St Giles Hospice celebrates World Physiotherapy Day and the vital role it plays in hospice care 

St Giles Hospice is marking World Physiotherapy Day by highlighting the vital role physiotherapy plays in helping people living with a terminal illness. 

The work done by St Giles Physiotherapist, Ainsley Hardman, is an integral part of the hospice’s multidisciplinary team.  

Ainsley works closely with patients to provide tailored support that meets each individual’s unique needs and goals. Whether helping a patient remain mobile, supporting breathlessness management, or assisting with symptom control, Ainsley’s role makes a huge difference to the daily lives of patients being cared for at St Giles.  

Paul, a patient Ainsley recently supported by Ainsley, said: “The physiotherapy support at St Giles Hospice has been fantastic since I first arrived. 

“Before my diagnosis, I enjoyed a wide range of hobbies, but I have since had to adapt these to more chair-based activities, such as gardening and painting. 

“The physiotherapy support from St Giles has helped me rebuild strength in my legs, enabling me to get out of bed and walk short distances again. This has made a real difference to my quality of life.” 

Since receiving care and support from Ainsley and the team on the Inpatient Unit, Paul was able to return home. 

Leon Ratcliffe, Director of Clinical Services at St Giles Hospice, said: “At St Giles, physiotherapy is delivered alongside specialist medical, nursing, therapeutic care to provide a holistic approach tailored to each patient’s individual needs and priorities.  

“World Physiotherapy Day is an opportunity for us to raise awareness of the positive impact physiotherapy has on our patients and to celebrate colleagues, like Ainsley, who provide the best care and support to our patients each and every day.” 

To find out more about the work St Giles Hospice does, visit: www.stgileshospice.com