Four new state-of-the-art wheelchairs for patients have been donated to the Ulster Hospital by our Chaplaincy Services in the South Eastern Trust, through the 2023/2024 Chaplaincy Pastoral Education Programme. The South Eastern Trust is the first Trust in Northern Ireland to have these wheelchairs that will be used primarily in the Radiology Department, offering significant benefits to both our patients and our Portering Team.
The current wheelchairs can be difficult to manoeuvre, with patients often facing backwards. These new wheelchairs offer a range of benefits, enhancing patient comfort and safety and providing a more pleasant and secure experience. The ergonomic design allows for easier manoeuvrability, helping Porters to transport patients with less physical strain. The innovative one-touch central brake system reduces the need for bending and reaching, making it easier for Portering staff to operate. The flip-up footrests reduce trip hazards by providing a clear path for patient entry and exit, further enhancing patient safety.
One of the ED Porters who trialled the wheelchair said, “Using the chair has really made my working day that bit easier. The chair appears to be so much lighter compared to others that I have used in the past. It is so much easier to push and navigate around the hospital. Turnaround times are faster for patient transport which help to reduce wait times for other patients who need to be taken from ED to another area of the hospital.”
Delighted to donate the chairs on behalf of the Chaplaincy Team, Lead Chaplain, Reverend Don Gamble added, “After the trial period and comments from both staff and patients, the Chaplaincy Department was delighted to use the funding received from the 2023 – 2024 Chaplaincy Pastoral Education Programme to purchase four wheelchairs for the benefit of both patients and our Portering colleagues. Our Chaplaincy Pastoral Education Programme is dedicated to supporting the well-being of our patients and these chairs demonstrate that commitment.”
Patient Experience Senior Manager, Tony O’Hara stated, “I am delighted that the Chaplaincy Team decided to purchase these wheelchairs not only for the benefits of our patients, but also for our Portering staff. These chairs will make such a huge difference to patient care. Thank you!”