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Requested by Sharon Rindsland, Head of Moving & Handling Service, the equipment is already making a positive difference for patients and staff by providing a safer, more supportive way to assist people who need help standing and transferring.
The Sara Stedy is designed for patients who can bear some weight but need additional support to move safely between sitting and standing positions. By enabling patients to take an active role in their own movement where possible, it helps to maintain dignity, confidence and independence during appointments.
For patients with reduced mobility, even a simple transfer from a chair to an examination couch can be challenging. The Sara Stedy provides stability and reassurance, reducing the risk of falls while making the experience safer and more comfortable.
One patient attending the Outpatients Department, who was unable to stand and transfer safely without assistance, was supported using the Sara Stedy to move from a chair to an examination couch. The equipment enabled a safe transfer, reducing the risk of injury and avoiding the need for staff to manually support the patient's full weight.
The benefits extend beyond patient experience. The Sara Stedy also helps to reduce the physical demands placed on staff, lowering manual handling risks and supporting safer working practices. It allows transfers to be carried out more consistently and often with fewer staff members, helping to improve efficiency while maintaining high standards of care.
By helping to prevent staff musculoskeletal injuries, reduce sickness absence and minimise the risk of patient falls, the equipment is also expected to deliver longer-term cost savings for the Trust.
Sharon Rindsland, Head of Moving & Handling Service, said:
"The Sara Stedy is a valuable piece of equipment that helps patients who have some weight-bearing ability but need additional support to stand and transfer safely. Importantly, it promotes independence, dignity and confidence, allowing patients to participate in their own movement rather than being completely dependent on staff.
For our staff, it provides a safer and more controlled way of assisting patients, helping to reduce physical strain and manual handling risks during transfers. It is fantastic to see charity funding being used to provide equipment that has such a direct and positive impact on patient experience, patient safety and staff wellbeing
We are incredibly grateful to our hospital charities for making this possible. Your generosity allows us to provide equipment that may otherwise be difficult to fund and helps us continue to improve the care and support we provide to our patients. Thank you for helping us make a difference."
Every donation to East Kent Hospital Charity helps fund projects and equipment that go beyond what NHS budgets alone can provide. This new Sara Stedy is a wonderful example of how charitable support can improve patient care, enhance safety and make a real difference to the experience of patients and staff across our hospitals.
Donate today
Every donation helps create better experiences, greater comfort and meaningful improvements where they matter most.
