Patients prove a blooming success

Patients at Cannock Chase Hospital had a blooming successful time at a horticultural competition, collecting 15 prizes at the event.

Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust came away with its best ever haul following its annual entry into the West Midlands Network Flower Show.

The Trust picked up three first prizes, seven second prizes and five third prizes at the event held in Birmingham on September 25.

Entries came from patients who attend workshops at the trust's occupational therapy department to help their rehabilitation as part of a treatment programme.

Patients who attend are encouraged to use the tools and materials provided to create bird tables, magazine racks, garden furniture, decorative items and pottery.

Tony Burns, technical instructor, said the department had never won so many medals and cups at the flower show.

"I am delighted with what the patients have achieved during the workshops and these prizes are recognition of the hard work they have done," he said.

"We had a great day at the flower show and we were pleased to come away with our best ever haul of prizes.

"We see various patients down in the department with a whole range of ailments, from neurological damage from road accidents and strokes, to people with Multiple Sclerosis and rheumatology problems.

"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 that they have produced. Many of them will never have picked up a saw or hammer in their lives before coming here."

A wheelbarrow produced by Cannock Chase Hospital patient Tony Butler won first prize in the decorative wooden item category. Tony, aged 63, from Hazel Slade in 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 flower show.

"The workshops have really helped my confidence following my two strokes and everybody in the department has been a really big help during my recovery," he said.

"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 again."

Other winners from the trust included Paula Kalinski, who made an edible hanging basket, and patients from the department's gardening group, who were judged to have produced the best carrots at the show.