Amputee team at Ninewells hospital wins Scottish health awards

^{Amputee patient Bill Neave plays bowls with technical instructor Carol Johnson. Photo: Richard Frew}

They won the healthier lifestyle award at the Scottish Health Awards sponsored by NHS Scotland, the Scottish Government and the Daily Record newspaper in November for their work with amputees.

The Ninewells team offer predominantly in-patient amputee rehab provision for Tayside, Fife, Angus and Perthshire.

‘We introduce different activities for patients to try before prosthetic fitting to encourage them to use their prosthesis once home, and return to as active and fulfilling lifestyle as possible,’ explained team lead Louise Whitehead.

Activities include the Friday challenge when different sports, activities and challenges can be tried.

‘This brings out the competitiveness of all, including the staff,’ said Ms Whitehead.

There is a community garden within the grounds of the hospital where patients are taken one afternoon a week to continue their rehab by standing and balancing while planting seeds in the raised beds; hoeing and pruning and making a mosaic sign post. There are seated activities for the non-fitted patients some of who struggle with depression, she told Frontline.

‘We’ve also established links with local wheelchair sports groups, such as the Dundee Dragons, have adaptive rowing on the Tay, yoga for amputees, swimming, amputee football and also community links for cooking and upcycling.’