Community Matters collection box to support the good cause of their choice. At the end of ... There is a Community Matte
E-Newsletter from the users, staff and supporters of
Issue 13 March 2015
St George’s Community Hydrotherapy Pool St George’s is one of Waitrose’s Community Matters good causes during March In this issue: Community Matters Optikinetic Star Manager’s Message Water Baby A very satisfied user of the pool Meet our Volunteer Special Guest Contributor Physio Exercise Contact Information
We are delighted to tell you that during March you can vote for St George’s Community Hydrotherapy Pool in the newly opened Waitrose store in Mayor’s Walk. St George’s will be taking part in Waitrose’s Community Matters charitable giving scheme. Each month every Waitrose branch donates £1000 to be shared between three local good causes. At the checkout, customers receive a green token to place in the Community Matters collection box to support the good cause of their choice. At the end of the month, the £1000 is divided between the three causes in proportion to the number of tokens received. “The more tokens a cause gets, the bigger the donation they receive.” Therefore, please do pick up a green token when shopping in Waitrose and consider voting for the pool. We would love your support! There is a Community Matters collection box at both exits.
For further information on scheme, please visit: http://www.waitrose.com/content/waitrose/en/home/inspiration/community_matters.html
Hydro Pool Success “St George’s Hydrotherapy Pool is now operating at over 92% capacity; people are being urged to book ahead to secure appointments. Considering the challenges and disabilities many of those attending the pool have, this is outstanding demonstration of a self-help attitude to personal health and wellbeing. The popularity of the pool means that the shortfall is ever decreasing, but the cost savings it offers health and social care budgets, is huge.” Healthwatch Peterborough http://www.healthwatchpeterborough.co.uk/ E-news Issue 82.
“Please support us”
Connor: Our Optikinetic Star One of the most striking features about St George’s, and its users, is the enormous capacity for generosity and caring for others that so many families show despite their own problems. One example is the Ruddell family from Farcet. Will, Zoe, and their son Connor first heard about St George’s when they visited the pool’s stand at ‘The Feel the Force Day’ in October. Connor, aged 15, is a pupil at Samuel Pepys School in St Neots, which provides specialist education for a wide range of special educational needs. The family were immediately excited and enthused at the prospect of being able to use St George’s pool.
Connor enjoys hydrotherapy at school, so the family were keen to find somewhere where Connor could exercise, socialize, and enjoy his favourite sensory experiences at other times. Connor, who immediately strikes as a most delightfully engaging, vivacious and friendly young man, has a deep knowledge and enthusiasm for optikinetics - the various projected light effects that are used in sensory pool sessions. Connor at St George's with his cousin Josh. Even before Connor had started sessions at St George’s, he and his mum Zoe were generously sharing their lighting and sensory knowledge and experience for the benefit of the pool and its users. Not only did Zoe come to the pool to offer her expertise, but she also brought equipment for the pool to try. The family immediately donated a rotator for St George’s projector. This enables the pool to project ‘effect wheels’, which make light pictures, and ‘effect cassettes’, which create light patterns. The family also very kindly loaned one of these. Such is the immense kindness, generosity, and good will towards the facility - typical of St George’s users – that they even offered to purchase a laser. Grateful for Zoe’s advice, the Friends of St George’s were delighted to buy a morphing one, where the various lighting effects change to music. If you have not seen the laser in action, please ask a lifeguard – it’s great fun for everyone! What makes their generosity, kindness and support even more remarkable is that the Ruddell family are occupied by difficulties that only those who similarly care for a family member requiring such level of constant care and attention, can probably understand.
