The Trust’s charity has been thanked for its help in supporting a scheme to help people living with dementia at Southport Hospital.

Visitors to Ward 7B at the hospital will now see a series of colourful graphics to identify individual bays which will support patients to remember which area they are being treated in.

The Trust’s Dementia and Delerium Team approached the charity to support the scheme and thanks to their backing the distinctive graphics are now in place and proving to be a valuable aid for patients.

Sophie Williams from the team said: “The graphics really do stand out and they create a simple but effective way for patients to know what bay they are situated in.

“This makes the patient feel more secure in their surroundings which really helps them when they are in hospital.

“The ward environment can distress a patient living with dementia, and often they may not understand the reason for their admission – resulting in frequent attempts to leave the ward. Increase in frustration compounds the situation leading to an even greater overstimulating environment which can inhibit reactions that can become challenging.

“We are really grateful to the charity for its support which really does help us in our goal to provide the best care possible for our patients.’’

The charity’s Fundraising, Finance and Database Assistant, Vicky Heaven, said: “We were delighted to support this bid as the benefit to our patients is clear.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who has any ideas that would support patient care or improve the welfare for staff and can support people to fill in a bid for funds.

“We are also keen to hear from anyone who would like to raise funds for the charity in any way as all the money we raise goes back into the Trust for the benefit patients and staff.’’

Funding is considered for projects which cover patients’ welfare and amenities, staff welfare and amenities, equipment and staff education and training.

If you would like to know more, please contact Vicky Heaven on 01704 704714.