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10 | InTouch AUTUMN 2023 How the Kera sit2sit changed my life ANDREW AND CHERRY CAN NOW SPEND MORE TIME ON LIFE, AND LESS TIME ON TRANSFERS They say necessity is the mother of invention – so when hospital staff recorded high rates of injuries related to lifting wheelchair-using patients, they turned to engineering experts for help. FEATURE The problem was posed to students at the University of Canterbury (UC) as part of their studies but also piqued the interest of Keith Alexander, professor of mechanical engineering and now owner of HT Systems. Over the next 20 years he trialled a range of methods to safely and efficiently move someone from their wheelchair to a bed, armchair or toilet – culminating in the invention of the Kera sit2sit . The new type of hoist has no electronics, requires minimal physical effort, and crucially it can be operated by one person. Member Andrew Renga, from Papanui, has Charcot Marie Tooth disease, and lives with his wife Cherry who is his primary caregiver at home. Andrew and Cherry were introduced to HT Systems via MDANZ as Andrew was looking for something to help with transfers between his wheelchair, armchair, bed and commode. As Andrew has no standing strength he is unable to use a transfer aid or sit-to-stand hoist. Andrew has sitting balance on chairs and the side of his bed. Prior to having the Kera sit2sit , Cherry was manually lifting Andrew for every transfer. They needed a solution that would allow transfers from the side of the bed to wheelchair, to toilet commode and to armchair for them to be able to comfortably navigate their life at home. They wanted a solution that would save Cherry from the strain of lifting, but not require extra help as it was important that they remained independent of external caregivers. They also wanted to be able to continue to travel, as this was important to them. “I wanted something that could help Cherry lift me without hurting her back, something she could do by herself, without having other people help, so the [ Kera sit2sit ] hoist was good for that. Very happy with it.”, says Andrew. Above, left to right: Andrew and Cherry at home in Papanui. Cherry can now easily transfer Andrew using the Kera sit2sit .