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"Helping me gain back better balance and strength"

About: St Andrew's Hospice (Lanarkshire)

(as the patient),

I have MS and was referred to the Strength and Balance class at St Andrews Hospice in Airdrie by a health care professional who was seeing me in relation to my MS.  I was concerned about what to expect at my first class however I was soon put at ease. The Class/ Group is taken by Joe, who is a fantastic practitioner. 

The class goes through a range of different exercises and stretches that I really found difficult at the start, however after attending a few classes and working at home on these exercises etc I started to notice a difference. 

My balance has improved, resulting in less falls and the strength in my legs and arms has improved as well.  In fact family who don't live in the area noticed the important when they last visited and passed comment on this fact.  My MS is now Secondary Progressive so I can't expect things to get better however the improvement I have gained from attending the Strength and Balance group is one that I do truly appreciate.  I have spoken to other members of the group and they have also said that they have benefited from attending the class as well. 

The class last around 1 hour and involves both standing and sitting exercises, however Joe can adjust and adapt the exercise etc to suit the needs of individuals in the group. 

I'm so grateful to Joe for helping me gain back better balance and strength that is helping me in daily life. 

I would say to anyone who is referred to the group that they will be in good hands and if they are prepared to work with Joe and do the exercises he gives them then they will soon find it beneficial 

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Responses

Response from Margaret Wilkie, Deputy Chief Executive/Head of Clinical Services, St Andrew's Hospice 10 months ago
Margaret Wilkie
Deputy Chief Executive/Head of Clinical Services,
St Andrew's Hospice
Submitted on 22/07/2024 at 12:49
Published on Care Opinion at 12:49


picture of Margaret Wilkie

Dear hippoty33,

Thank you very much for writing a little bit about your journey with MS. I appreciate that it must be challenging for you and I am so sorry to hear that you are now in the secondary phase of your illness.

I am glad that you were referred to the Hospice by one of your health care professionals and,although you were initially concerned, that you have found our strength and balance class useful. It is lovely to read your comments about our member of staff, Joe, he is indeed a very professional and an excellent practitioner. His aim, which is very aligned to the Hospice, is to provide the highest standards of care in the most caring compassionate and professional way possible. I am delighted to hear that you found this to be the case and that you are experiencing benefits from the input that you have received to date.

Writing about your experience will help others to gain insight into how supportive a Hospice can be and will lessen any fears that may be present when faced with something unknown whilst already dealing with illness. We want to be there to support those in our community that need us at what is often a difficult time. Thank you for helping to share this message.

Finally, I would like to say thank you for having the courage to write about your story. Joe and the rest of our staff will be delighted to read your comments. They will make us even more determined to continue to meet yours and others needs and to improve with each comment and intervention,

Thank you so much

Kindest regards,

Margaret

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Update posted by hippoty33 (the patient)

I and my wife who attends the Carers Cafe really do appreciate all the amazing work and support we receive via St Andrews Hospice.

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