Posted on March 14, 2023March 16, 2023 by thelakesideteam

Are You Missing These Essential Elements in Your Case Carts?

Case carts are a very important piece of equipment for hospitals and healthcare facilities with ORs. They are the best way to transport sterile surgical equipment to the OR for procedures without risking contamination to nearby staff or patients. Because of this, hospitals rely on surgical carts every day in order to treat patients efficiently and effectively. While no two healthcare facilities are the same, why should they have to use the same equipment?

Medical carts can be standardized, but at Lakeside, we offer tons of modifiable features and can even fully customize case carts to fit perfectly in your facility. Although most surgical case carts on the market have their similarities, not all are high quality and packed full with great features.

It is also vital to understand that case carts are usually offered in two styles: Open or Closed. What’s the difference you ask? Open case carts don’t have locking doors and are designed with easy access to surgical instruments and supplies in mind. Whereas closed case carts are designed with locking doors to achieve maximum protection of contents that lay inside. In this blog, we’ll highlight the key essentials that could elevate you and your OR’s case carts!

Are you missing essential elements in your case carts?

The first differentiator in the quality of surgical case carts is the material that is used to make it. Ideally, medical case carts should be made of all-welded stainless steel construction. Stainless steel is the material of choice for case carts because it makes them stronger, easier to clean and sanitize, and more resistant to corrosion and stains than any other common materials used in case carts. However, you may want to consider a few things when selecting the appropriate case cart or add-ons for the specific needs of your OR. This includes storage and staging, case picking, transport, and system ownership.

Some great elements of Lakeside case carts and their benefits include:

Hold Open Latch

This latch that is integrated into the case carts holds the door open to allow for easier cleaning and restocking of supplies. Having a door keep closing while you’re trying to sanitize or stock a cart can be extremely frustrating, which is why Lakeside includes this simple latch to reduce unnecessary headaches for your staff.

Extended Push Handle

Case carts are intended to be mobile pieces of equipment, but without a solid handle it can be very difficult to maneuver them around a hospital. Lakeside’s surgical case carts have an integrated extended push handle to ensure that they are easy to move around to different ORs in a facility.

Sealed Doors

The doors on Lakeside’s medical carts seal completely shut in order to safeguard the contents against cross-contamination from outside factors.

Positive Door Latches

In addition to the hold open latch, Lakeside’s surgical case carts also feature positive door latches which secure the doors in the shut position to keep the contents safe and sterile during transport and storage.

Innovative Floor Drain

Case carts are bound to collect some water during the cleaning process which is why Lakeside includes an innovative floor drain that directs water to the drain area. This simplifies the cleaning process by making sure you don’t have to spend extra time drying everything by hand.

Bumpers

Every well-made surgical case cart should include a bumper in order to protect the walls and furniture around it. Lakeside’s non-marking bumpers work to perfection by protecting everything around the cart and adding some peace of mind that you won’t ruin any walls while transporting the cart.

Casters

Medical carts are meant to be mobile, but they’re only as mobile as their casters allow. Lakeside uses maintenance-free stainless steel casters that are sturdy and durable allowing you to transport the supplies wherever they need to go with ease. Two of the casters have brake systems to make sure the surgical case carts stay in place during their use.

Pull-Out Shelves

All case carts have shelves, but Lakeside’s feature pull out shelves equipped with a locking mechanism to make retrieval and stocking of the contents super easy. Additionally, there are three different shelving options available for all surgical carts: wire racks, solid stainless shelves, and perforated stainless shelves, which all have various benefits. We understand medical case carts are an essential piece of equipment for any hospital. To find what type of shelf may be perfect for you and your operating room check out our past blog, “Shelving options: What’s Best When It Comes to Case Carts?” From there, we dissect multiple options including the ones listed above, breaking down the strengths and best fit of each shelf.

Accessories

In addition to all of these essential features, there are also many optional choices and features for the surgical carts to make them the perfect fit for any hospital. There are lots of cart sizes to choose from ranging from 39” to 64” tall, with 1 or 2-door options available. One optional accessory is a dirty/clean indicator system to reduce confusion and make sure that all staff are on the same page. This system is super simple to use, but makes sure that you don’t waste time cleaning a cart that has already been sterilized.

Another option that can be useful in large hospitals and healthcare facilities is the towing package. This includes an electric power tug which can be used to transport multiple stocked case carts at the same time without causing your staff to exert unnecessary energy. This also comes with heavy-duty towing casters and hitches that are very durable and make the system easy to use. This saves effort for your staff and allows them to focus on the patient rather than using all of their energy just to get the supplies where they are needed.

Other optional accessories include extra shelves to allow for additional supplies and simple stocking. Another option is a document holder to maintain organization throughout your facility. All accessories are able to be added with limited or no tools in the field, or at the facility before they are shipped for your convenience.

