New garden to help patients regain confidence opens at CERU - The Leamington Observer

New garden to help patients regain confidence opens at CERU

Leamington Editorial 1st Oct, 2017   0

THE PATH to recovery for brain injury patients is being paved by Leamington Hospital.

The Central England Rehabilitation Unit (CERU), which is based at the hospital, has opened a new garden which simulates everyday hazards. Unit staff say it will help patients regain their confidence and independence.

Each obstacle is designed to help those on foot or in a wheelchair deal with everyday hazards similar to those they could face when leaving hospital.

It includes a slalom course, stepping stone path, uneven surface, bridge and an activity board.




A governor at South Warwickshire Foundation Trust – which runs the hospital – has spoken out to say what a difference a similar course would have made to his wife who was a patient at the hospital.

David Gee said: “My wife suffered a severe stroke which left her totally paralysed down one side, unable to walk. After undergoing intensive rehabilitation from the dedicated team at the hospital, eventually she could walk well enough to return home.


“She could manage around the house, but problems started when she wanted to go out. She was unable to negotiate slopes and uneven pavements, as well as avoid obstacles so that she eventually lost all confidence and stopped going out.

“The hospital does a marvellous job enabling many patients to return home, but this project is designed to simulate everyday mobility problems and obstacles, giving patients the confidence to then live as normal a life as possible”.

Trust chairman Russell Hardy opened the new feature and thanked those who have made it possible, including the Warwick Lions, WPH Trust, Warwick Round Table and the League of Friends of Leamington Spa Hospital who all helped fund the garden.

He said: “I am delighted we have been able to develop such a beneficial facility for our patients. It is thanks to fundraising and the support of local organisations that this has been possible, so I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved. The support they have given to the project will help make a real difference to the lives of patients.”

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