Summary
- Cape York allied health outreach team funded 3 new patient exam tables for Kowanyama PHC
- safer care for patients because they can get onto the new tables more easily
- new beds mean less back strain for staff.
The Cape York allied health outreach team have recently collaborated with the Kowanyama Primary Health Care Centre (PHCC) to purchase and install three new patient exam tables.
The new beds will provide a safer care environment for patients as they can mount the tables with greater ease than the older models, which were of a fixed height and lacked steps, which complicated access by patients with mobility or balance issues.
“With the old beds, it was hard for wheelchair users or amputees to get onto the bed,” Senior Physiotherapist Rory Wilson said.
“I can now lower the bed so that patients with mobility or balance concerns can transfer safely onto the bed, and I can adjust the sections of the bed to support the sitting balance of patients.
“There’s also a face hole so that patients can receive assessment and treatment more comfortably.”
The new beds will also reduce the likelihood of clashes between visiting outreach services, as more rooms will contain the appropriate exam equipment.
“The best feature of the new beds is the universal design which means they can be used by just about anyone,” Kowanyama PHCC Director of Nursing Natalie Anderson said.
“These beds are wider, height adjustable, and each section can be changed to suit the patient and clinician.
“It will make it easier to schedule visiting services and will save us shuffling beds or staff between rooms.”
The beds are expected to give staff muscles a welcome reprieve so they can get on with the job of delivering care.
“The new bed can tilt the feet up, making it easier for me to access and treat the heels, as well as decreasing the risk of strain to my back, shoulders or neck while doing foot cares,” Senior Podiatrist Patrick Rodgers said.
Find more details about Kowanyama PHCC.