Case carts are a crucial part of many hospital operations, so why not invest in well-made, durable case carts that are designed just for your facility. Lakeside understands that your facility has different needs than others, which is why we’ll work with you to customize the perfect case carts for your hospital. Get in touch with us and together, we will find the perfect case cart design for your hospital!

Posted on February 28, 2023June 29, 2023 by thelakesideteam

What to Look For in a Case Cart

Finding the ideal surgical case cart comes with many different questions to be asked, boxes to be checked off, and approvals from management. So, what should you be looking for when purchasing a new case cart? While there are some qualities that you will find in nearly all case carts like their ability to be portable, there are some characteristics to look for that make a significant difference but are not a specification some hospitals know to be looking for. Being in the healthcare equipment manufacturing industry for over 75 years, Lakeside has been able to hear directly from operators on what they need out of their equipment which has allowed us to perfect our case cart design.

Case carts come in many shapes and sizes, but these three cart specifications make a noticeable difference in functionality and efficiency within operations. Compiled below, these three main differentiating qualities are outlined to help you find a cart that will provide a durable space for sterile supplies and equipment to be stored in your OR for many years to come.

Security:

A case cart’s main duty is to provide a safe and sterile place for medical instruments to be stored. There are a variety of sizes and styles case carts are available to meet your facility’s needs, but one thing they all have in common is security. While many case carts are advertised to be secure, make sure to take a look into the security and lock system on the cart to see the level of security it offers. Making sure these carts are only able to be accessed to specific staff if extremely important and having the proper locking system ensures that.

Here’s what to look for in the locking system when reviewing specifications before purchase. Make sure the lock is permanently attached to the cart to maximize security. Many carts come with a lock attacked and welded right to the door latch which provides the ultimate safety. Tamper sealed doors are another feature to look for in a new case cart. This helps to ensure supplies remain sterile before they are needed to safeguard against cross-contamination. While this covers the outer safety of the cart, taking a look at the inner safety is also important.

Depending on your needs, various shelf types of sizes can be in a case cart and usually are able to pull-out. Having pull-out shelves allows for increased efficiency but making sure they remain in place when pulled out helps to reduce the likelihood of an accident. Drawers that have a locking mechanism ensure that no matter if that shelf is pulled out or not, it will remain in place and not move unless unlocked and prompted to do so. The security level of a case cart is a number one priority, so make sure to look for these specifications.

Worker Safety:

It is important to have a secure and durable structure but that means nothing if it is not a functional safe piece of equipment to maneuver and operate with. There are many basic features case carts have to ensure worker safety is a priority including swivel casters for easy maneuverability and ergonomically designed handles to make transporting less straining. While these are features seen on many case carts, there are other features that add to worker safety and should be considered when purchasing a new case cart. If more than one medical case cart needs to be towed at once, electric power tugs should be added to the operation. With this, carts will need to have heavy-duty towing casters and hitch added to aid in the efficiency and safety of this form of transport.

Another worker safety feature that Lakeside case carts have is their all-welded stainless steel structure that ensures no nuts and bolts are extruded from the cart that could cause harm to the operator. Not only does this provide for worker safety, but also makes the surgical case cart stronger, easier to clean and sanitize, and corrosion and stain resistant, helping increase the longevity of the cart’s lifespan. Worker safety is a top priority when examining new equipment. These features can help foster a safe work environment at your hospital.

Workflow Changes:

In the healthcare field, workflows can change often to increase patient satisfaction and operational efficiency. With this, being able to seamlessly make these workflow changes go smoothly is vital. In relation to case carts, a specific cart may be needed for various types of procedures over a month. Having different accessories to add onto the cart for various types of procedures helps allow these shifts to be done smoothly all while being able to utilize the same cart for various needs. Accessories are nothing new to case carts but having accessories that can be attached and detached without tools is ideal and something to look for when purchasing a new one.

Knowing what type of procedures your new cart will be used for will help guide this entire process. Being able to configure a cart to your ideal specifications can help aid in this decision process. Whether this is choosing what type of shelving you’d like, or the number of shelves needed, these decisions play a key role in what company is chosen to purchase the new cart from. Lakeside offers various standard configuration options as well as specializing in customized carts to meet exact needs. Workflow changes can be a bottleneck for some operations but using the right equipment that can make these transitions more seamless.

Case carts play a vital role in the OR room. Having the right case cart for your exact needs that offers security, provides for worker safety, and allows for easy workflow changes helps to increase efficiency within your operations. Lakeside has a wide selection of standard and configurable case carts with varying features. Don’t see exactly what you’re looking for? Reach out to us about customizing a cart to fit your exact needs!

Posted on February 14, 2023March 13, 2023 by thelakesideteam

Open or Closed Case Carts: What is Best for your Facility?

