News from the West Midlands region
This page provides news updates about our West Midlands region.
Patients blossom at gardening show
Patients at Cannock Chase Hospital had a blooming successful time at a horticultural competition event held in Birmingham on 25 September. Entries came from patients who attend workshops at the Trust’s occupational therapy department.
Tony Burns, Technical Instructor, said “We see various patients in the department with a range of ailments from neurological damage from road accidents and strokes to people with Multiple Sclerosis. The work they do helps them regain movement, balance and increases strength and co-ordination in their limbs. It also gives them a great sense of achievement when they see the finished item they have produced".
A wheelbarrow produced by Cannock Chase Hospital patient Tony Butler won first prize in the decorative wooden item category. Tony, aged 63 from Cannock, suffered two strokes in the past four years which have left him with double vision and weakened hand and neck muscles. Tony, a former engineer, said he was delighted to have won a prize at the show.
"The workshops have really helped my confidence following two strokes and everybody in the department has been a really big help during my recovery. The wheelbarrow took a long time to make. I used to be an engineer so I have got basic skills but I have never done any woodwork before. It is nice to be able to get in a workshop and use my hands to build things again.”
Girls football team strikes out to support Stroke Awareness
As part of an initiative to help the public recognise the symptoms of stroke quickly using FAST - the Face, Arm and Speech test members of the Black Country Cardiovascular Network are sponsoring several local football teams with football kits carrying the FAST message. Pictured below are the Castle High School and Visual Arts College girls football team.
FAST
Facial Weakness - can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
Arm weakness - can the person raise both arms?
Speech problems - can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
Time to call 999
Prescriptions go electronic
The Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) is being introduced across the country with Birmingham East and North PCT being one of the first. Visit the EPS website to find out more or ask your local pharmacist as the service will gradually be rolled out over the next 12 months.
IT support services
If you are disabled and having computer problems you can find out more about IT support in your area by visiting the ITCH Network website or by telephoning the free AbilityNet helpline on 0800 269 545 (and minicom).
