Are ICU beds different from other hospital beds? Specifications & Features

Posted on 16 April in Care Beds

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ICU beds are used on intensive care units (ICUs), also known as critical care units (CCUs) or intensive therapy units (ITUs). These specialist units provide treatment and care for people who are seriously ill.

Each patient has one or two dedicated nurses and is under constant monitoring. Additional equipment, like ventilators or feeding tubes, are often used to support high-dependency care needs.

This specialist equipment is uncommon on other hospital wards. But beds are needed all throughout hospitals. So, how do ICU beds differ from standard hospital beds used on wards? This article looks at the features and specifications of ICU beds and compares them to other hospital beds.

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ICU Bed Specifications

Technically, any bed used in an intensive care unit would be classed as an ICU bed. The name refers to where a bed is used within a hospital rather than a specific type of bed.

It&#;s the same as how a nurse might say someone &#;needs a cardiology bed&#; to mean that they need to be transferred to a bed on the cardiology ward.

Department of Health and Social Care Guidelines

However, in their Critical Care Unit Planning & Design Notes, the Department of Health and Social Care does state that each bed space in an ICU should include:

&#;An electric bed capable of attaining chair and Trendelenberg positions, and fitted with a pressure-relieving mattress.&#;

So, these guidelines specify three requirements for ICU beds:

• Must be electric &#; can be operated using a handset or control panel rather requiring medical staff to reposition the bed manually.
• Must offer cardiac chair and Trendelenberg positioning functions &#; these positions facilitate respiration and circulation to aid bodily function. Read more about the Trendenlenberg position and why it&#;s used.
• Can accommodate a pressure-relieving mattress &#; foam or replacement air mattresses are used for pressure relief. ICU beds must have appropriate dimensions to fit these mattresses.

4 Important Features for ICU Beds

By avoiding a long and detailed list of requirements for ICU beds, NHS Trusts can assess which beds best meet patient and staff needs when placing an order.

But there are several features and functions that prove important in a critical care setting. As such, most ICU beds will also include the following four features:

CPR Release

Most intensive care doctors and nurses would consider CPR release as an essential for ICU beds.

This function allows medical teams to flatten the bed platform at the push of a button or lever. In an emergency, this quickly creates the flat, hard surface needed to perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

IV poles with hooks

IV poles are used to securely hang fluids or medications that a patient needs to have administered via a drip. They typically have 2 or 4 hooks which can each support a fluid container.

Having an IV pole with multiple hooks is beneficial in ICUs where patients will often require multiple medications at once.

Choosing an ICU bed with an IV pole included makes it easier to move a patient in an emergency. Rather than having to wheel both the bed and the IV pole, medical staff only have to focus on moving one piece of equipment. This reduces the risk of injury or damage to the IV supply.

Removable head and footboards

Beds with removable head and footboards, which lock safely into place when in use, are often preferred in ICUs.

There are two key benefits to this design:

• In an emergency scenario, removing the headboard allows medical staff to stand behind the patient. This frees up more space to work around the patient and provides easier access to the head to support breathing.
• It&#;s easier to perform prone positioning. This procedure involves rotating a patient from lying face up to face down.

For more icu hospital bedinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

Intermittent prone positioning has been shown to improve external respiration and improve/prevent acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in critical care patients.

Nurse Controls

Electric hospital beds can have several different options for controls. Some have a patient handset or patient controls built into the siderail. Others have a nurse control handset or nursing controls built into the base of the footboard. Often, there will be a combination of controls available on a single bed.

For ICU beds, having built-in nurse controls offers several benefits:

• Nursing controls can lock functions on any patient handsets. This will protect a vulnerable patient who cannot operate the bed themselves from accidents.
• There are no trailing wires which can cause a trip hazard when staff are rushing to assist during an emergency.
• There&#;s no risk of controls getting lost. ICUs are busy places. If staff need the bed to perform a function, they can activate it immediately without having to locate a handset.
• Bed accessories, such as weighing scales, can be incorporated. This helps to monitor the weight of patients who are too unwell to sit or stand to be weighed.

ICU Beds vs. Hospital Ward Beds

All the features listed above have one key thing in common. They help medical staff to react and provide treatment quicker in an emergency.

This is crucial in an ICU and perhaps the key difference between ICU beds and other hospital beds.

Levels of Care

In the UK, all hospitals classify patients based on their care needs. Here are the different levels of care categories used by NHS Trusts:

Level 0 &#; Patients whose needs can be met through normal ward care.

Level 1 &#; Patients at risk of deterioration, or those recently transferred from level 2/3. Their needs can be met on an acute ward with some advice and support from the critical care team.

Level 2 &#; Patients who need more detailed observation or intervention. This includes those requiring support for a single failing organ system or post-operative care and those &#;stepping down&#; from level 3 care.

