Hill-Rom launches new improved ES bed for healthcare facilities

Feb 18 2010

Hill-Rom (NYSE: HRC) today announced the introduction of its enhanced CareAssist® ES bed, now with connectivity features, for use in medical–surgical areas of hospitals and care facilities. The new bed combines ease of use with key safety features and adds the flexibility of open architecture to accommodate virtually all surfaces manufactured for standard hospital bed frames.

"With the introduction of smart bed technology to the CareAssist ES bed, Hill-Rom now offers connectivity solutions at every level of care from low acuity through the Intensive Care Unit, and across price ranges," said Mary Butler vice president and general manager, Marketing, North American Acute Care for Hill-Rom. "Our CareAssist ES bed is the perfect option for a basic, proven bed system and is the only bed in this price range to incorporate the technology of a smart bed. It will offer an excellent option with great value."

She continued, "Smart bed features become particularly important as hospitals seek to increase their ability to capture clinically relevant data through connection to electronic medical records (EMR).  In the long run, having the capability to capture data directly will help caregivers become even more responsive to patient needs. Hill-Rom is pleased to be leading the way in bringing connectivity to all levels of bed technology."

The CareAssist ES bed, through smart bed technology, easily connects to hospital networks for documenting patient status, saving time and paperwork. In addition, a variety of other new and enhanced features makes this industry favorite an ongoing vital part of a health care facilities' mix. New features address ease of use and safety, including:

• Point-of-Care® controls with large, easy-to-read controls
• IntelliDrive® Power Transport to increase the ease of transportation of patients by a single caregiver and to provide less strain on a caregiver's back and legs
• A fifth wheel that enhances maneuverability
• One button Dining Chair® feature where a single touch of a button can move the patient gently in and out of chair position
• Open architecture to create maximum flexibility allowing the use of almost any surface, depending on the patient's risk level for skin breakdown.

The CareAssist ES bed is the seventh frame added to Hill-Rom's leading portfolio of smart beds.

"This bed is an excellent new smart option for our customers with its innovative design, proven features that deliver safety and ease of use as well as important flexibility, and patient comfort," said Butler.

SOURCE Hill-Rom