News release

1 July 2010

Fundraising boost for orthopaedic patients

A group that provides support for York Hospital's orthopaedic patients has donated a number of items to support patients and help staff to provide the best care.

The orthopaedic support group have contributed £2k towards a bladder scanner, for examining the bladder using ultrasound, as well as purchasing other items such as steps, parallel bars, chairs and footstools.

This equipment is used to help patients with their rehabilitation and physiotherapy following hip or knee surgery.

In addition to raising over £15k since they were established, the group also provides information and support to people before and after undergoing treatment on York Hospital's orthopaedic wards. The group is made up of former patients and is run by Pauline Palmer, who was the sister on the ward until she retired in 2004. Patients are given information about the group when they have their pre-operation assessment.

Lee Conway, sister on the orthopaedic ward, said: "We are grateful to the orthopaedic support group for raising the funds to buy this equipment, which has been put to good use by our staff on the ward. The donation has been of real benefit in helping patients recover from surgery so that they can return home."

Members of the group visited the ward on 9 June 2010 to meet the staff and see how the equipment was being used on the ward.

For more information about the support group, contact Pauline Palmer on 01904 783134 or Morag Francis on 01904 430809.

ENDS

PHOTO CAPTION: From left: Consultant orthopaedic surgeon Anthony Gibbon, sister Lee Conway, support group member Sheila Gould, support group Pauline Palmer, sister Angela Whitaker and support group member Flossie Southerington with items donated by the orthopaedic support group.

For further information contact Lucy Brown, communications manager, on 01904 721417 or lucy.k.brown@york.nhs.uk