The four key considerations when specifying a shower trolley

Many organisations focus solely on dimensions and price, overlooking features that can make a substantial difference over the lifetime of the equipment.

Choosing the right shower trolley is about far more than simply selecting a product that will fit within a bathroom. A well-specified shower trolley can improve client comfort, reduce caregiver strain, enhance infection control and make daily care routines significantly more efficient.

Here are the four key areas that should be considered during every shower trolley assessment.

1. Understanding whether a manual or electric trolley is required

One of the first questions to ask is whether a manual, hydraulic or fully electric shower trolley is most appropriate. The choice should be based on several factors, including:

• Frequency of use
• Number of caregivers involved
• Client weight and dependency level
• Manual handling considerations
• Budget and long-term operational costs

Whilst manual and hydraulic systems may have a lower initial purchase cost, electric models can significantly reduce caregiver effort and fatigue, particularly where the trolley is being used multiple times each day.

For bariatric clients or environments where staffing levels are stretched, an electric solution can often provide a safer and more sustainable long-term option. The key is understanding both the client’s needs and the physical demands placed on the care team before making a decision.

2. How far will the trolley be moved?

This is one of the most overlooked aspects of a shower trolley assessment. Many assessors focus on the client but fail to consider the journey the trolley needs to make every day. Will it be moved a few metres within a wet room, along a ward corridor, between departments, or across different floor surfaces?

The answer has a huge impact on caster selection. Larger diameter casters generally roll much more easily and require less pushing effort from caregivers. Smaller casters may be suitable for short-distance movements but can become challenging when moving heavier clients over longer distances.

When specifying a shower trolley, always consider:

• Distance travelled
• Floor surfaces
• Thresholds and doorways
• Total client weight
• Number of staff available

The wrong caster configuration can dramatically increase caregiver strain over time.

3. Easy cleaning should never be an afterthought

Infection prevention and control has never been more important, yet the cleanability of shower trolleys is often overlooked. The way a trolley is manufactured can have a significant impact on how easy it is to clean and maintain.

Poorly designed products may include dirt traps, difficult-to-reach joints, exposed fixings, areas where water can collect, and complex frame designs. These features can make cleaning time-consuming and increase the risk of contamination.

When assessing different products, consider:

• How accessible all surfaces are
• How easy the mattress platform is to clean
• Whether there are areas where moisture can collect
• The quality of materials used
• The overall simplicity of the design

A shower trolley may only be used for a short period each day, but it will need cleaning after every use. Choosing a design that supports efficient infection control can save considerable time and effort over its lifespan.

4. Check the standard features carefully

Not all shower trolleys are created equal. A product may appear competitively priced until you discover that many important features are optional extras or unavailable altogether.

One of the most important features to check is whether the trolley has a Trendelenburg tilt facility. Without this, water can pool on the mattress surface during showering, creating additional cleaning requirements and increasing drying times. Other features worth checking include:

• Trendelenburg function, which helps drain water effectively and reduces pooling on the trolley surface
• Corner wall protection wheels, which protect walls, door frames and equipment from accidental impacts
• An integrated drainage hose, which allows excess water to be directed away efficiently, helping to keep floors safer and drier
• A central braking system, which provides improved stability and ease of operation compared with individual wheel brakes
• Anti-static casters, particularly valuable in some healthcare environments where static discharge needs to be minimised
• An easy steering system, which makes manoeuvring safer and less physically demanding for caregivers
• Safe working load — always ensure the trolley’s safe working load exceeds the client’s current needs and future requirements
• Hydraulic and electric availability, since some manufacturers offer both options, allowing greater flexibility across different departments and budgets

Colour options might seem a minor detail, but colour can be surprisingly important. For children’s environments, specialist units, dementia settings or facilities with carefully designed interiors, having a choice of mattress platform colours can help create a more welcoming and less clinical environment. The appearance of equipment can have a significant impact on a client’s perception of care and comfort.

Get it right

A shower trolley is a piece of equipment that will be used day after day, often for many years. Taking the time to assess the finer details can deliver significant benefits for both clients and caregivers. Before specifying a shower trolley, make sure you consider:

• Whether manual, hydraulic or electric operation is most appropriate
• How far the trolley will be moved and the effect of caster size on caregiver effort
• How easy the trolley is to clean and maintain
• Whether the standard features genuinely meet your clinical and operational requirements

By focusing on these four key areas, you can avoid costly mistakes and ensure the equipment provides the safest, most comfortable and most efficient solution possible.