EBME Forums Forums Maintenance Technical Assistance Beds

I'm sure this topic has been raised before, but a quick scan of previous topics isn't showing anything.

Does anyone out there look after beds as part of their med eng duties, either hands on or running a maintenance contract. I would be interested to know as now they have plugs on eyes are turning towards us to look after them. - Deep Joy !!!.

I know there has been a long running thread on PAT testing of beds etc but am more interested in the management aspect.


Thanks


Brian

Hello Brian,

myself and some of my colleagues maintain electcial powered beds, couches, cots etc.

We do not have a contract for our beds, so repairs are done in house by ourselves.

We have various manufactures in use in the hospital. About a third of our beds are electrically powered.

The biggest problem is space and safe handling eg hoist (which we have). Some of the jobs that the beds require are difficult to get at.

Tracy

The main issue I with maintaining our Electric beds, is gaining Access to the Equipment, and Tracking it down.

Our beds seem to know its time to be serviced and tend to hide in other wards and theatres.
They are so intent on not being serviced, they always have a bed bound patient.

We now label such beds as unruly, in need of pacification. We advise the nursing staff of this fact. However, the beds use a new method of brain washing, that help nurses forget that we need the equipment......

But I mainly have 500 Huntleigh and about 50 Hillrom Electric Bed Products...They are similar in function, so fault finding is easier.

For general repairs would suggest getting a supply of handsets, and a couple of each actuator with a few sundry items to cover you, and save down time, as YOU will find then BROKEN... but never by a nurse, beds just fall apart you know...

I can only suggest get Service manuals from Manufacturers, get upto date parts lists, and if you can Specification Data, as they update and modify the equipment all the time.

Engineers for he companies are a good source of Quirks!! Helping solve the problem that dont seem to wanna be sorted.

I know of a few on the Contoura Range of Beds, having been a former service engineer of the manufacturer, so email me if you have any "issues" at peter.harridence@nhs.net

Tracy, Peter

Thanks for the replies. Like the unruly beds idea Peter, how's about removing their castors if they insist on wandering off? Should teach the bu**ers a lesson!

Seriously though how many calls on average would you expect per week, say per 500 beds.

We are being asked to look at them and I want to know what I might be taking on in terms of time and cost. - Usual expectations, fit it in with the day job and don't go beyond the budget we haven't given you. Oh and by the way, this will be part of your CRES savings !!!!


Brian

Brian,

Varies really, some days are just PM work ( have a rolling program in place) , then again others seems like they just dont end.

With say 500 beds, I give 30-45mins to fully service, function check and Safety Test every bed.
This time does not include major repairs (actuator/controlbox replacement). Which can add up to 2hrs depending on whats wrong.

With this in mind, I aim for 20-30 beds to be serviced a week, this allows times for break down and the odd off site visit we make here.
Also allows for holidays and unforseen absence.

Just out of Interest what beds do u have?

Peter

Mixture of old Nesbit Evans Kings Fund beds, Sidhil profiling and latterly Huntleigh Contura 560s.


Brian

Hello Brian.

I'm from a 500 bed DGH, look after all beds, cots, plinths, etc and am currently in the middle of an OJEC managed bed scheme to let someone else look after it. YES!!!!!

I can't put anything in writing, but give us a call on 020 7288 5425 and you can have some juicy snip-its ......

HNE kings funds our estates/works dept "looks" after these at present..

Huntleigh 560's nice beds, similar to our 480's/460's.

Brian u have a PM. :p