Philip Cross has donated a $9000 mobility chair to Wagga Base Hospital’s stroke unit in memory of his late wife Meryl. Photo: Shri Gayathirie Rajen.
In memory of his late wife, Meryl Cross, Philip Cross has donated a mobility chair valued at over $9000 to the Wagga Wagga Base Hospital.
On the first anniversary of Meryl’s passing, a special plaque was placed on the chair to acknowledge Philip’s ongoing dedication and support to the stroke unit.
Meryl suffered a massive stroke after open heart surgery and was paralysed on her left side. She had spent many months in hospital in both Sydney and Wagga.
Philip said his wife spent much of her time in a wheelchair.
“She had good options and could see the benefits of patients having the comfort of a good chair,” Philip said.
Philip was his wife’s primary carer for over 12 years and has been part of the Hospital Stroke Executive Committee for 11 years.
When Meryl passed away last year, the family had the option at the funeral to donate to Inner Wheel.
Philip Cross, Wagga Base Hospital Associate Director of Medical Services and neurologist Professor Martin Jude, Dr Pankaj Banga and stroke unit coordinator Katherine Mohr with the new mobility chair valued at over $9000. Photo: Shri Gayathirie Rajen.
Wagga Base Hospital Associate Director of Medical Services, Professor Martin Jude, said one of the stroke unit’s important issues was patient comfort.
He said Philip is heavily involved in the hospital’s stroke network meetings and is an ongoing community member who is part of how the stroke service can be improved in the region.
“He’s given a very generous donation for the chair, and it has already been used in the management of patients, improving comfort and care of stroke patients moving forward,” Professor Jude said.
“It’s a great donation and memory of Meryl, who we cared for for many years.”
Professor Jude said what the hospital believed was necessary had to be guided by the patient’s experience.
“Both Meryl and Phil identified a gap, something that would really lead to a significant improvement, which is patient-centred management.
“We were happy to listen to Phil and be guided by Meryl’s management.
“We want patients and their families to know we’re listening, and in any way possible, we want to improve the experience for them in the hospital.
He said the patients who use the chair “love it”.
On the first anniversary of Meryl’s passing, a special plaque was placed on the chair to acknowledge Philip’s ongoing dedication and support to the stroke unit. Photo: Shri Gayathirie Rajen.
He said the chair helped with improving comfort for patients who had disabilities and couldn’t move easily.
“We can reposition them (patients) easily, which is critical, prevent pressure sores, and prevent pain and discomfort,” Professor Jude said.
“The position, comfort and adjustability of the chair are fantastic, and it’s much better than any of the facilities we’ve had before.
“We can have them out of bed, starting that mobilisation journey and part of the rehabilitation process very early in their management.”
Dr Jude said the stroke unit had over 500 admissions each year and a whole range of people with various disabilities.
“There’s no chance it’s not going to be used every day for many patients.”
Director of medical services Dr Pankaj Banga, said the comfort of patient experience in the hospital was extremely important.
“It’s not just about treating their clinical condition … it’s also about being comfortable, having a good experience while they’re admitted in the hospital,” Dr Banga said.
“And hospitals can only function with a partnership with the community.
“This is a fine example of the hospital working in partnership with the community to provide the best care.”
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