Case carts play an extremely important role in the workflow of healthcare facilities everywhere. They are primarily used to transport surgical instruments to and from the OR in hospitals, but they can add value in various other ways depending on the model implemented in your facility. On the market, there are many different types of case carts available, but the two primary options to choose from are an open or closed style. What are the differences between these styles and what will be more useful for your facility?

Open Case Carts:

Open case carts are designed with easy access to surgical instruments and supplies in mind. Lakeside Manufacturing designs open case carts in a variety of sizes, ranging from small at 38 ½” x 28 ¾” x 38 ½” (WxLxH) to extra-large at 52 ½” x 27 ½” x 61 ½” (WxLxH). The small sizes can accommodate up to 5 shelves, while the extra-large can fit up to 9. The medium and large sizes fit in between, and the best option for size really depends on your facility’s needs. If you find staff frequently making trips between central supply and the OR, then the large or extra-large may be a better option, but if you don’t transport supplies as often, or not in large quantities, then the small or medium size could fit better in your facility.

When it comes to shelving, Lakeside Manufacturing offers a few different options. First, all our Open Case Carts have highly configurable shelving options so that you can ensure your cart will be able to store and transport the right number of supplies for your facility. We offer three different types of shelving to choose from for these carts: stainless steel, stainless steel with dividers, and wire shelves. Depending on what you are looking to get out of your case carts, all of these are good options. Stainless steel is a great choice if you want sturdy shelving that can support heavy loads. The stainless steel with dividers adds easy organization of supplies and surgical instruments. The wire shelving is a more lightweight option that still has plenty of strength and durability to hold supplies. Additionally, many of our carts use a combination of the shelving options for added versatility.

Open case carts are a great option for hospitals and other healthcare facilities with an OR. Open case carts are much lighter than closed case carts, which makes them easier to maneuver around a facility to and from the OR. The open design also allows for added visibility which can be helpful for some staff that struggle transporting the heavier closed case carts. The open design also makes it very clear where all the supplies are and allows for very quick unloading of surgical instrument packs.

Closed Case Carts:

Closed case carts are designed with maximum protection of the contents in mind. Surgical instruments must be kept in a way that ensures they are sanitized and ready to go when an operation is needed. Case carts are the perfect solution for ensuring clean surgical instruments won’t be contaminated on their way to the OR, and closed case carts add an extra level of protection for the supplies compared to the open style. Lakeside Manufacturing has various sizes and styles of closed case carts that are offered standard. These styles include one-door and two-door designs, and either come in 39” or 54” heights.

Lakeside’s closed case carts are available with three different shelving options, that all have their various benefits. The stainless steel shelves are a staple in our case carts with top-of-the-line strength and durability, as well as easy sanitation practices. Another option is the perforated stainless steel shelf, which has the added benefit of extra airflow inside the carts, making them dry faster as well as preventing the settling of dust and debris inside the carts even if they are in storage for periods of time. Lastly, the wire shelves are another option that allows for the most possible airflow and prevents the settling of dust even more while still having the strength and durability needed to transport surgical instruments to and from the OR.

Although they may be heavier than the open style, Lakeside’s closed case carts are still highly maneuverable in a healthcare facility and add versatility. The closed case carts design allows for the top to be used as added workspace in the OR, or in central supply where they will be loaded. The closed style also adds extra protection against contamination for the supplies and surgical instruments during transportation to the OR, ensuring that they are ready to be used in an operation. This extra protection also works in the reverse way, by ensuring that surgical instruments that have been used and contaminated won’t spread their germs and bacteria to any other areas of the hospital. Additionally, if these carts are going to be moved throughout any areas of the facility where there may be curious patients, the closed design will ensure that they won’t see any bloody supplies, which is always a good idea to not turn patients off from the facility.

Case carts are extremely important to maintain the workflow and improve efficiency in healthcare facilities with an operating room. There are many different options available, which is why Lakeside will work with you to ensure that you get the perfect solutions for your facility! Even if none of our standard case carts are the right fit for your hospital, then we will work together to custom design and build a solution that will add the most value for your facility! Get in touch with us, and let’s talk case carts!

Posted on January 10, 2023March 13, 2023 by thelakesideteam

The Right Cart for the Right Job: Your Durability Index Guide

Selecting the Right Utility Cart Using the Durability Index

Utility carts play an essential role in the daily routines of all major healthcare facilities. They are used to store and transport supplies and can add value to many different departments within a hospital. However, when it comes to purchasing a new utility cart for your facility, there is an overwhelming number of options to pick from. How do you know that you’re getting the right cart for the job?

There are so many different types of utility carts to choose from because they can be used for many different applications and in many different ways. When it comes to purchasing new utility carts, it’s important to know exactly what you want to use the cart for and how much you want the cart to be able to hold at once. Lakeside Manufacturing understands that choosing the right utility cart is no easy task, which is why we created our durability index to simplify the purchasing process and ensure that you get the perfect cart for the job.

