Hydrotherapy and rheumatology staff from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare were centre stage at this week's RHS Hampton Court Flower Show in Surrey.
Our Trust teamed up with Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust (PHU) to create a unique community allotment inspired by the hydrotherapy pool at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth, which is run by our HIOWH physiotherapy team.
The 'pool' consisted of a range of plants which were grown by our staff and patients who use the services within rheumatology.The allotment provided staff the opportunity to speak with the public about water-based exercises, the importance of the hydrotherapy pool and showcased MSK physiotherapy. They had nearly 200 conversations in the first day alone!
Claire Jeffries, Clinical Specialist in Hydrotherapy, said: “It has been a real honour to work alongside our PHU and charity colleagues to build our hydrotherapy pool allotment. The RHS show has given us the platform to raise awareness about the importance of hydrotherapy pools across the NHS for arthritis patients but also other patients who find this treatment form invaluable. Hydrotherapy pools are constantly under the threat of closure but are utilised by many different patients with great effect and benefit. We are lucky to be supported within Portsmouth to run a very successful and well regarded service for our local community of patients. Having conversations with the public at the RHS show to encourage exercise both in and out of water has been invaluable and extremely rewarding!“
Alongside this, our staff also supported the 'no time for pain' allotment which is a joint collaboration with the NHS, PHU and Arthritis Action Charity. Staff had conversations about arthritis, and promoted gardening as a means to keep fit and well both physically and mentally when living with arthritis.
Colin Beevor, Matron at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS, said: “I am very proud of all the teams involved in creating this year’s arthritis allotments.
“We know that living with arthritis can make gardening painful. But simple adjustments such as using ergonomic tools and taking regular breaks can help reduce joint strain. Our allotments use raised beds and containers to minimise bending and kneeling, making gardening more accessible and less painful for people living with arthritis.”
