A CHARITY has launched a new service to help Warrington Hospital patients regain their mobility and independence during their recoveries.

Warrington Disability Partnership’s mobility and independent living service is now open in the hospital’s orthopaedic fracture clinic, located at the rear of the Lovely Lane site.

The new service will provide information, advice and guidance on disability matters as well as a store selling mobility and independent living equipment and products.

Each week, hundreds of patients leave Warrington Hospital’s wards and outpatient departments having been diagnosed with debilitating or long-term health conditions that will affect their lives in work and at home.

Dave Thompson, Warrington Disability Partnership co-founder and chief executive, said: “There are nearly 14 million reasons why this service is needed as there are 14 million disabled people living in the UK, and 60,000 live in Warrington and Halton.

“That’s not to mention 40,000 carers.

“This will help to rebuild confidence, improve self-esteem and enable disabled people to have more independence and choices on how they live.”

More than 30 guests - including health and social care representatives, businessmen and Warrington Disability Partnership’s trustees and staff - were present as the new service was officially opened by the Mayor of Warrington Cllr Karen Mundry - who was given the task of cutting the ribbon on Tuesday, September 18.

The service, a scheme which has been set up with the help of 10 businesses from across the town, has created two jobs for disabled people and will open from Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm.

Steve Mcguirk, Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust chairman, added: “This new service will provide our patients and staff with direct access to mobility and independent living products as well as peer support, information, advice and guidance - to disabled people, from disabled people at the point where people need it most.”