Nurses from St Thomas’ trying
out the new physio equipment
Strong support
Critical illness occurs suddenly, without warning, to people of all ages and
the impact on muscle function is significant and long lasting. Early exercise
in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) improves long-term physical function, but
this can only be achieved with the help of specialist equipment.
The Sara Combilizer Chair and the arm/leg cycler have been purchased for
the benefit of ICU patients from money donated by patients and their families.
The chair allows patients to sit up and get out of bed even when they have
significant muscle weakness. This is an incredibly important part of their
physical and psychological recovery. The arm and leg cycling machine can
be used by patients even if they are in bed. It is a different form of exercise to
standing and walking and the graded resistance settings allow even the weakest
patients to benefit.
We are incredibly grateful to our supporters for funding equipment
which benefits our most critically ill patients – thank you!
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