PENOLA resident Anne Petersen is calling for a hoist to be introduced to the town’s hospital bus in an effort to improve accessibility for those with wheelchairs.
“During the holiday period, it became obvious a bus with a wheelchair hoist would benefit the residents of both the Jarvis Wing of the Penola War Memorial Hospital and Pinchunga,” Ms Petersen said.
Ms Petersen said two close friends felt confined as they were not able to travel on the bus, relying on carers to take them to town.
“Their carers can wheel them, however Penola is not wheelchair accessible and they are often going over very rough paths and almost non-negotiable ramps from street to footpath,” she said.
As the present hospital bus also provides transport to the day centre and doubles as the Lions’ community bus to Mount Gambier, Ms Petersen said wheelchair access would benefit those in healthcare and the community in general where there are disabled people living at home.
She said residents who are confined to wheelchairs and also unable to access cars are therefore limited to the precincts of the hospital.
“There are several people in this predicament and, while families and friends go to great lengths to provide care, a bus would enable a much greater range of activity,” Ms Petersen said.
“I do hope that with the legendary generosity of Penola people, the help of service clubs and the cooperation of Country Health SA something may soon be done to remedy this lack in a town which has nearly everything.”
Penola Hospital director of nursing Paul Bullen told The Pennant the Penola Hospital was happy to discuss the matter with any member of the community.
“The hospital is in discussion with the Penola Lions Club about a range of other initiatives,” Mr Bullen said.
