Equipment
Review
[Headline]
An innovation in back support and chair design
[standfirst] Dr Peter Ilves gets to the bottom of his
uncomfortable seating problem.
‘When
is a stool not a stool’ could be a schoolboy conundrum or a topic discussed on
a gastroenterology ward round. When my current surgery seating arrangement
began to creak alarmingly, Williams Medical sent a possible replacement for me
to try. It was called a support stool, but to me it looked suspiciously like a
chair. It certainly bore no resemblance to the simple round flat-topped item
that the term stool brings to mind. So let’s compromise and call it a seat This particular seat was moulded, covered in leather, fully
adjustable and, dare I say it, truly sexy. I was in love.
[x-head] Self-assembly
The
stool arrived in a large box, which was encouraging as it suggested to me that
this was not going to be a flat-pack nightmare with several screws missing. I
was right - I managed to assemble the chair within four minutes with minimal
effort and none of the injuries to which to which I am prone when it comes to
DIY. And no greasy hands, either. There were some instructions but I bravely
went ahead without them as it was self-evident what went where. Things may get
more complicated if you order any of the myriad of accessories that can be
attached to this little marvel.
[x-head] Accessories and upholstery
The
chair comes with a choice of four colours and upholstery options that include
leather, vinyl, or textile. Use and time are the only true tests of how hard
wearing my leather version would be, but it looks pretty durable. The material
is of Swedish origin and the chair has a three-year warranty. There is also a
wide choice of wheels that can be suited to your floor surface. There is a foot
ring, and a foot adjuster, useful for changing the configuration of the chair
hands free, such as when doing minor surgery. A variety or armrests are
available, and there is even a version for computer operators
that has a rest to use with a mouse. Other modifications are available
by discussing any special requirements directly through Williams.
[x-head] First and continuing impressions
The
stool I received was in its basic form with steel base, standard wheels and
leather upholstery on the seat and backrest. I set about putting the stool
through its paces with a six hours per day, 15½ stone
bottom-pressure trial. At first it felt awkward and a little unnatural in its
position and height settings. The seat felt rather hard, but on discovering the
two main adjustment levers (I really should have looked at those instructions)
I began making the necessary modifications. The main lever is easily reached by
the right hand, and is innovative in that it has multiple functions. The chair
can be locked into position or left in rocking mode. The clever design of the
rocking mode means that the chair supports your back in the approved ‘S’ shape
even when you lean forward. With a modicum of fiddling about and adjustment I
discovered an angle for the seat and a level for the
back support to suit me. I was so pleased with the result that as soon as I had achieved
the angles that my pelvis, lumbar spine and buttocks required, it was evident
that sitting down was going to continue to be my greatest pastime and pleasure.
I idly contemplated that the almost frictionless wheels could mean that I may
never have to stand up again.
[x-head] Quality construction
The
quality of the construction appears to be excellent. The seat is elegant and
appealing to the eye, adaptable to most activities and will protect the back of
the typical GP who spends long hours behind a desk or at sessions of minor
surgery. The seat itself is quite hard, and initially a little uncomfortable,
but after a day of use the material and padding had adjusted to my voluminous
derriere and considerable bulk. This effect was emphasised when a friend tried
to use it, and found it uncomfortable. This seat is rather like a
[box ]
FURTHER
DETAILS
*
The Williams support stool
*
Cost of basic stool: £***.** including VAT.
*
Details of accessories on request.
*
Supplier: Williams Medical.
*
Order hotline Tel (0870) 444 620.
*
Website: www.Williams-medical.co.uk
*
See page ** for further details on how to order.
[italics]Dr Ilves is a GP in Roehampton,