Rumford Hospital Auxiliary purchases solarium furniture

RUMFORD — Furniture items ordered by the Rumford Hospital Auxiliary are now in use in the hospital solarium in the John H. Welsh inpatient wing. Artwork for patient rooms, also purchased by the Auxiliary, is awaiting hanging.

Auxiliary members had heard that patients would like a table in the solarium where they could do puzzles, play games or have lunch with visitors. The table the Auxiliary purchased is adjustable to accommodate patients in wheelchairs. It also rises to counter height so that rehabilitation patients can practice tasks they will need to accomplish when they return home.

Auxiliary members had also been told by patients that some artwork in their rooms would add to the hominess. Although photographs had already been selected for the rooms, their purchase had been deferred to use the funds for equipment, so the Auxiliary made the photographs a priority for part of their Annual Appeal gift this year.

The Therapy Services Department recommended the purchase of recliners for the solarium, so that patients in the Swing Bed program of rehabilitation could practice transferring out of a seat similar to what they will have at home. The recliners can also be used by visiting family who might need to put their feet up and rest.

In January the Auxiliary voted to donate up to $5,000 plus extra for any shipping and handling charges toward the purchase of a table, a recliner and artwork for patient rooms.