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"Brought a bit of joy to my challenging days"

About: Holywell Hospital / Wellness Hub Antrim/Ballymena

(as a service user),

Having spent a considerable period in the Acute wards in Tobernaveen, Holywell I was referred to the Antrim/Ballymena wellness hub.  I had availed of the Occupational Therapy sessions whilst on ward and these brought a bit of joy to my challenging days.   

When I attended my initial consultation the OT listened contently to what I was interested in and was able to match activities which was brilliant.  Over the weeks I got to know the Wellness hub staff and felt comfortable and safe in their company.  We spent many weeks in one coffee shop or another and the staff gave practical advice and support when needed.  

I was introduced to the game of pickleball and was happy to see the OT staff actively participating and enjoying the game.  I spent many weeks in relaxation and was also fortunate enough to avail of the gym where the Physio team were excellent and made the experience so much better.  I particularly appreciated Podraigs sense of humor when choosing the reps in the particular weight discipline.

I can say with confidence and sincerity that the wellness activities and especially the staff (Podraig, Ciara, Maria, Terry, Kathrine and Margaret) brightened up my days if even for a short period and I looked forward to each class. I am even more grateful that they took the decision to extend my sessions for which I will never forget. The team currently working there provide a first class service and it was reassuring to have their knowledge and training at hand to speak about problems. I would normally have done activities alone and having the opportunity to meet new people who were also suffering their own problems made me feel more at ease.

I was sad to say goodbye to the staff but I hope that their new referrals get as much from the experience as I had.

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Responses

Response from Catherine Ward, Physiotherapist Lead, Physiotherapy, Mental Health service, Learning Disability, Domicillary Care, NHSCT 14 months ago
Catherine Ward
Physiotherapist Lead, Physiotherapy, Mental Health service, Learning Disability, Domicillary Care,
NHSCT
Submitted on 14/05/2024 at 17:00
Published on Care Opinion on 15/05/2024 at 08:02


Good Afternoon

My name is Catherine Ward and I am the Clinical Lead Physiotherapist for the Mental Health Physiotherapy team who run the gym sessions in conjunction with Padraig and the team in the Wellness hub. I am delighted to hear of your positive experience of the gym and the team and have passed on your compliment to them. I hope that you have learned some skills to continue with physical activity going forward, whether that may be going to the gym or playing Pickleball, and that it may be a useful tool in helping you to manage your long term health going forward

Best wishes

Catherine

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Response from Padraig Bradley, Team Leader, Wellness Hubs, NHSCT 14 months ago
Padraig Bradley
Team Leader, Wellness Hubs,
NHSCT
Submitted on 15/05/2024 at 16:47
Published on Care Opinion on 16/05/2024 at 09:37


Good afternoon.

We are glad to hear that our service has brought some joy to your life within recent times. We appreciate your kind comments about the staff members, and are also glad that you found the environment safe and supportive.

Exercise is an important intervention for everyone's mental health, and I am also well aware of the enjoyment the Physiotherapist staff bring to the session by making it interactive within a small group setting. We appreciate that relaxation combined with exercise is something that worked well for you alongside the decision to offer you an extended programme.

We hope that you continue to use these valuable tools going forward in your recovery journey.

We also wish you well in your next steps, and I will pass on this positive feedback to our team.

Take care,

Padraig

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