Originally posted in the Daily Local

EAST GOSHEN — Main Line Health’s Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital and Paoli Memorial Hospital hosted U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-6th, of Easttown, Monday.

The tour at Bryn Mawr Rehab was led by President Donna Phillips and staff. The group covered much ground at the large facility. Several specialists interacted with the congresswoman.

Houlahan asked several questions and talked about her priorities, career, and her family’s connection to health care.

She was particularly interested in overhead mechanical lifts. The lift is suspended from above and is used to transfer patients within bed, and from bed to a wheel chair, while increasing mobility.

“Since the goal of rehabilitation is increased independence, patients get in and out of bed and their wheelchairs several times throughout the course of each day to dress, attend therapy and eat meals,” according to Bryn Mawr rehab release. “The process of moving into and out of the bed can be challenging for both the patient and the staff.

“The risk for injury to both the patient and staff is high when a patient loses their balance or loses strength in their legs during the transfer into or out of the bed.”

The lift makes it safer for both patients and staff, according to Sharon Strohecker, vice president of Patient Care Services.

Staffers asked Houlahan to help support purchase of 34 new lifts for $825,000. The facility now relies on 50 Hoyer lifts.

Houlahan noted that she is one of 435 members of Congress and making laws is a team effort.