Hollanden Park Hospital in Hildenborough has held a series of events to highlight dysphagia, problems associated with swallowing.
To coincide with Swallow Awareness Day (March 17th) the activities were aimed at increasing understanding of the condition and empathy for people living with it.
As a neuro-rehabilitation hospital Hollanden Park Hospital takes patients who have sustained a brain injury which can cause neurological deficits resulting in dysphagia. Some patients may have issues swallowing certain foods or liquids and others may not be able to swallow at all.
Patients with dysphagia may need their food modified to change the consistency of the food making it easier to swallow. Fluids can also be thickened to slow down the pace of the fluid for patients to be able to swallow more safely. Dysphagia is also common with people suffering from dementia, Parkinson’s, cerebral palsy, strokes and other conditions.
A number of events, aimed at increasing knowledge of swallowing issues, took place across the hospital., including filming a moving video interview with a patient who lives with dysphagia.
Hollanden Park Hospital is an independent specialist provider of neurological care and rehabilitation. Our hospital comprises specialist units providing wide-ranging care for people suffering from complex conditions related to, or caused by, acquired brain injury and other neurological conditions, including spinal cord injury.
“We felt it was important that we raised awareness of swallowing problems and helped remove any stigma attached by promoting more understanding. By organising fun but informative events we engaged with the staff, our patents and their family and friends and it was a very successful day.”