New hoist installed on Rutson Ward

We recently had the pleasure of visiting the Rutson ward at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton to see their newly-installed gantry hoist. The new hoist has been generously funded by Mr Jeff Milton, following his late wife Karen’s wish to purchase the apparatus for the hospital.  The hoist uses a motor to traverse along an overhead rail and rather than being fixed to the ceiling can be semi portable or completely free standing thus allowing far greater flexibility of use, benefitting patients and allowing staff to maximise its use very effectively. 

Karen received treatment at the Friarage and Jeff explained how they came to fund the equipment:

"While Karen was in hospital she was fascinated by the hoist and she found it such a relief to be lifted in that way during the latter stages of her illness. She thought it would be a wonderful idea to have a ‘fun day’ to raise money to buy an extra hoist so that the hospital wards would no longer have to share one. We are so pleased that we have been able to fulfil her wish, and although Karen is sadly no longer here to see the result, we know she would be truly pleased to see other people benefit from it."

Jeff was invited along to the ward with his daughter, Louisa, and granddaughter, Isabella, and joined by Friarage staff and Friends of the Friarage trustees.  George Gun, Friarage Occupational Therapist, gave a thoroughly interesting to be given a demonstration of how the hoist works.  Because the hoist can be operated by a single staff member, rather than two, it has the additional benefit of freeing up another staff to attend to other patients. 

Friends of the Friarage Co-chair, Susan Watson, was ‘patient’ for the day and experienced first-hand how patients will benefit. Susan commented,

"It was wonderful to be able to see this extra piece of equipment now ready to be used on the ward – Friends of the Friarage are truly grateful to Jeff and his family for following through with Karen’s wish and making this possible. We are also delighted to hear that the hospital are considering installing a plaque in Karen’s memory to go alongside the hoist."