Diamond Valley residents with limited mobility are getting their physiotherapy needs met with a new piece of equipment in Black Diamond’s hospital.
The Sheep River Health Trust funded a $6,979 SciFit exercise machine that allows physiotherapy patients with various physical limitations to strengthen their muscles and cardiovascular system in Oilfields General Hospital.
Physiotherapist Karen Van Heyst said it’s the hospital’s first piece of wheelchair accessible exercise equipment.
“It’s basically a recumbent elliptical machine for cardiovascular training, endurance and strengthening,” she said. “We have a lot of frail elderly that are in the hospital and we get a lot of people with lots of medical issues that benefit by using this equipment on a regular basis. It makes it so much easier for them and for us.”
Since the equipment was purchased in June, Van Heyst said it’s become quite popular.
“It’s used on and off all day long,” she said. “When one person gets off one gets on, especially in the morning when we’re bringing patients from the ward. It’s nice to see it in use.”
In addition to helping patients get stronger after hospitalization, Van Heyst said the equipment is crucial for those in long-term care.
“We’re trying to get them into a routine to stay more active,” she said. “The generation that’s in their 80s and 90s it’s taking some convincing. That generation isn’t convinced it’s a good thing. They got their exercise by doing their day-to-day activities before.”
Ron Edwards, Rising Sun resident, is hooked. He uses the SciFit machine regularly.
“This machine is exceptionally good,” he said. “It works just like you’re running or walking and you work your arms and shoulders at the same time. The girls here they work with you really well.”
Edwards said he lost use of his legs after a growth on his toe created an infection throughout his body.
“I don’t have use of my legs yet and that’s what I’m trying to get back,” he said.
Edwards said he also has chronic pain in his shoulder.
“This machine works my shoulders and my legs,” she said. “For me it works everything that needs to get worked, including my hip which has really been bothering me lately.”
Van Heyst said the Sheep River Health Trust’s donation has made a big difference for physiotherapy at the hospital.
“Any big pieces of equipment like that, that’s usually the best way to have it funded,” she said. “I think it’s fabulous.”
Andrea Mitchell, executive director with the health trust, said money was raised through last spring’s Eagle 100.9 Radiothon fundraiser.
“Hospital equipment is one of the major pillars we fundraise,” she said. “It was one of the commitments we had through the radiothon to put equipment back into the Black Diamond hospital. We are really excited that our donors could support us in this purchase.”
Mitchell said staff at Oilfields General Hospital had applied for the equipment and the review committee approved it because its serves a wide range of people.
“Because there isn’t a physiotherapy clinic in Black Diamond the hospital acts as a physiotherapy centre so people from outside of the hospital come for treatment,” she said. “That’s why we thought it was an important piece because it’s wheelchair accessible as well.”
