Mobile workstations and medication management systems along with crash carts, procedure carts, equipment carts, isolation carts, and MRI-compatible carts are all hugely important for physicians, nurses, and medical staff to provide optimal patient care. There are other categories that can’t be pinpointed quite as easily, but are just as integral for hospitals, private clinics, and other medical facilities. These are commonly known in our field as specialty carts. They’re often curated for casting and splinting, malignant hyperthermia, IntraOcular lens storage, pediatric care, and suturing, but there are plenty of other uses that can apply to this classification.
Nearly all medical facilities require some form of specialty carts, but thanks to a diversity of needs, staffing, and budgets, there’s no single go-to solution. This is where our carefully handpicked selection of specialty cart brands steps in to suit the requirements of hospitals and clinics across Canada. If you’re already clear on what you need, feel free to reach out and discuss your needs right here, or read below for brand comparisons if not quite sure what’s best for your space.
A Comparison of Specialty Carts for Medical Facilities of Varying Budgets and Requirements
I. METRO SPECIALITY CARTS FOR PREMIUM CARE
Metro’s product line is among the best-reviewed in Canada, and the verdict is the same for their specialty carts. While they tend to higher end of the price spectrum, they offer premium convenience and effectiveness for staff and patients alike.
Premium Configuration
Metro’s Starsys series is built for adaptability. Whether you need open shelving, enclosed storage, or transport units, Starsys lets you configure the setup that fits your workflow. Single, double, and triple-wide options form the foundation, with interchangeable components that make adjustments easy.
Hinged doors? Choose from multiple heights, locking or non-locking. Specialty accessories? Designed to keep supplies organized and accessible. Need knee space for seated tasks? Starsys accommodates that too.
The result? A system that lets administrators and staff design efficient layouts, optimize storage, and create spaces that work—so they can focus on delivering the best possible patient care.
Additional benefits of the Starsys system include:
- Microban® Antimicrobial Protection: Built into every unit to inhibit the growth of stain and odor-causing bacteria, keeping surfaces cleaner between cleanings. GoToPac Blog
- Durable Construction: Polymer enclosures that won’t chip, peel, dent, or rust, ensuring longevity and maintaining a contamination-free environment. Labrepco
- Easy Reconfiguration: The modular design allows for quick adjustments to unit layouts and designs, adapting to changing needs without hassle. GoToPac Blog
- Enhanced Organization: Provides a high level of organization with easy access to supplies, increasing storage density within a smaller footprint. Labrepco
These features make Starsys a versatile and efficient solution for various settings, including laboratories and hospitals, where adaptability and cleanliness are paramount.
Modern Aesthetics
Appearance isn’t just about style—it’s about professionalism. Clean, well-designed equipment reinforces your facility, clinic or department’s aesthetic and gives patients confidence in their care.
Metro’s specialty carts are built with that in mind. Thoughtful design meets premium features, ensuring your carts look sharp and function flawlessly, even years down the line. Because in healthcare, details matter.
Premium Securement and Security
Metro’s specialty carts go beyond storage—they’re designed to keep supplies secure and accessible for the best patient outcomes. Industry-leading features ensure protection from tampering and unauthorized access, giving healthcare teams peace of mind. Key features include:
- Passive locking with plastic seals to provide visual security without compromising access
- Keylocks that only allow authorized user access
- Electronic locks with optional upgrades that include audit tracking, access reports, and card reader entry.
Summary
Metro specialty carts set the bar high. With top-tier security, durability, and customization, they offer the complete package—but that level of quality can come at a premium.
That said, procurement teams aren’t willing to sacrifice flexibility or quality. If you’re looking for a balance of performance and affordability, Harloff specialty carts could be the answer.
Here’s a breakdown of this highly flexible option:
II. HARLOFF SPECIALTY CARTS FOR FLEXIBLE CARE
Flexibility Found in Specialization
Harloff has created several carts for highly specific clinical applications, ensuring the right features without unnecessary customization. Whether it’s casting and splinting, malignant hyperthermia, IntraOcular lens storage, pediatric care, or suturing, each cart is built for the task at hand—delivering efficiency, organization, and ease of use without excess accessories.
For example, Harloff’s MR-Conditional carts are independently tested to meet ASTM International MR-Conditional criteria for safe use in MRI environments of 3-Tesla or less. Similarly, their Malignant Hyperthermia carts comply with industry best practices by keeping all supplies needed for treating MH in one place and at the right temperature. They even offer a choice of refrigerator brands.
