Wauchope District Memorial staff with the new ergometer

Wauchope gets some muscle power

Jul 11, 2023

Wauchope District Memorial Hospital has purchased a new ergometer for its rehabilitation unit thanks to a generous donation.

John Norton, on behalf of residents at Newport Village in Port Macquarie, donated $1600 in April to the hospital’s Rehabilitation Unit. Residents raised the money from a St Patrick’s Day cabaret night with around 90 residents supporting the event.

The hospital recently used the funds to purchase a new ergometer to provide ongoing exercise programs for patients to help strengthen and improve coordination of upper limbs particularly for post stroke patients.

Acting Nurse Manager, Nerralee ‘Nez’ Cook said the hospital was very grateful.

“We are very appreciative to John and his team of helpers, who endeavour to contribute to Wauchope District Memorial Hospital on a regular basis and we highly value the community’s support,” she said.

“This exercise unit is very patient focused as it provides feedback to the patient with their heart rate, the distance they have achieved, allowing for building on patient’s goals and to see an achievement on their use each time.

“It also provides resistance to increase muscle tone and can help improve cardiac endurance and stamina.”