Andalusia Regional Hospital just installed 15 new beds designed with technologies to enhance both patient and nurse safety.

Joe O’Donnell of Linet explained that the company’s Multicare® LE beds have a sit-to stand feature, a lateral turn assist, an ergoframe that reduces patient sliding, and hands-free controls.

“The main thing is that we see is improvements in auto-ambulation,” he said.

For instance, a nurse can laterally tilt the bid if he or she needs to slide a sheet or pillow underneath the patient, or assist with hygiene. The patient doesn’t have to be moved, and the process is safer for nurses. The re-positioning can also provide effective pressure relief.

O’Donnell said the bed can be adjusted for a patient to sit up, then the bed itself is lowered, and an extra “handle” resembling a walking cane is strategically placed to help a patient stand.

The beds also have mattresses designed so that body heat isn’t trapped in the mattress, O’Donnell said, which reduces the chances of pressure ulcers and skin tears.

Michael Pridgen, ARH’s director of med/surg/peds, said the new beds are awesome. Among the features he thinks patients will most like is a pen light available from the control panel that nurses can use when checking vitals at night without turning on an overhead light.

“They are really good for the labor assistance devices,” he said.

The beds also can be positioned much like a recliner, making patients more comfortable.

Amanda Wise, materials director, said the 15 new beds installed this week represent a $165,000 investment by ARH.