ITV Loose Women showcase RJAH initiative transforming lives of NHS staff, patients and communities

Loose Women regulars Brenda Edwards and Kaye Adams are lending their support to The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital and the Path of Positivity, an outdoor, nature-based initiative boosting the wellbeing of staff, visitors and patients.

Brenda visited the Oswestry-based hospital, meanwhile Kaye learned more about the initiative in the studio, interviewing Kate Betts, Therapy Associate Practitioner on the Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries (MCSI) and Staff Governor.

Kate first instigated the idea of Path of Positivity in 2019, with support from the hospital’s League of Friends and the NHS Trust’s Estates team, as well as funding from NHS Charities Together.

The piece was part of the NHS Charities Together summer marketing campaign, which begins today (Monday 8 July), shortly after the NHS’s 76^th birthday on Friday 5 July and continue throughout the month.

Kate said: “Before the Path of Positivity, patients and staff didn’t have access to our wonderful field and all of the nature within and around it – we had this huge space with so much potential that nobody could access. Patients outside around the hospital were faced with many obstacles such as kerbs and ramps.

“I’m thrilled that my idea has become a reality, thanks to funding from NHS Charities Together. Our Path of Positivity provides an environment where nature can be witnessed and enjoyed in a calm and tranquil setting – patients can see the sky, watch the rabbits hopping and hear the birds chirping.

“It shows patients there is still a world out there, beyond the four walls of the hospital and it’s so important to be able to get some fresh air and feel the breeze on your face. I’ve seen first-hand how being in nature allows patients to be mindful, focus and take everything in, which are all important to recovery. We are so fortunate to have this revitalised space and it’s already been used by thousands of staff and patients, with many more to benefit in years to come.”

The path is accessible for anyone who uses a wheelchair, crutches or a walking frame, and provides an area of relaxation and reflection. The path is available to staff, patients and their loved ones, providing a calming place to take a break, enjoy their lunch can take a walk, observe wildlife and benefit from nature, outside of a clinical environment. 

Kate’s patient Paul Bunch, 56 from the West Midlands, shared his story with Loose Women’s Brenda Edwards. He benefitted from the Path of Positivity project after a life-changing injury left him with paralysis of the legs (paraplegia) and incontinence issues. He said: “It was an ordinary day for me as a freelance photographer, as I leaned into my glove box, I felt an immense shooting pain. I collapsed and managed to get into my house, I stayed in bed, but after a few days I suddenly got much worse and I was blue lighted to hospital. An MRI scan confirmed I had a severe spinal injury and needed surgery.  

“Following surgery, I was flat on my back for four weeks. I now have no bowel or bladder control, no feeling in the midrange area of my body or in the back of my legs. My legs still work but my feet don’t. I can’t balance, stand or walk and now use a wheelchair.  

“The first time I went to the Path I watched a robin and temporarily forgot the reality I was facing. This wonderful open space allows me to process the injury and the enormity of it, with no noise. I have freedom and connection to the world, but if I have an accident here, help is close by. Over time, I've learnt to look at my injury in a different light. I still have dark days but a lot more good days.”  

Ellie Orton OBE, Chief Executive at NHS Charities Together, said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with ITV’s Loose Women to promote the vital work we do supporting NHS staff, patients and communities. We’re so thankful to patients like Paul – who have been through so much but still want to share their inspirational stories; and staff like Kate, who help people recover and come to terms with life-changing injuries. The Path of Positivity initiative really goes to show the power of nature in boosting our health and wellbeing and is just one example of the thousands of projects we fund. 

“We are so grateful to the staff and patients at RJAH in Shropshire and all the Loose Women – especially Brenda and Kaye – for helping us shine a light on how the projects we fund transform lives. With the NHS under pressure like never before, the extra support we provide is more important than ever.”