Best High Back Chairs for Hospital Wards

In previous articles we have covered the main features and benefits of high back chairs in hospital wards, and how they compare with other types of seating.

In this latest post we look at the best types of high back chairs for hospital wards to invest in, the stand-out features to look for, and an overview of our own hospital high back chair which has just been launched, designed and exclusively manufactured by ourselves.

Jump straight to…

• • • • What are High Back Hospital Chairs?
      • The Importance of Appropriate Seating in Hospital Wards
      • Overview of High Back Chairs and their Benefits to Hospital Wards
      • Key Features of High Back Hospital Chairs
      • Factors to Consider When Selecting High Back Hospital Chairs
      • Best High Back Chairs for NHS Hospital Wards
      • Conclusion
      • FAQs

What are High Back Hospital Chairs?

The high back chairs that you see next to patient beds in NHS hospitals up and down the country are typically characterised by the following features:

Simple Design

The chairs are of a basic design and are usually constructed from a fixed steel or wooden frame, with a padded seat and backrest section, fixed armrests, and open sides.

Waterproof Fabric

Usually upholstered in a waterproof fabric such as vinyl or faux leather, which is robust enough to withstand heavy use and doesn’t rip easily. These fabrics are good for infection control as they can be wiped down with bleach and strong detergents.

Exposed Seat Frame

The frame of the chair is exposed so can be washed and wiped down without any internal areas of the chair where bacteria can ‘hide’.

Static

The chairs have a fixed position which cannot be adjusted. Some chairs have adjustable armrest or legrest height. Some have portering wheels on the back legs which allow them to be wheeled within the ward.

The Importance of Appropriate Seating in Hospital Wards

High-backed chairs are designed in such a way to keep the patient in an upright position. The slight seat rake gives a nice 90 degree sitting profile and stabilises the pelvis, the curved backrest supports the lumbar region, and the high back to support the head, neck and shoulders.

90 degree sitting profile

Sitting in this upright position and having the armrests at the right height helps the patient get out of the chair and regain their mobility faster, preventing deconditioning and longer hospital stays.

Overview of High Back Chairs and their Benefits to Hospital Wards

These one-size-fits-all chairs are useful for family and friends visiting hospital patients, doctors and nurses attending the patient’s bedside, and for performing routine checks like blood pressure, blood tests, etc.

They are also useful for patient waiting areas in hospital like A&E and consulting rooms.

If you are writing a specification rather than comparing models, our procurement guide sets out each requirement with the basis for it, labelled as evidence, practice or inference. See what should an NHS ward chair provide?.

Key Features of High Back Hospital Chairs

Ergonomic Design

Upholstered with medium-density foam and height adjustable legs, high backed chairs are designed for ergonomic positioning. The slightly curved backrest promotes a healthy spinal curve, with support in the lumbar region.

Durability and Materials

Built to last, the strong metal box-section or wood frame provides stability for patients, particularly when using the chair for support when standing up or sitting down.

Infection Control and Hygiene

With an exposed frame and minimal recesses where bacteria can hide, the chair is designed for infection control. The lacquered wood or metal frame provides a smooth surface for wiping down, and the hygiene gap between the seat and backrest prevents the ingress of bacteria.

Patient Comfort and Support

Patient comfort and support can be enhanced with extra seat padding, gel overlays or memory foam built into the seat. Armrests pads and head cushions can be added for greater comfort and support.

Factors to Consider When Selecting High Back Hospital Chairs

Patient Mobility and Needs

Depending on the type of illness and length of stay, patients in different wards will need different levels of rehabilitation. Standard high back chairs are particularly useful for geriatric and post-surgery wards, where patients need a chair that is easy to stand from and can be used as part of a physio regime to get mobile again. For longer term stays and Critical Care Units, higher pressure relief and adjustability might be needed.

Ward Space and Configuration

The standard ward layout is usually beds facing each other on both sides of the ward. Busier wards like A&E have less available space between beds. The weight and portability of the chair can help in these busier wards, by being able to push the chair easily from one side of the bed to another or move around the patient, rather that lifting a heavy unwieldy chair.

Compliance with UK Healthcare Standards

Complying with high infection control standards is essential, with the high volume and usage of these chairs. Practicality of cleaning the chair is a key factor, alongside the antimicrobial properties of the chair materials themselves.

Best High Back Chairs for NHS Hospital Wards

High Backed Bedside Chair

High Backed Bedside Chair

Overview:

This lightweight ward chair was developed for optimal infection control and ease of use. The push-pin mechanism on the legs gives height adjustment for different patients and the drop-down arms aid side transfers from bed to chair.

Key Features:

• • • • • Powder-coated steel frame
        • Lacquered wood armrests
        • Antimicrobial fabric
        • Height adjustable legs
        • Seat gap for easy sling access
        • Pressure-relieving memory foam
        • Transit castors for easy movement

Specifications:

• • • • • Flame retardant upholstery
        • Product weight 21kg
        • Max user weight 190kg
        • Meets BS 7176:2007 and ISO9001:2015 quality standards.
        • A bariatric version is available with a wider, heavy-duty frame that can support patients up to 222kg.

Arvada Hospital Chair

Overview:

This high back patient chair has a robust metal frame, supporting infection control whilst being relatively maintenance-free.

Key Features:

• • • • • 25 year frame warranty for low lifecycle cost
        • Replaceable arms, seat and back
        • Ergonomic armrests to support patients standing up and sitting down
        • Removeable seat cushion to improve infection control

Specifications:

• • • • • Max user weight 200kg

Vivid.Care HiBack Bedside Chair

Overview:

The launch of our new HiBack Bedside Chair has opened up a whole new era for hospital ward seating, turning the traditional ward chair on its head.

This chair fixes many of the pain points experienced with the existing hospital bedside chairs, such as being difficult to move, cumbersome, hard and uncomfortable, chipped and splintered wood, and awkward clunky mechanisms.

Our high back chair sets itself out from the crowd, being the only hospital high back chair where all seat dimensions are adjustable, and patients can change their posture by adjusting the sitting angle and armrests. This brings levels of comfort and pressure relief right to the bedside of hospital patients that has never previously been experienced.

Key Features:

• • • • • Adjustable seat depth and height. Simple adjustment mechanisms with minimal effort.
        • Adjustable lumbar support to change firmness and position
        • Optional back angle adjustment
        • Rounded edges to prevent skin damage
        • Large base plate for extra stability
        • Visco foam and 4-way stretch upholstery for extra pressure relief
        • Welded polypropylene frame that is bacteria resistant and lightweight
        • Removeable arms and cushions for easy cleaning and side transfers
        • Transport wheels and ergonomic handle make it easy to move chair into position

Specifications:

• • • • • Max user weight 150kg
        • 5 year frame warranty
        • Seat depth 19-21”
        • Seat height 16-21”

Conclusion

Choosing the right high back chair for hospital wards is essential to meet the diverse needs of patients, visitors, and healthcare professionals while maintaining hygiene, durability, and compliance with UK healthcare standards. The high back chairs mentioned in this article each offer unique features and benefits, from ergonomic design and infection control to comfort and mobility support.

Investing in high-quality, thoughtfully designed seating solutions can not only improve patient recovery and comfort but also streamline day-to-day ward operations for healthcare staff.

The Vivid.Care HiBack Chair stands out with unmatched adjustability, comfort, and ease of use, setting a new benchmark for hospital ward seating. When selecting the best high back chair, consider patient needs, ward configurations, and hygiene requirements to make a choice that ensures both practicality and patient care excellence.