Dementia friendly ambulances introduced in Yorkshire

Yorkshire Ambulance Service has made changes to some emergency and patient transport ambulances

New dementia friendly ambulances have been introduced by the Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS).

The vehicles feature window blinds with a photograph of a countryside landscape, as well as seats, floors and steps in contrasting colours to improve visibility for patients.

YAS said the changes "create a calmer environment for someone who is living with dementia".

The service aims to have 91 of the new emergency ambulances by March.

In addition, 60 patient transport ambulances with similar features are being built.

YAS said the new ambulances have attracted attention from around the world, with a visit by a paramedic from the ambulance service in Victoria, Australia.

The blinds feature an image of the countryside

Lesley Butterworth from YAS said: "Following some challenges along the way, we are pleased to have taken delivery of some of our new dementia-friendly vehicles.

"The printed blinds make the passenger area seem less clinical, and they give a point of focus and conversation for someone who is living with dementia and may be distressed in this environment.

"The new contrasting on the seats, floor and steps of the vehicles also makes the edges more easily identifiable for patients. These simple additions to our vehicles will have a positive impact on patient experience."