Focus on Rookwood
Welsh Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Centre
Key facts
- 26 beds
- 12 Wheelchair Skills sessions per year
Chris – Outreach and Support Coordinator
How did you first get involved with Back Up?
Other than attending a wheelchair skills session as a patient at Stoke Mandeville, I applied for a job with Back Up in 2017 and haven’t looked back since.
What is your current role?
I’m an O&S Coordinator.
What is your proudest achievement at this centre?
Acknowledging the hard work put in by one of Back Up’s most dedicated volunteers by making and presenting him with an award.
What is the biggest challenge or frustration facing you at this centre?
It would be great to get more resources and support the centre with relatives’ days.
If you could wave a magic wand and change one thing, what would it be?
To finally get them in the new site they have been waiting so long for.
Drew Wilkinson – Volunteer Wheelchair Skills Trainer
How did you get involved with Back Up?
During my rehabilitation in 2003 my physio was involved with Back Up and recommended that I go on the multi activity course at the Lake District. The course was fantastic, I met great friends learnt new skills and become so much more confident. I have been on numerous courses over the years which have all been beneficial to my personal development as well as being great fun.
What is your current role?
I’m a volunteer wheelchair skills trainer.
What is your proudest achievement at this centre?
I cannot pin point a particular moment because seeing so many people learning and improving in skills and confidence after each session is always something I feel proud to be part of.
What is the biggest challenge or frustration facing you at this centre?
Rookwood has a great history but the building and its facilities are now quiet dated and would benefit from having a revamp and access to cutting edge technology.
If you could wave a magic wand and change one thing, what would it be?
Rookwood is a historic hospital, its staff are outstanding but if I had a wand it would be for all spinal units to have access to everything modern technology can offer.
