Trust charity funds coloured storage for enhanced dementia care

 

Four members of staff with a coloured wardrobe

Staff on Ward 1 at Clifton Hospital with the bespoke coloured wardrobe and drawers which have been paid for thanks to Blue Skies Hospitals Fund.

Clifton Hospital is providing an eye-catching storage solution for patients with dementia thanks to funding from hospital charity, Blue Skies Hospitals Fund.

Staff in the hospital applied to Blue Skies, the charity for Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, for money to buy bespoke coloured wardrobes and cupboards for patients to store their belongings and clothes on Wards 1, 3 and 4.

Clifton Hospital’s Clinical Matron, Courtney Bickerdike, said: “Patients, especially those with dementia, can become disorientated in a ward environment, which may lead to anxiety.

“Clifton has recently refurbished its ward environment and has colour-coordinated bays, which allows the patient to recognise their bay and bed area and has a calming influence. These new drawers and wardrobes further enhance that experience for our patients.

“Dementia also affects the eyesight of a patient and it is therefore recommended that furniture is in bold colours so patients can see where their belongings are.”

Clifton Hospital applied to Blue Skies for nearly £29,000 to specialist bedside drawer units and wardrobes, and the new furniture is now in place in Ward 1.

Courtney added: “These new items of furniture have been designed to complement the colour schemes already in place on our ward, and are already proving themselves as a welcome addition to enhancing the care we give to our patients. We are looking forward to having these wardrobes on Wards 3 and 4 in the near future.

“Patients who are transferred to Clifton hospital are either for complex discharge planning or for rehabilitation thus benefit from wearing their own clothes as this begins the process of rehabilitation.

“All the wards are mixed sex so having furniture to store their clothes and belongings ensures their privacy and dignity is maintained.”

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