20 hours Ago
A WOMAN who suffered a life-changing spinal injury while trampolining in Portugal is pleased to be able to spend Christmas at home after spending months in hospital. Amy Leneve, from Romsey, was injured earlier this year while practising with her trampoline club at a camp in Portugal. After emergency surgery, followed by intensive care and rehabilitation at the University Hospital Southampton and the South of England Rehabilitation Centre (SERC) in Southampton, the 20-year-old is now back home in time for Christmas.
“Being home for Christmas means so much to me,” Amy said. “I can do things at my own pace, sleep in my own bed, and get back into my routine. I’ve had amazing support from everyone throughout my journey, and I’m so grateful for the care I’ve received.
” Amy is now working with the trust’s neuro-rehabilitation gym service to build her strength and regain independence. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (HIOWH) said it is making significant efforts this December to help patients leave hospital and recover at home, ensuring they can spend Christmas in the comfort of their own surroundings. From supporting acute hospitals with timely discharges to providing personalised care through community services, the trust is committed to helping patients regain their independence this festive season.
Over the past week, 672 patients have been through the Urgent Community Response (UCR) teams, helping prevent hospital admissions by providing care at home, 286 patients have been through the virtual ward service, enabling patients to receive hospital-level care remotely and 110 patients were discharged from its services. These efforts are part of a coordinated approach to ensure patients can return home safely and continue their recovery in familiar surroundings, supported by the trust’s dedicated teams. This also follows a critical incident being declared by Hampshire Hospitals Trust as beds were full at its and Basingstoke hospitals.
It said the situation had been caused by factors including high admission rates, high numbers of infectious patients requiring isolation, and a low discharge rate. The critical incident was declared on December 16 and stood down on December 18, however it said the hospitals remained busy. Another person pleased to be home for Christmas is pensioner Margaret O’Boyle, from Basingstoke.
Margaret, 90, was admitted to the acute setting at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital in November after a bad fall. She transferred to HIOWH’s Alton Community Hospital’s Inwood rehabilitation and recovery ward on December 2. Following two weeks of intensive therapy, Margaret was discharged on December 18, just in time for Christmas.
“For all the goodwill that goes on in here, Christmas would be every day,” Margaret said. “The people here are so committed to their job. I have been very fortunate, and I am so grateful.
” Margaret worked closely with a team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and healthcare assistants to regain her mobility and confidence. Her discharge was supported by South Central Ambulance Service, which transported her safely home. The trust’s efforts extend beyond individual success stories, with a range of services working together to ensure patients can go home safely and stay there.
It has Urgent Community Response Teams, which provide rapid support to prevent hospital admissions and support patients’ needs at home, virtual wards that offer hospital-level care remotely, reducing the need for inpatient stays while maintaining close monitoring of patients’ health and rehabilitation units like the South of England Rehabilitation Centre at the Western Community Hospital in Southampton and Alton Community Hospital focus on recovery, helping patients regain independence before returning home. Dr Dan Baylis, chief medical officer at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said: “Helping patients return home for Christmas is about more than just discharges – it is about giving people their independence back. Our teams across the Trust are all working tirelessly to ensure patients receive the right care in the right place.
“Patients like Amy and Margaret are incredible examples of what can be achieved when expert care, determination and support come together. These efforts not only improve patient outcomes, but also ease pressure on our hospitals, ensuring we can continue to provide high-quality care for everyone who needs it. Seeing patients able to celebrate the festive season at home is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.
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