Paulton Hospital staff and patients welcomed the re-opening of the revamped Dayroom last Wednesday, a project kindly funded by Paulton Hospital League of Friends.

The project, based in Paulton Hospital’s twenty-eight bed rehabilitation in-patient unit, initially began during the Hospital’s participation in the ‘Recondition the Nation’ campaign in December 2022.

Staff and patients used the Dayroom, available on Paulton Hospital’s John Stacey Ward, for seated exercise groups but soon realised the patients would benefit from a more transformable space to partake in various activities.

The British Medical Association’s recommendations for hospital in-patients to participate in recreational and creative therapies meant that a designated space for exercise was necessary, as well as a need for a multi-functional room. Patients expressed their desires for a more ‘homely’ feel with warm colours and artwork dressing the walls, as well as adjustable chairs to suit their requirements. With the kind donation from Paulton Hospital League of Friends, the Hospital were able to transform the Dayroom into a space to suit everyone’s needs.

The Therapy Team at Paulton Hospital told The Journal: “Our goal over six months was to transform the dayroom into an inviting but functional space for our patients and their visitors.

“With kind funding from the League of Friends, we have created an exercise corner, a dining and social space as well as a reminiscence cosy corner.

“We are pleased we have achieved the project aims and we can’t wait to begin using the room daily with our patients.”

Terry and Caroline Wynne MBE, who ran the League of Friends charity shop, are well-known for their incredible dedication to raising money for those who need it, receiving an MBE at Chilcompton Church in 2011. They told The Journal: “As you all know, Paulton Hospital Charity Shop closed down on January 21st 2018, six years ago. Even after that period of time, we are able to spend the last of the shop money for Paulton Hospital, the sum of which amounts to £12,350.

“You may ask what are the projects and aims for this money? It was to make the dayroom a more inviting environment for patients and visitors. To create a space that allows for enhancement in patient rehabilitation. A space that focuses on supporting the physical, mental and social wellbeing of patients at Paulton Hospital.

“Our volunteers and ourselves have worked tirelessly to raise money to buy equipment through our fundraising activities over the years.

“A very special thank you to the local community, the encouragement and loyalty has been overwhelming for Paulton Hospital.”

As well as funding the Dayroom project, The League of Friends kindly fund fortnightly music sessions for the patients to enjoy with the ‘Golden Oldies’ and ‘Sing with Rosie.’

The Mayor of Midsomer Norton, Gordon Mackay, who opened the Dayroom, told The Journal: “It is absolutely wonderful to have a community hospital right here in the Somer Valley which serves all of the residents well.

“I was lucky enough that my third son was born right here in this Hospital so it’s an absolute honour to be here opening this new Dayroom.”

The opening was attended by patients, staff and volunteers, all of whom will benefit from the newly renovated area.