NHS Western Isles provides support for Bethesda wheelchair dependent residents

To support wheelchair-dependent residents at Bethesda Care Home & Hospice, NHS Western Isles recently provided a capital grant to enable them to purchase a wheelchair accessible vehicle.

A donation of £38,000 now enables wheelchair-bound residents to attend healthcare appointments at short notice, as well as social events.  Previously, Bethesda had to rely on a suitable vehicle being available at a given date and time, which also meant that the booking return time had to be adhered to, leaving residents often feeling restricted on their time limit.

Joanne Ferguson, Bethesda’s Finance Development Officer & Fundraiser, said: “Having this type of vehicle at all times at Bethesda will have a significantly positive impact on the mental health and wellbeing of all our residents, but primarily those using a wheelchair.

“Previously, residents in wheelchairs were only able to attend activities if an appropriate vehicle was available, and if not, this would dictate whether the residents could take part or even accept the invitation to attend.  We are all aware of the benefits that socialising and taking part in activities with other people has on our mental health, but this vehicle is especially more essential for our residents and helps them to maintain control over as many parts of their life, as possible, and gives them much more freedom." 

Bethesda, which was opened in 1992 by HRH Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, provides four hospice beds for specialist palliative care and 30 long-term care home beds for heavily dependent elderly.

Joanne added: “As an additional positive, this brand-new vehicle will enable more flexibility with scheduling resident healthcare appointments and create less pressure on our local patient transport service."

Gordon Jamieson, NHS Western Isles Chief Executive, said “What a fantastic vehicle. We are delighted to be able to support Bethesda. Being able to provide specifically designed transport for those who are less able is welcomed by everyone."

(L-R): Gordon Jamieson (NHS Western Isles Chief Executive), Joanne Ferguson (Bethesda's Finance Development Officer & Fundraiser) and Carol Sommerville (Bethesda's General Manager) alongside the new wheelchair accessible vehicle.