MHRA issue guidance on using bed rails safely

Article summary

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has published a set of guidelines aimed at using bed rails safely. It follows ongoing reports about incidents relating to bed rails and associated equipment, the most serious of which have resulted in death by asphyxiation and entrapment of the head, neck or chest. The guidance identifies areas of good practice which include risk management, correct fitting of bed rails, ongoing maintenance and compliance with the legal requirements and standards for medical devices.