The durability index for our utility carts has three different tiers that rank the carts into categories based on their capacities, ideal working environments and tasks, ideal floor surfaces to be used on, and ideal daily usage amount. Let’s take a closer look at the different tiers for utility carts in our durability index.

Durability Level 1: Standard Duty

The standard duty utility carts are the most common carts that are probably similar to what you have in your facility today. These carts are great for carrying out daily tasks and transporting supplies to where they are needed. Our standard duty carts have a carrying capacity of 300 lbs. making them ideal for transporting light loads and use in clinical environments. These carts are built on casters that perform best on smooth surfaces like smooth vinyl, vinyl tile floor, and smooth indoor concrete. Additionally, the standard duty utility carts are recommended for a maximum of 3 hours of use per day to ensure their integrity lasts for a long time. Standard duty utility carts are typically constructed with 22-gauge stainless steel shelves and 20-gauge stainless steel legs for a solid level of strength and durability. Some examples of our standard duty utility carts include:

311 Utility Cart: The 311 is Lakeside’s timeless product that has been utilized by facilities for decades. This classic no-frills cart is designed to satisfy all of your basic needs for a utility cart, while ensuring the quality that will last for years.

Standard Duty Plastic Utility Carts: If the 311 model made with stainless steel isn’t right for your facility, a standard duty plastic utility cart might suit your needs better. Our plastic utility carts have all the basic features that you need while also having solid strength and durability.

Durability Level 2: Medium Duty

The medium duty utility carts are the next step up from standard duty and can handle a bit more usage and heavier loads. Medium duty carts work especially well in clinical, central supply, distribution, and storage applications and are perfect for transporting moderate loads. The medium duty carts have a carrying capacity of 500 lbs. and move around best on smooth vinyl, ceramic tile floors, and smooth indoor concrete. Medium duty utility carts are built with stronger materials and designed to last meaning that the ideal daily usage amount is around 4-9 hours per day. These carts are constructed using 20-gauge stainless steel shelves and 16-gauge stainless steel legs. Some examples of Lakeside’s medium duty utility carts include:

411 Utility Cart: The 411 utility cart is the larger version of the 311, with extra carrying capacity and all of the same great standard features. This stainless steel cart is sure to satisfy all of your basic needs for a utility cart.

479 Tubular Frame Stainless Steel Utility Cart: The Tubular Frame Utility Cart is also constructed with stainless steel to ensure strength, durability, and cleanability. This model features dual handles to allow for pushing from either side which can be especially helpful in narrow spaces where it may be tough to turn the cart completely around. The tubular frame design also adds structural strength to the cart and allows for its 500lb. carrying capacity.

Contemporary Design Plastic Utility Carts: If stainless steel isn’t the right fit for your facility, then the 2512 Contemporary Design Plastic Utility Cart may be the perfect solution for you. With a clean, modern design and dual handles this cart is easy to maneuver, and the stain and odor resistant plastic material is easy to sanitize after the cart has been used.

Durability Level 3: Heavy Duty

Heavy duty utility carts are the top of the pyramid of our durability index as they are built with heavy loads and top-tier durability in mind. Heavy duty utility carts are the best solution for receiving goods, and transporting heavy loads with a carrying capacity of 700 lbs. Our heavy-duty carts can perform well wherever your facility may need them including on vinyl and tile floors, carpet, indoor concrete, and even rough surfaces. The heavy-duty utility carts are built using 18-gauge stainless steel shelves and 1/8” thick stainless steel legs which ensure the best strength and durability in its tier. The strong materials and design allow these carts to be used up to 9-12 hours every day while ensuring that they remain in their peak shape. Some examples of our heavy-duty utility carts include:

Angle “U”-Frame Stainless Steel Utility Carts: This heavy-duty utility cart is designed to cover any of your supply transportation or storage needs. The U-shaped frame design provides superior structural strength for large loads up to 700lbs. while the larger 8” front casters allow the cart to transition over uneven surfaces with ease.

Heavy Duty Narrow Width Cart: If you need a utility cart with top-tier strength but is still able to be used in tight spaces, then a Heavy-Duty Narrow Width Cart is the solution for you. The U-shaped frame also gives this model excellent strength and the extended handle and narrower profile make this a very maneuverable cart, even in tight spaces.

In addition to our 3 tiers of products in the durability index, Lakeside also manufactures numerous products with weight capacities of 1,000 lbs. and even 1,500 lbs. Get in touch with us with any questions about our utility carts and the durability index and let’s find the solution for your facility’s utility cart needs!

