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SHP has been assisting The Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust on numerous schemes over the years at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton one of which is the new Dementia Ward. The following article has been taken from the Wolverhampton Chronicle:
With a special paint scheme, lighting and colour coordinated tables and chairs to encourage patients to eat, this unique multi-million pound hospital ward is helping to transform the lives of dementia patients.
The £2 million ward, created at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton, has been hailed a huge success. It uses special design techniques with every member of staff, including the housekeeper and receptionist, receiving training on how to deal with patients suffering with dementia. And it could be rolled out across the region.
The 20-bed ward uses the paint scheme to make sure confused patients don’t open doors they shouldn’t, and lighting to create different atmospheres. Sign have red backgrounds with white writing to make them clearer for patients to read.
Every single design detail inside the ward has been considered, including the colours of chairs and table cloths chosen to encourage appetite and make it easier for patients to know when and where to eat. Each patient can personalise their bed area so they recognise it and each bay has beds on only one side to reduce confusion.
Since opening in November 2010 the ward, which has a higher number of nursing staff as well as volunteers, has brought real benefits for patients. Not one of the patients has lost weight since the ward opened and there ahs been a reduction in falls and pressure sores.
Matron Karen Bowley, who has been in the NHS for almost 30 years, said: "This is the nest care I have ever seen and it should be rolled out everywhere."
The 18 month pilot project was launched in partnership with the Strategic Health Authority. If it continues to prove a success, bosses could roll it out to other hospitals in the region.