PATIENTS admitted to Moree Hospital Emergency Department’s mental health safe assessment room are now more comfortable, thanks to new, purpose-built seating donated by Moree Lions Club.
Acting health service manager Mellisa Counsell said the seating will provide much-needed additional comfort for mental health patients.
“This new equipment will provide a more comfortable and less sterile environment in the safe assessment room and provides a level of comfort to the patients that spend long periods of time there,” Mrs Counsell said.
Moree emergency department is a declared mental health facility, she said.
“This means persons under the Mental Health Act can be confined in the safe assessment room until transferred to a larger facility,” Mrs Counsell said.
“Also, persons transferred from outside areas could stay in the ED for periods longer than 24 hours, due to transport considerations.
“They are unable to leave the ED, even with a family member, and at times are frightened and distressed.”
The new equipment includes an indestructible sensory bean bag and weighted, indestructible chair. Both items were purchased using a $5826 donation from Moree Lions Club.
“These items are tamper-proof,” Mrs Counsell said.
It is estimated up to 44 percent of the population will experience symptoms of mental illness at some stage in their lives.
“Our mental health safe assessment room is one of the beds most frequently occupied in ED and we hope to make further adjustments to the room and reduce the level of distress our patients experience,” Mrs Counsell said.
Moree Lion Steve Long said the local club didn’t hesitate when told about the need for new seating.
“We’re always only too happy to help the hospital in any way we can,” Mr Long said.
“Making sure patients at the hospital are comfortable is a priority, and I’m glad Moree Lions Club has been able to help in some way.”
Moree Lions Club are currently seeking new team members as they prepare for 75-year Lions Australia celebrations in November.
Interested? Give Steve Long a call on 0428 669184 or message the club on its Facebook page.
