health disability sport partnership year one annual report · year one annual report. page 4. 1....

Health Disability Sport Partnership

Year One Annual Report2014

Ka109599

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SP15/85

Health Disability Sport Partnership Year One Annual Report

Contents

Sections Page Number

Executive Summary 3

1. Year One Outcomes and Successes 4

2. Delivery Mechanism 7

3. The Partnership Groups and Processes for Reporting 9

4. The Health Disability Sport Pathway 10

5. Challenges 11

Appendices Page Number

Appendix 1: Health Disability Sport Pathway: Population Scorecard 12

Appendix 2: Patient Stories: Alexander Wilson 24

Appendix 3: Patient Stories: Angeline Eastwood Povey 25

Appendix 4: Health Disability Sport Pathway Signposting Form 26

Appendix 5: Key Personnel Contact Details 29


Executive Summary

About the ProjectThe partnership was established to create enhanced awareness, understanding and greater coherence between the health sector and sport network in North Wales, through a planned programme of education and up-skilling of professionals within both areas, so as to better enable a patient pathway which illustrates and opens opportunities for disabled people to get involved with physical activity, including sport.

AimsThe specific aims for the partnership are to:

• Increase the numbers of physically active disabled

people across the 6 local authorities in the region.

• Create a robust partnership between (Disability)

Sport and Health.

• Contribute to the identification of talented disabled

people who may be interested in/able to becoming

involved with competitive or elite sport.

• Decrease disabled people’s requirement for medical

intervention as a consequence of ill-health linked to

physical inactivity.

• Identify a model for best practice with regard to

establishing a conduit between health professionals

and settings, and physical activity (including

sport) professionals, which could be modified as

appropriate and rolled out through the other six

Health Trusts/Boards across Wales.

Key Year One Outcomes

• 510 healthcare professionals have

attended up-skilling sessions.

• 222 disabled people have been

signposted from health to disability

sport/physical activity opportunities.

• 1 talented athlete has been

identified, representing Wales under

15’s in Wheelchair basketball.

• Participation in sport and physical

activity in North Wales has

increased to 4.4%.


1. Year One Outcomes and Successes

Monitoring of the project is ongoing and is presented for 2014 in an RBA scorecard (see Appendix 1).

Up-Skilling Training510 health professionals (equating to 3.6% of the workforce) have attended up-skilling

sessions. This far surpassed the target of 127 for year one. Individuals have been from

a wide range of professions, as demonstrated in Graph 1 below. The priority groups for

year one were paediatric services and physiotherapy services.

36 NERS Exercise Professionals have attended training (all 6 North Wales local

authorities). As a direct result of this learning exit route classes for disabled people have

been established in Anglesey. For the future, a range of information resources will be

created and delivered to the sport sector (caches, volunteers, athletes, leisure services

personnel, etc.) thgough UK DIT workshops to enhance awareness of the Health

Disability sport Pathway. These figures will be reported in Year Two and Year Three

annual reports.

Professions # of Personnel

Physiotherapy 213

SALT 70

Opthamology 56

Nursing 41

OT 36

Dieticians 20

Dr 13

Social Workers 11

Paediatricians 8

Psychologists 8

Podiatrists 7

Audiology 6

Orthotics 5

Support Services 4

HCSW 2

Admin 2

Other 2

GRAPH 1Up-skilled Health

Professionals


1. Year One Outcomes and Successes continued

Signposts from Health to Sport222 disabled people were signposted in year one.

KPI figures show an increase in participation to 6,428 (4.4% of the disabled population).

Individuals accessing Posture and Mobility Services in Wrexham can now ‘self-refer’ to

their local officer.

Please see Appendix 6 for some health professionals’ stories on the pathway.

Using Sport in RehabilitationBoccia sets have been purchased through Therapies Charity Trust and are now been using

in the three Stroke Rehabilitation units across North Wales, introducing sport at an early

stage of rehabilitation, with direct community exit routes on discharge. (See Appendix 6 for

Health Professionals’ stories).

