For Margaret O’Boyle, 90, from Basingstoke, this Christmas will mark a significant milestone. After a bad fall in November, Margaret faced challenges with her mobility and confidence. Thanks to the care and support she received at Alton Community Hospital’s Inwood rehabilitation and recovery ward, she is now home, regaining her independence in time for the festive season.
Margaret was admitted to the acute Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital in November following her fall. After stabilising, she was transferred to Alton Community Hospital on 2 December to focus on her recovery and rehabilitation. Over the next two weeks, Margaret received intensive therapy from a dedicated team of physiotherapists, nurses, healthcare assistants, and occupational therapists, all working together to help her regain her mobility and independence.
Reflecting on her care, Margaret said: “Many thanks to all the attention and care the team here has given me. Nothing is too much for them. The NHS is amazing, I am so happy and can’t thank them enough.”
Healthcare assistant Zena Powell, who worked closely with Margaret, spoke about the satisfaction of helping patients on their recovery journeys. She said: “It is so rewarding to see all the hard work the patient and staff put in pay off, to see people gain their mobility and get back to living independently. Seeing Margaret go home is the best part of the job.”
Caroline Crew, a rehabilitation assistant at Inwood, praised Margaret’s determination and the collaborative approach to her recovery: “It’s a joint effort, and wonderful to see Margaret gain her confidence and see all the effort pay off.”
Margaret was discharged on 18 December, with South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) transporting her home. She left the ward with gratitude and festive cheer, saying: “For all the goodwill that goes on in here, Christmas would be every day. Merry Christmas to everybody. The people here are so committed to their job. I have been very fortunate, and I am so grateful.”