Party on ward to mark world day

A tea party complete with cake, bunting and music marked World Alzheimer’s Day at the RUH.

A socially-distanced event took place on Monday in Combe ward’s garden, with music provided by the RUH’S in-house musician Frankie Simpkins on the flute.

It was the first time Frankie had returned to the hospital since March due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Bath Radio supported the event with an on-air conversation with Sarah Williams Martin of Dementia Action Alliance and by playing a range of old hits.

Wards across the RUH were encouraged to play the music for patients to enjoy and sing along to.

Around 75 per cent of the RUH’S patients are over 65 and of that patient group, around 30 per cent are living with dementia – but may be in the hospital for other treatment.

Combe ward is a dedicated older persons’ unit (OPU) and many of the patients treated on the ward have some form of dementia or cognitive impairment.