Talented AthletesOne talented athlete was identified in year one. A young person with a physical

impairment was signposted and has gone on to represent Wales U15’s in wheelchair

basketball. No performance level athletes were anticipated to be identified until year three.


1. Year One Outcomes and Successes continued

Patient StoriesTo assess the impact of the project on an individual level, patient stories are being

collected. Alex’s story is told in Appendix 2, and Angeline’s story is told in Appendix 3.

Sharing the LearningExternal presentations have been given at a number of regional and national events;

Including Public Health Wales Prudent Health Care Conference (poster presentation) and

Disability Sport Wales National Stakeholder conference.

The project has received National coverage from the BBC Wales Today, reporting on the

project as an example of best practice for using sport to the benefit of patients.

Cardiff Posture and Mobility Services are looking to replicate the North Wales model.

Monmouthshire are also looking to replicate the model with GPs in the region.

Influencing Policy Development Through the partnership supporting disabled people to become physically active through

disability/inclusive sport opportunities in the community has been included in the BCUHB

Local Neurological Conditions Delivery Plan 2014-2016.


2. Delivery Mechanism

The project is delivering messages through three key ways:

1. Information ResoursesHealthcare Professionals – Training resources; online internal and external pages

with relevant information and appropriate signposting to additional information.

Further resources will be developed in year two, potentially including a web-based

application for key information, as well as procurement items such as lanyards to

make the partnership visible to others.

Information resources for disabled people accessing health care services will be

designed in year two. This is to include leaflets and posters.

2. Up-Skilling SessionsEarly consultation was carried out with health care professionals through an online

survey to identify factors such as length of the workshop, structure of the session, key

aims and outcomes, delivery style and ongoing support opportunities. The resources

were designed based on this feedback. Sessions are delivered to health teams through

their current In-service training programmes, team meeting, or pre-arranged sessions.

Sessions are booked through managers, and have been very well supported. All

but one team were happy to arrange sessions, and this team were invited to attend

another session.

Year one has seen 510 health care professionals attend up-skilling sessions delivered

by the Health Disability Sport Officer (HDSO). Staff have been represented from a wide

number of professions, including – Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and

language Therapy, Dieticians, Ophthalmology, Paediatricians, Podiatrists, Orthotists,

Social Workers, Learning Disabilities Teams, Nursing, Medical staff and Audiology.


2. Delivery Mechanism continued

Upskilling sessions continued

Years 2 and 3 will see the HDSO work with colleagues to up-skill them to deliver the

sessions in the future and thereby create sustainability (6-12 Health Disability Sport

Champions).

Up-skilling sessions have been delivered to all 6 National Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS)

teams, supporting them to signpost disabled people from the scheme to additional

disability/ inclusive sport opportunities.

3. Ongoing Peer LearningThe continued sustainability of this project is linked to the delivery mechanisms

employed throughout the initial three year funded cycle.

To ensure that there is a legacy of best practice established within the region, it is

vital that colleagues from Health and Sport are supported in their understanding

of opportunities for disabled people. This includes establishing, maintaining and

strengthening links between the Health and Sport sectors, to facilitate knowledge and

understanding for disabled people about the local opportunties for physical activity,

including sport.

The HDSO has worked with many groups, events and individuals in year one, including

those in the third sector, building relationships and encourage sustainable partnership

working to support disabled people in North Wales.


3. The Partnership Groups and Processes for Reporting


4. The Health Disability Sport Pathway

A pathway has been designed enabling healthcare professionals to signpost disabled

people from health to disability and inclusive sport and physical activity opportunities.

The Pathway also links with NERS. The pathway supports healthcare professionals

to provide information and signposting to patients, without the requirement or

expectation to know about all of the potential opportunities. This is a working model

designed to fit into healthcare professionals’ schedules. The pathway is designed

to support disabled people into meaningful opportunities, providing support and

information, and facilitate long term participation and lifestyle change.


