UNIVERSITY Hospitals Dorset has funded two new vital pieces of innovative equipment to improve the early rehabilitation for critically ill patients.

Earlier in the year, £80,500 was funded to install a new robotic table at Royal Bournemouth Hospital thanks to generous donations from residents across the region.

Now, Talbot Village Trust has generously donated £11,501 towards a BEMO 636 Theratrainer, an over-bed or bedside bike that provides physiotherapists with a safe solution for early rehabilitation from a patient’s bedside while they are in critical care.

Early mobilisation for patients in acute wards is especially important to try to avoid general weakness and deconditioning, rapid fatigue, and soft-tissue damage from being in bed for sustained periods of time.

Senior Charity Manager, Karen Smith said: “We’re thrilled to see this equipment already helping so many patients.

“It is being used on a number of wards as our stroke services from Poole Hospital have moved over to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital. It’s slim and movable design enables staff to take this equipment anywhere.”

“Our physiotherapy teams will be able to assist a range of patients who are acutely unwell in critical care with early mobilisation with this bed bicycle to support ongoing rehabilitation.

“The BEMO Theratrainer will help to reduce the risks associated with the range of movement for joints (stiffness, contracture) and with some patients seeing improvements in their psychological experience within the Intensive Care Unit or Critical Care Unit.

“Physiotherapist, Luke Pickard said: “Implementing the BEMO as part of our regular treatments would assist earlier discharge from ICU and subsequently hospital settings. Regular movement and steps towards progress supports people to cope a little more positively as they set their therapy related goals.”

Nick Ashley-Cooper, Chairman at Talbot Village Trust said; “We are glad to assist University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity in securing this equipment to support early rehabilitation.

“Both pieces of equipment will make a difference in patients' recovery and contribute to their wellbeing.”

Senior Charity Manager, Karen Smith added: “We are extremely grateful to Talbot Village Trust for generously funding this second fantastic piece of equipment to help kick start people’s progress to greater mobilisation and subsequent steps to recovery.”