Walsall College health and beauty students pamper patients at Walsall Manor Hospital

Patients and anxious relatives at Walsall Manor Hospital can now benefit from a variety of beauty treatments from students at Walsall College. Under the supervision of a senior tutor, the health and beauty students from the award winning course offer regular manicures and simple massages on the stroke unit and other areas of the hospital. Previously, students had gained their vital work experience by treating members of the public at their college. Gaining this experience on the ward has given an enormous boost to many people suffering from a variety of conditions. The sessions also help the students as they have had to learn to adapt their treatments to an environment which is very different from the saloons at the college.

Patients and their relatives have found the initiative hugely beneficial. Several commented that, in addition to receiving such relaxing therapy, they also found the students to be delightful. Perhaps most important of all, many older patients who had had a stroke or who suffer from dementia have truly appreciated the individual attention they have had from this delightful team.

Having seen the students in action, it was very obvious to see how even the simplest of treatments could make such a difference to an anxious patient. It was also very moving to see how thrilled many relatives were to see their loved ones look so relaxed and happy.

In November, the students offered treatments to patients waiting in Out-patients and on several acute wards including patients having day surgery.

In December the students organised two face-painting sessions for children on the wards and in out-patients. They also offered manicures and hand masssages to their anxious parents and other relatives

Jill

Note: these sessions are part of a much wider initiative at Walsall Manor Hospital.

For example...

KISSING IT BETTER has also worked with a group of young drama students who regularly read favourite poems and stories to patients.

A small schoolgirl madrigal choir sings popular songs in three and four part harmony including the music of and ABBA, The Beatles and The Carpenters.

The hospital now has regular visits from PAT (Pets as Therapy)

A huge art project is currently being planned across the whole hospital.

http://www.kissingitbetter.co.uk/first-act-workshop-drama-students-read-poems-and-stories-to-patients/

http://www.kissingitbetter.co.uk/pets-as-therapy-provide-dogs-that-delight-patients/

http://www.kissingitbetter.co.uk/walsall-manor-hospital-invites-a-teenage-choir-to-sing-to-patients/

KISSING IT BETTER is also taking similar ideas into Care Homes. For example, Bancroft Gardens Residential Home in Stratford has benefitted from the following initiatives..

http://www.kissingitbetter.co.uk/regular-short-outings/

http://www.kissingitbetter.co.uk/bancroft-gardens-residential-home-enjoy-popcorn-and-ginger-beer-with-a-dvd/