A western affair all for a chair
RED OAK — What’s in a chair?
Does it need to recline? What about comfort and functionality? How about portability?
At Montgomery County Memorial Hospital, it’s all of the above and more.
For the second year, the hospital’s annual auxiliary benefit will be raising money to purchase reclining chairs for patient rooms.
The chairs are on wheels to allow patients to easily move throughout their room and provide a more comfortable spot for visitors. Radiology Department Manager and auxiliary board member Peggy Reed said they also lay completely flat for sleeping, have a foot board that pulls out, recline and have a tray on the side for eating purposes.
Last year through the benefit and other auxiliary events, 10 chairs, which cost $25,000 total, were purchased, and Reed said they have the goal of raising enough for 10 more chairs this year.
The hospital has 25 beds, and according to Reed, the hospital has agreed to purchase the remaining five chairs.
Prior to purchasing the chairs last year, Reed said they looked into multiple other chairs to ensure they got the best product.
“They really are a high quality,” Reed said. “We did an extensive review and demo process of the chairs, trying them with stroke patients and even emulating moving a patient from a bed to the chair.”
Reed added the chairs needed to be able to fit someone of any height so sleeping in them would be possible.
In October, retired hospital employee of 30 years Jeanette Bredberg broke her leg and spent six weeks at Montgomery County Memorial Hospital recovering and going to physical therapy.
She said the chairs made her stay a lot better.
“The chairs are wonderful,” she said. “It gave me the support I needed for my leg and I could travel with the chair to and from therapy. They were very beneficial; it was a nice place to be.”
To donate to the cost of the chairs, the community is invited to attend the 48th annual Montgomery County Memorial Hospital Benefit March 2 at the Red Coach Inn from 6-9 p.m.
In an effort to draw a younger crowd, the traditionally formal affair has become more casual with a western theme, according to MCMH Auxiliary President LaDonna Rossander.
The “Country Round-Up” event will feature a prime rib and shrimp buffet along with a silent auction, raffle and dance to “Travelin Light.” Guests are encouraged to come dressed in western wear.
Tickets for the benefit are available for $30 until the day of the event at the Lemon Tree gift shop at the hospital and JFSCO Engineering in Red Oak.