Stroke patients dance at weekly ward discos

Stroke patients at a Wakefield hospital are being encouraged to dance at weekly ward discos to aid recovery and socialise.

Pinderfields Hospital introduced Disco in the Bay to support physical rehabilitation and encourage patients to socialise.

Occupational therapist Louise Hewitt said music had a therapeutic power and could play a valuable role in stroke recovery.

Hewitt said: “Music is known to bring people together and lift spirits, and it is certainly helping lift staff and visitor spirits, allowing all to get involved in rehabilitation on the ward.”

“We’ve seen patients who were previously quite withdrawn start smiling, tapping their feet and even dancing.

“It’s a beautiful way to support recovery in a positive, inclusive environment.”

The disco sessions include music, soft lights and glow sticks.

According to the Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, music and movement can help reconnect neural pathways – the brain’s communication routes – and enhance motor and cognitive function in people recovering from a stroke.

Pinderfields Hospital is looking into how similar sessions could be introduced in other wards.