Wishlist has presented a state-of-the-art power wheelchair, worth $17,299, to the Rehabilitation Unit at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital (SCUH).
This vital equipment will significantly enhance the quality of care and mobility options available to patients undergoing rehabilitation.
Patient Kim Powers (pictured) has spent the past 18 months in SCUH after losing his mobility due to being struck down with Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
The 70-year-old spent eight months in the Intensive Care Unit before moving to the Rehabilitation Unit where he spends up to six hours a day in therapy.
“Basically, from there I was laying on my back, wondering what the hell was going on with my body and you hear so many things,” Kim says.
Watch Kim's video
“The doctors didn’t really know whether I was going to pull through. It was soul destroying.
“Everyone who is independent, they never think they will end up in a wheelchair. Neither did I. But when it hit me (the loss of mobility), gee it was bad.”
He is rallying the community to give to Wishlist in the hopes of funding two additional power wheelchairs to allow greater independence to long-stay patients.
“By using a powered wheelchair, it took the sharpness off my brain. I feel like now, life is ahead of me.”
Sunshine Coast Health Senior Physiotherapist Jonathan Vine says: “Patients can spend more quality time with their families without relying on them as that source of mobility.”
The power wheelchair was funded by Wishlist’s Corporate Partner Sunshine Toyota and community donations.
It is equipped with advanced features and cutting-edge technology which empowers patients to regain their independence and mobility as they work towards their recovery goals.
Wishlist Fundraising and Partnership Lisa Wilson says the not-for-profit organisation has launched its virtual Wishlist Daisy Garden in the hope of purchased the extra wheelchairs.
“Loss of movement impacts physically and psychologically,” Ms Wilson says.
“Frontline health staff came to Wishlist to fund this equipment to give patients the ability to move towards companionship, a glass of water, or to sit in the sunshine without having to wait for their family to arrive or busy nursing staff.”
Kim says he can’t thank the Rehabilitation team enough for their treatment and kindness.
“I’m doing pretty good,
“I’ve got through it (rehab) so far, so I’m hoping to keep going.”
Kim is hoping to get back to his home in Buderim before Christmas.
To donate a daisy in Wishlist’s virtual garden, click here.