Posted on December 27, 2022March 13, 2023 by thelakesideteam

What to Look for in a Medical Instrument Table

Medical instrument tables are an integral part of any healthcare provider’s facility– they provide a safe and secure surface to store and organize necessary equipment, ensuring that practitioners can quickly access whatever they need in order to carry out their work. With the ever-changing demands of modern healthcare, it is essential for medical professionals to ensure that the instrument tables they invest in have all the features required to meet their needs: from storage options and stability features, right through to ensuring that there is sufficient space provided around them which promotes patient safety as well as allowing staff convenience when accessing tools. In this blog post we will take a closer look at what to look for when purchasing an instrument table.

Durable Construction:

The first thing you should consider when choosing a medical table is its construction. Stainless steel provides a durable structure and has the added benefit of being easy to clean and sanitize, which is very important in healthcare settings. Additionally, look for strong legs and bases that will be able to support supplies and equipment on the table. Reinforcements on instrument tables help to supply extra security on larger models built to hold a greater amount of weight.

Maneuverability:

Being able to move an instrument table around a room or to another room ensures the piece of equipment can be flexible in its support for a healthcare facility. Another important feature to look for in medical tables is locking casters. These ensure that the table stays stationary when needed but can also be maneuvered easily when required. This allows you to move the table around as needed without having to worry about it sliding or shifting during use.

Space Savings:

Finally, space savings is an important factor to consider when selecting medical tables. Nesting tables are an excellent option as they save space while providing storage space underneath them for items such as blankets or other supplies. Additionally, two-shelf options offer even more space for storing items such as instruments or medications.

Choosing the right medical table can be a daunting task, but by considering these factors—durable construction, maneuverability with locking casters, and space savings—you can ensure that your facility has all of the necessary features you need in order to provide top-notch care to your patients. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to find the perfect medical tables that meet your needs! Lakeside offers a wide selection of durable instrument tables to help you find that exact fit for your needs.

Posted on December 13, 2022March 13, 2023 by thelakesideteam

The Importance of Communication in Pediatric Care

Pediatric care offers different challenges for healthcare providers that are not necessarily present when providing care for adults. Whether a child is receiving a vaccine or undergoing a surgery it is important to provide some understanding to the child, so they know what is about to happen and are able to mentally prepare for that. While some details may not need to be shared with the child, there are ways to offer some clarity for them in anticipation for their medical care. Working together with a child’s caregiver, healthcare providers can find ways to meet the child at their cognitive level to offer them some understanding of what they will be going through.

While a surgery can physically help a child with an illness, the mental anticipation and effects of a surgery need to be taken into consideration as well. As adults, it can be easier for us to mentally prepare for the effects of a surgery, but for children, this can be a confusing concept to grasp. Helping children mentally prepare for medical care they will be receiving can be delivered in various forms, and Maria Baimas-George MD, MPH has found a new way to help pediatric patients feel more comfortable with their understanding of their medical care.

Dr. Baimas-George’s Story:

Throughout her lifetime, she found a passion for both medicine and writing, but ultimately decided to take the medical route for her career path. As she began her career, she noticed a gap in understanding for parents and child patients. Combining her two interests of medicine and writing, she decided to write books that explained surgical and medical situations using language that children and their caregivers could understand. While doctors often take time to help the child’s caregiver understand the medical situation, the child often receives little information that they could digest at their cognitive level. Dr. Baimas-George saw this as an opportunity to offer child-specific resources. Finding few resources in this area for children, she knew this was something she wanted to invest her time into.

She has been able to write twenty-one books since starting her work as an author. These books are intended to help children understand basic anatomy. They also offered children the opportunity to know what to expect before the procedure and what the recovery process would look like. This author’s collection of books also offered the opportunity for pediatric patients to learn what type of healthcare workers they may encounter before, during, and after their procedure. Although twenty-one books are already quite an accomplishment, Dr. Baimas-George plans to write even more books discussing specific procedures children may need.

No One Likes the Unknown:

When adults have procedures, doctors take the time to explain what to anticipate before and after the procedure, and the same should be true for pediatric patients. While the level of explanation may differ due to the cognitive level of a specific child, there are ways to explain and prepare them for the procedure they will be having. Feeling prepared also factors into the provider’s end. Having equipment that is organized in a way that each instrument is able to be located quickly and efficiently allows all effort to be focused on the patient. Instrument tables provide space for optimal organization during a procedure. Lakeside’s US manufactured instrument tables offer the durability and organization needed in the OR.

Posted on November 22, 2022March 13, 2023 by thelakesideteam

How to Choose the Right Utility Stand for Your Equipment

In order to make sure you’re storing your equipment properly, it’s important to find the right utility stand for your specific equipment needs. Some stands are designed to provide more space around your equipment or offer additional storage spaces. It’s important to consider all options before making your purchase. In addition, it’s helpful to make sure that you choose a stand that will hold your equipment safely while still being easy to move and store when necessary. Consider some of these factors when you’re trying to find the right utility stand for your equipment needs and your healthcare facility.

