Donation gives patients at Nevill Hall a lift

1st April 2011

Health cash plan provider, GHCF, came to Nevill Hall's rescue after 30 new electric beds were delivered without lifting poles. Patients recovering from operations, such as knee and hip replacements, require a lifting pole to be able to get in and out of the bed and aid with sitting up. GHCF provided the funds required to purchase the required poles.

Patient at Nevill Hall, John Smith, 87, from Pontymister has had two knee replacements and suffers from arthritis in his neck, back and shoulders. John suggested that the hospital should get in touch with GHCF as it regularly gives donations to organisations that promote health and wellbeing.

World War II veteran, John, said: "I have been a regular patient at the orthopaedic ward in Nevill Hall for some years and know from experience the value of the lifting pole. It enables you to move around without always requiring the assistance of the nurses.

"I've been a member of GHCF for 65 years and know about the charity donations it makes every year. I had recommended several times that the hospital should apply for a donation, so when the beds arrived with no lifting poles, it seemed like the perfect opportunity for them to get it touch with GHCF."

The lifting poles will be used across the orthopaedic and trauma wards for patients needing extra assistance after an operation or procedure.

Senior nurse for the trauma and orthopaedic ward at Nevill Hall, Sally Ann Haynes, said: "We are so grateful to GHCF for the donation of the lifting poles which are a necessity for many of our patients. Without the donation we would have had to rely on fundraising for the poles which would have been time consuming."

GHCF offers an affordable alternative to private healthcare. Members can claim cash back for routine medical procedures including dental and optical treatments.

Chief executive of GHCF, Andy Wilkins, said: "As a health-related company we are keen to help organisations in the health and care sectors. With a long-standing history in Newport and south east Wales we are pleased that our charitable fund can benefit the people on our doorstep who really need it."

For more information contact Leanne Bayston at Working Word on 02920 646 840 or leanne.bayston@workingword.co.uk