Jo shares this latest news on behalf of Isle of Wight NHS Trust. Ed
A new Dementia Lounge at St Mary’s Hospital officially opened. This Lounge has been specifically designed to create relaxing and welcoming environment.
With its homely and familiar features, the room offers a very different place to be away from the hospital wards for patients who may otherwise spend their days in bed or at the bedside.
A quiet and calming space
Lead Dementia Nurse, Viv Tomlinson said
“A busy hospital ward can be very daunting for people with dementia so the lounge is able to offer them a quiet and calming space, so they don’t feel overwhelmed. The lounge provides a beautiful fireplace with comfortable chairs and is furnished with historic items such as old newspapers, books, ornaments and a grammar phone to stimulate memories and support reminiscence.
“The Lounge will allow staff to engage in meaningful activities with the patients but will also enable them to socialise with other patients.”
Already a success with patients
Viv continued,
“We are all very happy and grateful to be able to offer this lounge to the patients of St Mary’s, it will provide great comfort to those who need it and will improve the overall experience of a hospital stay.
“The room has already been a success with patients who might otherwise have been disturbed or agitated, spending quality time in the lounge with family and staff, in a much calmer and more therapeutic space that is appropriate to their social and emotional needs.”
Design work led by Hedley Finn
Designed using King’s Fund dementia design principles that put the environment and its impact on people with dementia at the very heart of any patient spaces, Hedley Finn who has led the design work of the lounge suggests that with the support of staff and volunteers patients using this new lounge can improve their well-being by spending time in this carefully designed and managed therapeutic and calming space.
He said,
“It changes the atmosphere, changes moods and improves well-being for all.”
Extra support from Friends of St Mary’s
Initially funded by the ‘Patients with a Disability Working Group’ (PDWG) who identified the need for a dedicated space for people with dementia, the group invested the initial £4,000 and additional support came from the Friends of St Mary’s.
The Patient lounge has been developed and opened within Colwell ward at the hospital.
