Tracy Lee and Lindsay Brazill are the dynamic duo behind one of the inpatient unit’s latest pieces of equipment – the body weight support system.

It all started with an idea from the two inpatient physiotherapists who recognized a need on their inpatient units for a piece of equipment that would support both clients—and clinicians—in helping meet therapeutic goals. The pair researched different pieces of equipment, compared costs, presented their proposal to their leadership team and helped arrange training for their colleagues when the system (pictured) finally arrived last November.

Heidi Schwellnus, collaborative practice leader for occupational and physiotherapy at Holland Bloorview, says the initiative taken by Brazill and Lee is a perfect example of a healthy team in action. “Their collaborative approach speaks to care that is both agile and compassionate,” she says. “This is a good news story of two dedicated and passionate clinicians who had an idea to improve care, championed an idea, took it by the reins and saw it through to completion. The response has been overwhelmingly positive!”

“The inpatient physiotherapy staff, including the specialized orthopedic and developmental rehabilitation (SODR) unit in particular, had been wanting a system that would allow us better use of the therapy space and give clients more options for treatment. Up until we were able to purchase this new piece of equipment, the existing equipment to support body weight required multiple staff and also had limitations,” says Lee, physiotherapist and clinical scholar.

Adds Brazill: “It has been really exciting for us to learn all the different uses for the body weight support system and determine which of our clients it is appropriate for. We have been able to get our clients into standing and walking sooner than we otherwise would have and challenge the balance of other clients in a safe environment. Clients seem to love it as it helps boost their confidence when trying new skills!”

The pair are thrilled to see that the new system, which is evidence-based for body weight support, is in use every day. “I’m so happy that we were able to take an idea and turn it into reality!” they add.