Define Needed Weight Capacity:

If you are looking for a utility stand, there are a few things you should consider before purchasing. First, think about what the stand will be holding and how many pounds it will need to hold. If the stand only needs to hold 100 lbs., then a smaller stand will be a good fit. However, if the stand needs to support over 300 lbs., then it is worth investing in a heavier duty utility stand built to hold a greater amount of weight. When looking for a new utility stand, take a look at all the items this new stand will be responsible for holding and housing. If multiple pieces of heavy equipment will be held on the top shelf with a variety of supporting supplies underneath, it would be recommended to purchase a cart that is rated to hold up to 500 lbs. While some operational needs would require a utility stand to have a larger weight capacity, some may not.

If the utility stand will be holding lighter weight items and supplies at your facility, a lower weight capacity stand can be used. Bigger is always better, or so they say. This is not always true when it comes to equipment. Find the weight capacity you need, and purchase based on that requirement. Sometimes having large equipment that is not being used to its fullest ability can be taking up valuable space that could be used to house another piece of vital equipment. Have a general gauge on how much weight the stand will need to hold and round up some to make sure there is room to add more if needed.

Determine the Size:

It is important to choose the right size utility stand for your equipment. This will depend on the space you have and the equipment size. For example, if you have a small space with only one or two pieces of equipment, a smaller stand may work better than a large stand. If you plan on storing more items on the utility stand along with equipment and a good amount of room for the stand, a larger stand might be best. Lakeside offers two sizes of utility stands to allow facilities the opportunity to select which would work better for their operations. As mentioned above, having a larger piece of equipment is not always the right choice.

Choosing between a compact stand size and a full-size utility stand is a step that needs to be taken in the decision of purchasing a new utility stand. The compact size offers a smaller footprint while still offering a durable storage solution. The compact utility stand size has a width of nearly 19 inches. The compact cart is able to fit into smaller spaces where equipment may be needed for patients or into storage spaces with limited room. A full-size stand on the other hand has a width of just over 36 inches offering more space. While taking a look at what the stand will need to hold is important, where the stand will primarily live will also need to be factored in. Some spaces at a facility may have more available space than another. Rooms can be packed full of carts, stands, equipment, and supplies so make sure to take a look at how much room the cart will take up in the space it will primarily be stored in. With Lakeside utility stands being mobile, glancing into transporting practicality is also important.

Some utility stands will be moved seldomly, some will just be moved about within a single room, and some may be needed across a department at different points. If the stand will be used to transport equipment and supplies throughout a facility quite often, make sure to play out the functionality of moving the stand. Each healthcare facility has a different layout, so making sure the size you choose will be able to be transported easily in your facility is a crucial consideration in this process.

Consider Enclosed Drawers:

Having enclosed storage may be a feature that is required of a new utility stand for your facility. Enclosed drawers offer a variety of solutions. The most notable solution they offer is their ability to house items in a secure and closed location. Supplies are meant to be used only by authorized personnel on the facilities team. Making sure they are stowed away in a safe and secure location is extremely important. While some utility stand applications may not need the enclosed drawers that offer a lockable storage space, some applications require this. Lakeside has utility stands with and without enclosed drawers so that they are an option if needed, but not an extra expense for those who do not need this secure space.

These drawers do offer a secure location to store and lock supplies, but it also is an area that lose items can be placed into if the cart is needed elsewhere. During transport, items can shift around, especially lightweight ones. Having a drawer to put these items into while it is being moved helps to ensure everything is as it should be and available as soon as the cart is to its new location. Enclosed drawers offer various benefits to those who need this extra space. Take a look at what the cart will all be holding and see if a drawer would be a viable option for your new utility stand.

Choosing the right utility stand comes with answering a few questions based on the weight it will need to hold, the size it should be, and whether or not a secure enclosed drawer is needed. Mobile utility stands offer the ability to move equipment easily to where it is needed when it is needed to provide the best care for each and every patient that walks through your doors. Lakeside manufacturers a selection of equipment utility stands to hold your lightest or heaviest equipment. Find your new utility stand today!

Posted on November 8, 2022March 13, 2023 by thelakesideteam

Why is Mobility so Important for Medical Equipment?

“Frontline workers need to be more efficient, and to do this they need equipment that is designed to help them,” said Brian Hazelwood in Healthcare Purchasing News’ recent article. Having equipment that works with you and not against you is an absolute necessity in the healthcare industry. With limited staff, it is crucial to be able to equip staff with what they need quickly and efficiently. Mobile equipment is nothing new to this industry, but it has begun to span far past traditional medical carts. Mobile equipment now spans into other healthcare equipment areas including transportable workstations with a computer and maneuverable equipment stands. Mobility opens up so many doors for more efficient ways to offer care to patients during their time at a facility.

