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Date of release: 21st August 2024
Orthotics makeover gives patients a champion feeling
Young patients are now able to feel like Olympic champions when they attend Orthotics appointments in Wolverhampton thanks to a colourful charity makeover.
Children receive a medal and a gift which makes having treatment a treat rather than a chore at New Cross Hospital – and with 100 patients seen a week, that’s a lot of bling!
From a dinosaur climbing a ladder to dolphins and boats, with elephants and giraffes plus balloons and aeroplanes, Orthotics has never looked as bright, interesting and engaging.
Some children, who come to hospital to have insoles or other items fitted or replaced to support their mobility, have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
And young patients are the main beneficiaries of the transformation which has been organised and funded by The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT) Charity.
Receiving a bit of bling – medals for attending appointments – to look like successful Olympians has a positive effect, as have knitted items, courtesy of the Crafting for Communities group of knitters.
The newly-decorated walls and gifts are the ideal distraction to help ensure a less stressed environment for them, their loved ones and staff.
Sensory and themed activity packs based on the American coming-of-age animation film ‘Inside Out 2’ donated by MediCinema are another tactic which can help things go more smoothly.
Sensory packs are also available for Orthotics patients at The Gem Centre in Wednesfield and the Learning Disability Clinic at Cannock Chase Hospital, complete with puzzles with stickers and ear defenders.
Dr Nicky Eddison, Consultant Orthotist/Orthotics Service Manager at RWT, said: “We had plain walls before so the team got in touch with the Charity to see what could be done in terms of a makeover, to make it more inviting for patients.
“When they said they could decorate it, I didn’t realise it could be this good. You can see their expertise in how they have made it so brilliant. A lot of our long-term patients have said they can see the difference straight away.”
Nicky’s PA Sudi Nayyar, and Admin Team Supervisor, said: “The pictures on the walls have helped the patients interact – instead of asking them to walk to a blank wall, we say things like ‘Do you want to go and have a look at that elephant over there?’ It really helps.
“The patients can be agitated but thanks to the knitted items too they have something to fidget with and it means the staff can talk to the patients’ loved ones in a stress-free environment so it’s a better experience for them too.”
Lindsey Wagstaff, Community and Events Fundraiser at The RWT Charity, said: “It’s wonderful to see what has been achieved, and hear what a great effect it has had on patients who come in for their appointments.”