Southampton Football Stars Boost patient Recovery with Innovative ‘Falls Recovery Programme’
Table of Contents
A groundbreaking rehabilitation program leveraging the power of sport is helping older patients regain their independence and return home sooner from University hospital Southampton (UHS). The initiative, spearheaded by the Saints Foundation, received a boost this week with a surprise visit from Southampton FC players.
The Falls Recovery Programme, a 12-week referral-based rehabilitation program, initially served older adults in the Southampton community who had experienced, or were at risk of, a serious fall. In 2022,the program expanded its reach to directly impact patients within UHS,thanks to support from Southampton Hospitals Charity (SHC).
Bridging the Gap Between Sport and Healthcare
The expansion brought a dedicated exercise practitioner from the Saints Foundation onto the Medicine for Older people (MOP) ward four days a week. This practitioner works directly with patients to improve their mobility, strength, and balance – key factors in a swift and lasting return to independent living. The program’s holistic approach begins at the bedside and progresses to daily group classes.
Thes classes incorporate a diverse range of activities designed to engage patients both physically and socially. Participants benefit from basic chair exercises, interactive virtual reality (VR) reflexes games, and carefully monitored sessions on adapted exercise bikes. The aim is to combat deconditioning – the physical decline that can occur during hospitalization – and prepare patients for life back home.
Player Visit Lifts Spirits and Highlights Program Success
The recent visit from Southampton FC players – men’s first team striker Adam Armstrong, and women’s team stars Ellie Brazil and Emma Harries – provided a important morale boost for patients. The athletes joined patients during a class in the ward’s gym, participating in warm-up exercises and activities.
“Supporting patients with frailty by enabling them to not only get moving, but also to enjoy the benefits of social interaction, is a vital part of their recovery,” explained a Saints Foundation exercise practitioner at UHS. “The exercise classes make a real difference to our older patients and seeing the impact it has on both their physical and social wellbeing is incredible and very rewarding.”
A Collaborative Approach to Patient Wellbeing
Before discharge,each patient’s ongoing needs are thoroughly assessed. Those who would benefit are referred to ongoing community-based rehabilitation, ensuring continued progress and reducing the risk of future falls.southampton residents are directly connected to the Saints Foundation Falls Recovery Programme, while patients from Hampshire are encouraged to participate in Steady and Strong classes through a GP referral.
Adam Armstrong emphasized the importance of the program, stating, “It’s great to see the staff in the Medicine for Older People unit keeping people active when they’re in hospital. It’s very vital work.”
Paul Hedges, health project manager at the saints Foundation, highlighted the collaborative nature of the initiative. “Saints Foundation presence in the MOP unit with Jake is a key part of our offering in the city, and this doesn’t happen without working in partnership with the hospital and Southampton Hospitals Charity. It has been great to be able to bring the players in to see our work and share the joy in the led up to Christmas.”
Charitable Support Fuels Patient Independence
The success of the program is also directly linked to the generosity of donors to Southampton Hospitals Charity. Ellis Banfield, the charity’s chief executive, explained, “Thanks to the generous support of our donors we have been able to support Jake and the incredible work he does with patients on the medicine for older people ward.The work happening with our older patients is more than just recovery focussed – it’s about building strength, confidence and enabling patients to see for themselves what they are capable of. Seeing people leave the hospital sooner and with a renewed sense of independence is truly rewarding.”
This innovative program demonstrates the powerful synergy between professional sports organizations, healthcare providers, and charitable giving, ultimately improving the lives of older adults in the Southampton area.
