Thompson General Hospital’s dialysis unit now has a second hydraulic patient lift thanks to the Thompson health auxiliary.
The $6,200 lift is used to help patients move from beds to chairs or wheelchairs and to move around the hospital as needed.
“Wherever we would walk, that helps [the patients],” said Northern Regional Health Authority CEO Helga Bryant, who was in Thompson this week.
The lift, which has been in use since June, is appreciated by both those giving and receiving treatment.
“People don’t have to pick them up. We have equipment,” said NRHA executive director of clinical services in Thompson Craig Hillier, while Bryant noted it is also more dignified and comfortable for patients
The money for the lift came to the health auxiliary via the Thompson Community Foundation from the Moffat Family Fund.
“It is with continuing community support that the auxiliary continues to strive to bring comfort to all in health care,” said Wendy Lucas of the health auxiliary, which always welcomes new volunteers and has seen its usual fundraising source of the hospital gift shop dry up as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Very gracious thanks on behalf of the health authority and the patients,” said Bryant.
