Rising obesity rate spurs hospitals to adapt equipment

Facility, supply changes made to ensure safety and prevent embarrassment


From extended blood pressure cuffs to roomier exam chairs and wider terry cloth hospital slippers, healthcare facilities are adapting to larger patients as America's obesity rate climbs, according to an article on The Republic website.

Patient care, from the operating table to the MRI unit, has to accommodate bigger patients, the article said. If a chair were to collapse, a larger patient could get hurt and feel humiliated.

"When a patient sits down, they need to know they'll be safe," said Kathy O'Donnell, a nurse and manager of the Midwest Bariatric Institute at Franciscan St. Margaret Health hospital in Dyer, Ind.

"As we revamp all of our physicians' offices and same-day surgery center, we're designing it around bigger weight limits, because we know that the population now is much larger than it was 25 years ago," she said.

That means sturdier waiting room chairs, wider wheelchairs and floor-mounted toilet bowls. Wall-mounted toilets are easier to clean, but they cannot support as much weight as a toilet braced by the floor, she said.

The hospital also has a system to differentiate equipment and gowns made for larger patients and can choose it without embarrassing patients.

Read the article.

 

 



July 18, 2014


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Why Cyber Readiness Is the New Standard of Care

In a sector in which digital disruptions are inevitable, the real measure of strength is the ability to deliver safe, reliable care no matter what.


Smarter, Faster, Safer: The Rise of AI in Healthcare Security Technologies

Manufacturers discuss how AI, machine learning and real-time analytics are boosting the speed and accuracy of CCTV monitoring and weapons detection.


The WHO and UNICEF Release New Global Hand Hygiene Guidelines

These are the first global guidelines for hand hygiene in community settings.


Swatting Calls, Hoax Threats Have Real Consequences for Healthcare

A recent report of a shooting at a hospital in California turned out to be a possible swatting incident.


Next Level Announces Expansion of Conroe, Texas Clinic

The expanded facility will offer additional exam rooms, improved patient flow and an enhanced waiting area designed with patient comfort in mind.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.