Shrewsbury scene created in ward makeover
Ward staff and dementia specialists at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital have joined forces to transform an uninspiring day room into a town square complete with a café, newsagent and views of St Chad’s Church.
The ‘Shrewsbury Scene’ has been created in a space on ward 21 which was previously used as a discharge area.
The makeover has been completed with scenic wallpaper, murals and multi-functional areas, bringing colour, stimulation and entertainment for patients staying in the hospital.
In one corner of the room, a ‘newsagents’ has been created with up-to-date magazines as well as old newspapers and publications for patients to read.
A tea shop, named ‘Sereni Tea’ by staff, will have tables, seating and drinks machines, providing an area for patients to relax with their families, friends or carers and to eat and have drinks.
Comfortable armchairs and a television will allow people the time to relax away from their beds.
The Shrewsbury Scene is located in ward 21, which cares for predominantly older people who are frail and have suffered a stroke.
Many of them also live with dementia.
The improvement work was jointly funded by ward 21 and the dementia team at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (Sath), which runs RSH.
Karen Breese, dementia clinical specialist, said: “We are so happy with the results.
"We’re always working to improve care for people in our hospitals living with dementia, and we are proud to have created a space that gets patients up and moving around and that will help with their mental wellbeing and physical recovery.”
Jude Evans, ward 21 clerk, added: “As well as improving the environment for our patients, the transformation of our discharge area into Shrewsbury Scene is about engaging carers and supporting people to have a better experience.
“Work will continue in the coming months as the garden is given a makeover and activities are installed for patients.”
The Shrewsbury Scene is the latest of a number of initiatives aimed at making life better for people living with dementia.
Others include dementia-friendly mugs, dementia dolls, snack boxes, blue crockery and the carer’s passport.
