Donation of reclining treatment chairs to oncology ward ‘very welcome’
New reclining chairs with USB ports have been donated to Bulstrode Ward in memory of a former director of education, Michael Hutchings.
Mr Hutchings had cancer several times and died about five years ago. A plaque in his name was created by his wife, Anne, to honour his memory on the ward at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital where he was treated.
Mrs Hutchings has also funded 10 new treatment chairs for the oncology ward, which are remote-control operated to rise and recline, and also have USB ports for patients to charge devices during their treatment.
She also funded new visitor chairs and furniture for the quiet room.
‘Michael had cancer several times and was brilliantly treated here, everyone was so wonderful, they were fun and cheerful,’ she said.
‘I wanted to give back but I didn’t know what to do, so I got in touch with the ward to see what I could do to help.
'They asked around other cancer units and came up with the ideas of new treatment chairs.’
The purple and blue chairs are in theme with an accent wall in the treatment lounge showing Bluebell Woods.
‘Michael used to love sitting here, he had a favourite seat in the room,’ said Mrs Hutchings.
‘Cancer is such a killer. Every time I come up here it’s so emotional and hard not to cry.’
The day unit provides outpatient services to adults with a cancer diagnosis and treatment sessions can last up to eight hours.
The USB ports on the chairs have been a welcome feature as patients often choose to watch a film, listen to music, or stay in contact with friends and family during their treatment.
‘We are really grateful for Anne for giving us fresh new furniture, especially with USB ports because it’s nice to give people different options about what they want to do to pass the time depending how long their treatment is,’ said lead cancer nurse, Lucy Coggon.
‘Previously it’s been tricky to get a balance of chairs that suit different people, we only had four that reclined and they were really popular, so these new ones are very welcome.’