5. Challenges

• Being able to define which participants have come from the Health Disability Sport

Pathway is challenging. Following up participants later down the line to measure

long term participation poses some challenges. Additionally not all disabled

people will be directly signposted but become involved due to the wider impact of

the project.

• • Data collected by BCUHB on disabled people is limited. It is therefore challenging

to monitor the long term impact of the project with regard to requirements for

less health care interventions.

• • Through the partnership DSW are now engaging with a new group of people,

potentially at earlier stages in their pathway. The current opportunities may not

match all of these demands. However engaging with new participants will help

to identify latent demand. This will enable to sport network to better provide

appropriate sessions and sports to disabled people in the setting which they will

find most accessible.

• • It is likely that some disabled persons becomes physically active but engages in an

informal setting (recreationally) rather than a formal club setting, in which case it

will be difficult to measure this through the sport network.

• • There may be a time lag on the increase in participation numbers; because some

disabled people may have acquired their impairment and be engaged with Health

for rehabilitation purposes, they may gain information regarding the physical

activity, including sport, opportunities available to them, but as a consequence

of their phase of rehabilitation they may not be in a position to immediately get

involved.

• • It is acknowledged that it takes time to embed the message in health. The

messages will be revisited and repeated until the pathway becomes part of core

practice.


Appendix 1: Health Disability Sport Pathway: Population Scorecard

Mission: Every disabled person hooked on sport for life; Create a Nation of disabled Champions.

Increase the number of physically active disabled people leading to a better and a

healthier quality of life.

To improve the health and active lifestyle of disabled people.

Transform the relationship between health and disability sport to create a legacy

in which the Health Disability Sport Pathway becomes part of core practice.

Project(s)/Programme(s)

Partnership Priorities

Partnership agreement between BCUHB and DSW to create a pathway from health through to physical activity, including sport, for disabled people in North Wales.

Health Disability Sport Officer in place for 3 years.

1. Work to identify, prioritise and remove barriers preventing active lifestyles where

they exist for disabled people.

2. Bring services and people together to support (disabled) people accessing

physical activity, including sport, thereby improving the health of the population

3. Support the roll out of insport club through a range of partners.


Partnership Priorities continued

4. Develop new and sustain existing partnership with agencies to promote and

support the engagement of disabled adults in a range of roles within sport and

physical activity - make it happen by working together.

5. To promote the Disability Sport Wales Vision and Missions to direct and indirect

stakeholders and to the people of Wales.

6. To deliver equity and promote equality through our work and partnerships.

7. Enhance experience of healthcare.

8. Ensure that pathways include a health improvement element, exercise

(including sport) being a key element, to reduce future demand.

What data do we have?Current number of talented athletes in the North Wales

Current participation opportunities

Current participation levels (KPI data)

What data do we need?Current health data – how many disabled people access health care services

at the moment? Where do they access this? What types of impairments?

Current level of health professionals knowledge and understanding of

participation opportunities across North Wales

Appendix 1: Health Disability Sport Pathway: Population Scorecard continued


Headline Indicators - contextFunding was received through Calls for Action grants to appoint a Health

Disability Sport Officer (HDSO) based in Betsi Cadwaladr University Health

Board (North Wales) for three years to facilitate communication between

disabled people accessing health services and the sport sector.

The aim of the partnership is to increase engagement in physical activity

and sport, raise health status, and decrease repeat use of health services by

disabled people.

Monitoring DataNumber of health sector staff up-skilled through the programme.

Number of sport sector staff up-skilled through the programme.

Number of talented athletes identified through the programme.

Number of disabled people referred to physical activity, including sports, through health.

Number of disabled people signing up to leisure cards.

Number of disabled people joining clubs/ participating in physical activity/ sport events.

Case study date- patient stories.

Number of health sector staff trained to deliver the up-skilling training.

Health sector staff knowledge and perceptions of disability sport.



It was initially projected that 3.4% of the disabled population are physically

active/ engaging in sport across North Wales– this equated to 4,704 people.

The partnership aimed is to increase this to 6% over the three year project.

