Walk into almost any hospital, and you’ll notice a wall-mounted unit running horizontally behind patient beds. This is known as medical bedhead trunking - a system that integrates everything from electrical power to medical gas outlets in one strip.
But what exactly is medical bedhead trunking, where is it used, and why has it become such a crucial feature in healthcare design? In this article, we will explore the key aspects of medical bedhead trunking, comparing traditional designs with the modern alternative, Hygipod MSU, and explain why it is the ideal solution for hospitals and healthcare environments across the UK.
What is Medical Bedhead Trunking?
Medical bedhead trunking, often referred to simply as bedhead trunking or a bedhead unit, is a modular, wall-mounted system designed specifically for hospital and healthcare settings. Typically installed horizontally above or vertically alongside a hospital bed, this unit provides essential bedhead services and utilities in a compact, organised format that supports both patients and clinical staff.
It integrates multiple functions needed at the patient bedside, including:
✅ Electrical services
✅ Medical gases
✅ Lighting
✅ Nurse call systems
Medical bedhead trunking is commonly seen in wards, intensive care units (ICUs), and recovery rooms, and it is often designed to suit specific clinical environments (e.g. paediatric, mental health, or high-dependency areas).
These medical supply units integrate multiple functions needed at the patient bedside, including electrical services, medical gases, lighting, and nurse call systems. The design ensures that all these critical systems are connected and easily accessible, which is paramount for efficient and safe patient care. Medical bedhead trunking is commonly found in wards, intensive care units (ICUs), recovery rooms, and other clinical environments. It can be tailored to suit specific healthcare sectors, such as paediatrics, mental health, or high-dependency units, ensuring that the solution meets the particular needs of each room or project. In addition, there is a wide selection of finishes, colours, and configurations available for medical bedhead trunking, allowing clients to choose options that best suit their preferences and requirements.
Why is it used?
Bedhead trunking has become a standard feature in modern healthcare construction due to its numerous benefits for both patients and medical staff. Key features of medical bedhead trunking include integrated hose management, built-in tape holders, modular design, and easy access to electrical and medical gas outlets. Its importance lies not only in its functionality but also in its contribution to safety, efficiency, and aesthetics.
Safety and efficiency
One of the primary reasons medical bedhead trunking is essential in hospitals is safety. By housing vital connections such as power supplies, medical gases, and nurse call systems within easy reach, the unit supports faster and safer care delivery. Connections for medical gases are secured to prevent leaks and ensure the integrity and safety of the supply. This arrangement reduces the risk of accidents caused by trailing cables or loose hoses, helping maintain a tidy, hazard-free environment around each patient bed. The integral design also ensures that all services comply with relevant standards such as BS and other UK healthcare regulations, providing peace of mind that equipment is certified and tested for safety and reliability.
Space saving
In busy hospital wards or smaller patient rooms, space is at a premium. Instead of having separate fittings and outlets scattered across the wall, medical bedhead trunking consolidates all essential services into a single, compact system. This streamlined approach frees up valuable wall space and improves room layout flexibility, making it easier to accommodate additional equipment or screens without cluttering the environment.
Aesthetics and ergonomics
Beyond functionality, medical bedhead trunking enhances the overall look and feel of healthcare environments. A clean, organised appearance is more than cosmetic - it helps clinical staff work more efficiently and creates a calming atmosphere for patients. Many units, such as those manufactured by Trovex, feature smooth surfaces and come in a range of subtle colours designed to suit clinical settings. Customizable finishes for the front panels are also available, allowing the units to match the room's interior design and aesthetic preferences. These design choices also support infection control by making the units easy to clean and maintain, which is crucial in healthcare facilities.
Traditional design vs Hygipod MSU
Traditional Design:
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Complex installation – requiring coordination across multiple trades to install and connect the various services.
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Fixed configuration – little flexibility once installed, making it harder to adapt to changing clinical needs.
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Maintenance challenges – access to internal components can be awkward, leading to longer downtimes.
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Infection control – surface joins and exposed fittings can create hard-to-clean areas where bacteria may harbour.
Hygipod MSU:
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Easy installation – Our trunking comes fully assembled and ready to install, reducing time on site and disruption to hospital operations.
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Flexibility – configurable layouts and modular fitting makes it easy to tailor for specific clinical requirements or room types.
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Enhanced infection control – One seamless and hygienic surface finish with fewer joins, reducing cleaning time and helping maintain strict hygiene standards.
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Easier maintenance – designed for straightforward access to services, enabling faster repairs and less downtime.
A modern medical bedhead trunking system is made up of several integral components, each designed to provide a full range of essential services directly at the patient’s bedside. The core of the system is the trunking unit itself, which is built from robust, easy-to-clean materials and engineered to accommodate the specific needs of healthcare environments in the UK. Within this unit, medical supply units deliver vital services such as medical gases and power, ensuring that both patients and staff have immediate access to the equipment they need.
Electrical sockets are seamlessly integrated into the trunking, providing safe and reliable power for a variety of medical devices. Nurse call systems are also included, allowing patients to quickly contact staff whenever assistance is required, which is crucial for patient safety and peace of mind. In addition, the system can be configured to provide data connections, supporting the use of modern healthcare technology and communication tools.
All components are designed to meet relevant UK standards, including HTM and BS, ensuring that every system is compliant, safe, and reliable. This comprehensive approach means that medical bedhead trunking can provide a full range of services in one streamlined unit, supporting efficient workflows and high standards of care for patients and staff alike.
Regulatory Compliance in Medical Bedhead Trunking
Ensuring regulatory compliance is a fundamental aspect of medical bedhead trunking design and manufacture. These systems are built to meet all relevant UK standards, including HTM and BS, and are certified to guarantee safety and suitability for use in healthcare settings. Every unit is constructed to accommodate a full range of services, from medical gases to electrical power, while maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols.
The use of high-quality materials and precise construction methods ensures that each system is robust, reliable, and able to meet the demands of modern healthcare environments. Compliance with standards is not just about initial installation; it also extends to ongoing use, with systems designed for easy maintenance and regular inspection to ensure continued safety for both patients and staff.
Manufacturers are required to follow stringent guidelines throughout the design, manufacture, and supply processes, ensuring that every system delivered is fit for purpose and ready to support the needs of healthcare professionals. By prioritizing regulatory compliance, medical bedhead trunking systems provide peace of mind, knowing that all services are delivered safely, efficiently, and in accordance with the highest standards.
In summary, medical bedhead trunking is a critical element in modern hospital design, offering a modular, safe, and efficient solution to accommodate essential bedhead services. Whether for new construction or refurbishment projects, choosing a tested and certified system like the Hygipod MSU ensures compliance with standards, supports infection control, and simplifies maintenance.
By understanding the importance of medical bedhead trunking and choosing the right solution, hospitals can enhance patient care, improve staff efficiency, and maintain the highest standards of safety and hygiene.
Do you have a question about our bedhead trunking, or want to use it in your next refurbishment or building? Contact us:
