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How To Get A Hospital Bed At Home | NHS Criteria & Buying Guide

Author: Geoff

Jun. 09, 2025

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How To Get A Hospital Bed At Home | NHS Criteria & Buying Guide

This article will go over the options you have when looking to get a hospital bed at home. There are a range of reasons people may require a hospital style medical bed to provide care in their home including:

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  • Upgrading a current bed.
  • Those recently discharged from hospital.
  • Community care
  • Respite care
  • Hospice care
  • Moving in/out of care homes.

In of these situations, there are 2 main ways to go about getting a medical bed for your home.

Each of these options has positive and negative elements and below, we’ll go into what they are.

You can also get a free NHS hospital bed at home with the recommendation of a healthcare professional, we’ll go over how to do that here as well.

Is a Medical Bed at Home Worth It?

In the UK, 1 in 3 hospital beds are occupied by a patient who is medically fit to discharge.

These patients remain in hospital beds even if they don’t need to due to the ongoing the lack of appropriate care equipment when they are discharged to their home.

In any healthcare facility, it is important to ensure there is a good patient flow to ensure things run efficiently. This is especially the case in hospitals when patients are ‘fit to discharge’.

The slow discharge of medically fit patients also makes it difficult for inpatients to get into the hospital unable to transfer patients and get back on the road. This is what led to the long queues of ambulances outside UK hospitals seen in summer .

Lack of appropriate healthcare equipment in the community is one of the many reasons for the ongoing backlogs in NHS hospitals across the UK.

“The NHS has a shortage of hospital beds, with occupancy rates consistently exceeding safe levels.” – British Medical Association.

“We have older and disabled [people] with complex needs, yet social care capacity has reduced, and we have 50,000 fewer paid carers,” — Sarah McClinton, president of Association of Directors of Adult Social Services.

Hospital Bed | Features You Can Expect

Hospital beds contain many features you wouldn’t usually expect to find on a bed in someone’s home.

Modern hospital beds are very adaptable to patient needs; designed for safety and to facilitate medical treatment by the NHS and healthcare professionals, they act as a comfortable flat, level surface when sleeping, and provide supportive head or foot elevation with their electric profiling base.

Electric, adjustable beds can have a range of features to benefit users:

The ability to rotate and turn into a chair bed to provide moving and handling assistance for elderly, disabled, bariatric or otherwise low mobility users

However, there are occasions where hospital-style beds are required for home use.

People with long-term health conditions, recently discharged hospital patients, palliative care patients at home rather than in a hospice and individuals with low mobility can all require assistive equipment that provides more support and functionality than a standard bed.

How To Get A Hospital Style Bed At Home in the UK:

In the UK, anyone can buy a hospital-style bed to use at home. You don’t need a prescription or a recommendation from a doctor.

However, hospital beds come in all kinds of sizes, makes, and models. There’s no one set standard – different types of bed exist to suit different patient needs.

So, if you think you or a relative would benefit from having a hospital bed at home, we recommend speaking to a professional. They can make sure you get a bed that meets your care requirements.

There are two main ways to access professional advice on hospital beds for home:

Getting a Free Hospital Bed from the NHS or Social Care Services:

In the UK, you can get a free hospital bed from the NHS, social services or your local council if you meet the criteria. Meeting this criteria requires an assessment or a decision from your GP and could take some time.

An assessment can be done by an occupational therapist in your home, or your GP can make a decision on medical grounds.

What About Loaning a Hospital Bed from the NHS?

If you only need a hospital bed temporarily, a community nurse or other social healthcare professional can arrange for a one to be supplied from an NHS equipment loan store.

This method may be preferable for anyone recently discharged from hospital but would require a hospital style bed to aid their support continued care and rehabilitation at home.

Downside of a Free Hospital Bed From the NHS:

A potential downside to this and any method that can get you a free hospital bed from the NHS is that you may have to wait a while to receive your profiling bed.

Going through the application processes can take a long time; you also won’t get much of an input on the bed’s appearance. Hospital beds supplied through social care services are often bulkier and more clinical looking than hospital beds you can buy for yourself.

This is why some people choose to buy a hospital style bed from a retailer like Vivid Care, you can make sure your new hospital bed is delivered to you quickly.

NHS Criteria For A Hospital Bed At Home

In the UK, there are no specific NHS criteria for getting a hospital bed at home. But if a carer needs to perform certain hygiene and care tasks, then a GP, or a social care worker can arrange for a hospital bed to be put in someone’s home.

These tasks need a profiling bed with more features & functions than normal beds. Ask a community nurse for advice on the best way of making you comfortable.