This is a total increase of 3,898 participants.

Following the collection of the KPI data in December 2013 it was found that

currently there are 6207 disabled people engaging with sport across North

Wales. The aim for the total number of participants has been adjusted to

reflect this new starting number.

Number of disabled people participating in physical activity, including sport

GRAPH 2Number of disabled people participating in physical activity, including sport

Year 1 - increase 1,031



In January 2015 KPI figures show an increase

in participation to 6428. This equated to 4.4%

of the disabled population.

Par

tici

pat

ion

Fig

ure

s

Year



The HDSO will deliver up-skilling training to health sector staff working in a

wide range of health care settings, in primary, secondary and tertiary care.

The long term aim of this up-skilling is to create a legacy where by all health

sector staff see prompting physical fitness and wellbeing as part of their

core practice in creating a healthy nation, making physical activity and sport

pathways inbred in the culture of the organisation.

Number of Health Sector staff up-skilled regarding the Health Disability Sport Pathway

GRAPH 3Number of Health Sector staff up-skilled regarding the Health Disability Sport Pathway

Research shows to embed change, 7% of

the workforce needs to be influenced. The

workforce of BCUHB is 16,100 staff.

7% of staff equals 1,127. If approximately 8

people attend each teaching session, this

would require 140 sessions.

Over the 2.5 years of delivery equates to 56

sessions per year.Nu

mb

er

of

he

alth

care

pro

fess

ion

als

Year



The Health Disability Sport Pathway aims to contribute to the identification of

talented disabled athletes who may be interested in / able to become involved

with competitive or elite sport.

It is anticipated that there will be an increase of 5 talented athletes from North

Wales into the Academy and/ or Performance pathway for disability sport

(0.1% of the 4,704 projected increase) over the three year period (based on

iron-curtain labs 2012 research).

Number of elite athletes identified due to the Health Disability Sport Pathway

Nu

mb

er

of

elit

e a

thle

tes

ide

nti

fie

d

Year

GRAPH 5Number of elite athletes identified due to the Health Disability Sport Pathway



Training further staff to deliver the up-skilling training on the Health Disability Sport Pathway

provides the partnership with an exit strategy for the HDSO, and ensures sustainability of the

partnership.

The aim is to train between 6-12 health sector staff to deliver future training, and act as

champions and key contacts for the Health Disability Sport Pathway in the future. The selection

process of staff to be trained will be based on geographical area, profession (who is best placed

to deliver this), and staff enthusiasm.

If a member of staff leaves the organisation they must inform the HDSO (who will remain a

partnership champion) and a new member of staff trained to take their place.

If the HDSO leaves the organisation (after December 2016) a new lead contact will be appointed.

Number of health sector staff trained to deliver the up-skilling session

GRAPH 6Number of health sector staff trained to deliver the up-skilling session

Nu

mb

er

of

staff

tra

ine

d

Year



Overall goal:

Deliver the Health Disability Sport Pathway through a partnership between DSW and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board thereby impacting on referrals through health to sport.

All Criteria for Success below link to DSW priorities 1 and 11, as well as 7,8,9 and 10.

The target date for achieving these milestones (unless otherwise stated) is November 2016.

Criteria for Success:

Appoint a Health Disability Sport Officer

Responsibility Fiona Reid (FR), Jan Fereday-Smith (JFS), Carys Norgain (CN)

Current Progress CompleteCatherine Chin (CC) starts contract on the 2nd December 2013

Identify executive, operational and delivery groups’ membership and terms of reference

Responsibility FR

Current Progress CompleteAll group membership have been identified, as have terms of reference for each



Produce work programme to set out full project plan

Responsibility CC, FR, JFS

Current Progress CompleteThe work programme has been completed, with Gantt chart to support. This is

a working document and can be updated if indicated.

Collect all baseline date from both health and sport

Responsibility CC, FR, DSWDO

Current Progress CompleteAll baseline data has been collected. This is limited from the health sector due

to the lack of data collection on disability.

