Metalwork

Pool transfer in Portugal

A method of swimming pool transfer when abroad

Bed castor raisers

A steel framed bed which was lifted and converted to castors to make it easier for carers to look after the client.

Urine bottle night time emptying

A simple tube fitted to a urine bottle to empty it into a larger container

A bespoke tray to fit to a Rascal Rio indoor wheelchair and assist the client with moving meals from her kitchen. The project also required a change to the programming of the chair speed controller to make it more suitable for the tight turns in the house – and this was undertaken by a dealer.

Device to put on a coat

Milton Keynes panel were asked if we could help a client to put on his outdoor coat. He could not move his hands to behind him, which meant putting on a coat in the normal way almost impossible.
A powered device was made which, under the control of the Client, lifts the coat up his back then releases it when the coat collar reaches shoulder height

Sit-to-stand sling modification

The client uses a MiniLift sit-to-stand aid for transfers but the sling is unsuitable. The Oxford Journey aid has a more suitable sling, but the aid itself is too large to maneuver inside the client’s home and its sling uses a 4-point fixing, and so could not be used on the MiniLift, which has a 2-point attachment. It was decided to add a bracket to the MiniLift so the Oxford Journey 4-point sling could be used.

Lifting Cot for Wheelchair user Mum

A powered variable height cot was made for a wheelchair using recent mother. The cot allowed her to bring her baby up to a height where she could change and care for him, and then lower to the floor to form a safe playpen

Electric bed custom hand controller

This project provided a custom replacement for the client’s electric powered bed hand control. It was delivered in two stages, the first version incorporated an existing controller into a 3D printed case and certainly worked and, although it was not optimal, it did give the client the chance to better consider the best design for his needs. The second version was designed based on his feedback and just used standard micro-switches inside.

Temporary duvet support

An 81 y-o woman had a Total Hip Replacement (THR). Since she already had home improvements in place (hand rails on stairs and doors, saddle boards removed, radio button alarm, 24/7 carer) she was released from hospital after four days – the only thing she needed and was given was a Rollator (wheeled walking frame, Zimmer frame). She found that the duvet on her bed restricted her movement, and a duvet support was requested for the period of her recovery. A length of 1/8 inch fencing wire was bent to shape and a brass ferrule with two grub screws was made in order to secure the ends of the wire.

Upper Limb Rehabilitation Aids

Aids to rehabilitation of upper limb function for intensive care patients.
Therapy, Activities, Skills and Kinesiology (TASK) Boards for University Hospital Southampton

Fly-by-wire kids tractor

Like most small boys Theo loves tractors, but when you are born with really short arms it makes steering a challenge. So Gerry, a fellow volunteer from the York panel, and I set about creating a safe fly-by-wire push along tractor to make the 20-month old lad very happy.

Alternate Footrest for a Recliner

The patient could not use her recliner chair as the footrest came up and aggravated her skin.
I swapped the chair leg rest for a smaller pad made from plywood and foam to support her feet.

Walker stability

A 9 year old boy with cerebral palsy uses a Lecky walker for mobility. As he has grown, the walker is no longer sufficiently stable when he is moving around outside. The project was to angle the large wheels of the walker like a sports wheelchair to increase the track width and improve stability.

Boggy board for electric wheel chair

small attachable boggy board for child to ride on when she gets tired

Aids to use for upper limb function for cancer patients.

Cancer patients with metastatic spinal cord compression and who are largely bed bound, require simple exercises to maintain upper body actions. Two boards were constructed that could be mounted on over bed or conventional tables, and each contained a separate range of activities. Care was taken to ensure the activities and boards were safe and could be easily cleaned. Several features are the same as Project SO29/19.

Shortened bed rail

A reduced height support rail for a hospital profiling bed.