Staff on Macclesfield hospital's Ward 9 have this week unveiled a brand new refurbishment to help enhance the environment for patients living with dementia.

The work, which began in November 2022, has seen the ward undergo a complete facelift with the aim of reducing falls, promoting independence and providing a less clinical environment for those staying on the ward.

Amongst the wide range of improvements, the ward now boasts brightly coloured access doors to support patients finding their way around the ward and new flooring to promote safe mobility and reduce falls.  

Brand new, dementia friendly signage has been installed to help patients navigate around bed bays and communal areas more easily, with the addition of easily identifiable colour coded bays and bed numbers to aid visibility.

Admiral Nurse Stephanie Ragdale said, "We are so delighted with the results of the ward refurbishment and can't wait to see the positive impact it has on our patients' wellbeing. Being in hospital can be distressing for a person living with dementia which can contribute to a decline in functioning and increase the risk that the person won't be able to return home.

"By optimising the design of hospital environments, it is possible to reduce confusion and agitation, encourage independence and social interaction, and enable people with dementia to retain their ability to undertake activities of daily living." 

To further enhance patient experience, the trust has now appointed a new Activities Coordinator who will be responsible for implementing a programme of dementia-friendly activities on the ward. 

"Patients living with dementia benefit from a 'just right' level of physical and cognitive challenge to help increase their independence and reduce anxiety. These meaningful activities provide just the right level of stimulation to patients which will make all the difference to their experience on our ward," added Stephanie.

The final touch of the refurbishment has seen the installation of a new mural in the conservatory depicting Tegg's Nose in the Peak District which will act as a hub for patients to gather and socialise whilst also providing a point of interest and familiarity.

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