New wheelchairs donated for amputees

Local group Limbgo, who support people in York who have lost a limb, have donated two new wheelchairs to be used by amputee patients.

Rather than the standard wheelchairs used in a hospital to push patients around, the donated wheelchairs are self-propelling so that patients can learn to be independent before they leave hospital.

Natalie Ross, Senior Occupational Therapist for York Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are so grateful for this donation, we’re very short of these chairs. It means that all patients can use a self-propelling chair while in hospital and we can get more out of our sessions with patients as we prepare them to return home.

“They will learn to build up their strength, negotiate doorways and obstacles and get in and out of the chair in a safe environment which gives people confidence before they leave hospital.”

Limbgo was formed by people who have already experienced the mental and physical aspects of the loss of a limb, to provide a support and social group. They are on hand to help and reassure people when they have had an amputation.

Derek Armstrong from Limbgo said: “Many people are in a state of shock after an amputation. We visit them in hospital to share our experiences and let them know that there is life after losing a limb. Our group meets at the hospital every two months to have a coffee and a chat and we sometimes have a speaker to help us keep up to date with the latest developments.”

The next Limbgo meeting will be held on Friday 20 November 2015 at York Hospital at 1.30pm.

For more information about Limbgo contact Derek Armstrong on Derek.101@btinternet.com or Rita Milne on ritamilne@btinternet.com.

Photo caption – (From left) Rita Milne and Derek Armstrong from Limbgo present the wheelchairs to Lisa Craig, physiotherapy team leader, Jamie Watkins, physiotherapist, Lydia Overton, therapies assistant, and Natalie Ross, senior occupational therapist.

29 September 2015