Each patient will be assigned a Link Therapist. This is a member of the team tasked with coordinating the patient’s journey and ensuring that all the processes described below are put in place in a timely manner.

Therapy starts on day one and patients engage in therapy everyday, Monday to Friday. At the weekend, they are still supported and encouraged to engage in rehabilitation by our dedicated team of nurses. Depending on their needs, patients join several therapy sessions a day, some individually with therapists, and others with other patients. For example, we run an exercise class twice a week in the gym. When we have a suitable group of patients in the ward, we organise yoga and tai chi classes, suitable to all physical levels. All therapy activities revolve around the achievement of patients’ individual goals. If appropriate, we support patients with their reintroduction to everyday tasks in real-life scenarios. For example, we can take patients to nearby supermarkets to practise doing their shopping or go to the hospital cafe to practise ordering a coffee and manage money.

The Link Therapist will organise an initial meeting with the team, the patient and their family, approximately two weeks after admission to the Thistle Suite. This is an opportunity to discuss therapy goals, the rehabilitation plan and answer any questions that arise.

Therapy continues after this for 4-6 weeks after which the Link Therapist organises another meeting to review the progress and discuss the plan with the patient and their family.

This process is repeated so long as the patient continues to make progress.  Some of our patients are in the ward for a few weeks only, others require a longer rehabilitation period that can last several months.

The discharge

Once the rehabilitation process is coming to an end, the team works to establish what needs to be put in place for a safe discharge. For example, a package of care might be required or equipment ordered to allow safe transfers. The input of Social Workers will be sought where needed, for example where a transfer to a care home is necessary. If the team feel that the patient would benefit from further therapy after discharge, they will refer them to a community therapy team.

Social activities within rehabilitation

We are keen to ensure that patients have a pleasant experience in the unit. It can be challenging to go through the rehabilitation process, so we try our best to think about patients’ overall wellbeing.  Some of the activities we offer have a social focus whilst having a rehabilitative aim.