Improved Patient Comfort and Care for East Cheshire Hospice

Specialist care beds and mattresses provided by Innova to bring comfort for patients at East Cheshire Hospice

Client East Cheshire Hospice

Location Macclesfield

Sector

Health

The Challenge

East Cheshire Hospice needed to replace its existing beds, which had reached the end of their practical lifespan and were no longer well suited to the changing needs of its patient cohort. The previous beds had been in use for a number of years and advances in specialist care equipment meant the hospice required a more modern solution that could provide greater comfort, flexibility and support for both patients and care teams.

Approach

Innova worked closely with the hospice to understand the needs of patients, staff and the wider care environment. A tailored equipment package was developed, comprising 15 Essenza 300 beds with Virtuoso air mattresses, three foam mattresses and one low-level floor bed. This combination provided appropriate options for different levels of mobility, pressure care and falls risk, while supporting the hospice’s commitment to providing safe, dignified and person-centred care.

Implementation

The new beds and mattresses were delivered and installed with careful coordination to minimise disruption within the live hospice environment. Each solution was selected to be simple for staff to adjust and manoeuvre, while giving patients greater control over their positioning and comfort. The low-level floor bed also provided an additional option for patients requiring enhanced falls prevention and closer-to-floor care.

Results

The new equipment has improved comfort, flexibility and ease of care throughout the hospice. Patients have described the beds as “really comfortable”, “nice and relaxing with plenty of room” and easy to move up and down as needed. One patient commented: “The new bed is smashing, like everything else here. It can be lowered easily, which suits me and supports my care. I can even sit up and knit in the bed.” The updated bed provision now better reflects the hospice’s patient cohort, helping staff deliver care safely while supporting independence, dignity and everyday comfort.

From the first night, the bed was extremely comfortable. It very easily forms to your posture and needs, particularly around the back. For me, this was critical as my condition means my back is hypersensitive, but the bed did not trigger any pain or discomfort. The leg support was really beneficial which also aided by mobility in the morning as I did not experience any stiffness. The ergonomics are excellent. Despite the fact that the airflow mattress operates continuously, it has excellent noise reduction. I felt the advantage of airflow without disturbing my sleep. It can also be manoeuvred very easily, lowering it for greater accessibility.