Member Article

Headingley hospice elevated by local manufacturer

A Leeds hospice which provides holistic and personalised end of life care is now able to offer visitors and patients further support with the addition of a new stairlift.

When Wheatfields Hospice, a Sue Ryder care centre in Grove Road, Headingley, approached local manufacturer, Acorn Stairlifts with a request for a stairlift, the Steeton-based company was so impressed with the organisation’s plans to make its facilities even more accessible that it offered to install a bespoke stairlift free of charge.

Therapy team leader at the hospice, Kate Preer, said: “Many of our patients are struggling with safety at home as they can’t get up and down stairs with ease. Having the option of using a stairlift for comfort and security when they visit us demonstrates the freedom and independence it could give them in their own home.”

In addition to patient care, Wheatfields Hospice also offers specialist bereavement counselling and group therapy sessions away from the main care facility but on a floor without lift access.

Kate said: “We often have family and friends looking for comfort and support after the loss of a loved one and if their mobility is an issue, our bereavement team will meet them downstairs. However, because of memories and association, this can be a difficult place to return to. Thanks to Acorn’s stairlift, which was installed just one week after our first conversation, we now have the resource to make all areas of our centre accessible to everyone.”

Dave Belmont, company secretary at Steeton-based Acorn Stairlifts, said: “We have a longstanding relationship with Sue Ryder and know of the excellent work they do for patients and their families across our region. So when Wheatfields Hospice enquired about a stairlift, we decided immediately to donate one as a gift to help support their drive to make a safe, accessible and fulfilling difference to their Headingley centre.”

Kate added: “Thanks to Dave and his team for organising this. It means an awful lot to us here at Wheatfields Hospice; the generosity of companies such as Acorn Stairlifts is what helps keep the doors of our hospice open and adds to the patient experience.”

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