Patients and staff in Atherton Hospital’s North Ward and High Dependency Unit are benefiting from a new electric shower chair, funded by the Rotary Club of Atherton through the Atherton Hospital Friends of the Foundation.
Valued at more than $17,500, the electric shower chair is already making a significant difference for patients with limited mobility, improving safety, comfort and dignity during daily care.
North Ward and High Dependency Unit Nurse Unit Manager Anlin Chalakkal said many patients find showering independently both difficult and risky.
“While our manual shower chairs have been functional, they haven’t always met the complex needs of our patients,” Ms Chalakkal said. “This electric shower chair provides stability, comfort and flexibility, significantly reducing the risk of falls or injuries.”
The new equipment also is delivering important benefits for staff, reducing physical strain and the risk of manual handling injuries.
“Our staff are extremely grateful,” Ms Chalakkal said. “The chair has made patient handling much safer and easier, and it supports us to deliver the highest standard of care.”
Atherton Hospital Friends of the Foundation president Marty Fitzsimons said the purchase was made possible through the dedication and generosity of local volunteers and donors, including the long standing efforts of the Atherton Club bingo volunteers.
“When we see equipment like this in use, it shows just how much of a difference community fundraising makes for our local hospital,” Mrs Fitzsimons said.
