Page 19 - Community Health magazine - issue 38

By the time Tony arrived on Heron that will help them get home, back to took such great care of him, we couldn’t
Ward, he had lost all feeling down his doing the things they love. All the patients recommend the team highly enough.”
left side and could no longer stand or sit and eat their meals together and there Before he was discharged from the
walk unaided. It was then that he met are group therapy sessions, where they unit, Judy visited Tony’s home to check
Therapy Assistant Practitioner Judy encourage and support each other. what equipment he needed to support
Underhill and the hard work began. his recovery. He has also been referred
Judy was working on Heron Ward ‘Tony is a shining example. to the stroke bridging service and our
in training for her role on the new To see him back on his Community Neuro Rehabilitation Team
specialist stroke rehabilitation ward to follow up his care.
which opened at Westbrook House in feet, starting to walk with Talking to him now, it is clear Tony is the
Margate in July. Tony was one of the support and regain some kind of man who would not let something
first patients to transfer to the specialist like a stroke hold him back. He has
unit, which offers round-the-clock care of his independence, already modified his walker to hold his
and rehabilitation seven days-a-week. is so rewarding.’ grabber tool so he doesn’t have to rely on
Judy said: “This unit is really special his son Andrew to pick up things for him.
and the team here is fantastic. We teach “I felt I was receiving so much attention He said: “It has happened and you
patients new ways to cope, but each because they used all kinds of therapy have to move on. I need to try and move
patient teaches us new things, as no one is to help me recover,” said Tony. “I used a bit more now, my left arm is getting
affected in the same way by a stroke and elastic bands in the gym to strengthen my stronger, but it’s not there yet.”
they all have different lives to get back to. legs, electric stimulation, worked on my Judy agreed: “To see Tony back on
“Tony is a shining example of the walking and balance and it was great to his feet, starting to walk with support
recovery that can be made when have the company of the other patients in and regain his independence, is so
patients are supported to put in the the group therapy sessions.” rewarding. For now, this is his new
hard work and help themselves back Andrew said: “I think dad was a bit of a normal, but if anyone can take on the
to independence.” star on the ward at Westbrook House. He challenge, it’s Tony.”
On the unit, therapy and care plans are has a great sense of humour and positive And with that, Tony was back to
tailored to what each individual wants to attitude and you would often hear the helping on the farm and fixing his
work towards, with exercises and activities staff saying ‘slow down, Tony’! They combine harvester.

www.kentcht.nhs.uk 19