Hospital needs specialist chairs to help frail and elderly patients
Launch of the EDP / QEH Excel Appeal at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital - The equipment in use which help with elderly care. Picture: Matthew Usher.
Sitting on chairs is something most people don't think twice about – but for frail and elderly people it can be a real problem.
A cold seat with a hard back to lean on can be an uncomfortable experience for patients with aching joints, which doesn't help their treatment.
That's why the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in King's Lynn, is appealing for help to raise money to buy recliner chairs as part of its ExCel Appeal.
The appeal, supported by the EDP, aims to raise £50,000 to buy three types of specialist equipment which would vastly improve the care of elderly patients.
The chairs have cushioned surfaces and are adjustable to cater for the needs of the elderly.
With the biggest patient group at the hospital being the over-70s it is little wonder medical staff are keen for the elderly to be given the best rehabilitation possible.
Anne-Marie Hurst, team lead for occupational therapy and physiotherapy, said: 'Recliner chairs are the only way to enable some patients to sit out of bed safely and engage with family and friends in a more normal way.
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'They are essential pieces of equipment that assist in the rehabilitation of patients.'
And Scott Ablett, a physiotherapist, added: 'The ability to alter the chair to be specifically tailored to each individual patient improves comfort and safety.
'The pressure-relieving cushions also assist in the prevention of pressure-ulcers in our patients.'
It is hoped the chairs can be placed on the hospital's West Newton and Windsor wards, where most of the frail and elderly patients are treated.
But the chairs are not cheap and pressure on NHS finances is increasing, leaving the staff pinning their hopes on the fundraising appeal.
Dorothy Hosein, chief executive of the hospital trust, said: 'Every patient matters to us and this campaign is essential in helping us ensure we excel in every aspect of their care and comfort.'
Sponsorship and donation forms are available at www.qehkl.nhs.uk/fundraising. To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/qehkl-excelappeal or pay by cheque to 'Excel Appeal' and send to Laurence Morlaàs, fundraising executive, QEH, Gayton Road, King's Lynn PE30 4ET.
Are you fundraising for the appeal? Email nicholas.carding@archant.co.uk