Connor’s health problems started at age four months when he began to have seizures. These become so severe that at six months he was referred to Great Ormond Street Hospital. It was here, when aged 11 months, the decision was made to perform a hemispherectomy. This is a rare surgical procedure, used to treat epilepsy. In Connor’s case, this resulted in the disconnection of half his brain and the removal of a third. As a result, Connor was seizure free but the medical prognosis was that Connor would be unlikely to learn to walk or talk. All hemispherectomy patients suffer at least some weakness or paralysis on the side of the body (hemiplegia) opposite to the removed portion of the brain and often visual impairment too. Connor had both. He was left with deep left-sided hemiplegia and serious visual impairment. However, he and his family were resilient. He began to learn Mackaton, a language programme that uses signs and symbols to help people communicate. Nonetheless, despite a number of other serious health complications, at age two and a half Connor began to walk and at five he began to talk. However, distressingly, it was at this age that the seizures returned. Over time, these seizures have become more severe and more common; the anticonvulsant drugs able to control them have become exhausted. This means that the family need to be on a constant vigil to ensure that Connor is safe. If this was not enough, there have been other difficulties too. Connor’s mobility has deteriorated, requiring him to undergo corrective orthopaedic surgery at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. He now requires a wheelchair when outside. The family also noticed Connor’s intense fascinations with specific things. At first, it was vacuum cleaners and then it was tractor chimneys. At age 11, five years after Connor had begun to display these signs, he was diagnosed with autism. Connor now has a profound interest and great knowledge of projected light effects. He even has a very impressive sensory room of his own at home. Connor now loves attending St George’s when he is not at school. It is a vital but enjoyable means of exercise, relaxation, and socialization for him. He often comes with his cousins Joe and Josh. As well as his favourite sensory experiences - the music and lights - he also enjoys the ‘lovely warm spa with all the bubbles.’ He and Joe have even joined in Tara’s aquafit class. Tara says, “Connor is an upbeat and happy individual who enjoys the pool. And well, when it comes to the sensory lights I have never met a person so passionate about them. He is great person to be around.” Indeed, Connor is surrounded by group of loving family and friends. Eighteen of these have undergone epilepsy training so that they can administer emergency medication, if necessary. They enjoy variety of activities together including swimming, go-karting and visiting theme parks. Both sets of grandparents are involved in helping to care for Connor to try to give some respite for Zoe and Will. Zoe’s parents have recently moved to be closer at hand. We would like to thank the Ruddell family for all their support and so generously sharing their story. Families such as theirs endure, face with fortitude and deal with relentless and unimaginably difficult challenges every day. Each week, around 65 other young people under the age of 25 with complex needs, like Connor’s, similarly enjoy and benefit from St George’s.
'Manager's Message Board' If you cast your mind back to March 2014, many of you were in the final stages of campaigning to save St George’s Community Hydrotherapy Pool from closure. This culminated in a successful petition of over 3000 signatures which was handed in to Peterborough City Council. So I wanted to take a moment to briefly paint a picture as to how the pool is performing nowadays. Between the end of the last financial year and now, I forecast a significant reduction in Council spending to the pool. The vast majority of this huge saving has been down to the number of people we are seeing regularly using the pool. Earlier this year, I worked out that throughout January, 92% of our available spaces (including private groups) were booked out – a significant increase on last year’s total average capacity which demonstrates the value and real-life benefits St George’s brings to the people of Peterborough and beyond. In August 2014, we welcomed our 2000th self-referring user to the pool and, on average, we are seeing 11 new people try out the pool each week. This means that we have now started a waiting list system at the pool, and it is advised that if you wish to book a session at the time most convenient for you, it is best to book 1-2 weeks in advance. We are not able to increase our opening times any more now due to a lack of resources. However, I am delighted to inform you that a new company, called Tidal Tots, will be starting swimming classes for the young at St George’s. Classes will be held on Monday evenings, Friday evenings, Saturday afternoons and Sundays. If you would like more information on these classes, please e-mail them directly at
[email protected]. Finally, thanks to your generosity over the last year, we have been able to buy a lot more equipment that will help more of you maximise your rehabilitation at the pool. This will be covered more in the next e-newsletter. Botolph Bridge Patient Participation Group
Due to the increased demand for public physiotherapy sessions, I have unfortunately withdrawn our 4pm aquatic fitness classes on Thursdays. This means that our public physiotherapy sessions on Thursdays will run from 3pm right the way through to 6pm. If you would like to come to an aquatic fitness class, sessions are still available on Thursdays at 6pm and Saturdays at 12noon.
Twenty two new users self-referred to the pool in the first week of March.
Tom Booker and Karen Oldale received a warm welcome from the Botolph Bridge Patient Participation Group on Thursday 5th March when they attended the group's monthly coffee morning to talk about St George's Community Hydrotherapy Pool.
St George’s Welcomes Peterborough City Council’s Corporate Director for People and Communities, and her family, to the pool St George’s is open to the whole community and we recently welcomed Wendi Ogle–Welbourn, Peterborough City Council’s Corporate Director for People and Communities, and her family to the pool. Wendi’s baby granddaughter, Lillian, had been attending swimming classes at St George’s with Water Babies. https://www.waterbabies.co.uk/
“Seven month old Lillian Florence showcased her underwater swimming skills all captured on camera by her granddad Rick.” Wendi Ogle–Welbourn.
