OCCUPATIONAL therapist s are helping patients getting back on their feet with a new 'home first' project.

The project, which helps patients return home from Glan Clwyd Hospital once they have finished their inpatient medical treatment, helped almost nine out of ten inpatients at the hospital regain the confidence and strength to return home safely.

Following the successful trial, enhanced Occupational Therapy support has been rolled out on all wards throughout the Bodelwyddan based hospital.

Under new arrangements, Occupational Therapists will take responsibility for leading patients’ discharge by working closely with them, their families, and fellow healthcare and medical staff.

Jennifer Davies, an occupational therapist who ran the initial pilot, said: “Home First is all about recognising how our patients want to return back to their lives after a stay in hospital, and how we can help them achieve that.

“Through early assessments of patients, working with them to set goals which will achieve their discharge, and leading care meetings with hospital colleagues, we’ve seen real results in helping people recover once they are medically well enough to leave hospital.