Nostalgic comfort for dementia patients

Wexham Park Hospital has unveiled a new day room for dementia patients.

The Butterfly Lounge, located off ward 3, features décor inspired by the 1950s.

Alex Lukjaniec, clinical nurse specialist in dementia care, came up with the idea of transforming the previously underused room.

She said: “A stay on a hospital ward can be particularly bewildering for patients with dementia so we wanted to create a quiet and positive space where they and their relatives could relax during what can be a really confusing time.”

The opening ceremony was attended by representatives from Slough Town Supporters Trust who raised £2,000 towards the cost of the project by holding a sponsored 14-mile walk from Heatherwood Hospital to Wexham Park Hospital in April this year.

Sir Andrew Morris, chief executive of Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, officially opened the lounge on Thursday 28 September. He said: “One in 10 people over the age of 65 have dementia so the effects of this disease are far reaching.

“At Frimley Health we are committed to improving patient care and this day room provides a pleasant environment for our patients away from the operational pressures of the main ward.”

Peter Clarke, associate practitioner in dementia care, has worked tirelessly with his colleagues to complete the room which took several months to finish.

He said: “This area is dedicated to caring for patients with dementia and hopefully we can offer them something special to improve their quality of life.”