Height Adjustable Beds - Increasing Access
The latest 4th edition of the RACGP Standards for general practice has changed, to a mandatory indicator, the requirement for practices to have at least one height-adjustable bed available (Criterion 5.1.1). 

The College’s rationale for the change results from research continuing to show that people with a disability experience poorer health outcomes across a range of areas compared with the broader population. In the many submissions from the Office of the Disability Discrimination Commissioner to the College, there were numerous incidents of patients’ frustration and pain experienced when trying to receive thorough examinations using fixed height beds. The RACGP believes that by introducing this new mandatory requirement it will improve the capacity of general practice to effectively provide dignified care to all patients, reduce the possibility of a discrimination claim made by patients against practices and improve the OH&S aspects of GP’s exerting themselves to assist patients on to fixed height beds.

The RACGP took advice from various disability groups when recommending the considerations for practices when purchasing a height adjustable bed. The following specifications should be taken into account:

• Minimum height range 45-95cm
• Minimum weight capacity 175kgs
• Minimum table width 71cm
• Minimum length 193cms
• With at least 2 moveable sections

The College has indicated they will make concessions for practice/s that consider the feasibility of acquiring the bed to be extreme on the provision that they make a compelling reason why this is the case as well as showing they can provide alternative means of care for patients with impaired mobility. The RACGP does not consider cost to be a significant barrier as there are grants available for unaccredited practices to undergo accreditation and through Worksafe solutions rebates.

To assist in meeting these changed requirements, CSGPN has been able to secure an exclusive deal for practices in our area.

ABCO Health Care is a specialist manufacturer of electric powered, height adjustable couches, tables and chairs for health care applications. Their ABCO Examination Couch is the only model currently on the market that meets all the RACGP specifications. Practices that order an ABCO couch will receive free delivery and a $50 discount on the price of the bed. However, to be able to secure this deal for practices we need 50 or more orders. If you would like to take advantage of this offer, register your interest with CSGPN before Wednesday 31 August 2011.