HSF present a cheque to the NRH Foundation for a new FES Bike
On February 22nd, 2018, Dave Thomas from the Hospital Saturday Fund (HSF) presented the NRH Foundation with a cheque for €13,500 towards the purchase of a new FES bike for the NRH Physiotherapy Department.
Established in 1873 when the poor had no access to hospital treatment, the HSF was set up by the philanthropist Reginald Brabazon, Earl of Meath. The name came about as most people were paid on Saturdays when the money was collected. The company is a not-for-profit organisation, which makes a small surplus which is subsequently donated to charity organisations. One third of the company’s business is carried out in Ireland.
The FES (Passive Exerciser Bike) including upper and lower limb is a well-established rehabilitation technique that uses pulses of electrical current to stimulate nerves, to generate muscle contracture and rhythmical patterned muscle activity. Electrical stimulation can be applied to the arms or legs. It can be used for strengthening (incomplete injuries) or fitness (paralysis). FES enables the muscles to be exercised, even when there may be a loss of some or all voluntary control. Commenting on receipt of the cheque, Mr. Sam Dunwoody, Director of Finance at the NRH, said:
“We are absolutely thrilled that the HSF have chosen the NRH Foundation as benefactors of this generous grant. The new FES bike will make an immense difference to the lives of patients in the NRH, now and in the future.”