To bathe a disabled person nowadays requires three persons and this is done with difficulty but with donating 18 nursing beds invented in Malta, this is done to comfort both the patient and a single nurse.

Sessions in the Hammett Nursing Bed were incorporated into physiotherapy sessions with disabled clients.

As it is my intention that most disabled persons should lead a happy life, I suggest that other volunteers should help in producing this nursing bed, so each disabled person in Malta and Gozo could use this nursing bed. I can supply all the moulds and knowledge as how to produce this bed/bath and in doing so the difficulties faced by such persons could come to an end.

Another two nursing beds are being donated to two new day centres , one in Gozo and the other at Mtarfa. The construction of these nursing beds is essential as there are many other places where these nursing beds are needed.

From testimonials received from Arka Foundation, Egmont Jojskolen of Denmark, San Miguel, Pembroke, Sir Paul Boffa Hospital, Razzett tal-Hbiberija, The Physically Handicapped Rehabilitation Fund at Corradino Paola, St Catherine and from Dubai Hospital, these were the following comments:

An individual disabled student stated that for once he could feel his legs warm. Others commented that they could feel that they used their muscles today.

The person assisting students does not need to bend down since the Hammett Bed is adjustable and the students have shown great response to the stimulating of jets and bubbles. Usually three nurses are required and this is done with difficulty both to patient and nurses.

Different programmes are easily set by one person and adapted to the need of disabled students.

The Hammett Nursing Bed was particularly useful for clients who have high tone or show adenoid movements and after a session in the bath, the children feel relaxed and show greater ease with long lasting effects

Another advantage is using the bed and its hydro-properties.

Patients with conditions such as cerebral palsy, hemglegia and bromanyalgia have benefited from the Hammett Bed.

The risk involved in patients’ transfer to and from a bath is reduced drastically and this proved that the bed will primarily be an invaluable tool for personal hygiene

The accessibility of the bed allows even more severely disabled to gain access without undue stress on the patient and nurse: this versatility allows us to regulate the temperature and hydro effects for the varying conditions and contra- indications.

Using the Hammett Beds our children can now have regular baths and this is done with ease and effortless, they are in safe environment and most important they are relaxed.

The Council of The Physically Handicapped Rehabilitation Fund at Paola is very grateful for being donated the Hammett Bed which is used on a regular basis both by its members and by the Day Centre clients.

Anthony Hammett

Attard