As the third wave of Covid-19 surges, occasioning a dramatic rise in the number of patients in critical condition, resources in hospitals across the country have come under intense strain.
Last week, a report by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) showed that all intensive care unit (ICU) beds in most major city hospitals were occupied.
Only 23 ICU beds were available for occupation at the time in Nairobi County, according to findings of the random survey.
Hospital beds are designed to provide patient safety, comfort and mobility.
Air mattresses are especially suitable for patients suffering from wounds or at the risk of pressure injury.
These mattresses can be inflated and deflated to attain the required level of pressure for the patient.
Some of the 170 jua kali hospital beds that were distributed from Nairobi to 14 counties across the country on March 24, 2021.
Photo credit: Evans Habil | Nation Media Group
Elevation features allow caregivers to either lower or raise the bed to a comfortable level for the patient.
Some conditions are best treated when the patient is lying in a certain position, which makes this feature important.
In most modern hospital beds, however, they are electronic.
These adjustable rails are used for protection of the patient, specifically to prevent falls.
In modern beds, rails have buttons that can move the bed or summon a nurse.
In more advanced instances, the rails allow patients to undertake different activities without being confined to the bed.
Rails are, however, considered a form of restraint and their use may be subject to advice by a doctor.
In most cases, the tray is collapsible.
Empty beds at Homa Bay County Referral Hospital in this picture taken on December 9, 2020.
Photo credit: George Odiwuor | Nation Media Group
As such, the bed has a urine bag attached.
Unlike ordinary beds, hospital beds have wheels.
In some instances, the patient may require sudden cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Once activated, the bed lowers to a certain level.
Meanwhile, the air mattress is deflated.
The alarm is activated when a patient either falls from the bed or wanders about without supervision.
While they are generally used in hospitals, hospital beds can also be found in other facilities such as outpatient clinics, homes for the elderly, ordinary homes and assisted living facilities.
