This story was previously published in the May 2025 edition of Connections, Dartmouth Health’s employee magazine.
If you’ve ever been a hospital patient, you know how good it feels to get out of bed and sit in the nearby chair for a while. What you may not know is how many benefits it provides.
“Getting out of bed is important for healing,” says Randy McSwain, BSN, RN, WCC, a nurse at Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital (APD). “It helps patients feel normal again, and it is good for the body.” In fact, studies show that it builds muscle strength, improves blood circulation and promotes mental well-being, all of which can contribute to recovery.
Recently, thanks to a grateful patient, APD was able to replace the recliners in 11 hospital rooms with ones that are brand new and much easier to operate. “Patients are able to recline back when they want,” McSwain says. “They are also easier for our patients to stand up from when they need therapy.”
Funds for the updated chairs were donated by Bill Nelson and his wife, Paula, in appreciation for the exceptional care Nelson received at APD while recovering from open heart surgery. “Even though it was a long recovery, it was a good experience because of the APD staff,” Nelson says. “If I had to describe them in a few words, I’d say they were patient, understanding and professional. And compassionate and empathetic. No matter what I needed, they were always there to help, and they always had smiles on their faces.”
During Nelson’s hospital stay, moving from his bed to the chair was painful, but he says the APD staff were always encouraging and kind. “They didn’t hesitate to help me with whatever I needed. They were wonderful.”
When Nelson and his wife said they wanted to give a gift to APD, they asked the staff to choose what the gift would be. The staff chose the chairs. “We are so thankful for the addition of our new chairs,” McSwain says. “They have been a noticeable upgrade from the previous model. Therapy has improved because of this important gift.”