April 5, 2013 | Patients with spinal cord disabilities at the UAMS Medical Center will now be able to independently shower and use the toilet after the donation of a roll-in shower commode wheelchair by the Arkansas Spinal Cord Commission.

Outgoing commission executive director Cheryl Vines pushed the $1,000 wheelchair into the Medical Center for a quick demonstration March 28.

“The Spinal Cord Commission does outstanding work for the citizens of Arkansas. UAMS is incredibly pleased with this gift that will help us take better care of our patients,” said R.T. Fendley, UAMS Medical Center senior associate hospital director.

The wheelchair features removable arms, big wheels that patients can use to push themselves, and a padded seat that helps prevent pressure sores.

Those removable arms help to ease the transfer of a patient from his or her hospital bed to the wheelchair.

“If nurses don’t have to physically lift him over the arm of a chair to sit down, then we’ve saved two staff not only their time but maybe their backs. It’s a safety issue for the nurses, too,” Vines said.

Once the patient has been transferred to the wheelchair, the patient can be left to  shower or use the toilet.

“Arkansans who live with spinal cord disabilities depend on durable medical equipment to allow them to be independent,” Vines said. “Often when these individuals are hospitalized they lose this independence without the proper equipment. Everyone wants a little modicum of privacy and independence when they are in the hospital.”

The Arkansas Spinal Cord Commission provides services, assistance and equipment to people with spinal cord disabilities and their families throughout the state of Arkansas.