Hospital Bedside Table

Where Did The Hospital Bedside Table Come From?

Ever wondered where some of the equipment we find in our hospitals today got there start. Prior to the use of the Hospital Bedside Table patients meals were simply brought to them on a tray. Patented on January 14, 1975 under the US patent number 3860307 by a gentleman named Karl Fostel. Mr. Fostel decided to patent his invention for the same reason others have, The need was there. His original design looked very similar to a regular night stand however the table part was made to be mounted onto a drawer.

As the table evolved so has its use. Patients are finding more use for these tables than just a place to have a simple meal during their hospital stay. Bed side tables are used in all areas of medical settings. Aside from hospitals and homecare settings doctors have even found used for these tables in their private office practices. Hospital Bedside Table have come a long way no longer mounted on top of a drawer they come equipped with wheels to be easily moved from one area to another. Some hospital have even begun to use them for laptop stands when taking patients vitals. Nurses use these tables to pass medication to patients. While patient use them to store personal belongings to be used throughout the course of the day.

What ever the use they have become a necessary addition to the all patients and health care attendants. Although there are several different manufacturers the basic adjustable table model is standard. Some of the more advance models can be custom made to suit the customers needs. With so many different uses  of this simple invention it hard to imagine how we all got a long before Mr. Fostel patented it. He would surely be surprised to see how widely his invention is used throughout the health care industry. Additionally Hospital Bedside Table are beginning to pop up in the homes of private citizens who are caring for elderly family members. Family member are now able to purchase or rent used hospital furniture and equipment to accommodate the patient in a home environment.