The family decided to book a private session at St George’s so that they could all enjoy and record Lillian’s progress. Wendi very generously agreed to share some of their special photographs. Wendi wrote, “Seven month old Lillian Florence showcased her underwater swimming skills all captured on camera by her granddad Rick. The family booked the pool for an hour and watched Lillian swimming above and below water - it was a fantastic experience and we have a video and snaps to treasure forever.”
For further information on group or private bookings, please contact the pool on 01733 453 583 or email:
[email protected]
Equipment list St George’ s has specialist equipment that you can use in your hydrotherapy sessions. See the equipment list at: http://sgchp.btck.co.uk/AboutUs/FacilitiesandEquipment
Message from Hydrotherapy User - June Worley We were delighted to receive the following contribution for the newsletter from June Worley, a regular user and an active supporter of the pool. June, who is 84, began attending the hydrotherapy pool two years ago following a shoulder problem that developed from a broken wrist. June’s son Ian suggested that she try St George’s. Ian and his wife Chris have a long-standing interest and knowledge in hydrotherapy. This is because Ian works at 49 Lincoln Road, a drop-in centre for adults with a learning disability, while Chris is an officer at the Kingfisher Day Centre, which supports adults with a learning and physical disability. Both Ian and Chris recognize and understand the many benefits that hydrotherapy can bring and have given very valuable support to St George’s ever since it opened in 2011. The Kingfisher Centre has continuously used the pool over the past four years. Therefore, support for the service is very much a Worley family affair!
June Worley
June has always enjoyed being active and as well helping the pool whenever she can – June’s fundraising sausage rolls are legendary – she volunteers at Sailability. Her late husband learned to sail solo at the centre aged 80 and she has been a loyal volunteer since becoming a widow four years ago. June also enjoys writing. Here is her eloquent testament to St George’s Community Hydrotherapy Pool. “For those people who are feeling low and worried after being discharged from hospital, there is light at the end of the tunnel. The hospital do a good job but particularly for those people living on their own they do need to be able to be self sufficient in their own homes. Just go along or phone the hydrotherapy pool and discuss your mobility problems with the staff, and make a start on improving your mobility. There is an excellent physiotherapist available to get you started on a course of exercises designed for your own needs. Then it is up to you to put as much effort as you can in carrying out these exercises in the lovely warm water in a relaxed atmosphere. The pool is still open due to the band of very dedicated helpful volunteers who do arrange all sorts of fund raising events, to provide money to improve the facilities at the pool. These would not be possible without the help that comes from all sorts of avenues. The message I am endeavouring to get over is that the pool is there to help everyone - for the elderly it could mean staying in your own home, for the disabled who are being looked after by carers, it provides a very beneficial aid to improve the quality of their lives. This all takes place in a very friendly atmosphere. Finally for those of you who have benefitted from using the Hydrotherapy Pool, please just SPREAD the word that help is available in Peterborough and district.”
June Worley, a very satisfied user of the pool.
“Welcoming; friendly environment; staff very supportive. Immense value for money - a life-saving experience.” Pool User Feedback
Meet volunteer Leah Davis
Leah Davis came to volunteer at St George’s through the Inspire Peterborough website http://www.inspirepeterborough.com/ ‘A’ Level student Leah, 17, is another friendly face welcoming users on a Monday morning. Leah is currently developing a specialist pool session suitable for young people. We caught up with her to ask some questions: Q. Why are you volunteering at the pool? A.” I’m completing my Gold Duke of Edinburgh and Higher Sports Leadership Award. I also wanted to gain experience working with a wider range of people.” Q. Do you have any hobbies? A. “Horse riding, working with animals, netball, running and reading.” Q. What are you studying at school? A. “I’m currently in my last year at sixth form studying Biology, English and PE.” Q. And next year? A. “I will be volunteering here up until summer when I will move away to go to university or to join the army.” Q. What are your ultimate aspirations? A. “To be a veterinary nurse or join the army in an animal related career. E.g. dog handler, ceremonial gunner. I’d also love to go travelling although I don’t like the cold weather!” Q. What do you like about volunteering at St George’s? A. “I enjoy talking to new people and listening to their stories. Also, it offers me experience in a different area to what I was used to which has really opened my eyes about the close knit communities that surround places like the pool, and allows an insight as to what an impact the pool and its staff have on others.”
