New Patsy chairs for Paediatric Ward

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Cairns Men's Shed member Mike Wraith with 12-month-old Levi, testing out Cairns Hospital's paediatric ward's new Patsy high chairs

Cairns Men's Shed member Mike Wraith with 12-month-old Levi, testing out Cairns Hospital's paediatric ward's new Patsy high chairs

Cairns Men’s Shed has kindly donated specialist equipment to Cairns Hospital’s paediatric unit, to help young patients with complex needs.

The non-profit organisation has hand-crafted two ‘Patsy’ high chairs for the ward, invaluable pieces of equipment that offer positioning and postural support for babies and children with low muscle tone, development delays, or chronic health conditions.

The chairs, designed by former CHHHS Allied Health Executive Director Patsy Bjerregaard, have been well-known, used and loved by therapists and patients alike across the Far North for more than 30 years.

There are few original chairs still being used, however most are missing pieces or require repairs.

Men's Shed members standing with the new high chairs

Men's Shed members with Paediatric OT Holly Webster and baby Levi.

Cairns Hospital paediatric occupational therapist Holly Webster said the chairs would provide the ward’s youngest patients with the opportunity to sit safely to engage in eating or play activities.

‘These chairs are invaluable both on the ward and feeding clinic at Cairns Hospital and to have two chairs with all components will be an asset to the Cairns Hospital Paediatric ward,’ she said.

‘Thank you to Cairns Men’s Shed, for donating time and effort to build this wonderful equipment for us.’