Manning Hospital has welcomed 12 pressure relieving chairs for the use of palliative care patients.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Manning Valley Push 4 Palliative chairperson Judy Hollingworth and Manning Hospital palliative care nurse specialist Sally Drury identified the need to upgrade the chairs to maintain the skin integrity of patients and avoid pressure injuries.
From there, they asked Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead for assistance.
He was able to secure over $11,500 from NSW Heath Minister Brad Hazzard.
“We need the chairs and it’s something that the community wants, Push 4 Palliative wants and the hospital staff wants,” Mr Bromhead said.
Patient George Hodgson was one of the first patients to test the chairs and give approval.
“I’m so delighted to sit in such a comfortable chair- they’re even more comfortable than the bed,” he said.
Manning Valley Push 4 Palliative chairperson Judy Hollingworth said the chairs will give patients an improved option for comfort.
“We’re delighted to see people using them and to hear from George about what a difference it makes for him to get out of bed and sit in the chair,” she said.
“I think it’s a huge morale boost to know that you’ve got some more options.”
Manning Hospital general manager Jodi Nieass added that the chairs bring “normality back to their life.”
“Their skin integrity is really important and often that would lead them to spending a lot more time in bed on the pressure relieving mattresses,” she said.
“Now, they will be able to sit out of bed, they’ll be able to interact with their family and not be at risk of their skin declining by sitting out for hours.”
She thanked Push 4 Palliative for their ongoing support.
“We want to work with the community to provide the best services and care for the Lower Mid North Coast sector.
“Push 4 Palliative is one component where the community is rallying for the hospital and it’s had a really positive outcome,” she said.
Meanwhile, Push 4 Palliative will hold the “Garden Party by the River” fundraiser on Saturday, October 21 at Bohnock.
Tickets are $20 and will include food, beverages, an auction, music and entertainment.
“This is an occasion for the community to join in and celebrate what we’ve done together,” Mrs Hollingworth said.