Hospital bed in New South Wales poses safety risk for 'rotund' patients

A common hospital bed used by thousands of patients across New South Wales (NSW), Australia, poses a risk to heavier patients and nurses caring for them, healthcare staff have been warned.

A safety alert has been issued throughout the state after NSW Health received five reports of Hill-Rom HR900 model beds tilting dangerously as nurses tried to manoeuvre patients. 

The incidents are the latest pressure point for a healthcare system responsible for the rising overweight and obese patient population.

No patients involved were harmed, but “there is a potential risk if the beds tip during an episode of patient care", the alert issued last month by the Clinical Excellence Commission reads.

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Source: The Sidney Morning Herald, 4 November 2019