“My time at the hydrotherapy pool was very enjoyable. The staff are very friendly and the physiotherapists are very patient and friendly and I feel a lot better now than I've been for the past 8 months. I would definitely recommend it to all my friends. Thank you.” Pool User Feedback
Special Guest Contributor: Chas Ryan In this issue, we are delighted to include an article from a very special guest contributor – Chas Ryan. Chas was a vital member of the team initially responsible for delivering hydrotherapy to the local community at St George’s. Originally working for the NHS, he played critical role with leading aquatic therapy authority Mike Maynard, in securing a commissioned hydrotherapy service for NHS patients in 2012. Then working as Disabilities Programme Manager for PCC he continued to be a committed ambassador for the therapy and to provide invaluable support for the pool. Chas says, “I will keep touch with the hydrotherapy development and will attend future meetings.” In addition to this, community spirited Chas volunteers as the Chair/coach/trustee/manager of the Hampton Community and Sports Association (HCSA) http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/hamptoncommunitysportsassociation/ and has secured donations for St George’s to buy equipment for its users. Chas makes a difference. On 25th February, he received a Peterborough City Council Civic Award on the charity’s behalf for providing multi sports opportunities in the community for the past 13 years. Chas has great passion for sport, and in particular, football, and previously had a career in the RAF – you may see a connection in his piece below.
January-February 2015 100% of self-referring and NHS patients who completed the ‘Friends and Family Test’ said that they would be “extremely likely” to recommend St George’s to their loved ones.
Nine educational establishments including nurseries, schools, and colleges, currently use the pool.
Seventeen different care groups, including care homes and day centres,
Chas Ryan receiving a Civic award for his work with Hampton Community and Sports Association.
regularly use the pool.
Hydrotherapy – Supports Rehabilitation for Military Personnel and Sportspeople The St George’s Community Hydrotherapy Pool has been a great success, but did you know that hydrotherapy is important to military and sportspeople? RAF Headley Court has a long and proud tradition of treating injured servicemen. Its public recognition for healing has come out of the horrors of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The staff and facilities of this once grand country house have helped scores of injured personnel get back on their feet - often literally. Since 2008, 3,500 men and women have received treatment there. More than that, Headley Court has helped give them hope and through skilled rehabilitation enabled many personnel aided by hydrotherapy make supported recovery. RAF Headley Court rehabilitation centre for injured soldiers at Headley Court in Surrey is now set to move to a stately home in Leicestershire. A new centre at Stanford Hall, a new Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre near Loughborough, will provide the same levels of care and is due to open in 2018. The new site will offer the same holistic healing, tranquil landscape and rural setting currently offered at Headley Court. RAF Headley Court
St George’s Park In the sporting world of football St George’s Park near Burton upon Trent in Staffordshire, home of the Football Association, has a bespoke sports medicine, rehabilitation and performance centre managed by Perform, part of Spire Healthcare. Perform combines 25,000 square feet of cuttingedge technology with elite medical expertise, creating the most advanced sports medicine, rehabilitation, performance science and training centre in the UK. The Hydrotherapy Suite uses the latest aquatic therapies and equipment, where elite athletes and clients can improve rehabilitation and recovery rates. The innovative HydroWorx underwater treadmill with video analysis allows early acute rehabilitation after injury. There is also a moveable depth pool with adjustable height flooring and hot/cold contrast bathing. The hot and cold contrast pools are ideal for aiding with muscle repair and recovery after intense exercise. These two examples show how hydrotherapy is vitality important in the rehabilitation process and the measurable benefits it brings to patients in many different environments and professions.
Various Walks
Exercise Corner
Heel to Toe
Lunge
Walk heel to toe use floats
Lunge forward use
or woggles if balance is poor.
floats or woggles if balance is poor.
Side Steps Side step pacing use floats or woggles if balance is poor.
Side steps with squats Squats x3—side step.
Various Walks
Exercise Corner
Bookings and Information St George’s Community Hydrotherapy Pool, 367 Dogsthorpe Road, Peterborough, PE1 3RE 01733 453 583
[email protected] https://www.facebook.com/stgeorgespool https://twitter.com/pborohydropool www.sgchp.btck.co.uk
Public opening times Monday
09:30 – 11:00, 12:00 – 13:00
Tuesday
09:30 – 13:30, 15:30 – 16:30
£4 - Per person per session
Wednesday
10:30 – 12:00, 13:00 – 14:00
£35 - Block bookings of 10 sessions
Thursday
13:45 – 19:00
£5 -
Aquafit class
Friday
10:00 – 13:30
£8 -
Premium quiet session
Saturday
09:00 – 10:00, 13:00 – 14:00
Public Session Prices:
£10 - Physio class £90 - 1:1 session with an aquatic therapist
Aquatic Fitness classes Thursday 18:00 – 19:00 Saturday 12:00 – 13:00
Appointments are always necessary Public sessions with physiotherapist Thursday 15:00 – 18:00
We Are Supported By
