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Home For Christmas blog - Jeanette Brumpton, Occupational Therapist

In the run up to Christmas, Solent NHS Trust colleagues are sharing their stories about how they are getting patients home for the festive season.

Today, Occupational Therapist Jeanette Brumpton tells us about the work of the Inpatient Therapy Department at Royal South Hants Hospital, where she has been for 12 years. She says that she has always found the Christmas period a very rewarding time.

The therapy team works closely with nursing, Social Services and the community teams to ensure as many patients as possible are either discharged from our inpatient wards prior to Christmas or are able to visit family for the day.

I began working as rehabilitation assistant in 2007, and enjoyed being part of the activity groups with the patients. I then went onto complete my Occupational Therapy training and I am now part of discharge planning to enable patients to be home and spend time with family. Both roles are valuable in making a hospital stay more enjoyable over what can be a difficult time to be separated from family.

For those who are unable to leave the wards there are festive activities arranged. For example, Carol Singing and a Christmas dinner on the day.

During the time leading up to Christmas, as a Therapy Department we run festive groups, which enable patients time off the ward, promote socialisation with others and aim to improve mood and engagement during their admission. During the groups, patients make cards for their family and friends, and decorations which can be used to decorate their bed space or become part of the department decor. We enjoy decorating our department and playing Christmas music so they can feel part of the festive season even while in hospital and even while they are completing assessments.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

Please visit our services page for specific services and contact details. Alternatively, contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service by emailing or calling the number below. You can also give us feedback, make a complaint or share a compliment.

pals@solent.nhs.uk

0800 013 2319

*Lines are open Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm.

The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act was passed on 30 November 2000. It gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities, with full access granted in January 2005.

The Act sets out exemptions to that right and places certain obligations on public authorities.

Email: InformationGovernanceTeam@solent.nhs.uk

Phone: 0300 123 3919

*Subject to any exemptions which apply, we are obliged to provide the information requested please note that requests for Personal Information is not covered under this Act and should be applied for through the Data Protection Act 1998.

Our administrative and managerial centre is based in Southampton.

While our services can be found around various NHS locations in Southampton and Portsmouth (and surrounding districts), our administrative and managerial centre is based in Southampton at:

Highpoint Venue
Bursledon Road
Southampton
SO19 8BR

If you require a printable version of how to find us including bus times, car access and bike info please download our leaflet. (Copyright of Highpoint Venue).

Central office phone: 0300 123 3390

*Lines open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

If you are a journalist with a media enquiry, please contact the Communications Team at:

communications@solent.nhs.uk

0300 123 4156 or 02381 031076

The Communications Office is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.