Sleep tight

Chris Daly sleeps well these days. So can residents at Participation House.

According to Chris, manager of engineering/ maintenance and biomedical services at the Brant Community Healthcare System, it all began a few months ago when the hospital prepared to dispose of surplus beds and mattresses.

“We are switching over 300 beds and mattresses at the Brantford General to a new design so 43 beds become available,” Chris said. “These beds have always been well- maintained, so they are in good shape. The beds are electric-operated with hand controls that allow the backrest to be raised along with elevating the mattress to a backrest position. They probably cost $4000 each when they were new.”

Chris put some feelers out to find a home for the beds. At the same time the preventative maintenance was being completed and soon Chris's guys had the beds and mattresses ready to roll.

“I contacted the usual sources where we often donate hospital equipment that can be used by others in need, however, this time there were no takers.”

Then Chris and connected with Joe Chmiel, team leader for the Participation House apartments. There was a fit. Quickly, Joe said to Chris, “We'd love to have them!”

“Participation House supports many people with physical disabilities throughout our community,” Joe explained. “They suffer from a variety of ailments including cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, and other spinal chord injuries. Because of their ailments and injuries, hospital beds are for many of our clients, a necessity of life. However, in most cases our residents are of limited financial resources so it is difficult for them to purchase a hospital bed. Frequently, it is impossible.”

Joe went on to say that the donated beds would have a life-long impact upon the lives of their clients, saying, “No longer will they have to worry about how they will be able to come up with the financial resources to purchase a hospital caliber bed when the need arises.”

With so many ‘new' beds Participation House will be able to better serve their clients at the residence over on Bell Lane and the apartment complex on West Street.

Recycling isn't new to Chris and the rest of the BGH.

“I have been here since 1978 and we always try to find a use for our old equipment,” Chris said. “We don't throw out. When we installed central air we donated air-conditioning units to a local nursing home. More recently we have been sending things to Afghanistan since the war started and the Canadian forces are there. Along the way we have shipped things to Ecuador, Cuba, Uganda, all through South and Central America.”

One time the hospital arranged for a couple of surgical lights to be shipped to a missionary in Kenya. Chris said, “They sent back a photograph and sure enough there they were- our operating room lights were set up in a thatched hut!”

Always a team player, Chris is quick to add, “It isn't just me. Everyone from our purchasing department to housekeeping, to biomedical services gets involved. I am proud of the Brant Community Healthcare System.”

Gary Chalk is senior executive director- public affairs & development for the Brant Community Healthcare System. Brantford General is a regional health centre providing primary, emergency and specialized services. The Willett, Paris, is a multi-service health centre providing urgent care, primary and community outreach programs.