Stroke patient urges NHS Highland to reconsider ward transfer from Royal Northern Infirmary to Raigmore Hospital
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A STROKE patient who has spent months recuperating in hospital has urged NHS Highland not to press ahead with plans to transfer her ward to Raigmore.
Pauline Reynolds has been an inpatient at the Neuro Rehab Ward at the Royal Northern Infirmary (RNI) in Inverness since November after suffering a "catastrophic stroke affecting the main artery that enters the brain".
She is continuing to receive rehabilitation at the ward and says the relaxing setting and atmosphere of the smaller riverside hospital has played a big role in her improving condition.
And she is deeply concerned over moves to transfer the ward to the much larger Raigmore Hospital, arguing that not just the setting, but the ward layout, size and proximity of rehabilitation facilities will make her and other patients' stroke recoveries more difficult at what is already a stressful and difficult time.
She said: "My journey has not been an easy one and I'm still fighting on to regain as much independence as possible.
"I have been an inpatient since the start of November to continue rehabilitation.
"The ward is set in a two-warded hospital in a quiet area of Inverness. The patients are able to go out with their families to enjoy the tranquil sound of water running in the river or perhaps a stroll to town if they wish.
"The ward is light and airy providing a relaxing atmosphere. Patients can watch the world go by watching the birds and clouds.
"The ward is to move in weeks to a 26-bedded ward sharing with infectious diseases. They are to have 14 beds and the neurological rehabilitation ward 12 beds."
She continued: "The ward has not got any windows on one side, which means it will be stuffy and no air. Ward 2 in the RNI has its own gym allowing therapy to be provided. When we move the ward does not have its own gym, in fact it’s on a different floor. This can be accessed via a lift. The room is very big and airy and will provide an excellent service, but it takes time to transport individuals up there.
"I am very concerned with the move – at the moment the ward is quiet and I’m able to get a good sleep which is important for rehabilitation. The relocation of the current ward to a busy ward will increase stress and anxiety levels."
She also questioned whether the move would reduce the number of available beds in the area when "we are already in a bed crisis".
Responding to her concerns, NHS Highland said the ward transfer was simply a case of returning the facility to Raigmore after a temporary period being housed in the RNI and stressed that there is "no plan to reduce bed numbers".
A spokeswoman said: "The Neuro Rehab Unit was temporarily moved to the RNI in August 2021 to allow essential maintenance works to be undertaken on the existing ward.
"The service will return to Raigmore Hospital, with a provisional timescale of late May/early June.
"There is no plan to reduce the number of patient beds, and the current service delivery model will continue, albeit in a different location.
"Consultation has taken place with the medical, nursing and AHP teams with further meetings and internal communications planned to ensure a smooth transition back to Raigmore for both staff and patients.
"Patients will continue to have access to all appropriate therapy teams and gym areas within Raigmore Hospital."
