Staff at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have developed new facilities on the wards to improve patient experience.
Staff on ward 23 at Royal Preston Hospital look after patients with acute respiratory conditions. These patients can often be older patients who also suffer from a cognitive impairment such as dementia. Dementia is a condition associated with a decline in the function of the brain. This may include problems such as memory loss, difficulties carrying out daily activities, and problems with movement.
The team on ward 23 has recently added their own bus stop to the ward to provide a sense of familiarity to these patients who will be more inclined to sit at the bus stop because it looks familiar to them. This will hopefully stop patients from wandering off the ward or from putting themselves into any form of danger. Staff will be able to approach anyone sat in this area to check that they are OK and help them to get back to their rooms.
The team have also created a reminiscence room for patients with conditions such as these to make them feel more comfortable and at ease, and provide a quiet space for the individual to escape to.
Donna Peat, Matron for ward 23 said: “The work that we have been doing has been a huge team effort and has already made huge improvements to the way that we operate and the care that we can give to our patients. It is really encouraging to see the staff proactively volunteering to lead improvements and own projects – everyone is playing a part and together we are making a difference.” “These interventions are proven to prevent emotional escalation, and reduce anxiety, and are a great example of adapting what we do to meet the holistic needs of our patients.”