Design and agreed Health Disability Sport Pathway

Responsibility CC, FR, JFS

Current Progress CompleteA pathway has been agreed and is currently being piloted.

Write a Communication Strategy

Responsibility CC, FR, CN, Sioned Humphreys (SH)

Current Progress CompleteThis is a working document and continues to be amended as indicated.

Launched 26/08/14



Produce a range of resources which will be targeted at disabled people accessing Health services

Responsibility FR, CC, (JFS, CN)

Current Progress IN PROGRESSA survey had been drafted to gain further information on current barriers and information requirements. This has been produced I a range of accessible formats. The final format of Easy Read is still being produced. Once available the survey will be carried out.

Deliver workshops to individuals involved with the health sector in North Wales

Responsibility CC, (JFS, CN)

Current Progress IN PROGRESS510 Health Care Professionals have now attended training sessions. These span a variety of professions, across both adult and children services. In 2014 we have greatly exceed the planned number of sessions/ staff.

Produce a range of resources and sessions intended to up-skill Health sector colleagues regarding the pathway


Current Progress COMPLETEA training package is in place and being carried out. Web pages are available both on in intranet and internet. Resources are updated as required.



Produce a range of resources and sessions intended to up-skill Sport sector colleagues regarding the Pathway


Current Progress IN PROGRESSAgreed that this will sit within the UK DIT delivered in North Wales. Draft slide produced. CC and FR to finalise these before inclusion.

Deliver workshops to individuals involved with the sport network in North Wales

Responsibility FR, CC, DSW Tutor Network (North)

Current Progress PENDINGDelivery to start end 2014 after UKDIT R/V meeting.

Reduced requirement for health services accessed by disabled people across North Wales as a result of increased physical activity

Responsibility CC, JFS, CN

Current Progress PENDINGIt is agreed that this is a long term goal. Information on disability is not collected as routine across health setting. Impact with be assessed along with the health economics team.




Identify 5 talented athletes

Responsibility Gerwyn Owen (GO), CC

Current Progress IN PROGRESS1 elite athlete was identified in 2014. Participating for Wales U15 Wheelchair Basketball

Identify 1,031 additional disabled people who will become physically active or involved with sport(Target for year one, target achievement date December 2014)

Responsibility CC, DSWDO Officer Network

Current Progress COMPLETED – NOT FULLY ACHIEVEDApproximately 200 referrals to date. KPI figures show an increase in participation to 6428 (4.4%). This is short of the 7238 target. Figures have risen by 221 since 2013.

Identify 1,434 additional disabled people who will become physically active or involved with sport (Target for year two, target achievement date December 2015)


Current Progress PENDING0 additional participants in sport

Identify 1,433 additional disabled people who will become physically active or involved with sport (Target for year three, target achievement date December 2016)


Current Progress PENDING0 additional participants in sport


Appendix 2: Patient Stories: Alexander Wilson

Alexander was signposted to Conwy Thunder Wheelchair Basketball Club

by his physiotherapist and instantly integrated well into the club’s junior

development session.

Alexander says “I love sport but haven’t been able to join in but wheelchair

basketball has given me the chance to do a sport and have fun!”

Helen and Chris, Alexander’s parents, added:

“Alex has had huge frustrations at not being able to participate in sports,

having to sit on the side-lines watching his friends play football.

We took him along to a wheelchair basketball session to see what he

thought. After the session he didn’t stop smiling, having absolutely

loved it and from then on, Thursday evenings can’t come round quickly

enough!

To see him active and be part of a team sport is an

enormous boost to Alex’s confidence and, for us,

completely overwhelming.”

Ben Lightowler, Conwy Thunder’s Junior Development

Coach, also highlighted the immediate impact Alex has

had at the club:

“It’s fantastic to see how naturally Alex has taken

the sport. His enthusiasm, passion and ability to

pick up the fundamental skills quickly, have enabled

him to progress to playing competitively at club

sessions and also as part of the under 15s club

squad. Achieving these things at his age, along with

his excellent profile for sport shows great potential.

