What a difference a team makes!
A team of QEHB staff recently came together for the second year in a row to volunteer their time in helping a stroke survivor with a garden makeover.
The day, which was organised in conjunction with the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity and the Stroke Association, brought together the multidisciplinary team from Ward 514, who volunteered their time to help out a former patient of theirs, Ian Sherwin.
James Smith, who is an Occupational Therapy Assistant and one of the volunteers, said: “We thought this would be a fantastic way to help a stroke survivor, and a previous patient at QEHB, with an aspect of their lives they were finding difficult.
“Ian needed help with clearing his garden and making it a nice, safe, environment for him to plant their own vegetable patch with his grandson.”
After talking to Ian and his son, the team found this was the best way they could help out one of their previous patients.
Talking about what the staff have done for him in and out of hospital, Ian said: “While I was in hospital, I was lucky enough to get on well with the staff. It was fantastic to see that the staff wanted to support me outside of hospital with something that I have a passion for. I enjoy my garden, and with their help I am able to enjoy it again.”
Pictured above: Ian Sherwin in his garden
The group of 20 volunteers trimmed hedges, cleared brambles, mowed lawns and created planting areas. Ian hopes that he will be able to continue to plant his own vegetables and even spend some quality time with his grandson there.
Dr Don Sims, a Stroke Consultant at QEHB, added: “The stroke team provide wonderful care on our unit day-to-day but for so many of them to give up their free time at the weekend to help out a former patient in this way showed amazing dedication.”
Ian’s son, Ian Junior, was there on the day and said: “When it came to my dad, he would talk to me about the team of people that looked after him while he was recovering. To see them then help him out with something he has a passion for strengthens how much we should value the care and support not only by the people who cared for him, but the NHS also.
“I would like to personally thank the team for helping and supporting his recovery and giving him the opportunity to enjoy his garden the way he wants it.”
This was all made possible due to a dedicated team of volunteers from Ward 514 and QEHB Charity thanks to money raised by consultant Dr Jatt Khaira, as well as a donation from David Warren from MKM building supplies in Leamington Spa.
To find out more about the hospital charity and how you can raise money for your ward or department, please click here.
A huge thank you goes to the volunteers who gave up their free time and took part: Dr Don Sims, Dr Jatt Khaira, Lucie Dews, Stacey Lawrence, Keith Dews, Jim Gamble, Rachel Meir, Russell Wigley, Thomas, Soren Kaae, Sarah Power, Jayde Mason, Colin and Elaine Mason, Tina Branson, Sarah Waddington, Danielle Warren and James Smith.