Megan Adkins is seated in front. (Provided Photo)
(Greensburg, IN) – The Hospital Foundation of Decatur County (Foundation) is proud to announce the introduction of 10 new patient care chairs from Stryker Corporation for Decatur County Memorial Hospital (DCMH).
This investment reflects the Foundation’s continued commitment to improving the experience for patients, families, and caregivers.
The new Stryker chairs are designed to make care easier for everyone involved.
For patients, they provide enhanced comfort, safe positioning, and smooth transitions between sitting, reclining, standing, and transport.
These features support comfort during treatment, recovery, and visits across departments while promoting mobility and circulation.
Hospital staff also benefit from improved maneuverability and ergonomic design, which help reduce physical strain during transfers and repositioning. The durable, easy-to-clean surfaces support infection prevention efforts and help streamline daily workflows, allowing clinical teams to focus more
time on patient care.
“While a transport chair might seem simple, it plays a significant role during some of the most vulnerable moments in a patient’s care journey,” said Erin Alloway, Outpatient Manager at DCMH. “After a long Oncology treatment session, a patient was fatigued and unsteady, and even short distances felt overwhelming. Using one of the new Stryker transport chairs, our staff was able to move the patient safely and comfortably, without rushing or discomfort. The patient was able to relax,
knowing they were supported, and the caregiver could focus fully on their safety.”
For family members and caregivers, the chairs offer improved ease of movement and greater independence during transport, helping reduce strain and making visits and transitions more seamless. Their intuitive design allows loved ones to assist more confidently and comfortably.
“Using the previous chair style, my dad needed my help or a staff member’s help to maneuver my mom into rooms and offices,” said Sandy Nieman, a patient’s family member. “At a recent visit, I
dropped my mom and dad off at the door while I went to park. I expected to find them waiting inside the entryway for me to help transport my mom to the office she needed to visit. I was surprised to find that my parents had already made it to the right department by the time I returned from the parking lot. I asked my dad if someone helped him, and he said, ‘No, I can drive this one by myself!’ I can’t say enough good things about the new Stryker wheelchairs for patients and their families.”
These improvements strengthen the overall experience across the hospital, reflecting a shared commitment to thoughtful investments in care.
“Thanks to generous community support, we are able to enhance the experience for patients, families, caregivers, and our healthcare teams alike,” said Mandy Lohrum, Foundation Director. “Since being placed into service, the chairs have already made a meaningful difference, supporting smoother transport, improved comfort, and greater ease of use.”
The addition of the Stryker chairs was made possible through the generosity of donors and community partners who believe in strengthening local healthcare resources. The Hospital Foundation of Decatur County remains committed to funding initiatives that enhance the patient experiences and support those who deliver care.
For more information about the Hospital Foundation of Decatur County or to learn how to support future department grants, please visit dcmh.net/foundation or call (812) 663-1220.
(Decatur County Memorial Hospital press release)
