The Pink Ladies at RNSH have donated six recliner chairs to the Carers @ the Bedside initiative, allowing patients to have the support of their carers across the district. 

Carers @ the Bedside is an NSLHD Carer Support Service initiative that provides recliner chairs, bedding and meals for family carers during their stay so they can be at the bedside with their family member.

The program runs across Royal North Shore, Ryde and Hornsby hospitals and has had a positive effect on carers, patients and clinicians.

A post implementation survey of the program found 85 per cent of carers felt the program made them feel included in the decision making around the care of the patient. 

Clinicians surveyed fed back that having Carers @ the Bedside has allowed improvements in patient care planning by using the carer’s knowledge about their loved ones, particularly when there are complex co-morbidities including cognitive impairment or end-of-life support.

RNSH patient Jacqui said having her mum, who is her full time carer, by her side has helped make her experience at the hospital a comfortable one.

“Having mum staying at the hospital with me is a weight off my shoulders,” she said.

“She knows me inside out, knows how my body works and the way it needs to move and she can provide help, like with brushing my teeth, going to the toilet or getting dressed.”

For more information about the NSLHD Carer Support Service, please visit: https://bit.ly/NSLHD-carers. 

If you would like to volunteer with the Pink Ladies, contact Joy on 0429 171 141.