[health and fitness ]
Enhanced Patient
&
rehabilitation Anyone who has recently undergone oncology treatment or had lower limb surgery, like a knee replacement, knows it can be an anxious time when the physiotherapy comes to an end yet physical strength is still not back to normal. Many patients end up taking on too much activity too soon.
recovery
The orthopaedic classes are for patients who have had lower limb surgery and they are aimed at enhancing the patient’s journey from the time of surgery, to the point of full fitness improving strength to enable them to return to normal daily activities.
A pioneering new service for oncology and orthopaedic surgery patients has been developed in East Kent to help bridge the gap between physiotherapy and being able to have a normal active lifestyle. BMI The Chaucer Hospital and The King’s School Recreation Centre, both in Canterbury, are working together to deliver a comprehensive patient-centred rehabilitation service. It is run by a multidisciplinary team of physiotherapists and personal trainers who use up to date research based techniques.
Physiotherapy Manager at BMI The Chaucer Hospital Ronald Talens said: “The link from a patient’s physiotherapy sessions to actually being fit enough to use a leisure centre with confidence was missing and we recognised there was an opportunity to support our patients even further. Both the advanced oncology and orthopaedic rehabilitation programmes are aimed at enhancing patients’ recovery through training sessions on exercising safely and effectively during and after treatment.”
Recent studies have shown the positive effects and importance of exercise in helping fight cancer and treatment related fatigue, distress and maintaining physical function whilst having treatments[i].
Centre Manager of The King’s School Recreation Centre Claire Reed said: “Working with BMI The Chaucer Hospital allows us to deliver a service that is not supported in such an acute way
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anywhere else locally. We truly believe that what we’re doing is pioneering and delivers a pathway for people that we believe will get them fit and healthy with a strong sense of self-belief in their health and fitness levels.”
Executive Director of BMI The Chaucer Hospital Richard Coggings said: “Our patients’ experience is the number one priority for our team and this pioneering programme for patient rehabilitation extends our commitment to our patients and their short and long term recovery and health. We are looking forward to working with The King’s School Recreation Centre to deliver this service, which aims to get people back on their feet fitter and faster.” The service is available to self-pay, insured and NHS patients. All sessions are held at The King’s School Recreation Centre on St. Stephen’s Road, Canterbury. For more information, prices or to book a session, please call BMI The Chaucer Hospital on 01227 825130