Raphael Hospital in Hildenborough opened its doors to the local community, family and friends for a summer picnic, welcoming guests including cabinet member for community services Councillor Mark Rhodes.

The hospital, which is an independent facility specialising in the neurorehabilitation of adults, invited guests to enjoy face painting, entertainment and picnic food on the grounds of the hospital, as well as having the opportunity to meet staff and residents.

Cllr Rhodes, who has been the borough councillor for Hildenborough for 30 years, received a tour of the facilities, and was treated to lunch with the team.

Raphael Hospital also showcased a selection of its therapies, including music and art.

Philip Smith, CEO of the Raphael Hospital, said: “The Raphael Hospital has been part of the community for more than 35 years, and we always love being able to welcome the community in to meet our team and residents, and to see all the good work we’re doing to rehabilitate people with neurological conditions.

“We appreciate that it’s a very specialist field of medicine we work in, with lots of different strands to our therapy strategy, and we were very pleased to showcase some of the programmes we offer and how they help our patients.

“We were delighted that the weather was on our side for our summer picnic, as it meant we got to show off our grounds looking their best.”

Cllr Mark Rhodes said: “It was a great pleasure during the Raphael Centre summer picnic to meet patients and staff, along with Parish Councillors and neighbours from Hildenborough.

“I was informed about the care and rehabilitation of patients staying at the Raphael Centre and a walk in the grounds made for a pleasant afternoon.”

www.raphaelhospital.co.uk