Sophie helps fracture patients’ take a break from hospital

Sophie helps fracture patients’ take a break from hospital

A hospital ward specialising in treating fractures has designed a new care pathway that offers faster discharges by offering home based physio sessions.

Sophie Russell, a highly specialised physiotherapist working at Northwick Park Hospital, noticed otherwise healthy patients being kept in hospital longer than necessary because they remained unsteady on their feet.

Sophie, 27, said: “No-one likes being in hospital longer than they have too. It’s frustrating for the patient and bed demand is high so I looked at how we could address both problems.

The Non-Weight Bearing Pathway has accommodated 25 patients since it was introduced last summer saving the hospital

800 bed hours through early supported discharge.

Sophie added: “We provide patients with the confidence and support to carry on their rehabilitation at home with up to four visits a week for the first fortnight after which it is reduced.

The pathway was set up with the help of occupational health who ensure any home adaptations are carried out.

“It’s nice to see patients’ progress. They usually leave hospital and we never see them again and working with them at home gives me a better appreciation of what the challenges are.”

Sophie won the Quality and Improvement category at the annual Staff Excellence Awards for the pathway.