Page 36 - Robeson Living Spring 2020

Gibson Cancer Center

receives new chemo chairs

By Roxana Ross

Gibson Cancer Center Clinic Nurse Sherry Inman, left, tests out the remote control on one of the center’s new chemotherapy chairs,
while Medical Oncology Manager Emily Parnell, center, and Clinic Nurse Candi Collins, check out the chair’s swing-away side.

Southeastern Health’s Gibson Cancer Center recently received will benefit from the increased height, which allows for a more
18 new chemotherapy chairs and a blanket warmer, thanks to ergonomically correct position when caring for patients.”
the Southeastern Health Foundation. The new replacement
chairs, which cost a total of roughly $50,000, include several The chairs also have the ability to place the patient in a fully
chairs for bariatric patients, as well. prone, head-down position, known as the Trendelenberg posi-
tion, which can be used in emergencies.
“This substantial gift is a testament to the SeHealth Founda-
tion’s resolve to assist with the comfort, care and overall treat- “The Trendelenberg option provides staff with the ability to
ment experience for chemotherapy patients at Gibson Cancer better care for patients when special needs arise,” said Emily
Center,” said SeHealth Foundation Executive Director Sissy Parnell, manager of Medical Oncology.
Grantham.
As well as making treatments easier and more comfortable for
The chairs, which are specifically designed for patients receiv- patients, the chairs also make some tasks easier for staff, from
ing infusions, are power-assisted to recline and have swing- housekeepers to nurses. The chairs are covered with a material
away sides, which will help staff to transfer patients in and out that is both more comfortable and easier to clean than the older
of wheelchairs more easily. chairs.

“The power recline/upright feature will allow patients to place “I like these chairs because now the patients are in control,
themselves in a more comfortable position during treatment with a remote,” Parnell said. “They don’t have to ask for help
and is beneficial when patients are ready to stand,” said Steve to adjust their feet or their back. Several patients have com-
Elgin, director of Gibson Cancer Center. “They’re also larger mented that these chairs make it easier to receive treatment.
than the chairs they’re replacing, so patients will be more com- They say their back and hips don’t hurt when they get up.”
fortable when they are here and after treatment. Nursing staff