The discovery of slowness
Pain relief for palliative patients through innovative mattress systems
Sounds paradoxical at first glance, but sometimes the use of technology can be an expression of humanity. The latest innovations in medical technology include mattress systems that mobilize a patient particularly slowly and constantly change their centre of gravity. This means that even seriously ill people, for whom the slightest movement means great pain, can be protected from the dreaded bedsores. Such technology is of particular importance on the palliative care ward at the MHH and also on some oncology wards. This is where seriously ill patients are cared for, for whom there is often no cure and whose treatment focuses primarily on pain relief. However, the mattress technology is so special and far removed from the normal operations of even a large Clinical Department that it is not included in the standard equipment. The MHH is therefore dependent on donations to finance these mattress systems.
Two beds on the palliative care ward have already been equipped with the mattress system thanks to an initial appeal for donations. In the meantime, the MHH plus Foundation has also provided funding for a third mattress, which is now shared between two wards. Dr. Regina Schmeer from the MHH Nursing Science Administrative Unit recounts the example of a patient who was in pain at the slightest touch and almost begged not to be touched. "The new mattress is like a relief for such a patient because he can now be mobilized without being touched. And of course it's also a relief for our nursing staff when they know that they can do what is necessary without causing the patient unnecessary pain."
Our aim is to finance at least one more mattress. Cost point: around 7,000 euros. Please help us to achieve this goal and give seriously ill people back a little quality of life.
