The League of Friends has upgraded the Occupational Therapy department at a hospital in Gobowen.

The charity linked to the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) has funded new equipment for the department’s workshop and rehabilitation flat.

The workshop provides a different environment for patients interested in developing a skill that could be maintained at home after discharge.

The friends have funded a variety of tools, including power tools, wood saws, and vacuum cleaners.

The rehabilitation flat, used for overnight stays by patients, has been refurbished with a new kitchen and bathroom.

Additional equipment was needed to make the flat operational again for overnight stays.

 Alison Mannion, Occupational Therapist; and patient Tony Willacey in the Occupational Therapy workshop.  (Image: The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust)

The League of Friends purchased a sofa, lift and rise chair, profiling bed, mattress, and hoist for the flat plus much more.

Diane Pym, an occupational therapy assistant, said: "We are incredibly grateful to the League of Friends for supporting the Occupational Therapy department.

"Both the flat and workshop play an essential role in a patient’s rehabilitation journey – these important upgrades allow us to harness the best possible environment to nurture patients pre-discharge."

The flat provides the first 'home' environment for many patients after long-term stays in the hospital.

It allows them to test out care in a safe environment before going home, helping to prepare them for discharge.

Victoria Sugden, charity director, said: "We are always pleased to support in ways that have a direct impact on patient care and for patients who have suffered a life changing injury we’re delighted to see such a positive impact on their rehabilitation."