VULNERABLE patients at Winchester hospital will keep active with the help of fun and games from new specialists.

Puzzles, crafts, bingo and 1930s nostalgia will be used to help elderly and long-term ill patients move and talk during their stay.

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which has hired 10 activity coordinators across Winchester, Basingstoke and Andover hospitals, hopes the treatment will stimulate patients mentally and physically.

Dee Gemmell, one of the coordinators, said: “Some of our patients can lose their confidence and independence if they are in hospital for a while. We know that keeping patients stimulated and active helps them feel better and feel more confident about returning home.”

“I love my new role for loads of reasons: I like helping people, making them smile, and to feel good about themselves. I love making crafts with patients and I also love having a chat and hearing patients tell me stories of days gone by.

“We have coffee mornings and I feel that I make a difference to their days, making their stay easier and more enjoyable. Who wouldn't love it?”

The coordinators come from clinical backgrounds and are specially trained on the Health Care Assistant course.

They are seeking donations to help roll out the service, including jigsaw puzzles, books, televisions, portable CD players and household items from the 1930s.

Donors are asked to drop items off at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital reception, Royal Hampshire County Hospital front reception or Andover War Memorial Hospital's outpatient reception.