The Hidden Cost of Poor Quality Trolleys in Your Ward—and What to Do About It

As a nurse unit manager, you’re always balancing quality patient care with tight budgets. It might be tempting to buy a budget trolley for your ward and celebrate the immediate savings. But have you considered the hidden costs lurking behind that bargain price? A cheap, poorly made hospital trolley often becomes a costly headache – from extra repairs to safety risks, its true cost far exceeds the sticker price.

The Hidden Costs of Cheap Trolleys

An inexpensive trolley might look like a smart purchase at first, but hospitals often pay for it in other ways. Hidden costs of a poor-quality trolley include:

• Frequent Replacements & Downtime: Low-end trolleys made of inferior materials tend to break or rust quickly. Every trolley out of action means lost time and added cost.
• Staff Injuries & Fatigue: Cheap castors without proper bearings create high rolling resistance, forcing staff to strain. Just one back injury can cost tens of thousands of dollars in compensation.
• Safety Risks: An unstable, unbalanced trolley is a hazard. Without an anti-tip design, it can topple when loaded unevenly and cause dangerous spills or injuries.

Key Features of a High-Quality Trolley

Not all trolleys are created equal. When evaluating options, look for features that signal durability and long-term value:

• 304-Grade Stainless Steel: Corrosion-resistant steel that withstands daily cleaning without rusting, ensuring long-term durability and hygiene.
• Strong Welds: Quality welds keep the frame sturdy under heavy loads, preventing cracks or collapse over time.
• Premium Castors: Medical-grade wheels with proper bearings roll quietly with minimal effort, outlasting the noisy, stiff wheels on cheap trolleys.
• Anti-Tip Design: A well-balanced, stable base prevents the trolley from tipping over, protecting staff and patients.
• Australian-Made Quality: Built to meet strict local standards and backed by reliable local support.

The Risk of Cheap Imports

Cheap imported trolleys often use flimsy materials and lack specialist design. They might save a few dollars now, but they usually fail early and can’t handle a busy ward. Plus, if one breaks, spare parts are hard to get – causing even more downtime.

Conclusion

The hidden costs of a poor-quality trolley are simply too high. By investing in well-designed, 304-grade stainless steel trolleys now, you’re safeguarding your budget and ensuring smooth operations for years.

Ready to upgrade? Explore Emery Industries’ trolley range and say goodbye to the hidden costs of cheap trolleys for good.

References:

• Standards Australia. (2014). AS/NZS 4187: Reprocessing of reusable medical devices in health service organisations.
• World Health Organization. (2016). Decontamination and reprocessing of medical devices for health-care facilities.
• Safe Work Australia. (2022). Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders: Work Health and Safety.
• Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. (2021). NSQHS Standards (2nd ed): Standard 3 – Preventing and Controlling Infections.