Jenny of Kalbar Sunflowers, Ellen of QEII Hospital Fund and QEII Hospital Palliative Care team
QEII Hospital’s palliative care unit is blooming with joy at the donation of a brand-new cuddle bed.
Co-founder of Kalbar Sunflowers Jenny Jenner has turned her personal experience with palliative care into a mission to provide cuddle beds to hospitals across south-east Queensland.
“I learned about cuddle beds when my husband sadly passed away,” Jenny said.
“The beds allow you to be close to the people you love the most when they’re in that palliative state.”
This year Kalbar Sunflowers raised more than $50,000 and were able to donate a cuddle bed through the QEII Hospital Fund.
QEII Director of Nursing Melody Mitchell shared her deep appreciation for Jenny and Kalbar Sunflowers at the official unveiling of the new bed.
“At such a difficult and challenging time, it’s important to support and transition those affected to be together,” Melody said.
“This will make a wonderful impact on families and on our staff, and it’s a great asset to our palliative care team at QEII.”
Dr Nina Bahrain also shared her appreciation on behalf of the palliative care unit.
“It’s so special for our unit to be granted such a gift,” Dr Bahrain said.
“The beds are going to allow our patients precious, tender moments with loved ones.”
This specialised bed is designed to allow loved ones to lie close to one another in the final stages of life.
It features an integrated air mattress, verbal safety prompts and pressure-relieving technology for patient's comfort and safety.
Kalbar Sunflowers have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for palliative care initiatives in honour of Jenny’s husband and co-founder, Russell.