Ellinwood Hospital & Clinic Receives Donation for Additional Patient Harness Lifts from Ellinwood High School Class of 1965 and Foundation Board

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 2025

ELLINWOOD, Kan. — Thanks to a generous donation from the Ellinwood High School Class of 1965, Ellinwood Hospital & Clinic will be installing two additional patient harness lifts to better serve patients with limited mobility.

The Class of 1965 provided funding for one lift, and the Ellinwood Hospital Foundation Board, moved by their gift, voted to match the donation—bringing the total to two new lifts that will be installed in patient care areas.

Harness lift systems are currently in place in three patient rooms and select radiology areas. These lifts assist patients who are recovering from strokes, surgeries, injuries, or conditions that limit their ability to safely stand or transfer.

“These lifts are truly life-changing for our patients and for our staff,” said Audrey Lewis, PTA, Physical Therapy Manager. “They not only make transfers safer and more comfortable for patients, but they also reduce strain on staff and allow patients to participate more fully in their recovery. This gift will help us get even more people on the path to better mobility.”

Harness lifts are especially helpful in supporting patients early in the rehab process, giving them a secure and supported way to begin moving, walking, or standing as they heal.

Kristy Rupe, Foundation Director, said the donation speaks to the strong community spirit that surrounds Ellinwood Hospital & Clinic.

“We were incredibly humbled by the Class of 1965’s generosity,” Rupe said. “The Foundation board was so inspired that they chose to match the donation—because we know how impactful these lifts are for our patients. It’s another example of how giving back truly changes lives here at home.”

The new lifts will be installed this fall and are part of the hospital’s ongoing investment in safety, rehabilitation, and patient-centered care.

For more information about supporting Ellinwood Hospital & Clinic, visit ellinwooddistricthospital.org.

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Ellinwood Hospital and Clinic is a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital and Rural Health Clinic. With an Emergency Room open 24/7, the hospital provides inpatient acute care, skilled swing bed, and intermediate swing bed care and many outpatient services: Endoscopy & outpatient Surgical Services, Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy, Respiratory Therapy, a full-service medical Laboratory, and a full range of Imaging services – X-Ray, CT, Mobile: 3D Mammography, Dexa, Sonography, & MRI.  There is also an Outreach Clinic that provides access to a wide range of specialists including Cardiology. The Ellinwood Clinic offers full family care, from newborn to geriatric, provided by practitioners that truly care about you and your health.