Time is money, and while healthcare providers should not aim to have the shortest amount of time with each patient just to be productive, more time does allow some flexibility with patient interaction time. Mobile equipment helps to increase facility efficiency as equipment and supplies are able to be moved quickly and easily by staff when needed. When you walk into a healthcare facility today, it comes as no surprise that a noticeable number of items in the room are on wheels. When equipment is able to be moved around a room, within a department, or even around a facility, functionality is increased which is why maneuverability plays a key role in the success of a facility.

It’s no secret that mobility helps increase efficiency, but what specifically does mobility offer to a facility that increases productivity? There are three main factors that increased efficiency can be attributed to equipment mobility. Below we will go over how equipment that is maneuverable helps to increase efficiency, improve care for patients, and increase facility flexibility.

1. Increased Efficiency

Every healthcare facility has standard operations that are followed, and each department also has their own set of guidelines specific to their type of care. When efficiency is increased, providers are able to spend more time with patients which is vital as many patients are feeling the need for more time with their provider. Mobile equipment allows staff to quickly move equipment and supplies to where they are needed without sacrificing a large amount of time. While some mobile equipment is moved further distances, even a small bed-side medical stand in a patient’s room may need to be moved quickly to provide care. All in all, mobility helps bring back time to patients with the increased efficiency they provide.

2. Improved Patient Care

Healthcare workers ultimately enter the field due to their desire to help others, specifically helping folks with their medical needs. While it can be easy to get caught up in the operational side of a facility, it is important to always be reminded of the main purpose of these facilities, and that is to provide care for those experiencing medical issues. When all focus can be put on the patient, everyone is able to experience a positive environment. Mobile equipment allows providers to put their time towards patients and not shuffling around heavy equipment and bulky supplies. This all helps lead to increased patient satisfaction which is vital for facilities to maintain.

3. More Flexibility

“Prior to COVID, the ability to move critical supplies within a single cart from point A to point B was important but once COVID hit, the needs for speed, mobility and flexibility hit the top of the priority list,” said Ian Loper in the Healthcare Purchasing News magazine. Since the pandemic began, healthcare has shifted in many different ways. It specifically has shifted the flexibility facilities need to have within their operations. Having equipment that is flexible and able to be shifted around in a room or within a department is crucial to this new and adjusted way of healthcare operations.

Mobile equipment helps increase operational efficiency while being able to give back some time to patients. While mobile equipment is not the single factor contributing to facility operational efficiency, it can make a great difference in the day-to-day tasks of providers. So how can you increase the maneuverability of equipment at your facility? Lakeside has a wide selection of mobile medical equipment solutions exactly for this need in the market.

Posted on October 25, 2022March 13, 2023 by thelakesideteam

Why Choose a Super Saver Rolling Medical Cart?

Every business has a budget, with some having larger budgets and some having smaller budgets. Either way, a year in advance is typically the outline businesses take for outlining their budgets in an effort of anticipating what expenses there will be with some room for variations. While healthcare facilities offer care for patients, at the end of the day, they need to be able to pay the bills to be able to keep their doors open.

Budgets are crucial in the healthcare industry, especially when it comes to medical equipment. Facilities can anticipate the need for new equipment ahead of time allowing themselves time to find the right fit for their needs while remaining within their budget. Quality medical equipment does come at a cost, but investing in equipment that will last for years will end up saving money in the long run with its increased ROI. While quality equipment can be quite pricey, there are options that allow you to still purchase a quality piece of equipment while ensuring you stay on budget.

Lakeside’s line of Super Saver carts are economically designed for the cost-conscious and budget-driven healthcare facility. These carts are still built with the same foundational qualities as our full-size medical carts, but allow facilities to invest in new equipment without breaking the bank. So why choose Super Saver rolling medical carts? Below we will go over the main benefits of Super Saver carts to highlight their main functionalities.

Benefit #1: Compact & Durable

While these carts are slightly smaller in stature compared to standard full-sized carts, they still are built with the same structural materials to ensure the cart’s durability. With a stainless steel build, these carts are easy to clean and sanitize and will withstand heavy usage as they are used day in and day out. When medical carts are depended on in various areas of a department, it is very important to have a cart that will stand up to the test and be able to provide mobile transport of needed equipment, supplies and medications. Durability is the name of our game at Lakeside, and our Super Saver economic cart selection is no exception.

Benefit #2: Organizational Functionality

Medical carts ultimately provide a storage space for the items providers need for their patients, and having an organized cart is a necessity. Having the supplies right where they are supposed to be helps reduce the time it takes to provide care for patients. Our Super Saver cart line offers various drawer configuration options to allow for selection of what suits your facility’s specific needs the best. Organization is a must, and the Super Saver medical cart line is sure to provide it.