The table below outlines some of the NHS care & hygiene tasks that might require a using a hospital bed at home.

Buy a Hospital Bed From a Mobility Equipment Retailer:

For many people, buying a hospital bed direct from a mobility equipment supplier is the best and fastest way to support at-home patient care.

By ordering a bed for yourself, you also have more control over the kind of bed that you get. You can opt for  single divan style adjustable bed bed, or double profiling beds for couples.

We recommend going directly to a mobility equipment supplier if you:

  • Want fast hospital bed delivery
  • Want to choose the design and look
  • Don’t have an occupational therapist
  • Don’t meet the requirements to get a bed through the NHS

Is Any Other Financial Help Available?

It is possible that an external charity may offer financing help to buy a mobility bed, these situations are few and far but it is worth checking with local charities in your area.

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There are also VAT relief options available for people with one or more ongoing disabilities, this UK government VAT relief page explains the criteria for zero VAT eligibility on products intended for the care or management of a person’s disability.

What About a Profiling Mattress?

you buy a hospital bed from a mobility equipment supplier, you can also choose the type of profiling mattress that will come with your bed, for comfort a standard profiling bed mattress is the choice to make.

For people who expect to regularly spend a bit longer in bed, a foam pressure relief mattress is the recommended choice.

These types of profiling mattresses have pressure distributing materials inside them that reduce the chance of developing pressure sores/ulcers.

Can You Use a Normal Mattress on a Hospital Bed?

You CANNOT use a standard pocket sprung mattress on a profiling bed. They are just not flexible enough to support the profiling movement of the bed panels.

Non-innerspring mattresses (memory foam, latex and some hybrid mattresses) can imperfectly be used but it is best to buy a profiling mattress specifically made to go along with a profiling bed.

The Benefits of Hospital Headboard Panel Technology | E-ZONG

Hospital headboard panel technology is gaining traction in the medical field and is quickly becoming a must-have in modern medical facilities. In this blog, we'll be exploring the various benefits and potential applications of this technology, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of using it. We'll also discuss what to look for when choosing the right hospital headboard panel technology for your facility and provide some examples of innovative solutions.

What is Hospital Headboard Panel Technology?

Hospital headboard panel technology is a type of electronic medical equipment used in patient rooms to monitor and control vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. This technology can be programmed to take readings as frequently as needed, and it can also be used to alert medical staff if there are any changes in a patient's condition. It is also used to track a patient's progress, which can be helpful in providing a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Hospital headboard panel technology is often integrated into the bed frame and can be controlled remotely. This allows for easier monitoring and control of vital signs, as well as allowing for better communication between medical staff and the patient. It also helps provide a more comfortable experience for patients in their hospital beds.

Benefits of Hospital Headboard Panel Technology

The benefits of hospital headboard panel technology are numerous. One of the primary benefits is that it helps facilitate better communication between medical staff and the patient, because they are able to track and control vital signs from a distance. This eliminates the need for a doctor or nurse to be physically present in the room. Additionally, it can help reduce the amount of time it takes for a doctor or nurse to diagnose and treat a patient, as the data can be accessed quickly and accurately.

Hospital headboard panel technology also helps reduce medical errors. By having accurate readings of a patient's vital signs, medical staff can make more informed decisions and avoid potential medical mistakes. It also helps improve patient safety by providing an early warning system that can alert medical staff if there are any changes in a patient's condition.

Furthermore, this technology helps reduce costs. By having accurate readings of a patient's vital signs, medical staff can more accurately diagnose and treat a patient, which can help reduce the amount of time a patient needs to stay in a hospital. This can also help reduce the amount of medication a patient may need, which can help reduce overall medical costs.

Potential Applications of Hospital Headboard Panel Technology

Hospital headboard panel technology can be used in a variety of settings, such as inpatient and outpatient care, as well as in critical care units. It can also be used in emergency rooms and in operating rooms, where it can provide critical information for medical staff in a timely manner. Additionally, it can be used in long-term care facilities, where it can help monitor the health of elderly patients and help prevent medical complications.

The technology can also be used to track the progress of a patient during a procedure. For example, it can be used to monitor a patient's vital signs during surgery, which can help medical staff make decisions in real-time and ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.

Advantages of Hospital Headboard Panel Technology

One of the primary advantages of hospital headboard panel technology is that it is relatively easy to install and use. This technology can be integrated into the bed frame, which makes it easy to access and control. It is also user-friendly, which makes it easier for medical staff to quickly access and monitor a patient's vital signs.

Additionally, this technology is highly efficient. By providing real-time readings of a patient's vital signs, medical staff can more accurately diagnose and treat a patient, which can help reduce the amount of time a patient needs to stay in a hospital. This can also help reduce overall medical costs.

