Charity funding helps transform ward to support older patients

Charity funding helps transform ward to support older patients

07 March 2018

The charity contributed £320,000 towards the £1 million project which saw the 20-bed Thistlethwayte ward undergo a redesign to create extra space for beds and bathrooms, with dementia-friendly signs, special lighting and artwork installed to help frail patients feel more comfortable during their time in hospital.

Ian Lush, chief executive of Imperial Health Charity, said: “We are delighted to have supported this essential refurbishment, which will ensure the staff on the Thistlethwayte ward can continue to provide outstanding care for elderly patients when they need it most.

“The team of nurses here work incredibly hard day after day, night after night, to help patients with complex conditions – including many who have dementia – and this fantastic new ward will equip them with the best possible tools for the job.”

The charity also partnered with Lucentia Design to install a series of vibrant, uplifting window artworks to brighten up the ward and assist wayfinding for patients and visitors. As part of the charity’s arts engagement programme, patients will also be offered the chance to take part in arts and crafts workshops delivered by the Paper Birch team.

Cathy Gale, lead nurse for specialist medicine at St Mary’s Hospital, said: “The Thistlethwayte ward is now a much better environment – for patients and staff.

“It’s airy, light and open, creating a more reassuring, safer and comfortable environment for some of our most vulnerable patients.

 “For staff it has made everything easier, from serving meals to having more space, and that all helps us to deliver excellent care for our patients.

“It has been a real team effort, everyone has worked together and been engaged with the project from start to finish.”