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Meet Medline—the largest privately held manufacturer of healthcare supplies in the United States since 1910. If you’ve been to a hospital or other type of healthcare facility in your lifetime, then chances are you’ve probably encountered some Medline products during your visit, and we at NBF are proud to partner with Medline to bring our healthcare customers some of the best medical furniture in the business. Below are just a few of the collections that we carry from this renowned healthcare furniture manufacturer.

medline healthcare furniture

K2 Wheelchairs. Every hospital needs to stay well-stocked with wheelchairs, and the units in Medline’s K2 collection are an ideal pick. Available in 16”, 18” and 20” width options, these wheelchairs come with a myriad of special features that make them easy to operate and store in even the busiest hospital. Lightweight and durable, these wheelchairs have it all, and they’re even upholstered in easy-to-clean vinyl for the wellbeing of both patients and staff. Footrests that swing in and out are great for getting patients into and out of a chair safely. Each wheelchair is latex-free and designed with a carbon steel frame topped with a rugged silver vein finish. Armrests are upholstered and well padded, making them comfortable enough for users to rest their arms on. A chart pocket on the back of the chair allows staff to carry medical records while transporting patients. Each wheelchair accommodates up to 300 pounds, and chair arms are removable so that users can easily get closer to desks and tables as needed.

medline healthcare furniture

Alterra Bed Frames. The Alterra collection consists of bed frames and various components used to assist patients in utilizing Alterra hospital beds during their stay. Electric bed frames make it much easier for patients to get into and out of bed, and attachable bars and rails make the experience even safer and more convenient. Beds and accessories in this collection come in a range of styles, and they feature a smooth and silent operation that’s needed for a peaceful stay. Users can even enjoy independent head and knee elevation for maximum comfort. These beds are also mobile, making it easy for staff to clean each bed as well as the surrounding areas. Metal framework and a secure central locking system keep each bed sturdy and stable regardless of the position it’s in. Alterra beds meet FDA entrapment guidelines, making them ideal for use in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and hospices.

medline healthcare furniture

Comfort EZ Recliners. Available in a number of different sizes to suit different spaces and different people, the Comfort EZ recliners are designed to keep patients comfortable while keeping healthcare facilities safe and helping staff better perform their duties. Some models have a weight capacity of up to 300 pounds, while others can safely hold up to 500 pounds, ensuring that all of your patients can be made as comfortable as possible. Many models also come with an attached tray that can be moved out of the way when necessary.

Upholstered in latex-free vinyl, these recliners are constructed with steel components for extra durability. Large casters are all lockable, and the front casters are rigid, while the back casters swivel for easy portability. A built-in IV pole accommodates patients’ individual needs, while a side pocket allows for the storage of reading materials and charts. The headrest has three positions and is built into the recliner. The soft density foam in the seat and back provides support and comfort while metal arm guards protect the upholstery against wear and tear. A three position lock bar locks the seat as needed.

medline healthcare furniture

Elements Benches & Stools. The Elements collection is made up of stools and chairs that are often used not only in healthcare facilities but in home care as well. This collection includes a shower stool, a transfer bench, a shower chair and a bedside commode, all of which are easy to use in a home setting where special care is needed for those looking to gain more independence at home. All items in the collection are designed with multiple points of adjustment and made with a 350 pound weight capacity to support most users with limited mobility. Each member of the Elements collection is constructed with a bronze frame finish and a muted color scheme that helps living spaces look less institutionalized. The seat, backrest and arms on each item are all height adjustable, and the arms can be removed if extra room is required. Infused with Microban antimicrobial protection, furniture in this collection inhibits the growth of stain and odor causing bacteria to keep bathrooms as hygienic as possible. Lightweight enough to be moved easily without strain but durable enough to not break under pressure, these items require tool-free assembly and are a breeze to put together.

 

Need help finding medical furniture that works? Call our furniture experts at (800) 558-1010 or shop our full selection of healthcare furniture here.

More From NBF

Healthcare Settings and Wooden Furniture

Healthcare design is moving away from the cold and sterile rooms most often associated with the industry. Instead, facilities are trying to find new ways to incorporate design elements that are welcoming and warm to make patients and their visiting family members and friends as comfortable as possible. It’s a trend that is sure to further improve healthcare facilities and shift furniture demand.

An easy way to incorporate more charm is by adding calming yet warm colors and wood tones to the room. Solid wood furniture, however, is not always the best option for healthcare settings due to its porous nature.

On the other hand, these laminate wood options provide the look and warmth of wood combined with a nonporous construction that is easy to clean and disinfect in demanding healthecare environments.

Behavioral Health Four-Drawer Dresser

Specifically designed for the behavioral healthcare market, this Behavioral Health Four-Drawer Dresser provides safety and peace of mind for your staff and patients. Made out of high-pressure laminate, this storage solution also offers patients a place to store personal items, therefore encouraging a clean and neat environment. This patient storage also provides a warm, cheerful look that will brighten any healthcare facility.

Café au Lait Oversized Stools and Round Bar-Height Table Set

Lunch rooms are also a vital part of most healthcare facilities. This Café au Lait Oversized Stools and 30” Round Bar Height Table Set features antimicrobial vinyl upholstery, steel frames, laminate backs, and laminate surfaces. This makes cleaning a breeze—a feature especially necessary in a cafeteria setting where messes are apt to happen. The many different color options are cheerful and bright, helping create a comfortable and relaxing dining experience for patients and guests.

