Dorset County hospital, Dorchester run a 'Diners Club' for stroke patients

A volunteer on the stroke ward at Dorset County hospital has told us about their 'Diners Club'. She is keen to share the idea but wanted it made clear that, although she is an active member of the scheme, it wasn't her idea. For that thanks must go to Jan Negus, the Senior Physio Assistant, Rehabilitation, Dorest County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Val Atkinson and all Stroke Unit volunteers.

She writes....

'At lunchtime, a table is laid up with a cloth, napkins etc ( I took fresh flowers from my garden as a talking point and to make the table look homely). We encouraged the 'on the mend' patients to eat at the table. This gave them time away from the 'bed' environment, encouraged them to talk to one another and us as volunteers. We talked about everyday things and, mostly, the patients loved it. They became less embarrassed if they dribbled, or if they had difficulty eating, as we took it all in our stride and usually managed to laugh off any mishaps.

Jan Negus, Val Atkinson and the team have also set up a garden. Money, raised by raffles, buys seeds and bulbs for the patients to plant.

They can then enjoy the flowers and sit in the garden on a nice day.'