One piece of vital equipment worth $70,000 is now being used for spinal and trauma injuries in the Intensive Care Unit and other departments at Sunshine Coast University Hospital.

Intensive Care Unit Clinical Nurse Lorna Bradshaw and funding recipient said the Wishlist purchase of the Specialised Spinal Bed reduces the likelihood of movement and potential secondary injuries thanks to a tilt feature.

“The Spinal Bed definitely improves patient outcomes for those presenting with spinal and trauma injuries, and will be shared between departments of the Health Service. So, it’s a win-win for patients and staff alike,” Ms Bradshaw said.

“Being able to safely practice Continuous Rotation Therapy, improves lung drainage and lessens the risk of pulmonary complications for patients on a ventilator such as pneumonia and collapsed lungs.

“I’d just like to thank Wishlist for providing $70,000 in funding that’s enabled us to purchase this game changing piece of equipment.”

Wishlist have also recently funded $5000 in medical equipment and a $10,000 project towards improving surgical care for women with early pregnancy loss – all funded through 92.7 MIX FM’s Give Me appeal.

Specialised Spinal Beds other benefits:

• ‘Not for turning’ patients can be tilted whilst in spinal alignment.
• The three-layer mattress decreases the risk of pressure injuries which is particularly common in static patients.
• If a patient is admitted with a trauma or spinal injury, they can stay on the bed until their spine is fixed.
• Turns patients with a single operator freeing staff for other duties and improving manual handling.