Sue Ryder Hospice takes action to improve patient experience
A HOSPICE has introduced a range of improvements to support patients at the end of their life, including those living with dementia.
Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, based on Liebenrood Road in neighbouring Reading, provides specialist palliative care, advice and support to people across Berkshire who are living with lifelimiting conditions, as well as supporting their families.
Funded by a grant of £1,000 from the John Sykes Foundation, staff at the hospice will now wear dementia-friendly name badges, which feature a large black font on a bright yellow background.
The badges have been created to use colours which make them highly readable for patients with dementia and visual impairments, as well as featuring minimal text and simplified job titles.
Abby Pearson, quality and improvement manager at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, said: “With an ageing population, more people are being diagnosed with dementia than ever before, so it’s essential that we are a dementia-friendly hospice.
“These name badges will help all of our patients to feel in control of knowing who is caring for them, as well as reminding us of the importance of introducing ourselves properly.
“It’s the perfect example of how a small gesture can make a huge difference in providing personalised care.”
The grant from the John Sykes Foundation has also funded soft-close bins to reduce sudden loud noises which can be disturbing for patients with heightened senses, specialist dementia-friendly calendar clocks and soft lighting lamps.
Fern Haynes, head of community fundraising – Thames Valley, said: “We are so grateful to have received this generous funding from the John Sykes Foundation to support these important improvements which we hope will enhance our patients’ experience.
“We are reliant on generous supporters and companies donating and fundraising for us, which ensures we can continue providing the compassionate end-of-life care and support we are so well known for in the local community.”
John Sykes, the founder and chair of trustees of the John Sykes Foundation, said: “We are delighted to have awarded the Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice with a grant which has been used to purchase equipment for patients suffering with dementia.
“We hope these items make a big difference to patients and their families’ experience at such a very distressing time.”
Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice provides a comprehensive range of services, including inpatient care, day services and Hospice at Home care to people in the community.