Patients recovering from burns or reconstructive surgery can shower comfortably in new Stars Appeal funded wet room

Patients recovering from severe burns or trauma that limit their mobility have a new wet room where they can wash more independently in a comfortable, private space, thanks to the Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity.

The £40,000 wet room on Odstock Burns and Plastics Ward at Salisbury District Hospital includes a walk-in shower and is accessible for wheelchairs and other mobility aids, helping patients recovering from severe burns or reconstructive surgery to adjust to a new personal care routine with privacy and dignity.

Patient Craig Winspear, who was treated at the Hospital for sepsis in his leg, was the first person to use the new wet room.  He said: “It was fantastic to get into a nice shower after being bedbound. Being able to have a proper wash was amazing in itself. Having a wet room like this with lots of space where I can move around more comfortably made all the difference. I was also able to have my music playing which made it feel more like home.”

Craig, who was in the Army for 10 years, lost both his legs after an improvised explosive device went off while he was serving in Afghanistan. He adds: “Being a double amputee it’s great to be able to relax in a bath after spending time in a hospital bed. Some people can be bedbound for quite a long time so when they are able to have a proper shower it’s a big thing – it gives you your independence and boosts your morale. A simple thing as a shower is something that people take for granted. Thank you to the brilliant donors who have helped fund this!”

The new wet room can also be used by patients in specialist shower beds. And as well as helping patients on the ward, burns patients coming in for their clinic appointments now have a private bathroom where they can remove their bandages and dressings and have a shower before having new dressings put on. 

Senior Sister on Odstock Ward, Hazel Jackson, explains how the new facility is enhancing care for their patients: “This wet room is a huge benefit for all our patients. The walk-in shower is fully accessible to everyone, including wheelchair users, people who need to sit when they shower, and even patients who need to stay on their bed. Many of our burns and plastic surgery patients need daily showers as part of their treatment and some rooms on the ward don’t have a shower so we had to move patients around the ward. Now we can offer all of our inpatients and outpatients better treatment with these new facilities.

“The wet room is big enough to comfortably fit patients in their wheelchairs and still have room for staff members to help them with showering and their dressings when needed. Our patients now have a private washing space which also helps them to be more independent. A huge thank you to everyone who supports the Stars Appeal and make projects like this possible.”

The Stars Appeal aims to raise £1million every year to fund new equipment, enhancements to buildings, and ongoing projects supporting patients across Salisbury Hospital. To find out more visit www.starsappeal.org