Latest news with #ShrewsburyandTelfordHospitalNHSTrust
BBC News
12-04-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Shropshire hospital chaplain gets patients dancing
A hospital trust's multi-faith chaplain is keeping patients moving by touring wards with his guitar, playing everything from ABBA to The Place, who works at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) plays songs and encourages patients and staff to dance and sing aim is to prevent the decline of mobility and muscle strength, particularly in patients who are bed-bound."I enjoy how music connects us and can reach people in a very deep way," Mr Place said. "I've seen how moving a remembered song can be and people lighting up with joy when singing or clapping along to a popular chorus," he added."A hospital ward is not an easy place and a song or two can really lift the spirits of everyone, staff and visitors included, bringing smiles on difficult days." The visits are part of a programme introduced by the trust in December called "Music and Move", which was so popular, it now happens every trust said a decline in mobility and associated muscle wastage, known as hospital associated deconditioning (HAD), could occur when patients were inactive or stayed in bed all over the age of 80 could deteriorate as much as 10% in the first seven days of a hospital admission, the trust said staying active while patients recuperated was very important, and could reduce recovery time. Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
07-04-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Shropshire hospital car parking charges rise by more than 50%
Parking charges at hospitals in Shropshire have increased by more than 50% for visitors and patients staying for up to two parking at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, Princess Royal Hospital in Telford and William Farr House for that amount of time will now have to pay £5.50 - up from £3.50 person told the BBC the move was "disgraceful" and said they feared patients could get fewer Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) said the increase had been brought in to pay to maintain, upgrade and run the car parks. The changes will not affect blue badge holders and patients with certain conditions where regular visits are necessary will also be free. Any excess money will be invested in frontline services, as well as alternatives like the free park and ride scheme, hospital bosses said.A spokesperson said it was the first time charges had gone up since 2021 and was due to rising costs and essential upgrades. Another person reacted by: "If you've got someone who is dreadfully sick [at the hospital] it's just dreadful to keep on paying that amount", while someone else called it a "rip-off". 'Really helpful' Lynn Cawley, Chief Officer at Shropshire Healthwatch, an independent consumer organisation, said she understood why patients might be concerned but said support was available, including NHS low income schemes. "If you know someone is going to be in hospital for more than three days, you can apply for a concession which is 10 visits for £8.50."It was really helpful for me and my family. The ward would need to sign to say that is the case and the car park attendant will help you manage the payment."Concessions are also available for patients receiving renal dialysis or cancer treatment, people visiting the hospital for issues connected to bereavement or parents of sick children staying overnight. The new charges are: Up to 20 mins FreeUp to 1 hour £4.00Up to 2 hours £5.50Up to 3 hours £6.50Up to 4 hours £7.5024 hours £9.50Paula Gardner, interim chief nursing officer at the trust, added: "We have not taken this decision to increase parking charges lightly. "We remain committed to providing the best experience for our patients and visitors." Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
23-02-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Shropshire hospital clothing scheme gets patients moving
A hospital clothing scheme that motivates patients to get up, get dressed and moving is appealing for donations from the Donate2Motivate project from Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) sees clothing donated to its two main hospitals for people who may not otherwise have access to garments while on the Trust said stocks were running low, and appealed for loose fitting and comfortable clothes that could be worn during the day."With patients being able to get dressed and moving, it can help with their recovery," said Paula Gardner, interim chief nursing officer. "It is known that if patients are inactive and stay in bed all day this can lead to a decline in mobility and muscle strength."If you are popping to hospital for an appointment and can make a donation, please do – it will be greatly appreciated and will make such a difference for our patients." The trust said: "The majority of patients who do not have access to day clothes are often over the age of 60, may come from a nursing home, have been admitted unexpectedly, have no family or friends close by or no family or friends at all."Lynette Williams from the trust said that thanks to the service, if properly stocked, patients could select outfits just like at home."One patient who was living with dementia really enjoyed using the wardrobe on wheels and when they selected a sparkly jumper and leggings commented 'I haven't felt like a princess for years' and was line-dancing with staff down the ward," she of all sizes are welcome, but particularly clothes in sizes small to medium. Jumpers, t-shirts, trousers, jogging bottoms, long shorts, comfortable day time dresses, skirts and tops are accepted, while items like jeans, dressing gowns and underwear are not. Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
05-02-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Volunteer, 90, still giving back to Shrewsbury hospital
A long-time hospital volunteer has said he has no plans of stopping, after celebrating his 90th Seston, from Bayston Hill, Shropshire, began volunteering at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, as a way to give thanks following his own treatment for bowel has spent 15 years helping at the hospital, currently as a "meet and greet" volunteer, welcoming patients and making sure they find where they need to go. "We can learn so much from Terry and his work ethic and, as he said, you are only as old as you feel," said Julia Clarke, director of public participation at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust. Mr Seston underwent his cancer treatment 30 years ago and began helping at the hospital following his said volunteering is "one of the highlights of the week"."I like meeting people and, I think, my job is to help people," Mr Seston said."When they arrive they don't want to be here, whoever it is, whether they are visiting relatives or they come to the clinic or anything like that."So the most important thing is for us on reception to give them a smile, say good morning or good afternoon, and not to welcome them but in essence make their life more comfortable and make their visit better." It is a year of celebrations for Mr Seston, as his wife Babs is turning 90 in couple are also planning to mark their 69th wedding anniversary with a garden party in Seston also volunteered at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) for many years, and the pair were, jointly, the first to be named Volunteer of the Year in the Trust Awards Ceremony in 2016."I would encourage people to volunteer anywhere, there are so many organisations who would love people to go and give them a few hours," said Mr Seston. "I know when I go home in an afternoon after four or five hours here, I can go home and I've really enjoyed myself and can say I've done a worthwhile job'." Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
