St John watch operations manager for Central Otago, Chris Marr said the Elk lifting cushion filled a void straight away.
The money for the device, which allows medical staff to lift patients who are unable to move themselves, or cannot get up, was raised by the Alexandra Lions Club via its annual 4WD Safari fundraiser.
Forty-five spots on the January 11 safari sold out in a month raising almost $6000.
Alexandra Lions Club 4WD Safari event convener and guide Barry McCall said he contacted Hato Hone St John after raising the funds to ask what they needed most, and a new Elk lifting cushion was top of the list.
Mr Marr called the device ‘‘injury saving.’’
‘‘We were the final branch in Central Otago to receive an Elk lifter. It’s something we’ve really needed but other things have taken precedence.’’
The main driver for the device was patient and staff safety. With an ageing demographic, it was a ‘‘significant addition’’ to the organisation, and also meant St John could cope with more patients on its own without having to call for support from other organisations, such as the fire service.
Mr Marr said there had been recent cases in Cromwell and Queenstown where an Elk lifter played a vital role in patient care.
‘‘We’re just grateful to Barry, the Lions and all those who donated, and to provide this equipment that is important for everyone.’’
Mr McCall said the Alexandra Lions club had previously raised funds for a range of local organisations, including Dunstan Hospital and volunteer fire brigades.
‘‘It means a lot personally to buy a piece of equipment that will make a difference. Sometimes it’s better than a monetary donation that will disappear to a national body. This is something people will use,’’ he said.
