"Highbury Live, Highbury Vale Hospital"

I enjoyed my time in hospital, and particularly remember the Occupational Therapy and Highbury Live departments. I remember being introduced to the allotments and I think it is really good to have a garden space to walk around in. Also, there are multiple opportunities offered there, and I had fun planting chard (which I was told is like spinach, I think)- I actually planted stuff! That is really satisfying. I also enjoyed doing some loosening up of the soil (like ploughing) and raking leaves. Got a very warm welcome from Delia on my first visit, who showed me around the garden. Also, credit goes to Claire, who was very polite, sensitive and kind when I met her in the allotment. I think having the allotment gives the sense that this isn’t just a hospital, but is connected to an allotment community, connected to the outside world (especially as I heard people from the community come and help out). I think Phil’s good work in selling the produce and putting the funds back into the allotment is excellent. The Nature in Mind activities are a good idea, giving days which have a focus on nature, the environment and the allotment. It was nice to scoop out pumpkins and I am sure, though I didn’t do it, the flower arranging was fun for people who did it.

It’s also really encouraging to inpatients when you know there is someone, in my case, Phil, who is responsible for activities and who you can raise concerns, ideas and requests. And it’s good to have a friendly face around, who you can talk to. It’s good to have someone who regularly visits the ward who is part of the staff team. Phil also was at the Ward community meeting and his presence meant that feedback could be referred to him to see what could be done, and I remember the Ward manager referring to him to see if anything could be put in place, like the possibility of bread making.

In terms of listening to our views and telling us what’s going on, I think the community meetings run by Highbury Live were excellent, as you can hear the views of other inpatients (to see that you aren’t alone in your views, like the issue with the laundry) and know that someone is actually listening and thinking about your concerns. Also, very positive reception to new ideas I suggested, like social afternoons.

On the topic of socialising, the social nights were very good (run by Lynsey- apologies if any spelling error!), and a good activity to do. It was really good to see other people in hospital. Sticky thirteens is a good activity (though not too many times, as after about two, it gets boring- maybe other ideas for card games or other games would be good here) and I enjoy the Quiz. Maybe we could diversify activities and enlarge the range offered on social nights. Perhaps we could think of ways to encourage more people to go along to them, though the turnout is already good. I am also aware of the Christmas fayre, pantomime and open Mic night, the latter two of which I will hopefully be going to.

Other things I can think of are the Highbury Rovers football team, where inpatients can join in, and are joined by people from the community. We play at Harvey Haddon Sports Village- this is very good for exercise, interacting with other people in the context of sport and just something fun to look forward to each month. You get so see and meet new people as well. Also, Phil sometimes gets a group of the male inpatients to play football in the field behind the hospital- this is good fun. Phil also offers arts and crafts, and I did painting on a canvas- also colouring in is offered. Jacob is responsible for the Highbury Library trolley (and I think he looks after the books in the library itself), and brings the trolley round to each of the wards- this is good for encouraging reading and offering books to inpatients. Jacob is also a great guy to talk to- the Highbury Live team are friendly people!

The idea of having a big screen with projector to show films or the World cup etc. and getting people together to watch it, and providing food is an interesting idea.

I think also Highbury Live provided activities like Bowls and archery (safe version!) for cherry and silver birch wards. And there was mention of potentially a ‘gemstone therapy’ person coming in- I guess this is using amethysts and rubies to give a therapeutic effect- probably because they are so beautiful, so will have psychological benefit.

Highbury Live is already very good, and I think there is much potential for continued development. Future developments:

 1 bread making (and even provide this for the ward- home made bread!),

 2 expansion into other sports, like tennis, rounders, croquet…

3 starting up 'clubs', like chess, scrabble, and many other ideas (search Uni societies for massive lists), and getting groups together.

4 further integration of the wards (more social connection opportunities),

5 other activities to be thought of- ideas are endless, waiting to be stumbled upon!

6 More close partnership with Occupational Therapy, like more joint team meetings, mixing the staff together (eg one from each team together leading an activity),… (I am not sure- this may happen already, in which case, keep going!)

Thank you to the Highbury Live team for what they have done- a great asset for the hospital, who enhance the lives of the patients. It’s also a great department where volunteers can attach to, like working alongside members of the team. I hope that the future holds many more exciting developments and opportunities!