Family CARE Grant Funds Six Much-needed Chairs for Diabetes Centre
Published Tuesday, July 16, 2024
Allyson Adduono, Nurse Practitioner with one of six brand new bariatric chairs purchased through the Family CARE Grant Program.
by Graham Strong
The focus of the Chronic Complex Diabetes Centre (CCDC) at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is to help patients manage symptoms of their chronic disease and improve their quality of life. This care of course needs to be provided safely, too. For patients with obesity who come to the clinic, that includes ensuring they have a safe and comfortable place to sit in the waiting room and the five exam rooms.
“Previously, all the chairs in our waiting room had arms,” said Kelly Keeler, CCDC Manager. “Those arms can be restrictive for some of the patient population we serve.”
Age and construction of the chairs were also a concern, Keeler said.
“We didn't know how old the chairs were – I couldn't even find out what the weight capacity might be,” she said. “Obviously, we don't want to jeopardize comfort or safety. So, we needed to replace some of them with a more suitable chair.”
That's where the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation's Family CARE Grant came in. This program empowers frontline staff by funding initiatives that improve patient care. The six new chairs purchased with the grant make a world of difference, Keeler said.
“The 30-inch-wide bariatric chairs can support patients up to 500 lbs, safely and comfortably,” she said. “Plus, they are medical grade, which means the long-lasting vinyl can easily be wiped down. That's important for infection control.”
Dignity during care is very important as well.
“We want to ensure we provide an environment where there is no fear around breaking a chair when they sit down, or not fitting, or not being comfortable,” Keeler said. “For some people, it's a real concern that they face every day. Our patients shouldn't have to face that fear when they are here receiving care for their chronic condition, too.”
Keeler said that they can move the six chairs around in the clinic as needed, including for a family member or support person who may appreciate a larger chair.
The bariatric chairs for the CCDC are another way you are helping provide care, comfort, and dignity to patients at our Hospital every day. The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation created the Family CARE Grants Program to help fund employee-driven initiatives around our Hospital. Some of the best ideas for patient care come from frontline staff. The Family CARE Grant helps bring those ideas to life.
To learn more about the Family CARE Grant and to read other projects you've helped fund, please visit: healthsciencesfoundation.ca/familycare