Abstract: A headwall for a hospital bed includes at least exposed one medical care element and at least two panels. Each of the panels differs in at least two of shape, size, color, design, texture or projection. The panels may have a shape suggestive of the at one medical care element. The medical care element may include an electrical or gas outlet, a medical device or a medical accessory, for example examination lights, mounts for equipment, baskets, shelves, and patient monitoring equipment such as blood pressure monitors. The panels minimize the prominence of the outlets/devices and/or accessories. Alternatively, a headwall for a hospital bed includes at least one flexible screen configured to cover at least one medical care element. The screen may be raised, lowered, or slid laterally to uncover and cover the medical care element.