Patient transfer equipment is a significant investment for public and private hospitals across Australia. Making a well-informed decision on the best transfer chairs will ensure the comfort and safety of patients and minimise the risk of injury to hospital nursing and patient transfer staff. High quality and reliability standards maximise safety and protect significant financial investments.
This article explores patient transfer chairs, their benefits, and the key factors healthcare facilities consider when making purchase decisions.
Transfer chairs
Patient transfer chairs, or transport chairs, are lightweight wheelchairs designed for short-distance patient transfers. They are easy to manoeuvre and transport, making them ideal for moving patients within a hospital or for short trips outside the facility.
Essential features
Portability and manoeuvrability
- Transfer chairs should be portable and manoeuvrable, making transporting patients easier for healthcare staff.
- Swivel Wheels that rotate 360 degrees for better manoeuvrability.
- Push Handles: Ergonomically designed handles help caregivers push the chair easily.
- Larger rear wheels make negotiating uneven surfaces and small changes in levels easier.
Adjustability and accessibility
- Liftable armrests, open-sided seats and retractable footrests make entry and exit easier and safer.
- Features like adjustable armrests, footrests, and seat height to fit the needs of different patients and aid safe operation by healthcare staff.
- Low centre of gravity to reduce patient tipping chair when embarking/disembarking from the chair.
- Enough storage to stow patient valuables.
Configuration options
- Colour choice to match hospital décor.
- Selection of sizes or seat widths to suit different patient sizes.
- The availability of accessories to allow customisation to suit the needs of the facility and their patient needs.
Stackable design
- Some transfer chairs are designed to stack in rows, making storage easy and consuming less space.
Safety features
- Secure brakes on the wheels to prevent unintended movement.
- Safety belts to secure the patient during transfers.
- Adjustable and foldable footrests to support and protect the patient’s feet.
Comfort
- Padded seats and backrests to enhance patient comfort.
- Ergonomic design to support the natural posture of patients.
Durability
- Constructed from high-quality, durable materials to ensure the chair can withstand frequent use and last longer, providing better value for the healthcare facility.
- The ability to accommodate heavier patients.
Ease of cleaning
- Made from materials that are easy to clean and disinfect to comply with the highest hygiene standards.
Choosing the right transfer chairs
When selecting patient transfer equipment, healthcare facilities consider several key factors:
- Ease of Use: Chairs should be user-friendly, requiring minimal training for practical use.
- Safety Features: Essential safety features include secure locking mechanisms, non-slip surfaces, and sturdy construction.
- Comfort: Equipment should minimise patient discomfort, with features like padded surfaces and smooth, low-friction materials.
- Versatility: The ability to use the equipment in various scenarios is crucial.
- Durability: High-quality materials and construction ensure longevity and reliability.
Hospitals often conduct a needs assessment program, involve an expert group in decision-making, and run product trials to ensure they make good decisions.
Patient transfer equipment is an essential tool in modern healthcare, providing critical support for safe, efficient, and comfortable patient transfers. By investing in the right tools, hospitals will be best placed to improve the quality of care and the overall patient experience.
Transfer chairs from Midmed:
Swifi transfer chair
Swifi® is an impeccably designed transfer chair that makes patients comfortable and more at ease. The chair allows easy access to all patients, notably reduced mobility or corpulent patients.
The Swifi® transfer chair is one of Midmed’s most popular products. It’s popular because:
- Proven reliable technology used by many health districts across Australia.
- Low centre of gravity, ensuring safety to the patient when embarking/disembarking from the chair.
- Less likely to be taken from premises than a folding chair, so less erosion of asset value.
Key features include:
Comfort
- Built-in patient belongings basket
- Patient file holder
- Full-width push bar
- Rear casters ø 300 mm
- Various accessories
Accessibility
- Liftable armrests
- Open-sided seat
- Retractable footrest with bilateral control
- 2 widths - 47 and 60 cm
Safety
- 200 kg patient weight capacity (applicable to both widths)
- Rear casters diameter 300 mm with centralised brake
- Front shock absorbers
Hygiene
- Seamless seat- and backrests
- Mono-block powder-coated steel frame
Learn more about Swifi on the Midmed Website or contact us.
Tweegy transfer chair
The Tweegy patient transfer chair is the simplest transfer chair ever designed. Small, stackable, and very easy to use, It makes patient transfers easier and more efficient. Tweegy was developed from a comprehensive study of over fifty healthcare facilities. The design focus was on adaptability to the needs of both staff and patients. Easy to configure and accessorise, the Tweegy will evolve with the needs of each distinct hospital.
Hospitals like Tweegy because:
- Its proven reliability and use by many health districts across Australia.
- Low centre of gravity, ensuring safety to patient when embarking/disembarking from the chair.
- Less likely to be taken from premises than a folding chair, so less erosion of asset value.
Key features include:
Ergonomics
- Accessories are directly integrated into the chair
- No-lean adjustment actions
- The backrest design and seat tilt provide optimal patient comfort
- Vertical handles
- Rear biased centre of gravity for better handling
- Accommodates up to 200 kg
Economy
- Stackable - saving up to 48% more space
- Customisable via the wide accessory range
- Designed for durability and a timeless appearance
- Solid and durable materials
- Document holder included
Safety
- Easy-to-use braking system
- Perfect hygiene thanks to flat, tubular surfaces and gap-free surfaces
- Retractable footrests and armrests for easy access and exit
Learn more about Tweegy on the Midmed Website or contact us.
