Author: bsa_mar

From the first interview with some of our housekeeping staff, Donna, June and Rachel, to the very last words from our chairman Pat McCloskey, the message across the airwaves was one of pride and commitment.As Donna said “I just love coming to work here, I love talking to the patients and the atmosphere is just great”.

One of our day patients, Nita spoke movingly to Scott Bruton, presenter of Tameside Today, about her experiences of Willow Wood, both as an In-patient for a couple of weeks in January and about her weekly therapy sessions since then – “Willow Wood gave me my life back.Knowing you are there for me has enriched my life.” Scott also took part in an arts and crafts session with volunteer Jacqui, and was thrilled to find out how to make a hedgehog from an old paperback book!

Louise Croombs, presenter of Tameside Radio’s breakfast show, was given a reflexology treatment by Pat, Willow Wood’s complementary therapy lead, and came out of the therapy room relaxed and walking on air.Louise also chatted to Janet, In-patient ward manager, one of the Hospice chaplains, Eddie Inglis and one of Willow Wood’s younger volunteers Fuad.

Fuad, who came to this country as a refuge in 2013, is currently studying at Ashton Sixth Form College, volunteering at our Stalybridge shop and still has had the time to win 10 medals in karate!He is an inspiration and Willow Wood is so proud that he freely gives his time and commitment as a volunteer.

The day ended with the radio presenters tucking into one of Willow Wood’s famous cream teas, which are available every Thursday afternoon between 2-4pm.

If you were listening to the broadcast and feel inspired to offer your support, why not come to our Volunteer Open Day this Thursday 16 March.Held at our distribution centre, Langham Street, Ashton, OL7 9AX between 10am and 3pm, it’ll give you the chance to meet existing volunteers, staff and find out just what opportunities are available.Or if you feel that you or a loved one could benefit from our services please ring 0161 330 1100 and ask for the START Clinic.

Having this on-site resource enables us to offer an additional service to our patients, which can be very useful in their treatment plans.

The pool temperature is maintained at a constant 35^oC and a pleasant surrounding air temperature provides a lovely, warm, relaxing environment. Hoists and steps mean that the pool is accessible to all of our patients who can benefit from such treatments. Brid Hindley, one of our physiotherapists says “Hydrotherapy can be of huge value, and don’t worry if you’re not particularly confident in water. It’s less than a metre and a half deep and there’s always someone in the pool with you!”

The benefits include the reduction of muscle tension and pain relief, leading to relaxation and a reduction in stress. Gentle exercises become much easier when the body is supported, particularly where there is altered muscle tone, pain or difficulty in moving. The warmth of the water increases the blood flow, which in turn helps to rehabilitate damaged muscles or joints. As physiotherapist Chris Wells says “When your limbs are supported in water you begin to feel weightless. This can really help patients follow a series of planned exercises, specifically tailored to their needs”.

Hydrotherapy is just one of the physiotherapy treatments offered by the Willow Wood START Clinic.If you, or a member of your family has a life-limiting illness and could benefit from attending please ring 0161 330 1100 and ask for Day Services.

Dr Juliana had worked in Rio for 10 years, where she had an interest in geriatrics before moving to Sao Paulo and developing her career in palliative care, which she sees in many ways as a natural progression and actually describes as “beautiful medicine”. On first arriving at Willow Wood she was very surprised to see the lovely gardens, rooms and facilities, as she said: “It’s so lovely, like a hotel.However the atmosphere and energy at Willow Wood is the same as my Hospice in Sao Paulo – people are always amazed at the life and laughter when they walk through the door”.

Hospice care in England is much better established than in many other countries; it is still a relatively new concept in Brazil although it has been gaining ground over the last 20 years or so.

Dr Juliana was also surprised at the ratio of staff to patients here at Willow Wood. In her unit 14 doctors may see around 200 patients over a period of one month, whereas here medical director Dr Mike Tapley and his team of 14 doctors and 30 nurses might only see around 100 patients in that time.Of course, that means that there is a much better understanding of each patient as an individual, and that our care is very closely tailored to specific wants and needs.

One innovation that she was particularly impressed with, and hopes to instigate on her return to Brazil, is the Multi-Professional Tool Kit developed here at Willow Wood to aid communication.It’s a record not only for clinical staff to complete, but also for the patient to record their feelings, and wishes about their illness and their treatment.The patient holds this booklet and is able to update it at any time, thus ensuring that their requirements and aspirations are at the centre of any plans.

It’s been an intense and interesting few weeks, both for Dr Juliana and for the staff here at Willow Wood. This international interchange of ideas and shared experiences is vital to maintain our position at the forefront of Hospice care.