NBF Healthcare Furniture Services

It’s probably no surprise that healthcare facilities require very specific furniture to keep their doctors, patients and visitors comfortable and safe. Due to the nature of hospitals and other healthcare facilities, furniture that resists the growth of bacteria and the spread of germs must be used. In addition, bariatric chairs and very specific types of exam room furniture must be offered in order to keep any and all patients as safe as possible during their stay. The things to consider when outfitting a healthcare facility with the appropriate furniture are seemingly endless, so it’s easy to become overwhelmed in the attempt to cover all the bases. Take a look at some of the services and capabilities that the furniture experts at National Business Furniture offer to make your healthcare furniture shopping experience as easy as possible.

Healthcare Furniture 101: 4 Major Considerations

When furnishing a healthcare facility, knowing where to start your search for the right furniture can be daunting. Not only does furniture need to be commercial quality, but it also needs to go far above and beyond what you would buy for a typical business. Where do you start? These are the top 4 most crucial factors to consider (in order of importance) according to our healthcare furniture experts consider to be the 4 most crucial factors.

1. Safety

Not surprisingly, the first and most important factor you must consider when shopping for healthcare furniture is how safe the product is to use. Think about the types of patients your medical facility treats each day. For the average adult care facility, you’ll want to make sure at least 15% of the seating in your waiting room is bariatric to ensure that all guests feel welcome and comfortable during their stay with you. Depending on the types of patients you see regularly, you may need even more than this. If you’re outfitting an orthopedic or geriatric facility, provide hip chairs for guests who may struggle with getting up from standard guest chairs.

Along with a safe weight capacity, chairs should also feature a safe egress, meaning they should be able to support the weight and motion it takes for an individual to get out of them. A chair with arms should include padded armrests that are comfortable and easy to grip. Plus, they must be able to bear the weight of an adult person pushing down on them to get out of the chair. Similarly, provide armless chairs for larger patients who may not want to use a bariatric chair. Remember, creating a healing atmosphere involves giving your patients the freedom to choose where and how to sit.

Beware of pinch points. Though it can require a lot of research and comparing different pieces of furniture, try to include as few pinch points in your healthcare furniture as possible. Safety hazards can be found in any furniture that has moving parts, from fold-down trays and over-bed tables to adjustable chairs and cabinetry. Although eliminating all pinch points will be near impossible, you can reduce them significantly. 

Tip: Incorporate furniture that uses piano hinges rather than cabinet hinges for extra safety, especially in furniture being used around children.

Avoid furniture with welting, also called cording or piping. Welting elements make great catch points for bacteria to grow. Not only can bacteria be spread through contrast stitching and piping, but these upholstery elements can also irritate the skin. Instead, look for seating with waterfall edges to minimize bacteria catch points and provide your guests a greater level of comfort. If your seating has seams, make sure that they are outward facing (facing away from the person sitting in the chair) to minimize the opportunity for bacteria growth.

2. Cleanability 

Due to the nature of healthcare facilities, the cleanability of your furniture could factor into its safety since the only safe furniture in a medical facility is that which is kept impeccably clean and sanitized. Of course, the best way to keep your furniture perfectly clean is by buying furniture that’s easy to clean.

Healthcare seating should always include a clean-out space between the seat and back of the chair—the bigger, the better. Not only does this leave fewer catch points for bacteria growth and bedbug breeding, but it also makes the chairs much easier for staff to clean, ensuring the upholstery is cleaned completely and leaving no room for missed spots. A large clean-out space will prevent potentially harmful or bacteria-filled objects from being deposited between the seat and back of the chair. Remember, your cleaning staff should never have to stick their hands in an area where they can’t see what they might be touching—it’s a health concern and a safety concern for patients and staff alike.

 

In addition to seating, ensure that all furnishings in your medical facility are made using easy-to-clean materials. Wood and veneer furnishings are porous and not acceptable for a healthcare setting. Instead, select laminate for your reception desks, tables, and cabinetry, which gives off the look of wood but is far more cleanable. Remember that everything in your healthcare facility needs to be cleanable, not just what you can see on the surface. Even the insides of cabinets and drawers must be able to be cleaned completely in order to minimize the spread of harmful bacteria in your facility. Consider using drawer liners that can be easily removed in the event of an unexpected spill.

3. Durability

When it comes to durability, you’ll want to once again consider your facility’s regular population. In most facilities, the space should be equipped with furniture that has a framework with metal-to-metal connections, which are the most durable. When it comes to desks and tables, be sure to get furniture that won’t scratch easily, as scratches on table tops can become a quick breeding ground for germs that can easily spread between patients. All furniture, including seating, should be moisture-resistant and able to withstand regular wear in a busy waiting room or exam room. 

4. Aesthetics

Though the aesthetics of a medical facility may not seem important to the untrained eye, we assure you that they matter quite a bit. Just because an environment is sterile does not mean it has to look cold and uninviting. Rather than decking out your hospital or private practice with white-on-white walls and furnishings, incorporate warm, inviting tones in your wall paint, furniture, and décor. A pleasing look will help boost the morale of your guests, helping to calm uneasy nerves and make visits more comfortable for everyone involved. You can achieve this through nature scenes on your walls, laminate furniture in warm wood tones, and seating in earthy colors or fun patterns.

 

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Nicole Groshek

Nicole Groshek is the social media and content coordinator for National Business Furniture. She helps employees discover the true joy in loving what they do, from working in an inspiring office to having a little fun on the job.