Abstract: Methods and systems for connecting a patient support apparatus to a hospital network and locating the patient support apparatus are provided. A patient support apparatus is associated with a communication device having a first and second communication interface for transmitting and/or receiving a first and second type of wireless signal. The patient support apparatus is electrically connected to a node serving as a power output and a wireless communication system connected to the hospital network. In response to the electrical connection, the communication device activates the first communication interface to form a wireless link with the node. In response to the patient support apparatus being electrically disconnected from the node, the communication device activates the second communication interface. The patient support apparatus is located by the node based on the second type of wireless signal.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprising: a frame; a patient receiving surface supported on the frame, the patient supporting surface comprising a central panel section and a side panel section adapted to selectively extend towards to and away from the central panel section for adjusting a width of the patient supporting surface; a board supported on the frame, the board comprising a base comprising a sleeve and an extension member slidably received in the sleeve and a coil spring mounted to the extension member. The extension member is extendable laterally towards to and away from the sleeve for adjusting a width of the base and the coil spring is adapted to counteract an external force applied to the outer end of the extension member. The board comprises a vertical panel that is movable to follow movement of the extension member laterally towards and away from the sleeve.

Abstract: A hospital bed comprising: a frame, a patient receiving surface supported on the frame, the patient supporting surface including: at least one body support panel, each body support panel including a central panel section and at least one lateral panel section adapted to selectively extend towards and away from the central panel section for adjusting a width of the patient supporting surface, at least one resilient element disposed between the at least one lateral panel section and the central panel section for damping movement of the lateral panel section relative to the central panel section.

Abstract: A hospital bed comprising: a frame, a patient receiving surface supported on the frame, the patient supporting surface including: at least one body support panel, each body support panel including a central panel section and at least one lateral panel section adapted to selectively extend towards and away from the central panel section for adjusting a width of the patient supporting surface, at least one resilient element disposed between the at least one lateral panel section and the central panel section for damping movement of the lateral panel section relative to the central panel section.