Beechfield Healthcare has been awarded a major tender by the Health Service Executive (HSE) in the Republic of Ireland for the supply of pressure-relieving mattresses to Community Healthcare Organisation Area 8 (CHO8).

The Irish healthcare provider scored the highest for technical merit and value for money against stringent assessment criteria.

Beechfield Healthcare says the contract win is a “landmark achievement”, as it is the first time the HSE has awarded a formal tender for pressure care mattresses in the community.

Three of Beechfield Healthcare’s solutions are available on the contract: the AUTO/ONE Dynamic Mattress Replacement System, the Hybrid Power Mattress, and the Simple Plus Bariatric System, which are all manufactured by international pressure area care specialist Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare.

The tender process evaluated suppliers on quality, technical merit, aesthetics, functional characteristics, environmental standards, and after-sales support. Beechfield Healthcare’s submission was judged to have demonstrated a highly innovative approach that exceeds the minimum requirements of the tender specifications, a key factor in its top score for technical merit.

Beechfield Healthcare saw success across three major categories: dynamic alternating therapy, hybrid, and bariatric systems.

The provider says that its pressure-relieving mattress range is crucial in preventing the development of pressure ulcers. This focus on preventative care is important for achieving positive patient outcomes and supporting community-based health services after a patient has been discharged from hospital.

James Gargan, Commercial Director at Beechfield Healthcare, commented: “We are thrilled to be the winners of the first-ever HSE tender for pressure care mattresses, particularly as our submission scored highest on technical merit.

“This is a powerful validation of our team’s commitment to innovation and quality, and it reflects the strength of our long-term partnership in pressure area care with Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare.

“For us, the most important outcome is that our full range of specialist mattresses can now be more easily accessed by all CHO areas and other public bodies. We are proud to support the HSE in delivering the highest standard of care to patients across the country.”

Beechfield Healthcare emphasises that while this specific tender was awarded for use within CH08, it opens up the opportunity for all other Community Healthcare Organisations to procure these pressure care mattresses to meet their own requirements. The award also facilitates procurement for a comprehensive list of public bodies across Ireland.

Under the terms of the award, the following entities may also purchase these essential healthcare products: Ministers of the Government of Ireland, Central Government Departments, and non-commercial Agencies; contracting authorities in the Irish health sector, including the HSE and all HSE-funded agencies; third-level educational institutions, including universities; Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and schools; An Garda Síochána; the Irish Prison Service; and the Defence Forces.

The Society of Tissue Viability has recently published a series of articles on standards for beds and mattresses, as well as the flammability safety criteria for pressure care devices.