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Tilt chairs for Therapy Services

Tilt chairs for Therapy Services

On the face of it, these chairs look like a fairly standard armchair. Then you look a bit closer … staff can easily manoeuvre them … they have a tilt function to gently change the patients position, a footrest and removable arm, back and seat pads to give the highest degree of support and comfort. 

The seat pads are wipe-clean and made from material that specifically helps with patient ‘pressure management’. Not only that, the chairs are designed to work with the Sara Steady equipment used by staff to help patients to stand from a seated position.

According to Louise Panella, Lead Therapist “These chairs are already in full use and are benefiting patients who are transitioning from bed care to sitting. Patients have expressed how comfortable and safe the chairs feel and use of them is speeding up discharges from hospital.”

They are a total ‘game changer’ and allow patients, previously managed in bed greater potential to be able to progress to seated and standing positions. The Friends are pleased to have provided funding of £4,344 for the first two tilt chairs.

“The Friends – Supporting your hospital, supporting you”

Physiotherapy Department Leg Press

Physiotherapy Department Leg Press

The Friends awarded a grant of £3,295 in November 2020 for the Physiotherapy Department Leg Press.

This equipment helps with patients exercise and rehabilitation.

“The Friends – Supporting your hospital, supporting you”

Wellbeing Terrace

Wellbeing Terrace

The Terrace was in need of new benches and chairs – which has been facilitated with the help of the Friends’ £3,495 donation in August 2021.

“The Friends – Supporting your hospital, supporting you”

Christmas Gifts for our in-patients

Christmas Gifts for our in-patients

The Friends were again pleased to provide wrapped Christmas gifts this year for patients staying in hospital over Christmas.

An £800 donation allowed us to do this in December 2021.

“The Friends – Supporting your hospital, supporting you”

Pathology Department Staff Room

Pathology Department Staff Room

The refurbishment of the Pathology Department staff room has now been completed – thanks to the Friends’ donation of £7,500.

It looks lovely and hopefully allows the staff a more pleasant rest area.

“The Friends – Supporting your hospital, supporting you”

Friends at Broomfield donate £50k to Robot Appeal

Friends at Broomfield donate £50k to Robot Appeal

The Friends at Broomfield have donated a magnificent £50,000 to the robotic surgery appeal.

The Friends, who run two shops at the hospital, made a special visit to Theatres to present a cheque and have a demonstration of the Da Vinci robot from surgeon Sri Kadirkamanathan. Some of the ladies even had a go at operating the robot themselves.

The Friends’ Janet Warn said: “When you see the robot, it really makes you appreciate what fundraising can do. It was great to get hands-on. We are all volunteers in the shops and on the trolleys and all enjoy working here. It makes me want to work a few more hours now!”

Fellow volunteer Carol Hansel also got to experience the machine in action: “Using the robot was very therapeutic, like the consultant told us it would be. It was amazing how dextrous you could be.”

Surgeon Sri Kadirkamanathan said: “I’m absolutely delighted. We need a lot of funding for the robot and I’m really stunned and very grateful for the Friends’ support.”

Charlotte Jefcoate, fundraising coordinator at Mid Essex Hospitals Charity, was thrilled with the Friends’ contribution:

“The Friends are such an asset to the hospital. Their shops are fantastic value for money and you’re always greeted with a smile. We’d encourage all staff to use the Friends’ shops as much as possible because it all benefits the hospital. So if you need a drink or snack, make sure you pop in and say hello to the Friends.”

The robot has four arms attached to a freestanding cart. One arm holds a camera (the laparoscope) and the surgeon operates the “hands” on the other three arms by inserting his or her fingers into rings and using foot controls.

A very small 3D camera and dime-sized surgical instruments are placed inside the patient through tiny incisions. The camera gives the surgeon a magnified 360 degree view of the operative field. Using the console’s hand and foot controls, the surgeon remotely moves robotic arms attached to surgical instruments.

With smaller incisions and better precision, the patient experiences less pain during and after surgery. You’ll also be less dependent on painkillers during recovery. Blood loss during robotic surgery is minimal and you generally avoid the need for blood transfusions.

“The Friends – Supporting your hospital, supporting you”