The GHA says it is proud of the successful introduction of a new activities-based rehabilitation programme at John Ward. Spearheaded by Activities Coordinator Nancy Tellez, the  programme aims to empower patients to live as independently as possible once they leave St Bernard’s hospital. 

A statement from the GHA follows below:

The GHA are proud of the successful introduction over the last year of a new activities-based  rehabilitation programme at John Ward. 

Spearheaded by Activities Coordinator Nancy Tellez, the  programme aims to empower patients to live as independently as possible once they leave St  Bernard’s hospital. 

The activity programme focuses on enablement, with an emphasis on rehabilitating patients back  into society by using motor skills to help them return to independent living. Activities include  preparing flag days for the GHA, cooking and creative workshops, which are useful in helping  patients with neuro-disabilities, stroke patients or frail elderly patients to practice essential skills  and functions.  

GHA Director General, Patrick Geoghegan, said: ‘The activity rehabilitation programme was  designed by Nancy after she qualified in ‘Activity Training’ via a self-funded online course. Nancy’s  initiative has made a remarkable difference to the lives of patients of John Ward over the last year.  These are not simply pastime activities, they are specific and targeted at practicing and recovering  essential skills and functions that empower patients to live fulfilling lives as independently as  possible once they leave the hospital environment. I am grateful to Nancy and her team and  congratulate them on the very successful implementation of this excellent programme.’