Ward 6 refurbishment project

At any time one out of four hospital beds are occupied by someone living with dementia. Their experience of being in hospital can sometimes be frightening and cause confusion as they find themselves in unfamiliar surroundings.

Northumbria’s Bright charity was approached by staff on ward 6, an elderly care ward at the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital, to provide adapted facilities for patients with dementia. The objective was to create an environment that would bring a sense of familiarity to the hospital and encourage meaningful activities.

Once the project began, work commenced on the reminiscence room, which was to transform into a time-portal to the past, filled with comfortable seating and furniture reminiscent of a bygone era, complete with fireplace and hearth rug. The nostalgic setting aims to restore memories, stimulate conversations and sharing of stories, and create positive emotions.

To encourage patients out of bed, a scenic walkway was created along a fire corridor leading off the side of the ward. What was once a blank white unused space, has been transformed by large-scale images of much-loved local scenery which has been installed as wall art. Patients can now enjoy a stroll to the seaside or into favourite woodlands to connect to the outside world – and life beyond hospital. The familiar images were carefully chosen by staff to promote exercise, activate memories and encourage social engagement. It is lovely to see patients taking a stroll along the corridor and enjoying a chat.

The third area that was developed is now an activity room. Hospital staff understand the vital role that carers, family and friends can play in aiding a patient’s recovery. The room has space for patients and visitors to enjoy arts and crafts together, or play a game of cards or dominoes, or chat about vintage art and memorabilia; all within the calming comfort of a homely non-clinical space.

The NHFML team on site provided technical assistance and installation support and without their help the project would not have been possible to complete as they really went above and beyond. Funding raised by the NSECH NVS shop for this project.