Minister Mary Harney, Unveils Lokomat Treadmill in the National Rehabilitation Hospital
The First of its Kind in Ireland and One of only 100 units In the World
The Hocoma Lokomat Robotic Treadmill was officially unveiled in the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) Dun Laoghaire today, Tuesday 17^th April 2007 by Minister for Health and Children Mary Harney, TD.

The department of physiotherapy at the NRH, provides a vital component of the rehabilitation services at the National Rehabilitation Hospital.  The arrival of the Hocoma Lokomat is a significant achievement for the NRH and is the first of its kind in Ireland.  This rehabilitation equipment will assist mobility in patients who have suffered a spinal cord or brain injury.  Developed in Switzerland, the Lokomat provides upright, weight-bearing exercise through guided walking in an automated and efficient manner – freeing up resources and enabling longer training.

The cost of purchase, delivery and training of one Lokomat Robotic Treadmill is very significant - €250,000.  Due to this expense, the 50-Steps Challenge, a fundraising venture to purchase the Lokomat for the NRH, was instigated by Jane Evans and Cathy Shubotham.  Jane, who is a director of H. Evans, providers of early intervention medical equipment to healthcare professionals, was inspired to initiate this project through a friend's daughter, Tiffany Yong.  Tiffany suffered brain damage as a result of complications during a heart operation.  There was no suitable or progressive treatment therapy to assist Tiffany's mobility without incurring huge expenses plus travelling outside of Ireland.  Along with close friend Cathy Shubotham, Jane successfully targeted businesses and individuals to contribute to the 50-Steps Challenge Fund over the last 12 months.

"Cathy and I are more than indebted to those who supported the 50-steps challenge; the fund raising for which was completed in just under 9 months," comments Jane Evans.  "This project has been both eye opening and very fulfilling; not only in terms of fundraising for this innovative piece of equipment but also meeting some incredible families and patients who have been more than inspirational along the way we have now been very successful in fund raising for the first Lokomat located here in Dun Laoghaire, however this is just the beginning and our aim is to increase their availability nationwide to facilitate patients in need of treatment therapy right across the country." continues Jane

At the launch Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney TD comments 'The National Rehabilitation Hospital provides high quality care and treatment to its patients, helping to achieve optimal independence and enhancing the quality of their lives. I want to acknowledge the dedication of all the staff of the Hospital in serving the needs of people whose lives have been affected by serious physical and/or cognitive disability.

The provision of the Lokomat means people who require rehabilitation services can benefit from the therepeutic advantages involved in training for longer than manual assisted training. It will also enable an effective use of staff resources while increasing the safety of both patient and staff.   I would like to congratulate Jane Evans and all associated with the provision of the Lokomat on their remarkable achievement."

The National Rehabilitation Hospital is dedicated to serving the needs of people whose lives have been affected by serious physical and/or cognitive disability.  The hospital strives to provide high quality care and treatment to all patients to help them achieve optimal independence and enhance the quality of their lives.  In keeping with the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy, who founded the hospital, the ethos remains to heal, to offer hope, and to bring peace of mind to all patients. 

The primary populations served by the hospital include people with brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, other neurological injury or disease, and amputees.  The National Rehabilitation Hospital currently has a capacity of 119 beds, serving patients nationwide.  It is the principal rehabilitation centre in Ireland and, as a result, there is a continuous and ever-growing demand on its services.