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From music and movement sessions to sipping tea in the garden – patients at Stamford & Rutland Hospital are benefiting from a range of mood and mobility boosting activities.

A programme of events for patients on the hospital’s John Van Geest ward is being delivered by North West Anglia NHS Trust’s healthcare assistants, nursing staff, therapy team and volunteers. 

The aim is to help reduce length of stay, improve mobility, reduce pressure sores and promote health, wellbeing and social interaction among the patients at the step-down unit, which specialises in medicine for the elderly.

 

One of the latest activities is a regular Wednesday morning Music and Movement session, where patients staff and therapists enjoy an hour of chair-based mobility exercises, with the inflatable beach balls one of the most popular activities.

 

On Sunday afternoons, residents can enjoy Tea At 3 – sipping tea and tucking into cake in the garden (weather permitting) to encourage social interaction.

John Van Geest ward manager Chloe Jamieson said: “These activities have been really well received and supported by patients and their families. What we try to offer on the ward is a pro-active approach to as normal a routine as possible for patients.

“There is the opportunity for patients who wish to sit quietly in our communal space to do so, but we also provide the option of activities to stimulate the mind – our Easter crafts were particularly popular. 

“Our patients have the opportunity to dine together if they wish, and the music and movement sessions - along with the weekly Tea At 3 - give additional scope for patients to engage with each other and with our staff.”

John Van Geest is looking to expand the variety of activities for patients and will be holding a fundraising Bake Sale at the entrance of Stamford & Rutland Hospital on Monday 19 May. All welcome.

 

John Van Geest patients Sylvia, Tony and Bridget with occupational therapist Lynn Coles, ward manager Chloe Jamieson, physiotherapist Claire Bowden and ward tracker Bo Turner.

 

Each Sunday afternoon, patients are invited to enjoy Tea at 3! Healthcare assistant Leo Gelito chats with patient JVG patient Bridget. JVG patient Bridget. JVG patient Bridget. JVG patient Bridget.