Kinneir Dufort’s e-Clean Hospital Bedside Cabinet receives Design Guild Mark

The Worshipful Company of Furniture makers awards Design Guild Mark

Kinneir Dufort’s e-Clean Hospital Bedside Cabinet designed for hospital equipment manufacturer Bristol Maid, recently scooped another award. The innovative design was awarded the Design Guild Mark (DGM) which recognises and rewards the work of British designers of furniture in volume production, made in the UK or abroad. Pieces and ranges are selected each year by a panel of distinguished judges.

The Bedside Cabinet design project was initiated when Kinneir Dufort, teamed up with hospital equipment manufacturer, Bristol Maid, one of the teams selected by the Department of Health and the Design Council as part of the Design Bugs Out challenge in late 2008.  The resultant design concept was reviewed by the Department of Health’s Expert Panel, and exhibited in prototype form at UK showcase hospitals­­ during 2009, before being refined, developed and launched in May 2010.

Commenting on the award, Kinneir Dufort’s Design Director, Craig Wightman notes: “We’re very proud of our work on the Bedside Cabinet.  It’s not every project that offers the opportunity for design to save lives, but the Design Bugs Out project set out to achieve just that, by encouraging the design of new products aimed at reducing Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAIs). 

As well as innovative, easy-to-clean features such as removable drawers, a backless cabinet design, reversible assembly for right and left handed applications, and no-touch electronic locks, the final design relies upon excellent tooling and moulding to deliver the product detail and surface quality required in this demanding application.