May 27th 2026
How you are making a difference at Salisbury Hospital
Support like yours is helping transform physical therapy for patients at Salisbury District Hospital.
The Medical and Surgical Therapy team now has two ‘tilt in space’ chairs, which improve comfort and support for patients with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, stroke, and neuromuscular disorders, who struggle to sit upright on their own.
The chairs can be tilted forward or backward and help relieve pressure when sitting. They make it easier and more comfortable for patients to spend time out of bed and to take part in physiotherapy and other rehabilitative activities to help their recovery along. The chairs also make it easier and more comfortable for patients to have specialist X-Rays to check their eating and swallowing.
Senior Physiotherapist Naomi Roberts, who is pictured top left with Speech and Language Therapist Jess Willetts and one of the new chairs, said: “Having these chairs means we can help our patients take part in their physical therapy in ways we couldn’t before. Their families can also take them off the ward, which makes a big difference to their day and really lifts their mood. Thank you so much to all the Stars Appeal donors, you are making a huge difference to our patients and to the care we can provide.”
Your generous support has also funded two specialist wheelchairs for patients on the Odstock Burns and Plastics Ward. These wheelchairs have elevated leg rests and supportive boards, helping to make every journey more comfortable for people with lower-leg injuries or amputations.
When able, patients can also use them independently, giving them greater confidence and freedom to take a break from the busy hospital ward.
Therapy Assistant Lou Kettle, bottom left, said: “These wheelchairs give our patients the freedom to take time away from the ward whether that’s popping down to the hospital shops or spending precious time with family and friends. They help restore a sense of normality during what can be long stays in hospital and play a big part in supporting rehabilitation.
“Our team is so grateful to all the Stars Appeal donors for helping us purchase this equipment that truly makes a difference, helping our patients regain their independence.”