Dementia-friendly lounge created at hospital

The new lounge is situated on Ward six

A lounge designed to help people with dementia feel safe has been created at the Isle of Man's main hospital.

The area on ward six at Noble's Hospital opens out onto a garden that can be used by patients and their families to sit outside.

Manx Care said it had been developed to reduce the stress of those with the condition, and there were plans to introduce a timetable of activities in future.

Senior ward sister Rachel Taylor said the area offered respite and would get people away from the "hustle and bustle of the wards".

The team had tried to ensure that there were "many homely touches", she said.

Manx Care said the initiative was based on UK frameworks and was in response to actions set out in a Care Quality Commission (CQC) action plan for the health care provider.

Collaboration

Funded by charity Friends of Noble's, the lounge's creation was led by the ward's multi-disciplinary team, which included health care assistants, ward clerks, nurses, allied health professionals and consultants.

The room has been redecorated and features chairs, recliners and activities including jigsaw puzzles.

Future activities planned to be held in the space include singing and reminiscence.

Manx Care said the team was working with a "lay representative" who had "lived experience" of caring for a person with dementia on the project.

Those involved had also attended the In Your Shoes events, which gathered feedback from carers of those with dementia to better understand patient experience.