Benefit #3: Security of Supplies

Using medical carts allows for the safekeeping of supplies, medications, and equipment not only so that they are readily available when needed, but to also ensure that only healthcare providers are using these items. Having locks on medical carts is very important as it allows only providers access to the supplies. While some medical carts have locks for every drawer, this economical money-saving cart has just one lock on the top drawer. Not every medical cart requires all items to be locked up, so why pay for a cart that has extra unnecessary bells and whistles? With the one locking drawer, there is still the capability to lock items that need a secure location while also providing storage for other supplies that do not need to be locked in a drawer. The Super Saver carts provide the security you need at a cost your budget will appreciate.

Benefit #4: Mobility to Move Around Facilities

Having a stationary medical cart limits the use of that piece of equipment as it is not able to be moved to where it is needed. There is a reason why most medical carts are mobile, and that is to allow equipment and supplies to be moved around so that the cart can offer functionality in various areas of a department. Although the Super Saver carts are more budget-friendly, this does not mean that mobility won’t be a feature. This line of carts is built with durable casters to ensure quick and efficient maneuverability to wherever it is needed.

Being on a budget does not mean you have to sacrifice durability and efficiency in a cart. Having a cart that will withstand the hours, days, months, and years or use is so important when investing in new equipment. A cart that will only last you 5-10 years may be a more cost-friendly choice at the moment, but in the end it will cost more. The Super Saver medical cart line by Lakeside offers a low cost option while still providing the functionality that facilities need. Talk with a Lakeside cart expert today!

Posted on September 13, 2022March 13, 2023 by thelakesideteam

5 Steps to Designing Your Perfect Rolling Medical Cart

Just 5 steps, and you have designed the perfect medical cart for your healthcare facility! Designing a medical cart can be a task that takes a considerable amount of time and effort, but it is crucial to understand how the layout, structure, and build of the cart will impact healthcare providers and patients for years to come. Crafting the right set-up of drawers, locks, color, and material can seem daunting as different combinations bring about different benefits. We have created this 5 step guide to help you design the perfect rolling medical cart for your healthcare facility.

Why is a Medical Cart so Important?

Medical carts provide the organization, storage, and maneuverability needed for equipment, medication, and supplies. Rolling medical carts are used for a variety of purposes in healthcare: emergency carts, anesthesia carts, isolation carts, procedure and treatment carts, general purpose carts, hyperthermia carts, pediatric crash carts, and suture storage carts to name a few. These carts allow healthcare personnel to focus all efforts and energy on providing quality care to patients. Designing your perfect Lakeside cart is easy with our Classic Series, so let’s go over these 5 steps to help you determine what you need in your medical cart.

1. Determine the Total Number of Drawers Needed

Depending on what you will be using the cart for, you will need different amounts of drawers and with that, you will need different drawer sizes to accommodate storage needs. Whether you want three large drawers, or you are in need of a cart that has ten small drawers, Lakeside classic carts allow you to design it your way! Our carts have four different drawer height options that can be configured in any way: three inches, six inches, nine inches, or twelve inches.

2. Select the Appropriate Cart Size to Accommodate Your Drawers

Now that you have determined how many three inch, six inch, nine inch, and twelve inch drawers you need, it is time to calculate the cumulative total drawer space needed and find which standard cart size your total drawer height adds up to. Our height options for classic medical carts are twenty-one inches, twenty-four inches, twenty-seven inches, or thirty inches with each having a width of thirty-two inches. Your total drawer space must equal one of these four standard height options.

3. Choose a Lock Type

Having some form of a lock on your cart is important to ensure the cart is only accessed by the appropriate healthcare staff. We have seven lock options to choose from to accommodate different needs:

Standard Key Lock to lock the entire cart
Breakaway Lock Bar to lock the entire cart – ideal for emergency carts that need to be accessed quickly
Individual Breakaway Lock Bars to lock each drawer separately – ideal for carts used in emergencies
Push-Button with key override feature
Proximity Reader with Electronic Auto-lock and key override feature
Electronic Auto-Lock with keypad and key override feature
LPR-SW Optional Audit Software for use with Electronic locks & Proximity Reader – ensures authorized personnel are using the cart

4. Select a Color

Depending on the carts’ purpose, you may want to select a certain color. For example, emergency carts usually are red to indicate they are only to be used in emergency situations and an anesthesia cart is typically blue so healthcare workers know exactly what that cart is used for and the supplies it holds. While there are standard colors for some cart types, we have a full selection of twenty-three colors to choose from. These shell and drawer colors are comprised of an antimicrobial powder coating. Either choose one color for your entire cart or choose two colors, one for the shell and one for the drawers.

5. Specify Construction Material

Our classic carts have two options for the construction material, either steel or aluminum. Both provide you with a durable piece of equipment, but the aluminum option is 50% lighter which may be of benefit for carts that are moved often or need to be moved quickly in a short time frame. Lakeside medical carts are proudly made in the USA.

No matter what type of cart you need, make it uniquely your own by configuring the size and number of drawers, lock types, color and construction material. Classic series medical carts will be sure to provide a long-lasting and flexible rolling medical cart.