A package of medical equipment that gives larger patients a more comfortable stay in hospital is gaining popularity both in New Zealand and Australia.
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The bariatric bundle includes a bed, walking trolley, body hoist and toilet equipment for patients with an average weight of 200 kilograms.
The Capital and Coast District Health Board says it banded together with the private provider, Essential Helpcare, to create the packages in 2015.
It assisted 268 patients last year.
A Capital and Coast spokesperson, Andrea McCance, said hospital stays could be humiliating for a very large patient if the right equipment was not available.
The board has also partnered with the Wellington Free Ambulance to better prepare for larger patients.
