A DAIRY farmer who collapsed while looking after his wife thought he would never leave hospital, until he was paired with an innovative team of healthcare professionals.

John Read said he had been “pottering about” making a cup of tea for his wife Kathleen at their home in Brynford, when he collapsed in July last year.

Initially he was taken to Glan Clwyd Hospital but was then moved to Holywell Community Hospital, where he met Rebecca Mcconnell, ward manager of Ffynnon B Ward, and consultant Dr KN Ganeshram.

John’s speech and mobility was assessed as poor and Dr Ganeshram suggested the 88 year-old may have Parkinson’s disease.

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After he was tested and the diagnosis was confirmed, John became involved in a pilot which saw healthcare assistants trained as Rehab Champions take a leading role in his care.

The idea was to give healthcare assistants more involvement in the intensive rehabilitation needed for patients like John.

The aim was to maximise his chances of regaining as much of his former life back as possible and make a more sustained recovery.

Rebecca explained: “Rehab Champions evolved from a discussion with myself, matron and therapy staff. We agreed we needed more coordinated, patient-centred care.

“We knew if we could get a team together to do this, the outcomes would be better for patients.

“We have got massive skills and experience within our healthcare assistant workforce. So by giving them the power to do these things it will help us and the patients.”

In John’s case the medication he was given allowed him to move his legs but speech and mobility remained an issue.

Enter the Rehab Champions, who set to work helping motivate John to regain as much of his speech and mobility as he could.

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The team certainly had an impact on John, who can now get himself upright and out of bed, has walked 20 metres in the gym and happily chats about his experience.

He said: “Sometimes I feel I don’t want to get up. It takes a bit to start but the team help me to keep going.

“I have been well looked after here and there’s nothing I can grumble about. I’m quite happy.”

John has since been discharged to a step-down bed at Marleyfield House, Buckley, before he is reunited with his wife Kathleen.

HCA Tim Dykins said: “It’s been huge to be honest. When I first came here and Rebecca started talking about Rehab Champions, I thought this is a win-win. We get the patients out quicker and healthier.

“When John was really low, he said ‘I don’t think I’ll ever get out of here’. I told him he would and it’s great to see it happening."