STARS Recreation Officer Ana Monisse (R) and STARS patient Patricia (L)

STARS Recreation Officer Ana Monisse is an unsung hero of our Rehab Unit, working hard to improve patients’ experiences that ultimately contribute to a better time in hospital.

Ana’s role focuses on social engagement, encouraging and facilitating activities for rehab patients to lift their moods and find purpose whilst they’re recovering.

“Physio can be tiresome and repetitive, and recovery can be frustrating if a patient doesn’t feel like they are making progress,” Ana said.

“Doing something they like, such as knitting, gives them a sense of owning their time, owning what they like to do, and choosing something to do – not just being instructed.

“It can also improve their mood, making them more engaged with rehab activities.”

STARS patient Patricia knows first-hand the benefits of Ana’s support, which has enabled her knitting in rehab – something she has loved doing since she was four years old.

Having made hundreds of beanies and winter woollies for homeless people, Patricia is now working on something for herself.

“I don’t buy many clothes, but I saw this lovely black pair of pants I bought recently and they have an orange and green stripe down the side, so I’m making this scarf to match, and a hat also,” Patricia said.

But the knitting is not just for herself, she has even made a little blanket for a staff member at STARS to give to their new baby.

If you have a patient in 6A that needs some Recreation Officer support from someone like Ana, get in touch with the 6A ward reception staff on 67840.