ANOTHER STEP FORWARD FOR BOMB VICTIMS
Another step forward for bomb victim
SIX Omagh patients who lost limbs in the bomb atrocity of August 15, 1998, will benefit from the refurbished physiotherapy department of Musgrave Park Hospital.
The newly extended and equipped department in the Limb Fitting Centre was opened by Clive Gowdy, permanent secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services and Public Safety.
Omagh teenager Alastair Hall, 13, one of the youngest traumatic amputees in the Province, demonstrated a state-of-the-art Powerjog treadmill donated by the Rotary Club of Omagh and a new exercise bicycle.
John Moore and Dennis McCready of the Rotary Club joined Omagh bomb victim, Doreen Preston, at the opening ceremony.
Funding for the refurbishment was provided by the Amputee Association of Northern Ireland.
The room has been made more functional for patients and staff, and will help improve the lifestyle of amputees throughout the Province.
Senior physiotherapist, Pamela Mercer, said: "The treadmill promotes an even walking pattern and gives confidence to people to be able to go to a gym and use equipment there.
"Cycling is also an activity which many amputees can enjoy and participate in and as a basis they need to know how their artificial limb works on pedals.
"The exercise bicycle allows amputees to practice in safety and strengthens muscle groups to aid walking," she said.
Chairman of Green Park Healthcare Trust, Mr Norrnan Shaw, said: "I am delighted with this new facility and the support which we have received from other organisations in the creation of it.
"With approximately 1,500 amputee patients in Northern Ireland and 120 of them as a result of the Troubles it is good to know that their quality of life will be greatly enhanced as a result of this magnificent development," Mr Shaw said.
SIX Omagh patients who lost limbs in the bomb atrocity of August 15, 1998, will benefit from the refurbished physiotherapy department of Musgrave Park Hospital.
The newly extended and equipped department in the Limb Fitting Centre was opened by Clive Gowdy, permanent secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services and Public Safety.
Omagh teenager Alastair Hall, 13, one of the youngest traumatic amputees in the Province, demonstrated a state-of-the-art Powerjog treadmill donated by the Rotary Club of Omagh and a new exercise bicycle.
John Moore and Dennis McCready of the Rotary Club joined Omagh bomb victim, Doreen Preston, at the opening ceremony.
Funding for the refurbishment was provided by the Amputee Association of Northern Ireland.
The room has been made more functional for patients and staff, and will help improve the lifestyle of amputees throughout the Province.
Senior physiotherapist, Pamela Mercer, said: "The treadmill promotes an even walking pattern and gives confidence to people to be able to go to a gym and use equipment there.
"Cycling is also an activity which many amputees can enjoy and participate in and as a basis they need to know how their artificial limb works on pedals.
"The exercise bicycle allows amputees to practice in safety and strengthens muscle groups to aid walking," she said.
Chairman of Green Park Healthcare Trust, Mr Norrnan Shaw, said: "I am delighted with this new facility and the support which we have received from other organisations in the creation of it.
"With approximately 1,500 amputee patients in Northern Ireland and 120 of them as a result of the Troubles it is good to know that their quality of life will be greatly enhanced as a result of this magnificent development," Mr Shaw said.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1434
Published Date: 02-Mar-00
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