Thanks to the generosity of Sheffield Hospital Charity supporters, the patient assessment kitchen in the Spinal Injuries Centre at the Northern General has been completely transformed.
The kitchen allows staff to assess spinal injury patients in a realistic setting and gives them and their loved ones an idea of what specialist equipment is available when they return home.
The original kitchen was fitted in 1994 when the spinal injuries centre first opened and was in desperate need of an upgrade.
Changes include new variations of kitchen doors, installing appliances such as a dishwasher, new electric oven and hob, and different height work surfaces for patients and families to trial. Using equipment in this setting allows patients to build on their independence and ready them for their return to home.
Additional kitchen items have been added, like an air fryer, as this is the type of equipment a patient is now more likely to have in their own home environment, and something they may want to learn how to use. The kitchen space is also accessible for those patients who need wider wheelchairs.
Kim Bateman, Occupational Therapist at The Princess Royal Spinal Injuries Centre said, “The updated kitchen is a huge asset to our therapy department, allowing practice in an adapted and unadapted kitchen environment. It enables us to educate patients on what kind of adaptations they can have at home and offers a safe environment for them to practice ready for their discharge home. It also shows the type of kitchen accessories that are readily available. Without the support of the charity, we would not have been able to achieve such a beautiful set-up with the facility for patients to explore options for their home environment.”
Shasta Ashraf, Director of Grants at Sheffield Hospitals Charity said,
“We are delighted to provide funding for the assessment kitchen at the Spinal Injuries Centre. We’re proud to be able to adapt and develop spaces like these to be more accessible to all patients and staff. Supporting patient centred experiences is one of our four priority areas where we invest to have the greatest impact for the people of Sheffield.”
Published: Friday 26th of September 2025