Give a Little Love

After two years of visitor restrictions, help us re-establish our Leisure and Family Services to provide our patients with fun activities to enrich the soul and safe access to their loved ones.

Gary’s story

In February 2015 Gary was on holiday with his wife when he was struck by a big wave, dashing him against a bank of hard sand causing catastrophic injury to his spine. Since October 2016 Gary has lived at the RHN’s Jack Emerson Centre which is a specialist unit for long-term ventilator users.

“Like other patients I have been in lockdown and for one year never left my room. I was even quarantined for 14 days as there was a possible exposure to the coronavirus. Life became even more limited than what my injuries and wheelchair would normally provide through the hospital, so that outings to various events and venues for plays, concerts and museums were no longer possible. 

“Trips have been limited over the past 18 months due to the pandemic, but I have been able to get offsite a couple of times during the summer, to spend time at home with my family.”

Antonia’s story

Antonia is 30 years old and has been a resident at the RHN for just over two years. As a result of CNS Neuro-Inflammatory Syndrome she receives full-time care on Hunter Ward, which is part of our specialist nursing home.

She is extremely sociable and loves spending time with her family. So the isolation felt through lockdown was really hard, as she really missed seeing them in person when visits to the hospital stopped to protect patients, residents and staff from the risk of virus transmission.

Antonia identifies as a Christian and through the lockdown months drew comfort from the emotion and spiritual support offered by the RHN Chaplaincy Team, which is also a funded service for patients and residents. Services were adapted, and delivered virtually when necessary and’ in person’ on each individual ward as restrictions lifted.

While the lockdown has been tough, one of the positive things to come out of it for Antonia is that her ability to speak and communicate has really improved and she is working towards being able to make weekend home visits to spend time with her family.

Noah’s story

Noah was out celebrating a friend’s birthday when he leaned against the promenade railing on Brighton seafront. The 18 year old lost his balance, fell backwards and hit the ground ten metres below. When he arrived he was unable to walk, talk or eat solid foods.

“All of the staff here have been amazing. I’ve done a lot of work with the physiotherapy team, and I have built up enough strength to have two sessions of physio a day. I practice my walking, balancing and even a bit of weight training. When I first arrived, I couldn’t walk at all.”

“The speech and language therapists have helped me with other things too, like my ability to eat. I’m due to move off pureed foods and onto and bite-sized foods. I’ve had a few occupational therapy (OT) sessions where they’ve taught me how to make soup, curries and pizza, but I’m really looking forward to being able to eat lasagne again!”

During his time at the RHN, Noah wrote a song about his experience in music therapy and, as a keen rugby fan, has taken five trips to watch matches at Harlequins rugby stadium in Twickenham. 

 “I’m looking forward to being able to go back home. In the future, I hope I’ll be able to go to university to study business and marketing, and then eat as much food as possible!”

Help us to bring joy back to the lives of patients at the RHN, like Gary, Antonia and Noah.

Our Leisure and Family Services

Most long-term residents at the RHN are wheel-chair bound and dependent on others for daily needs. Without organised, specially adapted leisure provision, many find it difficult to participate in activities they enjoy and to discover new interests. They would have less opportunities to interact with others, with a negative impact on their quality of life.

Our patients and residents are particularly vulnerable to Covid-19, and they have been largely confined to their ward since the pandemic began for their safety, with visits from families restricted or suspended during lockdowns. Unsurprisingly, this has led to anxiety, boredom and distress amongst residents, particularly those receiving long-term care. To boost the morale of residents at this difficult time and support them to pursue their interests, we have introduced safe, socially distanced ward-based activities in our long-term care wards. This includes the disability sport Boccia and wheelchair basketball; art, art activities, music events and film screenings.

The impact

· Up to 430 people supported per year, including 130 patients and 300 family members.

· Improved quality of life: Patients will have more choice over how to spend their time and gain opportunities to take part in life enhancing activities both in and outside the hospital, regardless of their level of mobility. 

· Improved emotional and physical wellbeing: Participants will have access to therapeutic activities that get them active and relieve boredom. Taking part in music and sport groups can improve mobility and boost confidence and self-esteem. Going on a nurse escorted outing gives patients a break from the hospital environment and a chance to engage in activities that boost their sense of personal identity.

· Timely practical advice and support: Families will be relieved of unnecessary stress at a difficult time in the lives and be supported to adjust to their new circumstances.

· Reduced loneliness and social isolation: Patients feel part of the hospital community and have opportunities to interact socially with other patients and volunteers. Family members can participate in activities with loved ones and meet other families, which can be a source of comfort and mutual support. 

Over the past two years our patients and residents, like everyone else have missed being able to see loved ones and socialising with friends. This is why it is so important that we are able to provide enriching experiences and activities through our Leisure and Family Services.

After two years of visitor restrictions, help us re-establish our Leisure and Family services to provide our patients with fun activities to enrich the soul and safe access to their loved ones.