He’s an exciting member of the Conwy Thunder.”

Alex’s Story


Appendix 3: Patient Stories: Angeline Eastwood Povey

Angeline was one of the first youngsters in Conwy to benefit from the new

partnership set up between Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and

Disability Sport Wales after she was signposted to sport by her physiotherapist.

Once aware of Angeline, and her desire to get involved within sport, Conwy’s

Disability Sport Wales Development Officer was able to make contact with

Angeline’s Mum and talk through what was on offer and what Angeline would

like to take part in. After an initial discussion Angeline’s Mum arranged to

meet the DSWDO at Conwy Thunder Wheelchair Basketball Club’s junior

development session where she was able to have a taster session and try a

new, appropriate, sport under no obligation whilst being supported by club

coaches and volunteers.

“Angeline had a complete lack of confidence because she couldn’t

keep up with people and couldn’t do any sports. It’s really building her

confidence and she looks forward to coming every week. The coaches

are really good and very friendly and they’ve allowed Angeline to

integrate into the session at her own pace, whilst

encouraging her to make the most of her ability.”

– Mavis Eastwood (Mum).

“It’s been fun meeting people and really fun trying

to do more sport. I look forward to coming every

week.” – Angeline Eastwood Povey.

Angeline’s Story


Appendix 4: Health Disability Sport PathwaySignposting Form

Name:

Physical (ambulant)

Referrer Name:

Deaf / Hard of Hearing Other

Blind / Partially Sighted

Learning Disability

PATIENT DETAILS

NATURE OF DISABILITY / IMPAIRMENT

REFERRER DETAILS

Address:Post Code:

Signature:

Post Code:

Home Phone Number:

Phone Number:

Email Address:

Date of Birth:

Physical (permanent wheelchair user)

Physical (as required wheelchair user)

Please give further details which you think might be relevant:

(use extra space on page 3 if required) Page 1 of 3

Profession:

Mobile Phone Number:

Email Address:

Address:

Name of Parent/Guardian (if applicable):

Health Disability Sport PathwaySignposting Form


Tick if you are happy for us to leave you an answer phone message.

PATIENT CONTACT PREFERENCES

Tick if you are happy for us to add you to our mailing list.

(Your details WILL NOT be shared with any third parties.)

Page 2 of 3


PATIENT CONSENT

I hereby give my consent for the Transfer

of Information (in accordance with Data

Protection Act 1998). I have been informed

about the Health Disability Pathway and

consent to this form being sent. I consent

to processing the data for the purposes for

which it was supplied.

Signature:

Date:

Anglesey

Flintshire

Conwy

Gwynedd

Denbighshire

Powys

Wrexham

Sports Development Unit, Plas Arthur, Llangefni, Ynys Mon, LL77 7QX

Deeside Leisure Centre, Chester Road West, Queensferry, Flintshire, CH5 1SA

ACL, Library Building, Mostyn Street, Llandudno, LL30 2RP

Gwynedd Council, Arfon Tennis Centre, Bethel Rd, Caernarfon, LL55 1DU

Caledfryn, Smithfield Road, Denbigh, LL16 3RJ

Neuadd Brycheiniog, Cambrian Way, Brecon, Powys. LD3 7HR

Sports Development, Wrexham Waterworld, Holt Road, Wrexham, LL13 8DH

Please send your completed form addressed to ‘Sport Development team,

BCUHB Signposting Form’ to the address below depending on county.

Appendix 4: Health Disability Sport PathwaySignposting Form continued


Please continue providing further details regarding the nature of the disability / impairment:

(If required)

NATURE OF DISABILITY / IMPAIRMENT CONTINUED (if required)

Page 3 of 3


Appendix 4: Health Disability Sport PathwaySignposting Form continued


Appendix 5: Key Personnel Contact Details

Contact OneCatherine Chin

Position: Senior Physiotherapist. Partnership Lead (Health Disability Sport Officer).

