Pressalit Care Helps Independent Living At St Dunstan’s

Specialist bathrooms from Pressalit Care have been fitted at St Dunstan’s Centre for blind ex-Service men and women at Ovingdean near Brighton. St Dunstan’s, the national charity providing welfare support, rehabilitation, training, respite and nursing care offers lifelong support to St Dunstaners (beneficiaries) and their families, enabling them to regain confidence and independence and go on to lead fulfilling lives. One of the aims of Ovingdean is to provide quality nursing and social care based on assessed need, in order that residents may live as independently, actively and normally as possible, taking account of their wishes and capabilities. St Dunstan’s commissioned refurbishment of the nursing wing at Ovingdean, adapting the existing facilities to ensure the highest standard of care could be delivered in the most comfortable, well-equipped surroundings. The Pressalit Care track solution was installed in 18 en-suite bathrooms and two assisted bathrooms. As a result, residents are now able to enjoy specialist bathroom facilities with the highest degree of flexibility and independent use. The Pressalit Care track enables elements within the bathroom, such as the washbasin, shower fitting and controls, as well as arm supports and even shelving products where fitted, to be adjusted horizontally. The vertical height adjustment on products such as the washbasin and shower controls further add to the flexibility. Full training was given to the staff at St Dunstan’s by Pressalit Care explaining how, why and when the equipment should be moved to accommodate differing levels of disability of the occupier, their access requirements, and space for staff assistance. The bathrooms were designed by Sussex based Tester Associates. Helen Emmerson, Centre Manager of St Dunstan’s says, “The flexibility that we now benefit from in the new bathrooms has made the world of difference to our residents. At St Dunstan’s we are committed to offering the highest quality care, and encouraging our residents to be as independent as possible. The new bathrooms provide St Dunstaners with the specialist facilities they need and deserve.” St Dunstan’s is recognised as a centre of excellence for care and rehabilitation and in March 2009 was awarded an Excellent Rating for Clinical Quality in Nursing Care by Brighton & Hove Primary Care Trust. Pressalit Care has been designing high quality, long term bathroom solutions for health care providers for over thirty years, meeting best practice and providing value for money.