Examination Couches

We supply a range of examination couches suitable for different clinical environments:

Fixed-height couches are the most economical option and are suitable for settings where the clinician can adjust their own working position. They are commonly used in GP surgeries, minor injury units and occupational health.

Hydraulic height-adjustable couches allow the working height to be adjusted by foot pedal, supporting safe manual handling for both the clinician and the patient. These are recommended for settings where multiple clinicians of different heights use the same couch.

Electric couches offer height adjustment, backrest raise and leg section adjustment via an electric handset or foot control. They are used in physiotherapy, rheumatology, dermatology and outpatient procedure settings.

Two-section and three-section couches allow the backrest and leg sections to be adjusted independently, enabling a wider range of examination and treatment positions.

Contact our team if you need help selecting the right couch for your clinical setting and patient population.

Examination couches are designed for stationary use in a clinical room. They provide a firm, hygienic, height-adjustable surface for clinical assessment, minor procedures and treatment. They are not designed for patient transport.

Transfer stretchers are wheeled trolleys used to move patients within a clinical facility — between departments, from an ambulance to a treatment area, or for inter-facility transfers. They feature locking castors, side rails and a height-adjustable or tilting surface to facilitate safe patient transfer and treatment during transport.

Procedure trolleys are a hybrid design that combines features of both — a wheeled platform suitable for minor procedures and patient positioning in flexible clinical spaces such as treatment bays and day procedure units.

A crash trolley (resuscitation trolley) should be stocked and maintained in accordance with the Resuscitation Council UK guidelines and your organisation's local resuscitation policy. Standard contents typically include:

Airway management: bag-valve-mask device, oral and nasopharyngeal airways, laryngoscope and blades, endotracheal tubes, supraglottic airways and suction equipment.

Circulation: defibrillator with pads and ECG leads, IV cannulae, giving sets, syringes and flush solutions.

Drugs: adrenaline (epinephrine), amiodarone and other resuscitation drugs as specified by your local drug chart. Controlled drugs must be stored in a locked compartment.

Monitoring: pulse oximeter, blood pressure cuff and any additional monitoring required locally.

Crash trolleys should be checked at the beginning of every shift in clinical areas where resuscitation may be required. A tamper-evident seal or lock system is used to confirm the trolley has not been accessed since the last check. Any use requires full restocking and documentation before resealing.

Controlled drug cabinets in the UK must comply with the Misuse of Drugs (Safe Custody) Regulations 1973 (as amended). Key requirements include:

Construction: cabinets must be constructed of metal with a minimum specified gauge, fitted with a securely mounted lock. The cabinet must be fixed to a wall or floor in a permanently sited position.

Key control: keys must be held by an authorised person and not left in the lock or accessible to unauthorised individuals.

Access records: a controlled drug register must be maintained with a running balance, recording every transaction including administration, wastage and receipt of stock.

In NHS settings, additional guidance is provided by NHS England's Controlled Drugs Accountable Officer framework. Private and independent healthcare providers must comply with CQC standards for controlled drug management.

All controlled drug cabinets we supply meet the constructional requirements of the Safe Custody Regulations. Contact our team to confirm the appropriate specification for your setting.

LED examination lights have largely replaced halogen lamps in clinical settings due to their significantly longer lifespan, lower heat output, improved colour rendering index (CRI) and energy efficiency.

Key specifications to consider include:

Illuminance (lux): a minimum of 1,000 lux at the working distance is recommended for general examination. Minor procedure lamps should deliver 10,000 lux or more at the focal point.

Colour rendering index (CRI): a CRI of 90 or above is recommended for clinical examination to ensure accurate assessment of skin colour, wound appearance and tissue perfusion.

Colour temperature: most clinical lamps are supplied in a neutral to cool white (4,000–6,000K), which closely approximates daylight and supports accurate clinical assessment.

Mobility: mobile floor-standing lamps on castors are the most flexible option for multi-purpose treatment rooms. Wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted lamps are preferable where a fixed examination position is used consistently.

All clinical furniture must be cleaned in accordance with your organisation's infection prevention and control policy. General guidance includes:

Upholstered surfaces: wipe down with a healthcare-grade disinfectant wipe or spray after each patient contact. Ensure the product used is compatible with the upholstery material — many couches use a wipe-clean vinyl that may be damaged by alcohol-based products over time. Check the manufacturer's approved cleaning agent list.

Metal frames and surfaces: wipe with a healthcare-grade neutral detergent or combined detergent-disinfectant solution. Avoid abrasive cleaners that may damage powder-coat or chrome finishes.

Drawers and cabinets: clean interior surfaces regularly with an approved disinfectant, paying attention to handles and touch points. Drug cabinets should be cleaned following the controlled drug management policy for your setting.

Between patients: a full surface wipe-down with a combined detergent-disinfectant product is required after each patient use in clinical settings.

Disposal paper roll on examination couch rolls should be changed between every patient to provide a fresh hygienic barrier.

Yes. Selfimed UK supplies NHS Trusts, GP practices, private hospitals, care homes, dental and veterinary practices, and independent clinics. We accept purchase orders and provide full VAT invoices, delivery notes and product documentation.

For orders of multiple items or full room fit-outs, contact our team for a quotation. We can advise on product selection, arrange delivery to your premises and, for larger orders, provide installation and assembly services depending on your location.

UKCA declarations of conformity and product specifications are available for all items we supply to support your procurement and estates management requirements.

Examination couch upholstery is available in a range of materials and colours. The most common options are:

Standard vinyl: the most widely used material in clinical settings. It is wipe-clean, durable and available in a range of colours. Standard vinyl may degrade over time with repeated use of alcohol-based cleaners.

Anti-microbial vinyl: incorporates an antimicrobial agent into the material to inhibit bacterial growth on the surface. Recommended for high-use clinical settings or where infection risk is a concern.

Bariatric vinyl: heavier gauge material with reinforced stitching for use on couches with higher weight capacities. More resistant to tearing and surface damage under higher loads.

Replacement upholstery sections are available for many couch models. If your couch upholstery is damaged, it is worth considering a replacement cover rather than a full couch replacement. Contact our team with your couch model to check availability.

VAT Relief under Group 12 of Schedule 8 of the Value Added Tax Act 1994 applies to medical devices purchased by individuals with a qualifying chronic illness or disability for personal use. Most hospital furniture items are institutional products and are not typically eligible for this individual VAT Relief.

However, NHS Trusts and certain registered charities may be eligible for VAT exemption or zero-rating on equipment purchases under separate provisions. Care homes registered as charities may also qualify in certain circumstances.

For institutional orders, contact our team before placing your order to confirm the correct VAT treatment and receive a quotation with the appropriate VAT status applied.