Sport students help hospital patients avoid decline

Students from the University of Brighton have been helping hospital patients at risk of physical decline as part of a new NHS partnership.

Pupils from the university's school of education, sport and health sciences have been assisting patients at the Royal Sussex County Hospital with exercises to prevent deconditioning.

Deconditioning is the decline in physical or mental functioning due to inactivity or bed rest, according to the NHS, and can occur during hospital stays.

The placement forms part of the Stronger for Life in Hospital project, developed within East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust and now delivered across Sussex.

Student Connor Devlin said he was drawn to the placement because he had seen "through my own family" how stroke wards support people in recovery, adding that stepping into that environment was something he was "really excited about".

Fellow student Ryan Bbosa said: "I'm excited to see how patients are supported in different situations and to use my knowledge of exercise and movement to help them stay active and build confidence."

The programme supports patients to stay active through live-streamed exercise sessions.

The university said this winter marks the first time the project has expanded to the comprehensive stroke unit at Royal Sussex County Hospital, with students joining NHS teams on the ward.

Priscilla Cezarino Silveira, a clinical specialist occupational therapist at University Hospitals Sussex, said staff were "really appreciative" of the ' support.

Sarah-Jane Ryan, head of practice learning and development for health and sport courses at the University of Brighton, said: "Working in healthcare environments for some sport students supports their development of compassion, confidence and adaptability."

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