Level 3 &#; Patients requiring advanced respiratory support or basic respiratory support plus support of two or more organ systems.

ICUs care for level 2 and level 3 patients. They are more likely to have complex needs or to deteriorate suddenly and require immediate intervention from medical staff.

Therefore, ICU beds need to be equipped to support this rapid response.

Most hospitals need versatile beds

We&#;ve looked at which features are particularly helpful for ICUs and why. But, in reality, most hospitals we work with at Innova want beds that are flexible and versatile enough to use in different areas of the hospital.

Over the years, we&#;ve supplied hundreds of beds with the features listed above to wards outside of ICUs. Emergencies can occur anywhere, so it helps to be prepared for rapid response.

Plus, if circumstances change and there is a sudden increase in critically ill patients then it helps to have additional beds available to facilitate critical care.

Supporting ICUs through the COVID-19 crisis

The current COVID-19 outbreak in the UK has caused just that. ICUs are facing increased demand and hospitals across the country require more beds suited to critical care. We&#;re pleased to say we have already delivered much-needed beds to NHS Trusts nationwide &#; including the NHS Nightingale Hospital North West in Manchester.

We still have large stocks of beds available for urgent delivery to NHS Trusts. Our expert team are on hand 24/7 to help procurement teams source beds which meet their hospital&#;s requirements and are equipped for ICU use.

When it comes to providing the best care for critically ill patients, the importance of an ICU (Intensive Care Unit) hospital bed cannot be overstated. These specialized beds are designed to meet the unique needs of patients requiring intensive medical attention. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore what an ICU hospital bed is, its key features, and why healthcare facilities, like yours, should consider investing in them.
Understanding ICU Hospital Beds

1. Adjustability: ICU hospital beds are known for their high degree of adjustability. They can be easily raised or lowered to facilitate patient care. The head and foot sections can be adjusted independently, allowing healthcare professionals to find the most comfortable position for patients. This is essential for managing pain, optimizing breathing, and preventing complications such as pressure ulcers.
2. Side Rails: Many ICU beds come equipped with adjustable side rails to enhance patient safety. These rails can be raised to prevent falls and lowered to allow easy access to the patient. They are especially crucial when patients are under sedation or have limited mobility.
3. Mattress: ICU beds typically come with specialized mattresses designed to provide pressure relief and prevent bedsores. These mattresses distribute the patient&#;s weight evenly and reduce the risk of skin breakdown.
4. Mobility: Some ICU beds are equipped with wheels, making them easy to move within the unit. This mobility is crucial for quickly responding to emergencies and repositioning patients.
5. Advanced Monitoring: Many ICU beds are designed with built-in monitoring systems. These systems can track vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation, providing real-time data to healthcare providers for immediate intervention.
   Why You Need ICU Hospital Beds
6. Critical Care: ICU beds are specifically designed for patients in critical condition. Whether it&#;s post-surgery recovery, respiratory support, or monitoring of unstable vital signs, these beds are essential for providing intensive care.
7. Reduced Complications: The adjustability and pressure-relieving features of ICU beds help reduce complications like pressure ulcers and respiratory distress. This results in better patient outcomes and shorter hospital stays.
8. Enhanced Safety: ICU beds come with adjustable side rails, ensuring patient safety. They prevent falls and provide a secure environment for patients who may be disoriented or agitated.
9. Optimal Patient Positioning: The ability to adjust the bed&#;s position is crucial for patient comfort and managing various medical conditions. ICU beds enable healthcare providers to find the most suitable position for each patient&#;s needs.
10. Advanced Monitoring: ICU beds with integrated monitoring systems facilitate real-time tracking of patient vital signs. This allows healthcare providers to respond promptly to any changes in the patient&#;s condition, improving patient safety.

United Poly: Your Partner in Quality ICU Hospital Beds
United Poly understands the critical role that ICU beds play in patient care. That&#;s why we are committed to providing high-quality, customizable ICU hospital beds that meet the unique needs of your healthcare facility. Here&#;s why you should choose United Poly as your partner:

Are you interested in learning more about 3 function hospital bed? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

1. Customization: We offer ICU beds that can be tailored to your specific requirements. Whether you need beds with specialized features or a specific design, we can accommodate your needs.
2. Durability: United Poly&#;s ICU beds are built to last. They are constructed from high-quality materials, ensuring longevity and reliability.
3. Patient Comfort: We prioritize patient comfort in our designs. Our ICU beds are ergonomically designed to provide the highest level of comfort during extended periods of use.
   In conclusion, ICU hospital beds are indispensable in providing optimal care for critically ill patients. Investing in high-quality ICU beds, like those offered by United Poly, can significantly enhance patient outcomes, reduce complications, and improve the overall efficiency of your healthcare facility. Ensure that your patients receive the best possible care by equipping your ICU with the right hospital beds.