The Therapy Team at Stroud General Hospital was very pleased to receive their new van, funded by Stroud Hospitals League of Friends at a recent official presentation outside the hospital. Genevieve Merrefield, Gloucestershire Care Services NHS Trust Team Manager (North Team) said: “The Therapy Team, which consists of Occupational Therapists and Assistants, and Physiotherapists and Assistants is extremely grateful for the van very generously provided by the Hospitals League of Friends. This van fulfils a number of functions:
“It enables the Therapy Team to take patients who are wheelchair users on home visits in order to assess them in their own environment, and thus provide a more tailored and ultimately successful discharge home from hospital.”
“The Occupational Therapists can complete Access Visits to patients’ homes to assess their living environment, and also to take equipment, which can be evaluated and tried in the home environment before the patient goes home.”
“The van also means that therapists can visit discharged patients for follow-up appointments in the community in a timely way, thus ensuring continuity of care and a smooth transition from hospital to community support.”
“Patients who have already benefitted from the van have commented on how helpful it has been to be able to visit their home prior to discharge. They have also said how comfortable the van is for wheelchair users.”
The official presentation was made by League of Friends Executive Committee Member, Dr Gordon Horner, who also tried out the wheelchair ramp access to the van as shown in the photo. Dr Horner said: “The League of Friends is delighted to continue sponsoring a suitable vehicle, which replaces the previous 7 year old model, for the Therapy Team to use to visit and transport patients needing wheelchair help. We are always looking to improve the service offered to patients by the Stroud Hospitals and this is a very practical way we can do this.”
“The League is pleased and proud to continue supporting the Stroud Hospitals in providing an excellent service to their patients.”