14 August 2008
Patients who have suffered falls or are in need of physiotherapy across central Surrey are about to benefit from reduced waiting times and a modern, clean therapy gym at Epsom General Hospital.
The refurbishment, paid for by Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, took three months to complete and replaces a cramped area where the service used to operate.
The gym has also been enlarged to make more space available for patients with neurological conditions and will allow staff to run busy group sessions alongside quiet individual treatment.
Richard Stacey, superintendent physiotherapist at Epsom Hospital, said: "The new gym will be used by the physiotherapy, speech and language, and occupational therapy departments. It will accommodate specialist handling and standing equipment which allow intensive rehabilitation in a safe environment."
Richard added: "We are delighted with our refurbished facility. This bigger space will allow us to see a greater number of patients as well as help staff to better tailor treatment to meet patients' needs."
The unit treats around 20 patients a day - mostly from the Dorking, Leatherhead and Epsom areas. Those people who access the service would typically:
- have suffered falls;
- have suffered from a stroke;
- need occupational therapy;
- require speech and language therapy.
Chief Executive of Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, Samantha Jones, said: "The rehabilitation of patients is vital in helping them resume their lives at home after a hospital stay. The gym area will be a key component in fulfilling this aim. We are delighted to have assisted Richard and his team to develop this important service further."
