Social club that helps treat leg wounds commended

Drop-in patients at the Leg Club can enjoy tea, cakes and a piano accompaniment along with their leg treatment

A drop-in clinic where patients can listen to piano music and chat over tea and cake while having their leg wounds treated, has been awarded Leg Club of the Year.

The social group, which meets once a week at the Tithe Barn in Nailsea, treats a number of lower-leg problems supported by a team of volunteer retired nurses.

Run by the Tyntesfield Medical Group, the club has been recognised for the "outstanding support" it provides to people living with a leg-related condition.

Rachel Tanner, the club's lead nurse, said the club not only offers advice and social company but can see "more patients" in less time than a GP Practice.

The Leg Club, one of 20 around the country, meet up every Wednesday between 09:00 and 12:00 GMT.

Anyone registered with the Tyntesfield Medical Group, can just turn up at a session.

Shirley Rowley, a Leg Club patient, said she has been going to the club for a decade.

"It's been going 10 years and I joined at about the third meeting," she said.

"I had an infection in my leg and I've been coming ever since."

Shirley Rowley, a Leg Club patient, said the club is "so much nicer than sitting in the doctors' surgery"

She said the club is "very efficient" and "so much nicer than sitting in the doctors' surgery".

"When you live on your own, it's very important for you to meet up with people."

Michael Herwin, said the leg club has been "absolutely invaluable".

"Years and years ago, I put the back of a figure skate into that part of the leg so it caused a wound," he said.

"It was only really when I came down here that anything really has been done to heal it."

Rachel Tanner, lead nurse Leg club, said the club has a "really happy vibe"

Along with treating leg ulcers and varicose veins, the club also offers treatments for eczema, skin tears and mobility issues.

Ms Tanner, said they have a lot of volunteers helping them run the service.

"It prevents us seeing [patients] for 40 minutes in the surgery because we can see them here, with the help of our volunteers," she said.

"It does mean that we can see double the amount of people."

She said the club has a "really happy vibe" allowing patients to "come, chat and have a nice time together and socialise".

"Which is really important," she said.

"Because - this might be the only contact they have that week."

'Takes me back'

Angela Paine, a retired nurse, who has been volunteering at the club for five years said "it's just a lovely place to come".

"I really enjoy it because it takes me back to my nursing days and I can, you know, give my wealth of experience to the patients," she said.

Carole Brooke, the club's chair, said she was "incredibly proud" they had been named Leg Club of the Year.

"We are especially grateful to our amazing nurse supporters – whose energy and compassion are at the heart of everything we do."