When being with family members in their final days many people sleep uncomfortably nearby on chairs, or leaning over single hospital beds and equipment to seek connection and offer support.
Gatton Hospital Auxiliary secretary and West Moreton Health Clinical Nurse, Mrs Ann-Louise Adams said the new bed gave families a real chance to hold close their loved ones, and simply be together.
Thanks to $12,600 in fundraising and donations received, the hospital welcomed in the new year with the installation of the bed.
“There are only a few of these beds in Queensland. It’s only just been set-up and it was already used in its first week here,” Mrs Adams said.
“The wife of a husband in our care said how appreciative she was to have the opportunity to lie beside her husband of so many years during his final days, like they had done for decades together.
“It’s such a simple idea but seeing family able to share time together like they would in their own house is really special.”
Gatton Health runs events across the year to fundraise for additional services and equipment, and some of the money from last year’s Car, Ute and Bike Show in July was used to fund the equipment. This year’s event will be held on July 26, 2020.
“The cuddle bed gives the partner and family a real chance to say goodbye and enjoy those final moments together, with three or four able to sit on the bed together,” she said.
“We know people stay overnight in our patient’s rooms and can get a poor sleep to make sure they can spend every last minute together – now they can do that more comfortably.”
The idea to purchase a cuddle bed was first suggested by the family of a patient in palliative care.
The bed is made up of two hospital grade beds that can be separated or kept together as needed.
“We’re a part of the community we serve, and our auxiliary committee is focused on raising as much as we can so we can purchase equipment to help improve patient care.
“We want to make sure our patients and their families can have the physical and emotional connection they need to assist the grieving process.”
