Freeway T70 Shower Chair - versatile hygiene chair for self-propelling independence and clinical-grade cleanliness.

What is FREECOTE antimicrobial coating and how effective is it against care home pathogens?

FREECOTE is a proprietary antimicrobial coating applied to the chair's tubular frame and structural surfaces that continuously inhibits the growth and surface colonisation of a range of clinically relevant pathogens. The coating works through an active antimicrobial compound integrated into the surface material that disrupts the cell membrane or metabolic function of bacteria and other microorganisms that come into contact with the coated surface. The specific organisms the coating is confirmed effective against include MRSA (Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria - all of which are relevant in care home settings where outbreaks can have severe consequences for vulnerable residents. The antimicrobial action is continuous and passive, meaning it does not require activation and does not diminish between cleaning events in the way that an applied antimicrobial cleaning product does; it provides baseline pathogen inhibition at the frame surfaces 24 hours per day. However, the coating is applied to the frame and structural surfaces rather than the seat, backrest, and armrest contact surfaces, which are wipe-clean materials designed for active decontamination between uses; the FREECOTE coating therefore provides a defence at the hard surfaces that are difficult to thoroughly wipe-clean (frame joints, tubing surfaces) where bacteria can persist between cleaning cycles.

When should the push rims be removed, and how are they detached from the rear wheels?

The push rims are removed when the T70 is being used in a configuration where assistant propulsion is preferred over self-propulsion - for example, during a shower or bathing session where the resident's hands should be free for washing tasks or where the carer is guiding the chair and user-propulsion would interfere with the carer's steering; when the chair is positioned over a toilet or commode where the resident is stationary and propulsion is not needed; or when the specific session or environment makes self-propulsion by the resident impractical or unsafe. The removal process involves disengaging the push rim's attachment mechanism at the wheel - typically a set of spokes or pins that lock the rim to the wheel's propulsion surface - and lifting the rim clear of the wheel. Before reattaching the rims for a self-propulsion session, the attachment points must be confirmed as clean and fully engaged; a push rim that is partially engaged will not transmit the propulsion force evenly across the wheel and may detach under the propulsion load during the session. The occupational therapist's assessment must specify whether push rims are required for the specific resident and session type, and the care plan must document which sessions are self-propelled and which are assistant-propelled to ensure consistent setup by all carers across shifts.