Leisure and Family Services (LaFS) p.II

Hydrotherapy Pool

The hydrotherapy pool is closed since the pandemic. The hydrotherapy pool and associated space require significant refurbishment before they can be reopened. Our heated pool was used both for therapy and leisure services. Aquatic Therapy was a great adjunct for the patients to use as part of their rehabilitation and treatment programmes. Whilst the Aquability service – accessed by the residents and patients allows the individual to enjoy being in the water for relaxation, leisure, and fun. Both services were equally important and beneficial for their physical and mental well-being.

Boccia

Boccia started at the RHN in 2009 and it is our main wheelchair sport. Some staff members and a few patients attended a course that was set up by Boccia England for them to be able to run and referee sessions. The hospital joined the National Boccia League in 2016 and our team is called the RHN Rollers. Patients came up with the name and designed their T-shirts.

We have a designated red team and blue team, with 3 players on each side. Games get very competitive, not least because there is a big trophy for the highest monthly score. The winning colour then stays on the trophy for the following month.

Pets as therapy – PAT dogs

Through the LaFS service, we recruit PAT dogs to visit our patients and residents. Bobby is one of our PAT dogs who visits with his owner Claire once a week. He visits residents on Wellesley, Wolfson and Drapers wards. This is always thoroughly enjoyed by those who get to spend time with Bobby. Bobby would love to spend more time visiting with our residents at the RHN but he is 11 years old and feels his age after his lively visits to the hospital.

Dancing at the RHN with CoDa Company

First introduced in 2019, weekly sessions have been supported by CoDa’s team of professional dancers, and student dance volunteers from Roehampton University. Patients gather in their ward day rooms to take part in the guided movement and visual exercises for enjoyment and relaxation. CoDa at the RHN is supported through fundraising and LaFS.

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