Finally, this technology is reliable. By having accurate readings of a patient's vital signs, medical staff can make more informed decisions and avoid potential medical errors. Additionally, it can help reduce the risk of medical complications, and it can help provide a more comfortable experience for patients in their hospital beds.

Disadvantages of Hospital Headboard Panel Technology

There are a few disadvantages of hospital headboard panel technology. One of the primary drawbacks is that it can be expensive. This technology can be costly to install and maintain, which can be a significant burden on medical facilities. Additionally, it can be difficult to integrate into existing hospital systems, which can add to the cost.

Another potential drawback is that this technology can be prone to errors. If not properly monitored and maintained, it can lead to inaccurate readings of a patient's vital signs, which can result in incorrect diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, if the technology malfunctions, it can be difficult to address the issue in a timely manner.

Finally, this technology can be intrusive. Having a constant monitor in a patient's room can be intrusive and can lead to feelings of unease. Additionally, it can be difficult to ensure the privacy and security of the data collected.

What to Look for When Choosing a Hospital Headboard Panel Technology

When choosing a hospital headboard panel technology, there are several things to consider. First, it is important to make sure the technology is easy to install and use. It should also be user-friendly and have a robust user interface. Additionally, you should make sure that it is reliable and accurate.

It is also important to make sure the technology is secure. It should be able to protect the privacy and security of the data it collects. Additionally, it should be able to integrate into existing hospital systems and be compatible with other medical devices.

Finally, you should make sure the technology is cost-effective. It should be easy to install and maintain, and it should also be able to reduce medical costs. Additionally, it should be able to help reduce the amount of time a patient needs to stay in a hospital.

How to Choose the Right Hospital Headboard Panel Technology for Your Facility

When choosing the right hospital headboard panel technology for your facility, it is important to consider your specific needs and the size of your facility. You should also take into account the size and complexity of the technology, as well as the cost and installation process. Additionally, you should make sure the technology is reliable and secure, and that it integrates into existing hospital systems.

It is also important to make sure that you choose a technology that is user-friendly and provides accurate readings of a patient's vital signs. Finally, you should make sure that the technology is cost-effective and can help reduce overall medical costs.

Examples of Hospital Headboard Panel Technology

There are several examples of hospital headboard panel technology. One of the most popular is the Headwall System, which is an integrated patient monitoring system that is designed to provide fast and accurate readings of a patient's vital signs. It is easy to install and use, and it is also user-friendly.

Another example of hospital headboard panel technology is the EKG-Plus, which is a monitoring system that provides real-time readings of a patient's vital signs. It is designed to be integrated into the bed frame and can be controlled remotely. Additionally, it is secure and reliable, and it can help reduce medical costs.

Finally, another example of hospital headboard panel technology is the Vital-Link, which is a monitoring system that is designed to be integrated into the bed frame. It is user-friendly and can be used to track a patient's progress, which can help reduce the amount of time a patient needs to stay in a hospital. Additionally, it is secure and reliable, and it can help reduce medical costs.

Innovative Solutions for Hospital Headboard Panel Technology

In addition to the traditional hospital headboard panel technology, there are several innovative solutions that can be used to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the technology. For example, artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to provide more accurate readings of a patient's vital signs. Additionally, AI can be used to help monitor a patient's progress and provide real-time data for medical staff.

Another innovative solution is the use of virtual reality (VR). VR can be used to provide a more immersive experience for patients in their hospital beds, which can help reduce the amount of time a patient needs to stay in a hospital. Additionally, VR can be used to help medical staff make more informed decisions in real-time.

Finally, the use of sensors and wearables can help provide more accurate readings of a patient's vital signs. These devices can be used to monitor a patient's progress and provide real-time data to medical staff. Additionally, they can help reduce the amount of time a patient needs to stay in a hospital.

Conclusion

Hospital headboard panel technology is an essential piece of medical equipment in modern medical facilities. It helps facilitate better communication between medical staff and the patient, and it can help reduce medical errors and costs. Additionally, it is relatively easy to install and use, and it is also user-friendly.

When choosing the right hospital headboard panel technology for your facility, it is important to consider your specific needs and the size of your facility. You should also make sure that the technology is reliable and secure, and that it integrates into existing hospital systems. Additionally, you should make sure that it is cost-effective and can help reduce overall medical costs.

Finally, there are several innovative solutions that can be used to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the technology. These solutions include the use of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and sensors and wearables. By leveraging these solutions, you can help ensure that your facility is providing the best possible care to its patients

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