Hospital lets public try out new beds

Onslow Memorial Hospital wants its patients to relax and they hope some new beds will help.

The hospital recently hosted a Bed and Recliner Fair to introduce the community to new and advanced inpatient beds and recliners that will be implemented in the next few months.

The furnishings were placed in the hospital’s education building, where visitors were asked to try out three beds and recliners manufactured by healthcare technology company Hill-Rom. Each item had a particular feature that meet the needs of patients while also providing a relaxing stay for family members.

Erin Tallman, vice president of patient and family advocacy and service improvement at Onslow Memorial Hospital said the hospital wanted to hear from those who would directly benefit from the new furniture.

“We have these advisors that serve on different committees and offer their opinions, expectations and perceptions,” Tallman said. “We knew were going to have these beds in the budget for this year because some of the beds are 20 years old.”

Tallman said that the replacement of 111 beds and recliners will begin between the end 2011 and early 2012. The beds include foam or air mattresses with safer mobility features and recliners that give family members extra comfort during overnight stays.

“Some of them are so technologically advanced that 20 years ago they wouldn’t be able to do some things,” Tallman said. “We have one bed that is actually able to turn the patients on their sides so it’s not as much strain on them or the nurses.”

Kay Brandon, who serves as chair for the patient and family advisory council and is the family member of a former patient, said that the Bed and Recliner Fair helped to show the community that the hospital cares about their needs.

“I was interested in seeing what would be best for the patients and I think it’s important that they are comfortable and safe … these beds have a really good future when it comes to preventing falls,” Brandon said.

Tallman said that about 75 forms from community members and staff were submitted with positive feedback as a result of the fair. With a current remodeling project of the hospital’s fifth floor and new upcoming additions to furniture for waiting areas, the hospital hopes to continue to make patients and family members feel more at home.

“Anytime anyone steps foot in this hospital as a patient or family member, their anxiety is going to go up,” Tallman said. “We know that the community helped to decide on these beds.”

Contact Aniesa Holmes at 910-219-8473 or aholmes@freedomenc.com.