Mark visited Kings C1 Ward at William Harvey Hospital, to film their beach themed lunch club - complete with bucket and spade, deckchair and seaside memorabilia. Patients with dementia mixed with others, in an opportunity to socialise, chat and relax in a familiar, comfortable setting, away from the clinical environment of the ward. The beach theme helped patients remember their own holidays and share memories with each other.
The Dementia Appeal has been launched to support events like this, as well as the refurbishment and regeneration of some disused areas across the Trust, such as the enclosed garden space close to the Emergency Department at the William Harvey. The charity wants to transform this space into a tranquil and therapeutic area, designed especially for people with dementia but offering a quiet area for all patients and visitors.
Around 350 patients in our hospitals each day have dementia. Their care and experience can be enhanced greatly by changes such as these, to help them feel calmer and more engaged in their care. This can lead to a more positive clinical outcome and a shorter stay in hospital, which is beneficial to the patient.
The Dementia Appeal aims to raise £500,000 to make these improvements. Alongside this, the charity has launched the Challenge 500 campaign, to encourage all wards and departments across the Trust to each raise £500 for the appeal. What could you do to help reach the target?
Further information about the appeal and Challenge 500 can be found at www.ekhuft.nhs.uk/dementiaappeal.
Alternatively, contact Community Fundraising Manager Luke Underdown at luke.underdown@nhs.net
