£7,000 stretcher chair bought for intensive care unit at Prince Philip Hospital

Thanks to your donations, Hywel Dda Health Charities has purchased a £7,000 patient stretcher chair for the Intensive Care Unit at Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli.

The chair will be used for the rehabilitation of patients needing intensive care.

Senior Sister Helen Piper, manager of the unit, said: “Patients can be moved across from their beds much more easily because the chair goes flat. The chair can then be lifted into a seated position, so patients can sit out to improve muscle tone.

“Mobilising patients as early as possible gives the best outcome for recovery and improves

the patient’s mental wellbeing.”

Helen added: “Without this stretcher chair, a hoist has to be used to get immobile patients from their bed into a chair. The stretcher chair is much more comfortable for patients and is easier for nurses, so we are really pleased to have it.”

Pictured with the chair is Health Care Support Worker Jackie Cromwell.

Nicola Llewellyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

For more details about the charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, go to www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk