by
Julie Gutterman
| Sep 14, 2010
Thank you again for visiting our website. As you have probably heard, there is a higher demand for bariatric products for all environments. Physicians' offices, hospitals, surgery centers, all need to accommodate the larger patients and visitors that come into their facilities each day. Larger, sturdier chairs are needed in waiting rooms, along with surgical tables, stretchers, beds, blood pressure cuffs, exam tables, scales, wheelchairs, and many other items are needed for the growing population. There are many new products available to accomodate 700 pounds up to 1000 pounds. Not only is the need apparent in the rural areas, but large hospitals, in metropolitan cities, are also realizing that changes need to be made. The changes are most apparent for the patient, but by having equipment for the larger patient, it is extremely necessary for the staff, as well. The equipment changes don't have to be an expensive project, but by having a patient or nurse injured, is much more costly.
Recently, I was visiting one of my smaller hospitals, and there was a patient that was probably exceeding 600 lbs. The patient lift that they had in the facility, had a capacity of 600 lbs and it was lifting off the floor, when used with this particular patient. Also, I have heard of putting two beds together for a patient, EMS having problems transporting patients, and having to take a patient off-site to be weighed. Not only does that make the patient uncomfortable, but it can be embarrassing and a HUGE liability should someone get injured. Now that there are so many other options available, we are working to help the hospitals update their facilities to be prepared for their future patients that will be coming to their emergency room, surgery center or waiting room.
And, with the Bariatric Programs growing in the US and abroad, more and more centers are becoming a Center of Excellence. There are very strict guidelines that they have to meet to receive this designation. All items mentioned are actually requirements that need to be met for the facilities.
In closing, we not only sell medical equipment, but we can help you update your equipment to accomodate the bariatric patient. We can help you be competitive, as well as be on the cutting edge of what is in the future. PULSEConsultants wants to help you work within your budget, but most importantly, we want to help you grow your program and keep your patients and staff safe everyday. Please feel free to call me personally and I would appreciate the opportunity to help with suggestions and pricing.
Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Julie Gutterman