well as allowing the secure storage of patient's possessions.
Design Features & Benefits
Rotationally moulded polymer form
√ smooth surfaces, no joints, junctions or sharp corners to harbour germs
√ easy to wipe clean
√ high impact resistance and hardwearing
Revolutionary backless design
√ improved access to clean internal surfaces
Removable and reversible drawers
√ easy to remove and clean
√ flexibility to use cabinet on either side of the bed
Defined surface edges and contours
√ reduces misplacement of objects
√ assists with containment of spillages
Upturned handles
√ contact surface is visible
√ easy to wipe clean
RFID controlled electronic lock
√ no mechanical lock/key
√ reduced transmission of germs
√ full audit trail
√ works in conjunction with 'Self Administration Programmes'
To register your interest or for further information about the new Bristol Maid™ Bedside Cabinet, please fill in the form below.
NHS Hospital Tour Locations
Wolverhampton
New Cross Hospital
5 May
Manchester
The Nowgen Centre
6 May
Huddersfield
Royal Infirmary Hospital
8 May
Durham
University Hospital of North Durham
11 May
Southampton
Southampton General Hospital
13 May
Lewisham
Lewisham Hospital
15 May
Imperial College
Hammersmith Conference Centre
19 May
Opening times: 10:00 – 16:30
Resus:Station
Hospital Metalcraft has a tradition of working with external design companies and has been a major contributor to innovation within the healthcare furniture and equipment sector.
A study by “The National Patient Safety Agency” identified that errors with poorly restocked trolleys were adversely affecting patient outcomes which led to the Royal College of Art reviewing procedures and working practices with the subsequent development of new generation of crash trolley, the “Resus:station”. We have been involved in the continued development and manufacturing of five trolleys that are currently on trial at St Mary’s Hospital London.
Hospital Metalcraft has a tradition of working with external design companies and has been a major contributor to innovation within the healthcare furniture and equipment sector.