Based at Didcot Community Hospital, Didcot Inpatient therapy team includes physiotherapists, occupational therapists, a physio apprentice, and a rehabilitation assistant. Patient centred care is at the heart of the therapeutic care they provide, with the team working hard to make rehab enjoyable and meaningful to patients.

The team have made great efforts to provide a range of fun and creative activities for patients. This includes utilising Creating with Care Thursday art sessions to help motivate patients to mobilise and engage. Next to the therapy gym they have reformed a derelict courtyard into a patient and staff garden, to provide a relaxing space and pleasant view from many of the windows. The garden has also been a space for patients to get involved in sowing seeds and planting pots, another activity to promote movement and enjoyment.

A special mention to Rehabilitation Assistant Michelle, who has put her heart and soul into ensuring patients engage with activities for a positive mood and change of environment – offering friendship, creativity, relaxation, and encouragement. She has got many patients knitting again and hopes to soon have volunteer support for a knit and natter group.

The therapy team assist the ward in maintaining safe care, supporting, and training new staff, and are currently running a Quality improvement project focusing on Health Care Assistant’s (HCA) and Nurses rehabilitation of patients following a hip fracture.

The team enjoy working together – they are always smiling and laughing, shining bright for everyone to see.

The nomination

The Didcot Inpatient Therapy Team was nominated by their colleague Senior Physiotherapist at Didcot Community Hospital Kate Uzzell, for the great feedback they continuously receive, providing a top service.

Kate commented:

“Didcot Community Hospital is in the top three rated services on iWantGreatCare, because of the service the team provides to patients. The patients regularly communicate their positive experience.”

Patient feedback includes:

“Therapy has been very helpful, I’ve been to the gym on the bike, practicing walking up stairs and downstairs.”

“I would like to say excellent, the girls have been so patient with me, and have been able to get me back on my feet.”

“The therapy have been excellent, I’ve been to the gym on the bike and cycled a mile twice, practiced the stairs.”

“I have been given some wool and I’ve been knitting everyday which has kept me busy.”

“Everything has been wonderful; I’ve enjoyed talking with the other patients.”

“I’ve enjoyed the activities in the day room with the lady who comes into paint with us, it was absolutely amazing.”

Chief Executive Grant Macdonald said: “Didcot Inpatient Therapy Team make a great difference to patients’ lives. I am delighted to share their fantastic feedback and hear about the daily progress their patients are making. This progress is a testament to the teams care, positivity and dedication to provide a range of activities for patients.”

Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist Claire Austen commented: “If you looked up teamwork in the dictionary there would be a picture of my therapy team smiling out at you! They are compassionate and fierce advocates for their patients and for each other, and anything I ask of them is taken in their stride with grace and a touch of humour.

“They are innovative and creative in delivering therapy to our patients and their expertise and knowledge with regards to specialist rehabilitation is outstanding.  I firmly believe that the well-being of staff is paramount to effective and dynamic service delivery and the team demonstrate this in the way they support each other, recognise when people need a break or a boost, or simply laugh so loud that we trigger the fire door alarm sensors and activate the door closing in our therapy gym! I know the team will be humbled by this award as they know they are part of a wider therapy team and ward team but I’m sure they fully appreciate this lovely accolade and recognition.”