THE two Doddington neuro physiotherapists provide specialist assessment and treatment to individuals with neurological conditions. This could be in their own homes, or as an outpatient in the physiotherapy gym or Wendreda day rehabilitation unit. Referral

THE two Doddington neuro physiotherapists provide specialist assessment and treatment to individuals with neurological conditions. This could be in their own homes, or as an outpatient in the physiotherapy gym or Wendreda day rehabilitation unit.

Referrals to the Doddington neuro team are steadily increasing as links are established with the acute hospitals, which facilitate the supported discharge of patients following a stroke. There are close links with the MS specialist nurses and local Parkinson's Disease Society. MS and Parkinson's disease groups are now established at Doddington offering assessment, education and exercise.

Patients with long-term neurological conditions, are kept on 'open access' so they can telephone a physiotherapist and self refer if they feel their condition has changed.

# Exercises in water are being both beneficial and popular with patients of all ages. The PCT is pleased with the close working with the George Campbell Leisure Centre in March which has facilitated the hire of the pool for one hour a week. Patients attend for a six-week course, at the end of which they are encouraged to join the well-established Disabled Swimming Club to continue exercising.

# In the last year, the old-style Wendreda day hospital has been developed into a thriving rehabilitation day unit, which specialises in fall prevention and sees about 145 patients a month. Patients receive an assessment from the multi-disciplinary team, including nurse, physiotherapist and occupational therapist. There is also the opportunity to be seen by speech and language, dietician and medicine management teams. From April 2006 there will also be a dedicated consultant geriatrician, covering Fenland, including Wendreda day rehabilitation.

# A business case for re-development of Doddington Community Hospital has been approved by the PCT Board, and submitted to the Norfolk, Suffolk & Cambridgeshire Strategic Health Authority.

The PCT believes the case fits well with the White Paper published by the government in January 2006, 'Our Health, Our Care, Our Say' which supported the development of community services and announced plans for a 'new generation of community hospitals'.

The PCT is also working on plans for 'extra care' sheltered housing for older people on a part of the site. If it gains approval for the business case, it will hold a public exhibition showing plans for the site, and offer local people the opportunity to comment on them.