Christmas party for hospital knitters

Charitable knitters from around Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre have come together for a Christmas treat from Blackpool hospital.

The ever growing community of twiddle pocket knitters who provide woollen comforters to Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to help with patients with dementia were invited for a special Christmas get together.

a large group of ladies with bundles of knitted products

The group of knitters who have made a huge impact on patients with dementia meet with Trust chief Executive and the Patient Experience team.

They were treated to mince pies and coffee while they mingled together to share ideas. They were met by the Chief Executive of the Trust, Gary Doherty, who shared his thanks and they were also given a short presentation to show how their gifts are used and the benefit they have made to the lives of patients.

Gary Doherty thanked those present saying: “The hospital owes a huge amount to these fantastic ladies who give their time and materials completely for free. The difference a twiddle pocket makes is really remarkable and I have seen myself how dramatic the change in a patient is.

“We are so lucky that there are so many kind hearted people willing to help with the work of the Trust. The knitters do so much and as well as the twiddle pockets there are groups who make other items used throughout the hospital such as hats for babies. We can’t thank them enough.”

The Twiddle pockets have been so successful that other Trusts around the country are also using the idea.

Simone Anderton, Deputy Director of Nursing, added: “Twiddle Pockets were introduced to the Trust in April 2014 as part of a wider, on-going project to enhance the care the Trust delivers to patients who have a diagnosis of dementia. Alongside this project the Trust is also fortunate to have the great facility of its unique Dementia Corridor at Blackpool Victoria Hospital and has upgraded its facilities to make them dementia friendly at Clifton Hospital.

“The idea behind the twiddle pocket is very simple and has even been simplified further in to blankets.

“The impact they have though is huge. They can turn a patient from a confused and potentially agitated state into a calm and relaxed one which is obviously a much better place for the patient to be.

“The wards that use them have told us that they find them practically essential and the feedback from carers and family has been exceptional. We wanted to make sure the ladies who make the pockets are aware of just how much of an impact they are having in terms of improving care and quality of life for people with dementia.”

If you would like to get involved in knitting for the hospital contact Sally Richardson on 01253 955648

 

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For all media enquiries please contact Nathan Skelton, communications support officer, on 01253 953538 or Nathan.skelton@bfwhospitals.nhs.uk

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