Hospital Olympics is going for gold for patients
It may not exactly be the Paris Olympics, but a hospital is hosting its very own Games for patients.
Taking place over nine days at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford, the unique spin on the sporting event will feature over 100 patients from 11 different wards, highlighting the benefits of physical activity and social interaction.
Just like the real thing, the Games even has its very own opening ceremony, complete with a mock Olympic torch carried ward to ward.
It’s all about promoting physical and mental well-being, taking Olympic sporting events and giving them a unique twist, such as adaptive cycling and a fun take on tennis, gymnastics, discus, javelin and football.
In the adaptive tennis event, patients will be using fly swats and balloons, with the indoor javelin involving throwing a foam pool noodle.
Items needed for these were only made possible thanks to the support of staff fundraising. For less physically able patients there are quizzes and wordsearches.
Judy Harper-Bright, Matron on Writtle ward and the Stroke unit at Broomfield, who organised the activities, said: “Stroke, elderly and dementia patients are all getting involved across the nine days, as well as those on other medical wards. This is a fantastic opportunity to promote the importance of being active while staying in hospital.
“Activities like these also boost patients’ mental health, helping lift spirits and creating a sense of community. To use that old sporting phrase, it isn’t about the winning, but is very much about the taking part.”
Just like the Olympics, the wards involved will be vying for gold, silver and bronze medals. Unlike the actual Games, due to patients often being on medication, there won’t be any drug testing taking place after events.
Instead of a traditional closing ceremony, the Hospital Olympics will end with celebratory cream teas from Meadowcroft Garden Centre, in Rettenden, for all wards taking part to celebrate their achievements.