Elderly patients recovering at Musgrove Park Hospital are getting additional help to keep them active.
It’s all thanks to a new activity facilitator role that has been introduced on the hospital’s three care of older people wards, Triscombe, Eliot and Wordsworth.
The dedicated team of four, who are based on the wards, spend time with patients doing a range of activities.
From relaxing sessions with manicures and spa music to lively card games and arm exercises, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Keeping active can bring a number of benefits to patients, including reducing their length of stay at hospital and aiding their recovery.
Katie Parker, Triscombe ward sister, said: “Usually when patients are distressed, it’s because of an unmet need. The role of the activity facilitators is to spend time with patients to look at their unmet needs, which will help them feel less anxious and disorientated on the ward and help keep their
minds and hands active. The team has only been here a short while but they are already making a real difference to our patients.”
Lisa Priddice, one of the activities facilitator said: “I love the role. I am happy to be able to help people in new ways and offer activities adapted to a patient’s hobbies and life experiences. Just this week I was able to comfort and reassure a patient after a medical intervention through activities that were specially tailored to them. I have lots of ideas and I am looking forward to helping more patients.”
Liz Tubman is one patient who has really benefitted from spending time with Lisa. She has been making hedgehog figures out of old books and has had her nails painted as well as a hand massage.
Liz said: “Lisa is marvellous. I haven’t had a manicure for the last 15 years and the polish even matches my clothes. It’s been a real boost to my morale.
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