Best low-height patient stretchers available in the UK; 3 popular stretchers compared

In this article, we compare 3 of the most popular low-height patient stretchers currently available in the UK, from Howard Wright, Acime, & Felgains. 

The purpose of this article is to give you an unbiased comparison and present the positives and drawbacks of each stretcher, to help you make the best decision for your Trust.

What are the benefits of low-height patient stretchers?

There are 3 main benefits of low-height patient stretchers.

• Firstly, they reduce the risk of falls and related injuries, due to the shorter distance from the mattress to the floor
• Secondly, the low height makes it much easier for patients to get in and out of the stretcher themselves, making it easier for them to mobilise as soon as they are well enough to.
• Lastly, being able to safely mobilise a patient directly from a hospital stretcher is quicker than having to transfer the patient onto another surface or having to use equipment such as a hoist. This, combined with the benefits of easier mobilisation, results in more patients being seen, treated, and discharged in a shorter period, increasing efficiency and improving patient flow in your hospital.

What are the lowest-height stretchers available in the UK?

There are currently 3 ultra-low-height patient stretchers available in the UK. Please note that for each model, we are comparing the variation fitted with a full X-ray tunnel, for fairness.

• Howard Wright M9 Trauma
• Acime Skiff Ultra Low
• Felgains MultiFlow

Low-height patient stretchers; key features compared

Let’s take a look at each stretcher, including the positives and drawbacks of each.

What is the Howard Wright M9 Trauma Stretcher?

The Howard Wright M9 Trauma Stretcher is designed to reduce manual handling and provide a safe platform for patient mobility and emergency care. 

Key Features and Specifications

• Fully electric, with battery backup
• 430mm low height and 800mm high height
• 250kg Safe Working Load
• Permanently attached, fold down IV pole
• Central locking brakes with 5th-wheel steering

Positives

• 5th wheel steering – The 5th wheel under the centre of the M9 stretcher ensures maximum manoeuvrability and easy guidance; especially useful in busy and crowded emergency environments. 
• Low mattress platform height – The M9 has a low minimum height of 430mm, which reduces the risk of falls and helps to enable easier mobilisation in hospitals. 
• Fully X-ray compatible – Radiolucent mattress platform and a full-length X-ray tunnel for unrestricted imaging.
• 60601-2-52 compliant – The M9’s side rails are fully compliant with the ISO 60601-2-52 standard, helping your Trust meet the most recent health and safety guidelines.
• Full electric functionality – To reduce manual handling and provide a comfortable experience for patients.

Drawbacks

• Higher minimum height, compared to the MultiFlow and Acime – The M9 has a higher minimum height than the MultiFlow stretcher, which can lead to shorter patients finding it harder to mobilise off the stretcher, which also increases the risk of falls. 
• Lower maximum height, compared to the MultiFlow and Acime – Again, the reduced height range of the M9 may cause staff discomfort when caring for patients.
• Low safe working load – The safe working load of 250kg may restrict which patients can use the M9 Trauma stretcher.

What is the Acime Skiff Ultra Low X-Ray Stretcher?

The Skiff Ultra Low X-Ray stretcher from Acime is the lowest variable height X-Ray stretcher currently on the market, and is designed to provide a safe platform for patient mobility and emergency care. 

Key Features and Specifications

• Electric variable height, with battery backup
• 410mm low height and 880mm high height
• 240kg Safe Working Load
• Central locking brakes with 5th-wheel steering
• Gas assisted backrest
• Full-length X-Ray platform
• Folding push handles

Positives

• 5th wheel steering – The 5th wheel under the centre of the Acime stretcher ensures maximum manoeuvrability and easy guidance; especially useful in busy and crowded emergency environments. 
• Very low mattress platform height – The Skiff stretcher has a very low minimum height of 410mm. As with all low-height patient stretchers, this reduces the risk of falls and helps to enable easier mobilisation in hospitals. 
• Fully X-ray compatible – Radiolucent mattress platform and a full-length X-ray tunnel for unrestricted imaging.

Drawbacks

• Lowest safe working load – The safe working load of 240kg may restrict which patients can use the Acime stretcher.
• No confirmed compliance with ISO 60601-2-52 – This could lead to compliance issues when implementing the stretcher in your Trust, due to recent updated guidance on stretcher side rails.

What is the MultiFlow Low Height Patient Stretcher?

Which stretcher should you choose for your hospital?

I trust this article has given you a clear understanding of the low-height patient stretchers from Howard Wright, Acime, and Felgains, and the positives and drawbacks of each. 

Which stretcher you choose for your trust will vary depending on your needs and requirements, and we will happily talk this through with you if required.  Often, a hospital would trial a piece of equipment such as a stretcher before purchasing, and we would be happy to arrange this for you. 

To get started, feel free to get in touch on 01473 741144, or via the contact form below. 

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