Since the onset of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in March, the Recreational Therapy Department has been closed and Recreational Therapy staff have been offering an outreach service within Leverndale Hospital.

The department plans to have a monthly ‘theme’ in an attempt to enhance the community spirit in these difficult times.

Marie Kerr, Manager, Recreational Therapy Department at Leverndale Hospital said: “This month’s theme was Halloween. The wards within the hospital participated in a Halloween window dressing competition with prizes awarded for first, second and third place. The hospital embraced the spirit of Halloween and it was tough deciding the winners. In the end first place went to Ward 1 (Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit), second to Ward 2 and third to Balloch Ward. The video below shows all the decorations, and the event was enjoyed by both staff and patients.”

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Recreational Therapy within Leverndale Hospital was a place inpatients and outpatients attended. The department offered organised activities such as learning for all, an art group and a football group, as well as offering a ‘drop in’ for people to perhaps have a chat or read the papers.