LOROS MND Presentation
LOROS was delighted to welcome members of the Wreake Valley and Shepshed Rotary clubs to the hospice recently, where they generously donated some new equipment to the charity’s Motor Neurone Disease service.
A spirometry machine accurately measures the respiratory function of MND patients and alerts nurses to changes which may need referrals to hospital. It’s an essential piece of equipment, and was very welcome. “It’s fantastic because our old one is more than 15 years old and is becoming unreliable, and obviously accuracy is so important to give patients the best care possible”, said Omina Yasmin, MND specialist nurse at LOROS Hospice.
With the help of a district grant, the clubs also managed to purchase a Neater Eater, which enables an MND patient with no hand or arm function to eat independently. “It’s great because it means patients can feed themselves and as a result can enjoy a family meal again. So often the disease means someone will be feeding them and food has to be reheated over and over. Eating delicious food is one of life’s pleasures and this will allow patients to enjoy it with their family”, added Omina.
Fiona Pimm, past president of the Wreake Valley Rotary club, and a former nurse, said: “I’m so pleased to be able to gift these pieces of equipment to support the MND service. Omina came to talk to us one day about her work, and together with Shepshed Rotary, we decided to support their service in memory of two Rotarians who sadly died from MND, Richard Payne and Richard Minifie. We hope the patients get good use of the equipment.”
Jane Pickard, Director of Care Services at LOROS, said: “On behalf of the families and patients, we’d like to say a huge thank you to the rotary clubs for their support. We are so grateful for their thoughtful kindness.”