Harloff’s casting and splinting carts provide a convenient way to store instruments and supplies for the treatment of strains, sprains and fractures, while their pediatric medical carts employ a multi-coloured drawer labelling system for storing children’s medical supplies.
With Harloff, you get specialized solutions that fit seamlessly into your workflow—no over-customization, just the right cart for the job.
Flexibility Without Sacrificing Superior Construction
Harloff’s commitment to excellence is evident in their use of high-quality materials and construction techniques, ensuring durability and reliability in demanding medical environments. For example, their Suture Cart features 20-gauge powder-coated steel with steel-framed acrylic doors and is backed by a 12-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty on shipments to and within Canada. Or look to their Deluxe Cast cart, featuring a sturdy stainless steel folding side shelf, side storage cabinet, bucket holder, and 5” ball-bearing casters and corner bumpers to protect the cart.
Flexibility (and Sophistication) in Aesthetics
Harloff specialty carts don’t just perform well—they look the part too. With the widest range of color options in Canada, now including graphic wraps, these carts can seamlessly blend into any facility’s design. Their Malignant Hyperthermia Treatment Cart, for example, is available in 18 colours while their IntraOcular Lens storage cart is available in over 20 colour options. Harloff is also one of the only specialty cart manufacturers to offer furniture-style carts that are significantly more aesthetically comforting to patients.
Summary
Harloff carts stand out for their purpose-built design and adaptable configurations. With customizable drawer layoutsand reliable locking systems, they provide the security and functionality expected from a leading name in medical storage.
Next up is InnerSpace, who has gained a strong following for high-capacity carts at a cost-effective price point and fast lead times. Explore the details on InnerSpace carts below to find the best fit for your facility.
INNERSPACE SPECIALTY CARTS FOR AFFORDABLE QUALITY CARE
Preconfigured for Cost and Convenience
Don’t have the time or want to be bothered with custom configurations? InnerSpace’s Roam series includes several pre-configured designed to meet the storage needs of departments like suture carts, scope carts, catheter carts, and ECP carts—all shipped ready for immediate use. Get the functionality and efficiency your team needs, without the wait.
Preconfigured Yet Adjustable
There’s a misconception that pre-configured carts limit flexibility, but Roam proves otherwise. It gives your staff the freedom to adjust shelving as needed. For example, the Roam Open Suture Cart has 8 adjustable shelves on each side, while the Closed Suture Cart—accessible from both the front and back—offers a reconfigurable system for trays, shelves, and baskets. Plus, slatted side panels make it easy to add a variety of accessories. Flexibility and efficiency, all in one.
Dependable Construction
With the InnerSpace Roam Series, you don’t have to choose between cost and dependability. The Open Suture Cart is made of lightweight yet sturdy aluminum, equipped with a durable bumper and lockable 5-inch medical-grade castersfor smooth mobility. The Closed Suture Cart features two tempered glass doors and shelves that hold up to nine suture boxes, each supporting a weight of up to 15 pounds.
And that’s not all—here are some more great features and benefits of InnerSpace carts:
- AireCore construction provides the rigidity of metal without dings or scratches. The seamless design of AireCore contributes to resistance against moisture, bacterial growth, and corrosion, which is crucial in maintaining hygiene and longevity in healthcare environments.
- InnerSpace Pace carts are engineered to optimize storage capacity without increasing the cart’s height. By offering a variety of drawer configurations, these carts provide more drawer space within the same height compared to many competitors.
Simple, Professional Aesthetic
InnerSpace carts present a clean aesthetic that supports a sterile environment, aligning with the professional and hygienic standards essential in hospitals and specialized facilities.
Summary
At Forsyth Healthcare, we understand the importance of efficient and adaptable storage in healthcare settings. Our team is ready to assist you in customizing the Roam Series carts to meet your facility’s specific needs, ensuring both functionality and affordability.
Contact Us Today
Begin a straightforward, no-obligation discussion about your storage requirements and budget by reaching out to us:
- Phone: 1 (236) 477-8764
- Email: sales@forsythhealthcare.com
- Address: 16879 58A Avenue, Surrey, BC, V3S 8P1
Our experts are eager to help you find the ideal storage solutions tailored to your facility’s needs.
