The Occupational Therapy Department has recently secured funding to acquire specialised mobility equipment for patients at Tallaght University Hospital. As a part of this initiative, a tilt-in-space shower commode and a bariatric wheelchair have been purchased for inpatient use, enhancing access to this specialized equipment for hospital patients.

This new equipment has helped to improve timely access to specialist mobility equipment for patients admitted to TUH, in particular bariatric patients and patients with significantly impaired postural control i.e. due to spinal/orthopaedic injury, stroke or neurological conditions. The increased availability of bariatric equipment has also reduced patient waiting times within the department for use of the specialist apparatus. 

Annually, between 20 to 30 patients will utilize the equipment, supported by staff from the inpatient teams, including nursing staff, Healthcare Assistants (HCAs), and Health and Social Care Professionals (HSCPs), all of whom are trained in its use. TUHF is proud to support this innovative healthcare project.

“The highlight of this project was improving quality of life for inpatients with high levels of dependency.”