Making a bed or cot

Making a bed/cot provides a clean and comfortable environment for the client as well as reducing the risk of cross-infection. It should be performed based on the individual’s needs and preferences.

Equipment:
Clean linen (sheets, pillowcases, blankets/duvet cover, counterpane) and a linen skip are required. The procedures and rationales are given below.

Procedure	Rationale
Plan the timing of this activity (For speed and efficacy, two staff should perform this activity, if possible)	To limit/reduce disturbance, flow of micro-organisms in the air when other activities are occurring. To fit in with client activity
Wear apron, wash hands	Prevents cross-infection. Only wear gloves if in contact with body secretions
Prepare the environment around the bed/cot	Safety for nurse
Ensure bed brakes are on	Client/nurse safety
Raise bed to an appropriate height	Reduce the risk of back injury. Nurse safety
Keep clean and dirty linen separate	Reduce the risk of cross-infection
Strip bed onto bed stripper and/or chair at the base of the bed/cot with minimal movement of bedclothes, removing each item separately	Reduces airflow and circulating organisms. To prevent items such as spectacles being sent to the laundry in error
Fold soiled linen inwards. Hold away from apron and place immediately in linen skip. Do not drop bedding on the floor	Reduces transmission of microorganisms and risk of cross-infection
Check the mattress for wear and tear and replace if necessary	Client comfort and infection control
If soiled, clean with soap and water	Infection control
Place bottom sheet on the mattress. Open out the sheet ensuring equal amounts of material at top, bottom and sides to tuck in	To reduce slippage of sheets and potential for creasing
Ensuring sheet is flat, smooth and crease-free, make a small pleat at the foot end prior to tucking in	To increase client comfort, and to reduce the risk of pressure sores and possibility of plantar flexion
Tuck in at the base of the bed/cot, leaving sheet open at the top	To reduce slippage
Add blanket/counterpane/duvet in the same manner, according to client needs/wishes	Client comfort
Once complete, fold top sheet over blanket/counterpane/duvet	To promote easier access for client
Change pillowcases as required and arrange to suit client needs/wishes	Client comfort
Lower bed to suitable height for client/child and ensure bed brakes are on	To promote client safety and ease of access
Replace equipment including call button within client’s reach	To promote client safety
Remove linen skip/equipment and leave area clean and tidy	To prevent cross-infection
Remove apron and wash hands	To prevent cross-infection