Patients can be hoisted in and out of wheelchairs with the minimum of distress, while maintaining their dignity, thanks to the Friends of St Mary’s.
The Occupational Therapy department at St Mary’s Hospital has been gifted a portable free-standing gantry hoist at a cost of £2,384.
Among the uses is at special sitting clinics, where a chair is tailored to the patient’s posture.
Although Occupational Therapy did once have a similar piece of equipment, it was on loan from the hospital’s Community Equipment Store; but they needed it back. The new hoist, which is operated by rechargeable battery, has easily accessible controls. It is used by both occupational therapists and physiotherapists.
Occupational Therapist Nick Sewell says:
“This is so much better than what we have had up to now. We are very grateful to the Friends”.
