Restaurant Boosts Patient Freedom
Patients at London's Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability will be able to travel in a new specilised ambulance - thanks to the generosity of diners at a Wandsworth restaurant.
Customers at the Outback Steakhouse in Wandsworth donated £12,000 to purchase the new Fiat Freedom by adding an extra £1 to their restaurant bill, with all proceeds going to the hospital.
The proprietor of the restaurant, Nick Greengrass, presented the ambulance to the hospital's Head of Communications, Chloe Hayward and a patient from the hospital on Wednesday November 10.
Nick said: "As the restaurant is in Wandsworth, I believe it is important to support a hospital which helps people in the area. We give our customers the opportunity to add an optional £1 to each bill, with all proceeds going to the hospital, and they have been more than happy to help.
"I'm delighted that Outback and its customers have been able to purchase the ambulance, which I know will be widely used. By providing the ambulance, patients will be able to get out more and enjoy special times with their families and friends."
Yvonne Lewis, Director of Clinical Services at the Royal Hospital said: "We are very grateful to the Outback Steakhouse and their customers for raising these funds.
"The Fiat Freedom from Allied Vehicles provides ideal transpot for our patients, including wheelchair users. This means they can get out and about on day trips, visit their friends and families and take part in many other leisure activities and social events.
"Family members are also able to drive the vehicle themselves if they pass a specific safety test to do so. This means that families can go out together irrespective of the profound and complex disability that would preclude them from using other forms of public or private transport.
"This independence and freedom is a vital factor in safeguarding personal relationships and provides added choice in the use of the leisure hours that accompany any long-term admission. This donation will make a very practical difference to so many people here and significantly enhance their quality of life."
The new ambulance is certain to be in constant demand. It is fully wheelchair accessible and has important features including a four-point wheelchair restraint system, head restraints, integral wheelchair occupant restraint belt, remote control operated wheelchair winch system, and folding rear ramp.
For more information about the vehicle please visit the Fiat Freedom section of this website.
For further information about the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability please contact Yashoda Sutton on 020 8785 7844 or by email: ysutton@rhn.org.uk
For further information about the Outback Steakhouse please contact Eddie Gershon on 020 8352 5012.
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