Wellbeing drop-in sessions at Moretonhampstead Hospital

People who live in or near Moretonhampstead are being invited to the first of a series of wellbeing drop-in sessions at the town’s hospital.

The sessions will give the public an opportunity to meet the local NHS community nursing and therapy team and find out how the staff support people to live healthily and independently at home.

Local people can discuss any health, wellbeing or fitness concerns they may have, relating to themselves or someone else.

The first event takes place on Thursday 4 December, from 10am to 1pm.

Organiser Hilary Taylor, a lead occupational therapist for the Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “People can take a basic health check with the nurses, including blood pressure, diabetes and oxygen level tests, and get advice from the community matron on a range of issues like healthy eating and stopping smoking.

“There will be an opportunity to take a balance check and find out how the physiotherapists can help to prevent falls and assist with other mobility issues, using exercise and equipment.

“Visitors can find out how the occupational therapists can help people with everyday activities and improve their quality of life, including with equipment and mobility aids.

“People can also get a closer insight into the services offered at the new health and social care hub at Moretonhampstead Hospital and make suggestions on what they would like to see us provide.”

The event will have a Christmas theme and refreshments will be available.

Dates for the following two wellbeing drop-in sessions in 2015 have already been booked.

The session on Tuesday 24 February will have a theme of falls prevention and safety at home while the event on Tuesday 24 March will have a focus on diabetes.

The sessions follow the success of the Wellbeing Open Day at Moretonhampstead Hospital earlier this month, when dozens of people turned up to meet the health and social care team and find out more about the new hub and the work of the staff.

To keep up to date with developments at the hub, visit www.healthypeoplemoreton.co.uk.