Vicky Wood, Chair of Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust joined forces with Sarah Waller, Programme Director of the Enhancing the Healing Environment Programme to start the transformation of Garner Ward. The ward which cares for people with dementia will be redesigned as part of The King’s Fund, Enhancing the Healing Environment, funded by the Department of Health.

Vicky Wood, Chair of Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, explained,

“Dawn, Carolyn and everyone involved in the project has spent a great deal of time exploring exactly what patients and their families want when they are in hospital. With the support of the King’s Fund, nurses, patients and their families have come up with an innovative design which will transform part of the ward to provide a carer’s kitchen, quiet lounge and garden. I hope, when completed it will enable patients and their families to enjoy time together in a space which doesn’t feel like a hospital.”

Sarah Waller CBE, Programme Director for the King’s Fund Enhancing the Healing Programme added,

“I am delighted to join the EHE team and so many colleagues to celebrate a significant milestone in the Garner Ward project. Thank you to all those who have made today possible and we look forward to seeing the completed scheme which I know will bring much benefit to patients, relatives and those who care for them later in the year.”

Carolyn Tothill, the nurse in charge of the ward has dedicated her career to nursing patients with dementia. Her inspiration and commitment to improve the experience of people with dementia has encouraged donations from a range of local charities and organisations. A total of £90,000 will be invested in the ward’s makeover.

Garner Ward is one of just 10 dementia services which were chosen to take part in The King’s Fund 2009 dementia services project. The investment in Garner Ward also reflects the Trust’s commitment to enabling people to live well with dementia and the national dementia strategy.

Patients and their families should be able to enjoy the new improved ward by early 2011.