Breakfast Club success at hospital

On Monday to Wednesday every week, patients from a different bay enjoy making their own breakfast and cup of tea with support from therapy staff on Scotter Ward at John Coupland Hospital.

The hospital is run by Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS).

“From the beginning of July we’ve been running breakfast club three times a week,” explained Claire Williams Occupational Therapist for LCHS.

“While patients are being supported to pour their cereal, butter their toast and make a hot drink, we are preparing patients for returning home and gaining confidence in daily living skills following an illness or an injury.

“We are able to have an informal chat with them on a more one to one basis and assess their needs.”

Set up by occupational therapists on the ward, both staff and patients are now able to see the benefits.

Helen Turton, Specialist Occupational Therapist at LCHS, added: “We have a maximum of six patients per session. The feedback from patients and their families has been great. They are enjoying the routine of making breakfast like they would at home and are enjoying the social aspect of it too.

“We play music and patients are chatting amongst themselves as well as to staff.

“We often find out more about how they are getting on with their physio exercises and any concerns they may be having about returning home in this informal setting.”

Scotter Ward staff are making plans to start a baking club using a kitchen downstairs in the hospital to build upon the success of breakfast club.