The state-of-the-art bike allows intensive care patients to exercise in their hospital bed through muscle stimulation while they are paralysed or sedated, which keeps their muscles moving and can help them get mobile sooner.

Auckland DHB Nurse Unit Manager Ana Gluyas says that keeping muscles moving makes all the difference for patients who aren’t well enough to move around by themselves.

“Some of our patients are in Intensive Care for several weeks or even months and are too unwell to get out of bed. After lying down for so long, even sitting on the side of the bed is a challenge, so passive or active muscle movement and exercise is really important.

“By providing passive or active exercise, the Supine Bike will help to prevent muscle wastage for bed-bound patients, and may help to make their rehabilitation easier once they leave ICU,” says Ana.

The donation of the bike, valued at $40,000, was made by a family member of a much-loved patient who spent 77 days in ICU. They wanted to make a difference for future patients, and bring this innovative technology to the hospital, which wouldn’t have been possible without their support.

Ana adds: “We are so grateful for this donation, which will benefit many patients, and we’re delighted to be the first ICU in the country to give patients access to this incredible technology.”

To give to our Greatest Needs Fund, and support the innovation that saves lives, click here. 

If you would like to discuss gifting to a specific department, please call 09 307 6039 or email candy@aucklandhealthfoundation.org.nz.