Group Roles: Secretary of Executive Group and Operational Group

Email address: [email protected]

Telephone: 07557 312 526

Contact TwoFiona Reid

Position: Innovation Manager, Disability Sport Wales.

Group Roles: Member of Executive Group, and Chair of Operational Group

Email address: [email protected]

Telephone: 02920 334919


Appendix 6: Staff Stories

The introduction of Boccia has been a very beneficial and popular development to the Stroke Rehab Service in

Ysbyty Glan Clwyd. As a physiotherapy team we have been able to adjust the rules of Boccia to influence and

encourage the rehab potential of our clientele. The adjustments the team made for the patients were to bowl

in the standing position (if patient can sit to stand) and for the patients to use their weaker hand to bowl after

their stroke (if patient is able). These alterations to the rules meant that each game challenged balance and

standing ability, or the patient’s affected upper limb to get the power, direction and coordination needed to

bowl the ball but all while being engaged in an enjoyable and competitive activity.

The patients who are able to play Boccia all really enjoy it and always look forward to the next game, often

reminding us to schedule it. The patients enjoy the friendly competition they have between themselves during

the game. The fun the patients have during the game of Boccia mean they forget they are taking part in a

rehabilitation session, but instead have fun playing a sport that brings people together regardless of their

medical history and make friends along the way.

Disability Sport Wales – Benefits to service and service user BCUHB West:Disability Sport Wales has been essential within physiotherapy provision here in the West since it was

established and promoted through the partnership. It provides us as therapists another avenue to sign-post

neurological patients onto appropriate services that will helps achieving functional goals and positive social

re-integration. It takes the focus away from their disability and allows patients to return to a period in their life

were physical ailments were not a limiting burden. Feedback from patients has been positive and has assisted

us in putting the onus of rehabilitation on sports and relative enjoyments. My partnership with Catherine Chin

and Marcus Politis has flourished over the past year and I feel fortunate to be able to assist in the promotion of

the great service that they and Disability Sport Wales as a whole provide.

Maureen Bartley(Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist in Stroke) and

Narmer El-Lamie(Physiotherapy Technical Instructor)

Karl Jackson(Senior Neurology Physiotherapist)


Appendix 6: Staff Stories continued

Referring patient from physiotherapy service to disability sport is quick and simple - professionals have no

excuse not to! It fits in nicely during the consultation and can be discussed as part of treatment plan. With

agreement with child and parents forms can be completed there and then and posted off to the sport officer.

I have had to explain it as more ‘inclusion sport’ to some patients. These tend to be patients that have recently

had an illness or an accident resulting in disability and they are still coming to terms with being disabled.

If families would like to have a think about it first, or want a bit more information before committing to a

referral than I tend to signpost them to the disability sport Wales website.

Having Catherine as a link between health and sport has been very useful:

• Being able to discuss individual patients needs

• Activities available

• Future activities and;

• Potential developments in the future

• I have also been able to contact Mark Richards (Conwy Sport Officer) to with any questions and to discuss

more specific queries from families.

With regards to the benefits to my patients:

• Children do not always want to follow a ‘routine physio program’ and participating in sport can feel more

‘normal’

• Not all children are able to access a full PE curriculum or end up “always in goal”: participating in a

disability team sport makes them feel more included and gives them a chance to be the best player

• Sport = fun!

• A chance for them to meet others in a similar situation: rather than being the ‘only one in school with a

disability’

• This also applies to parents being able to talk to other parents about their situation

• Working with sport to achieve a goal: for example a child wanting to get back on a bike to try cycling in

the velodrome vs physio goal of wanting to achieve 90degrees of knee flexion. Thus, there was a reason

to carry out the ‘boring physio stretches’!!

• Their siblings/school friends are able to take part in ‘regular sport’ - disability sport allows the child to

‘have something of their own’ and their chance to shine.

Nia Roberts(Senior Paediatric Physiotherapist)

health disability sport partnership year one annual report · year one annual report. page 4. 1....

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