Gill Rooney leads the Amputee Rehabilitation Clinic at the University Hospital of Hartlepool, providing essential support for patients from across the region who are relearning how to use their bodies after lower limb amputations. The clinic works in tandem with the James Cook University Hospital, which designs prosthetic limbs for the service's patients.
The clinic features a dedicated space equipped with multi-gyms, parallel bars, and balance boards to help patients rebuild strength and coordination. On a typical Monday, the team manages a full schedule of patients, often working alongside student physiotherapists and staff from the rapid response unit.
Ambulance teams assist with transportation, ensuring those without other means of travel can attend their vital appointments. During sessions, staff guide patients through bed-based exercises to improve core stability before moving on to practical mobility training.
For patients like Clifford, the sessions extend beyond the clinic room. Staff supervise walks through hospital grounds, guiding patients as they negotiate curbs, stairs, and slopes to replicate real-world environments they will encounter with their prosthetics.
The team places a strong emphasis on maintaining a rapport with patients, checking in on their personal and life outside the hospital. This focus on building personal relationships helps create a familiar and safe environment for patients navigating a difficult period of physical recovery.
Archive : This story is based on reporting originally published by North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust on 2020-02-20. The original source image has been and credited.