17 May 2021

Frimley Health is marking this year’s Dementia Action Week (17-23 May) across its hospitals by revealing its plans to transform the level of care dementia patients receive during their stay in hospital.

Initial donations raised from an appeal launched by Frimley Health Charity at the beginning of the year, have enabled the transformation to begin on dementia wards at both Frimley Park and Wexham Park Hospitals.

The Frimley Health Charity appeal, which aims to raise £1.1 million by 2023, will fund a range of projects across the Frimley Health Foundation Trust hospitals, so that dementia patients in the region will receive the best possible clinical and holistic care. So far, the charity has already refurbished a ‘dementia hub’ at Wexham Park Hospital, creating a multi-use activity and relaxation room and an outdoor space for patients and their families.

At Frimley Park Hospital, design changes have been made to the main dementia ward including covering the doors with a huge, floral vinyl print, which nursing staff say has had “calming effect on patients”. Research by several dementia organisations, such as Alzheimer’s UK, shows that making simple environmental improvement has a positive impact by lessening difficult behaviours and reducing the number of falls.

Ablen Dacalos, Dementia Lead cross-site: “Donations to the charity appeal will help us to provide equipment outside the scope of our NHS budget – it’s about making little changes that can make a big difference to patients. People living with dementia are highly vulnerable within the hospital setting and, unfortunately, Covid has had a significant impact on both the number of dementia patients being admitted and the quality of their behaviour.

“At any one time, 1 in 4 of all UK hospital beds are occupied by a person living with dementia – all at different stages with individual needs. It is a huge challenge for acute hospitals - but with the right changes to the environment and specialist staff training we can really help patients to feel more comfortable during their stay.”

During Dementia Action Week, the dementia team will demonstrate some of its specialist equipment, including its two ‘magic tables’  which are designed to stimulate and engage patients and a new interactive floor projection system that improves sensory capabilities.

The Appeal will be used for a continuous programme of improvements during the next two years, funding everything from digital screens and dementia clocks, to upgraded sensory equipment and new outdoor spaces. Donations will also support more specialist staff training and fund two new activity co-ordinators who will be brought in on the wards to help with holistic care.

Andrew House, director Frimley Health Charity, said: “Dementia Action Week is the perfect time to highlight the difference we can make with this appeal. We’re delighted with the support we’ve received so far, however, there is still a long way to go. Our aim is to set the national standard for excellence in patient safety, quality and continuous improvement for people with dementia.

“The wonderful dementia team on the wards work tirelessly to ensure patients feel at ease during their hospital stay, we want to do everything possible to support their plight and help them lead the way in future dementia care.”