RHN FC is a team of staff members from the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability. The hospital was established in 1854 by  Reverend Andrew Reed, one of the 19th century’s great philanthropists, sees a need ‘to give permanent relief to such persons as are hopelessly disqualified for the duties of life, by disease, accident or deformity.’ One of the hospital's early fundraisers was the great author Charles Dickens.

The hospital makes a vital difference to lives of profoundly disabled adults with acquired brain injuries which can happen as a result of a fall, road accident or attack, as well as neurological conditions such as Huntington’s disease and MS.

And this is done through a holistic, personalised approach that looks at the long term. Beyond the clinical care that you would expect in a hospital, there is a whole host of therapies and services which the hospital provides to give the patients the best quality of life and provide relief to their families.

The hospital hosts 220 patients and provides a wide array of support for them and their families. Such as Leisure and Family Services, which provides over 90 different types of activities. so that everyone staying at the RHN has something to suit their interests and ability. Being able to take part in leisure activities helps to improve quality of life and provides meaningful activities to share with friends and family.

"It’s the amount of thought that goes into what Paul gets, they really look into his needs.”

Sally, whose husband Paul has Locked-In Syndrome.

There is music therapy which can help physical movement, improve communication, help with their memory, and can help psychologically, to bring them back good memories, or to create songs which allow them to deal with their disability and to relate to others.

“I kept looking at the piano and asked if someone could teach me to play. Then I started to write my own song. It let me stop thinking about the downfalls and start thinking about the upside.”  – Graham

The Aquability pool is a calm, private space where patients

can relax, take part in gentle exercise or play games. Aquability has an
enduring popularity with the patients, who enjoy the freedom the water gives them, as well as the chance to exercise and have fun.

“Karen loves taking part in Aquability because she’s a very good swimmer. When she is in the water you can see it on her face that she is enjoying herself and she really benefits from the one-to-one time in the pool.”

Compass is an assistive and rehabilitation technology service. The Compass team includes specialists in electronic assistive technology and rehabilitation technology. They work with patients, as well as working with people referred from the community, other hospitals, nursing homes and other settings.

Without this equipment, my son wouldn’t to be able to communicate. It’s his lifeline, it keeps his brain active and it makes him want
to carry on living.”

Occupational Therapy Art Service provides a leisure activity for patients as well as an enjoyable way for them to meet their rehabilitation goals.

Art sessions are on a one-to-one basis in the art room and can improve or maintain physical and cognitive ability.

“It’s given me a completely new outlook on life. I had never painted or done any art before. I started from scratch and learned how to paint using my mouth and I felt very proud. I never thought I could do anything like this”