Bright new look for dementia patients
A NEW scheme aimed at making a stay in hospital easier for patients with dementia has been introduced by the Royal Berkshire Hospital.
The colour-coding initiative is aimed at reducing stress on the patients staying in Hurley Lodge, a unit where patients who are medically fit but waiting for their domiciliary care package or nursing home placement, are cared for.
The unit has recently undergone a complete refurbishment, thanks to a donation from the hospital’s League of Friends (LoF), with an emphasis on providing a calm and comfortable environment. Charge Nurse, Rod Santillan
: -“We are thrilled. The colour coding of the two fourbedded bays and lovely flower images associated to each bed space provide a simple visual reminder for patients of ‘their’ space on the ward.
“The donation has also furnished the unit with colour co-ordinated chairs, a social dining table, clocks, colourful wall pictures and portable radios. This all enhances and promote an ideal environment for patients and their friends.
“On behalf of all the patients and the Lodge nursing team I would like to thank the LoF for their generosity.”
Martin Butler, LoF Development Manager and Charity lead for the project is delighted with the finished result: “The committee all agreed that the refurbishment of Hurley Lodge was an initiative we should support.”