Open Gym created to help stroke patients recover

Great Western Hospitals An NHS Foundation Trust has introduced an Open Gym to support stroke patients in their rehabilitation journey. This innovative approach enables patients to engage in exercise sessions for extended periods, with some individuals dedicating up to three hours to their workouts. Unlike the previous practice where patients had to wait for staff assistance, the Open Gym at the Swindon Intermediate Care Centre allows for flexible access at any time of the day. Richard Parmenter, a stroke survivor, expressed his astonishment at the facility, emphasizing the positive impact it has had on his ability to recall and perform the prescribed exercises. Alex Christiansen, the Therapy Team Lead, explained that the transition to an Open Gym was motivated by the desire to accommodate more patients and increase the duration of their exercise sessions. The primary goal is to enhance recovery outcomes by promoting consistent engagement in physical activities, ultimately leading to a more effective rehabilitation process and potentially enabling earlier discharge from the hospital.