20 December 2024

Jackie Poore, who was recently an inpatient on D10 Lotus Rehab Ward, told us her story and her experience of using the walking jackets, which were funded by the Charity.

“I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis when I was 24. I am now 46 and recently had a stroke, which caused me to not be able to move anything and I became very weak. I had to learn how to do everything again, including walking.

I was so worried about falling or hurting others. But the walking jackets gave me the confidence to walk again and by using them, I was able to learn how to walk much quicker than if they hadn’t been available for me to use. I can now walk confidently with a frame, and the walking jackets helped me massively with this!

Even my husband was impressed with how quickly I was able to learn to walk again whilst using the jackets saying, ‘look at her go!’ We are both so happy to be able to get myself back home and the walking jackets have helped make that happen quicker.”

Claire Woodings, a Senior Physiotherapist on D10, added “Jackie has been utterly amazing and had such great determination when it has come to her recovery. It has been hard work, but the help of the walking jackets has made it easier.

The walking jackets have been an absolutely brilliant addition to the ward. When patients are going through physiotherapy, you never know when their legs are going to become too tired to be able to carry on. The jackets will catch the patient if they fall, and they hold the patient long enough for a member of staff to come and help them sit down safely. They also help patients progress with their recovery quicker as it means that the patient can push themselves just that little bit further but remain safe whilst doing so.

The walking jackets have been so helpful for both patients and staff, they have had a big impact and make a massive difference to everyone here!”