Canadian hospitals face a number of challenges; chief among them are budget constraints and increasing numbers of patients. These issues create pressure on hospital managers to find creative ways to provide quality care to their communities while keeping spending down. Sustainability has become more than just a buzz word in the healthcare community. It has evolved into a major part of how hospitals operate. One of the key innovations that is rapidly evolving across the nation is the use of refurbished medical equipment. More specifically, the shift towards refurbished beds is changing the way healthcare works. Refurbished beds save money and preserve the environment at the same time.
Economic Realities of Modern Health Care
Every year, health care costs in Canada go up. The prices associated with the latest medical technologies are usually very steep. As such, hospitals have to make do with limited dollars. For many facilities, purchasing refurbished beds may be one of the best options. They allow patients to get the same benefits from new models but for considerably less money.
Capital Expenditures Reduced
Purchasing new equipment will deplete a hospital’s capital expenditure budget faster than almost anything else. With refurbished equipment, it provides greater flexibility to allocate resources to other potentially life-saving equipment. In addition to helping hospitals manage their budgetary allocations, there are also significant savings for families caring for loved ones at home. Families who rent beds from local hospitals (such as Milton) discover that purchasing refurbished beds can be cheaper in the long run.
- On average, refurbished beds are priced 40-60% below new beds.
- Typically, warranties for refurbished beds are similar to those offered by the original manufacturer.
- This enables hospitals to redirect funds they would have spent on refurbishment for hiring additional nurses or paying for special medications.
- There are numerous low-cost maintenance options for refurbished beds.
Why “Refurbished” Is Not “Used”
Most people think that when you buy a piece of equipment that was previously owned (“used”) that it is the same thing as buying refurbished equipment. There is a vast difference between these two terms. A used bed is sold “as-is”, which means that there could be undetected problems. On the other hand, a refurbished bed goes through a series of multiple steps to restore it back to its original state. After disassembling all parts of the bed, including stripping the metal frame and inspecting each mechanical component, technicians update all electronic controls. Additionally, technicians sandblast and recoat the frame with anti-microbial finishes so the bed looks and operates exactly like a brand new bed.
The Multi-Step Refurbishment Process of Refurbished Beds
Restoring a refurbished bed is no small task. The first step is to take apart the entire bed by skilled professionals. Next, the old motors are replaced with new ones. Also, electronic control systems are upgraded. Further, metal frames are sand blasted and recoated with an anti-microbial finish. At this point, the bed should function and look identical to a brand new model. Safety is always at the top of mind throughout this rebuild process. All refurbished beds must meet stringent Canadian safety regulations prior to delivery to a patient. Thus, patients will receive a safe and functional product.
Meeting Varying Patient Needs
Not all patients require a typical medical bed. Some have special physical requirements which need to be met by the use of specialty items. As such, many refurbished suppliers carry a wide variety of products to meet these types of needs.
Bariatric Bed Rentals
Standard beds may not provide enough space and support for heavier patients. With the risk of injury to both the patient and caregiver, bariatric bed rentals (beds designed for heavier weights) provide needed support and stability for those needing assistance.
Heavy duty beds have reinforced lift motors and wider frames that can support increased weight loads compared to standard beds. Since finding bariatric bed rentals in the refurbished market creates options for those in need, bariatric care has become more accessible.
- Prevents falls
- Skin shear prevention
- Increased weight capacity to reduce back strain for caregivers
- Integrated scale for accurate patient weighing without having to move them
- Power drive option allows for ease of transport through hallways.Enhanced comfort using integrated solutions
A bed frame is just one component of the healing process. Mattresses also play a significant role in preventing pressure sores and ulcers. Now, many suppliers offer a bed frame and mattress rental as a bundle.
Importance of Quality Surfaces
Patients with low mobility require pressure relief. High-quality medical mattresses distribute pressure evenly throughout the body. Additionally, special foams and air cells can promote improved circulation. Using a bed frame with a rented mattress will create seamless working relationships between each other. The mattress will be made to fit the frame’s exact measurements, creating zero gap area which is required for safe patient care at night.
- Redistributes pressure to help prevent painful sores.
- Easy-to-clean waterproof cover.
- Helps regulate skin temperature due to the low-air-loss design.
- The border perimeter helps keep the patient from rolling out of the bed.
- Assessing Your Options for Rental Beds in the Local Area of Ontario
Finding the appropriate piece of equipment should never be stressful for family members. Many local residents begin their search by evaluating the hospital bed rental prices in Milton and get an idea of what the current market looks like. Costs may differ depending upon features included within the agreement and duration of said agreement.
Comparison Shopping and Making an Informed Decision
When comparing different potential medical equipment providers, look at the overall value provided by each supplier. Some suppliers include shipping/delivery and installation/assembly in the original bid price. Other suppliers may charge additional fees for technical support and/or emergency repair services. Prior to signing any contract, inquire regarding the refurbished unit’s history and whether there is a possible pathway to ownership. Renting equipment for multiple months may end up costing more than purchasing a refurbished unit outright. A professional supplier will evaluate your situation and identify the most economical choice.
Does the supplier sanitize the equipment thoroughly?
- Are the technicians authorized to perform maintenance/service on that particular model?
- Do research via the Internet to find out how responsive the supplier was to service requests.
- How old is the frame/base of the unit and electronics?
- The Trend Toward Reuseable Products
Refurbishment appears destined to continue growing as well; as technology advances, the underlying principle behind a bed continues to remain constant — a sturdy steel frame from five years ago is still perfectly good today.
Adopting Green Initiatives
Hospitals worldwide are beginning to implement environmentally friendly practices; as such, refurbishment is becoming the norm. It supports a world-wide effort to minimize industrial waste. Rather than throwing away old equipment, we’re learning how to reuse it. This perspective adjustment is crucial for a green future in medicine.
Smaller clinics can offer top-tier care.
- Smaller clinics can benefit from upgraded facilities immediately, rather than waiting years for funding increases. Refurbished alternatives enable them to do so.
- Modular Technology Enables Easier Upgrades
- Standardized Parts Make Future Repairs Simpler & Faster
- Positive Perception Regarding “Renewed” Goods Becoming More Prevalent
Insurance Companies Recognizing Value of Refurbishment
Conclusions
There is something for everyone with the increasing trend toward refurbished medical beds. Hospitals receive financial savings while continuing to maintain high levels of care. Patients obtain access to specialized equipment such as bariatric hospital bed rentals without excessive costs. Perhaps most importantly, decreased waste and lower energy consumption benefit the planet. Healthcare in Canada is developing into a more responsible and effective system. By choosing refurbished, we are choosing a healthy future for our communities and our earth. If you are searching for hospital bed rental costs in Markham or long-term purchases, refurbished provides a sustainable direction. When supporting this industry, we help guarantee that quality health care remains available to all Canadians who require it.
