Special delivery: MGH receives new general care beds and mattresses for inpatient units

This spring, Mass General launched an initiative to replace each of its 890 general care bed frames and mattresses. With regular deliveries arriving to the hospital each week, this 7-week endeavor has proven to be successful thanks to hardworking staff from across many role groups and departments.

The process to replace old beds with new ones on one inpatient floor takes about an hour and a half, with the beds being prepared upon their arrival at the MGH. Every Monday and Wednesday, a delivery of 84 beds arrives and is readied by staff. This includes the installation of auxiliary parts, performance of a comprehensive preventative maintenance check, and finally, cleaning and covering. Then, every Tuesday and Thursday, up to three inpatient units are converted, and old beds are removed from the hospital.

George Reardon, director of Patient Care Services Clinical Support Systems, says feedback from patients, families and clinical and support staff about the beds has been positive so far, thanks to the planning, preparation, support and oversight from each unit.

“This has truly been a multi-departmental effort,” Reardon says. “We couldn’t have done this without the fantastic support we’ve received from staff in Biomedical Engineering, Building and Grounds, Environmental Services, Materials Management, Police and Security, and Nursing and Patient Care Services.”