New interactive projector to provide sensory simulation for stroke survivors

Wednesday 28 June 2023

Stroke survivors at Samares Ward will now have access to a new motion-activated system that provides sensory stimulation and interaction for patients receiving rehabilitation support.

Donated by Jersey Stroke Support charity, it is hoped that the £7,000 'OM Interactive Projection System' will highlight the importance of providing stroke patients with access to innovative therapies and technologies that can help with their rehabilitation journey.

The system will be based at Samarès Ward at Overdale, which saw the reinstatement of rehabilitation services last year, after patient power forced the last Government to change direction earlier in 2022. 

The quality of rehabilitation services became a heated political issue in January 2022 when then-Senator Steve Pallett took a proposition to the States Assembly calling for care to return to Samarès Ward.

Both he and St. John Constable Andy Jehan became the political voice of many stroke survivors and their families, who said that the quality of services – but not care by staff – had declined significantly since they moved from Samarès Ward in May 2020. 

Patients on the former Plémont Rehabilitation Unit complained of a lack of space, privacy, room to exercise, and equipment.

However, the current Government has confirmed that rehabilitation services continue to be based at Overdale and will remain there for the foreseeable future, explaining that the long-term plans for rehabilitation in the island will be decided upon as part of a broader services strategy which will be compiled during the design for the new Hospital.

Pictured: Health Minister Karen Wilson opening the Stroke rehabilitation unit when it made its return to Samarès Ward at Overdale in August 2022.

Following the donation of the new interactive projector, Tracy O’Regan, CEO of Jersey Stroke Support, said: “We are thrilled to be able to make the donation to Samares Ward thanks to the generous support of islanders.

"The OM Projection System will bring a new, fun and interactive dynamic to rehabilitation activities on the ward."

She added: "We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported Jersey Stroke Support and made this donation possible. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to the excellent work of the team on Samares Ward.”

Director of Clinical Services for HCS, Claire Thompson, said: “We are immensely grateful to Jersey Stroke Support and their community of donors for making the OM Interactive Projection System donation possible.

"This equipment offers our rehabilitation patient’s the ability to engage in social activities that promote cognitive thought, physical and emotional wellbeing. It can be used on a 1:1 basis or in a team/group activity, thus promoting socialisation, conversation, and reminiscence.

"It is a welcomed addition to the rehabilitation unit and we thank Jersey Stroke Support for their continued dedication towards supporting stroke patients and their families on the island."

This article was put together with help from Emily Bowker, who is on Work Experience with Bailiwick Express.