DOROTHY House unveiled its new gym for patients that will allow them to get physiotherapy and occupational therapy throughout their treatment.

The newly refurbished Sulis gym and Minerva room were funded by a £10,000 Rank foundation grant which the Winsley-based hospice was awarded last month.

The team has used the money to transform a standard group room into a gym facility that allows tailored one-to-one exercise programmes, and a variety of group work.

The names were suggested by staff and patients and were chosen on their Greek meaning of wellbeing and wisdom.

Physiotherapy and occupational therapy manager Jeanne Burnett said: “We successfully submitted a grant application to the Rank Foundation and we were awarded the maximum of £10,000 for capital cost conversion of the three rooms. We are really pleased to be able to provide another level of rehabilitation.

“Our patients have told us that they enjoy tailored exercise but we also know that the benefits go further; appropriate exercise and relaxation can aid symptom control, which is a crucial part of our work to help people live well with a life-limiting illness.”

All the apparatus in the gym meet the needs of older patients including parallel bars, steps, suitable chairs and exercise equipment.

Bathavon Rotary Club donated a MOTOmed and HyberVibe machine towards the gym which allows patients, who may have difficulty in accessing a gym, to work out with the support of therapists.

Staff are now working to incorporate a ‘snoozelan’ multi sensory lighting and projection facility with appropriate seating for relaxation groups.