Cuddle bed to bring comfort after donation

A heartfelt donation from a community member has made it possible to introduce a ‘cuddle bed’ to Latrobe Regional Health’s palliative care unit, offering patients and their loved ones the comfort of closeness during their most vulnerable time.

The cuddle bed is a regular hospital bed which can be extended to accommodate two people, enabling a family member or friend to lie next to a patient.

“This bed will make a huge difference to palliative patients who are able to be close to their loved ones when they are in need of emotional support,” Nicholson Nurse Unit Manager Michelle Smale said.

“We’ve supported palliative care patients on the ward for around two years now and we’ve found a significant number of people stay with their loved ones, sitting on the side of the bed, holding their hand.”

The purchase of the cuddle bed on the Nicholson Unit was made possible through a donation from local resident Betty McLean.

“Members of my family have needed palliative care from the team here at LRH. I’ve seen the marvellous work they do so I was happy to support them with a donation. I’m sure this bed will make people’s lives better,” Betty said.

The extra space will also allow patients to be close to their children or grandchildren to chat or read them a story.

“We’ve even had people bring their pets which again, takes support and tenderness to another level,” Michelle said.

Palliative care patient Daniel says the extra space in the bed also has a practical purpose.

“I have a syringe driver delivering medicine on each side, so it’s been good to have that extra space with all the extra bits I’m attached to. I’m not cuddling my wife, but I do get to cuddle the drivers at night,” Daniel said

“I’ve also had a fair few people in here who’ve been able to sit on the bed next to me. The kids can come in and sit next to me. It’s a good bed!”

Pictured: (Back) Michelle Smale, Nurse Unit Manager, Nicholson Rehabilitation. Sue Shadbolt, Clinical Nurse Coordinator/Regional Improvement Coordinator, Palliative Care Consultancy Gippsland

(Front) Donors, Jo McLean and Betty McLean