Weight drives clinical decisions
Nutrition screening, fluid management and some medication doses all depend on an accurate weight.
Scale calibration
Medical scale calibration for care homes and hospitals
Accuracy checks and calibration for the scales you use to weigh residents and patients, so weight records, nutrition plans and medication decisions are based on numbers you can trust.
- Chair, platform and wheelchair scales
- Hoist and bed weighing scales
- Accuracy checked with certified weights
- Calibration record for every scale
From £40 + VAT per scale
- 40+ years' experienceServicing for the NHS and private sector
- All makes and modelsMulti-brand engineers, authentic parts
- Full electronic reportsAn audit trail for every asset, every visit
- DBS-checked engineersUniformed, ID-carrying and fully trained
Why calibrate your scales
An inaccurate scale gives you wrong answers
Weight loss can be one of the first signs that something is wrong. Your scales need to be accurate enough to show it.
Class III for medical use
Scales used to weigh people for monitoring, diagnosis or treatment must be approved to Class III or better.
Accuracy drifts
Knocks, moves and everyday use gradually affect accuracy. Regular checks catch it before records go wrong.
Why medical scales must be accurate
In a care home or hospital, a weight isn't just a number. It feeds into malnutrition screening such as MUST, fluid balance, pressure care and, for some medicines, the dose. If a scale reads a few kilograms out, a resident's weight loss can be missed, or a care plan built on the wrong figure.
Class III scales
Scales used to weigh people for monitoring, diagnosis or medical treatment must meet the requirements of Class III or better under the Non-automatic Weighing Instruments Regulations. A Class III scale carries the approval and verification markings to show it. Bathroom-style or general-purpose scales aren't suitable for clinical use, even if they look accurate. During every visit we check that each scale in clinical use is suitable for it, and tell you if one isn't.
Scales we check
- Chair scales, including mobile chair scales with footrests
- Platform and wheelchair scales
- Hoist scales and weighing units fitted to hoists
- Bed weighing systems
- Column and flat scales for standing weighing
- Baby and infant scales
How often should medical scales be calibrated?
Most manufacturers and NHS organisations check medical scales at least once a year, and after any move, knock or repair that could affect accuracy. Scales in heavy daily use can benefit from more frequent checks. We'll recommend a schedule and keep the date of the next check in your report.
Scale calibration in Hampshire and across the UK
From our base in Lee-on-the-Solent we check and calibrate scales for care homes, nursing homes, hospitals and clinics across Portsmouth, Southampton, Fareham, Gosport, Winchester, Basingstoke and the Isle of Wight, as well as West Sussex and Dorset, and for contract clients across the UK.
How it works
From first call to compliant equipment
- 1
Free on-site survey
We visit, audit your equipment and asset numbers, and look for savings against your current supplier.
- 2
Clear, itemised quote
A quote for exactly the equipment and service frequency you need. No hidden costs and no minimum number of assets.
- 3
Scheduled visits
Quarterly, six-monthly or annual visits. Engineers carry spare parts so most faults are fixed first time.
- 4
Reports and asset records
Every item barcoded and logged, with a full electronic report after each visit, ready for audits and inspections.
Also from Shepherd
One supplier for all your equipment
Hoist Servicing & Repairs
Patient hoist servicing and repairs for care homes and hospitals. Mobile hoists, stand aids, all makes. From £45 + VAT per hoist. Hampshire-based, UK-wide.
Find out morePAT Testing for Care Homes
PAT testing and electrical safety testing for care homes, nursing homes and hospitals, including medical electrical equipment. From £1.50 + VAT per item.
Find out moreServicing & Maintenance Contracts
Medical equipment servicing contracts for care homes and hospitals, covering beds, hoists, baths, chairs and trolleys. No minimums, UK-wide.
Find out moreFAQs
Scale calibration FAQs
How often should care home scales be calibrated?
At least once a year is common practice, and after any move, knock or repair that could affect accuracy. Scales in heavy daily use may need more frequent checks.
How much does scale calibration cost?
Scale calibration starts from £40 + VAT per scale. The price depends on the type of scale and how many we check on the visit. You'll get an itemised quote first.
Do care home scales need to be Class III?
Scales used to weigh residents or patients for monitoring, diagnosis or treatment must meet Class III or better under the Non-automatic Weighing Instruments Regulations. Domestic bathroom scales aren't suitable.
Can you check the scales built into our hoists?
Yes. We check hoist scales and weighing units, and can do it on the same visit as the hoist's LOLER examination and service.
Keep every bed, hoist and chair safe, compliant and working
Book a free on-site survey or talk to our team about servicing, LOLER inspections, repairs and equipment supply.