A long-awaited addition to the specialised gym at Kidz First has just been installed, much to the delight of the team that works with young burn patients.
Paediatric burn patients have a unique set of issues when it comes to rehabilitation. They are often traumatised by their injury and also by the treatments they go through in hospital.
Many of these children develop contractures - a limitation of movement at a joint from their burns - as they shy away from pain and are often fearful of stretchers.
To augment the work that Occupational Therapists and physiotherapists do with these youngsters, a generous donor has enabled the team to purchase a sophisticated set of equipment, including a climbing frame with slide, balance beam, bar and monkey bar attachments.
National Burn Centre Physiotherapist Kirsten van Asten says: “This is going to be vital for treating these kids is to make their therapy sessions fun and productive.
“For years we have wanted this equipment to improve the stretch on our patients’ axillae, and encourage them to engage in activities they would normally achieve in functional play.
“This climbing set is versatile enough to cater for all age ranges and incorporates fun with exercise.”
The team at the gym will be able to help children to stretch and avoid contracture without them realising it’s actually treatment.
It improves general strength and fitness, grip strength, confidence, and helps them realise they will be able to get back to playing with their friends in playgrounds at school.
Installation of the new equipment was made possible by a generous donor and the assistance of the Middlemore Foundation.