In the 1960s, the King's Fund caused a major stir when it developed a new specification for hospital beds. Manufacturers implemented the specification as the 'King's Fund bed', which was revolutionary in its time and a major step forward in patient care. Today, more than 30 years later, the bed is still in widespread use throughout hospitals and other health care organisations in the UK. However, research shows that modern requirements can no longer be met by a single basic specification; better beds are now needed, not only in hospitals, but also in the community and in nursing and residential homes, and people's own homes. Rather, the need is for information and practical help to choose the most appropriate bed for use in different circumstances, and to improve the process of specification and design of better beds by providing feedback from users. This book is a practical guide which provides needed information and a systematic process for choosing or upgrading beds, taking into account the needs of residents, carers and other staff.