MONDAY, 21 NOVEMBER, 2022

Photograph attached: Photo 1: Dr Graeme McNeill, Laura Douglas, Evelyn Devine, Kevin Lafferty (Paths for All CEO) and Kayleigh Lytham at the celebration event held at Blairgowrie Community Hospital, Photo 2: Blairgowrie Community Hospital patient Andrew trying out the new circuit, photo 3: Patient and member of staff using the new strength and balance station, photo 4: strength and balance panel, photo 5: New path and strength and balance panels

Strength and Balance panels installed at Blairgowrie Community Hospital

Specialist strength and balance panels to benefit patient rehabilitation have been unveiled in the grounds of Blairgowrie Community Hospital.

The movement panels, which have been designed to be dementia-friendly, aim to improve patient’s mobility, strength and co-ordination. A new anti-slip path has also been installed for patients to use within the grounds of the hospital garden.

The outside area is fully accessible for all patients and encourages them to access and complete the strength and balance circuit.

The work was completed thanks to generous donations from the Friends of Blairgowrie Community Hospital and walking charity Paths for All, who designed the panels. The new outdoor panels are in addition to indoor strength and balance wall vinyls that are already in place on the ward within Blairgowrie Community Hospital.

Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) Head of Health, Evelyn Devine and representatives from Paths for All and the Friends of Blairgowrie Community Hospital joined staff and patients at a special launch event today (Monday, 21 November) to celebrate the arrival of the new outdoor installation.

Andrew, a patient who recently had the opportunity to try out the new circuit, welcomed the new facilities. He said, “It was a pleasant surprise to be able to do circuits on the new circular pathway and use it as the means of a workout.

“I like to be outdoors doing my own thing independently to strengthen my arms and remaining leg. I have been learning the right technique to use my wheelchair, improve my stamina and can now confidently use ramps to gain access to hospital and other buildings. I am facing the challenges I have to increase my abilities, it’ll take time but I will overcome them.”

North Perth Community Physiotherapy Team Lead, Laura Bell said the strength and balance panels will provide real benefits to patients being treated in the 17-bedded unit.

She said, “The whole team is pleased with our new path and outdoor movement stations. We are extremely grateful for the kind donations from the Friends of Blairgowrie Community Hospital and Paths for All to support this project.

“Research has shown that exercising is one of the best ways of preventing falls for elderly people. This new circuit will help to improve the strength, balance, confidence and stamina of our patients as part of their rehabilitation journey.”

Head of Health Evelyn Devine said, “The installation of these new panels is a very welcome addition to the grounds of Blairgowrie Community Hospital and will support the ongoing development of strength and balance exercise resources that are available for patients.

“Carrying out strength and balance exercises regularly can lead to significant benefits for patients, and can also contribute towards safer mobility and reduce the risk of falls.”

Dr Graeme McNeill, Chair of the Friends of Blairgowrie Community Hospital, said, “The Friends of Blairgowrie Community Hospital is a local charity which supports patients and staff in the hospital. We are delighted to help fund the creation of the new path and strength and balance panels around the hospital and we are sure it will improve the physical and mental well being of patients.”

Kayleigh Lytham, Dementia Friendly Walking Development Officer for Paths for All said, “We are delighted to have supported Blairgowrie Community Hospital with this initiative and give patients increased opportunity to access the outdoors and improve their strength and balance as part of their rehabilitation.

“Patients can walk amongst nature and aid their recovery whilst gaining the associated physical and mental wellbeing benefits. We hope this will help to raise the profile of how important walking with regular strength and balance is, particularly amongst people who are at high risk of falling or a repeat fall.”

Notes to Editors:

• Blairgowrie Community Hospital is a 17-bedded unit which provides inpatient care. Staff work as a multidisciplinary team to provide assessment and rehabilitation for patients who have complex medical needs.

• Paths for All is a partnership of organisations committed to promoting walking for health and the development of multi-use path networks in Scotland. They champion walking in Scotland for everyone, every day and everywhere.

Contact:

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138