The Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has unveiled a pioneering new rehabilitation initiative called the Open Gym, aimed at enhancing the recovery process for patients who have experienced a stroke. The facility, located at the Swindon Intermediate Care Centre, introduces a flexible approach allowing patients to access the gym at any time during the day, a significant shift from the traditional scheduled therapy sessions.
This concept, inspired by successful models used in Australia, enables stroke patients to engage in self-directed exercises without the need to wait for staff availability. This flexibility not only promotes more frequent and prolonged engagement in therapeutic activities but also increases the efficiency of the staff by enabling them to supervise multiple patients simultaneously.
Patients are now reportedly spending an average of 85 minutes per day in therapeutic activities, with some dedicating up to three hours to their exercises. This increase in therapy time is expected to accelerate recovery rates, potentially leading to earlier discharges from the hospital and continued rehabilitation at home.
“The Open Gym was introduced to maximize the gym usage and increase the active therapy time for our patients,” said Alex Christiansen, Therapy Team Lead on Forest Ward. “By encouraging patients to practice their exercises more frequently and for longer durations, we hope to significantly enhance their recovery outcomes in the long term.”
The new rehabilitation format also offers psychological benefits by creating a communal environment where patients can exercise alongside others, fostering a sense of community and mutual support which is vital for mental health during the recovery process.
Patient feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Richard Parmenter, who suffered a stroke and was among the first to experience the new system, shared his enthusiasm: “When they showed me the gym and I came down here with the staff, I was blown away. I’m still doing exercises and remembering what they said.”
This innovative approach aligns with the Trust’s broader mission to provide integrated care that supports patients throughout their entire healthcare journey, from hospital to home. The Open Gym is a testament to the Trust’s commitment to adopting advanced, research-backed methods to improve patient care and recovery.