Support from Ninewells Hospital physio team inspires teenager Wil to aim to follow their footsteps

Teenager Wil Ritchie is harbouring ambitions to become a physiotherapist as a result of the inspirational support he has received from a team based at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee. Wil, 17 and from Forfar, was involved in mountain biking accident in 2020 which left him with a serious brain injury and a hospital stay lasting more than nine months.

His rehab programme received a recent fillip when he started running again, using a Matrix treadmill with his body weight being supported by a new hoist. He now runs for about 15 minutes during a typical physiotherapy session, covering up to 1.5 km – five times longer than he could manage without the hoist.

Clinical specialist physiotherapist Carol Greig said: ‘The body weight support treadmill is a welcome addition to our rehabilitation equipment and seeing Wil’s progress in such a short space of time shows what a difference it will make to so many of our patients. It means the patient is fully supported by the harness and the amount of weight taken through their body can be reduced to make walking feel safer, easier and more secure.

Carol added: ‘So far patients with conditions including stroke, traumatic brain injury/major trauma and functional neurological disorder have all used the equipment and the patient feedback has been very positive.’

Fast forward

Wil said: ‘I always like to run as fast as I can. I can see the hoist benefiting so many people who are making progress just like me and also those who were just like me when I first started rehab. It will really help people.'

The body weight support treadmill is a welcome addition to our rehabilitation equipment and seeing Wil’s progress in such a short space of time shows what a difference it will make to so many of our patients [Carol Greig]

His mother Karen Ritchie is thrilled by his progress: ‘This new machine is amazing. We are so proud of him, he’s a very positive person and he never gives up. He has just worked so hard every day, supported by the physio team.’

The specialist treadmill and walking hoist is sited at the East of Scotland Major Trauma Centre at Ninewells Hospital, which provides dedicated trauma services – including rehabilitation support – to help patients with significant injuries recover more quickly. Being portable, the hoist can be used at a patient’s bedside if required.

The machine also provides members of the physiotherapy team with data, meaning they monitor each patient's progress, and log information about speed, stride lengths and distances.

'Incredible piece of equipment' 

Fiona Hutcheson, who manages the East of Scotland Major Trauma Network, said: ‘The walking hoist is an incredible piece of equipment that enables patients to walk at an earlier stage of their rehabilitation.

Fiona added: 'It enhances patient independence and functional ability throughout their rehab journey. The staff have been very enthusiastic about the new hoist and seeing the difference it is making to patients.’