What is being done?

The specialised environment within the Malvern ward, Southmead Hospital, includes:

• 18 beds with 5 side rooms
• Day room, calendar board, clock, nurse presence to ensure safety, good for Intentional Rounding and activities
• Dining room which looks onto garden that includes bird feeders
• High quality lighting to reduce shadows
• Plain floor throughout
• Signage is in words and pictures and colours.
• There is usually free access to the garden, weather permitting

What difference this seems to be making

• Nurses wear their own clothes
• Regular activities are provided including; discussion, music, aromatherapy, massage and skittles
• There is intentional rounding including extra fluid provision
• People eat together in a dining room and nurses assist with nutrition
• Medical interventions  are routinely reviewed and the use of antipsychotics is kept to a minimum

Plans for taking the project forward

• A communal and social environment is promoted
• Patients and staff are mutually engaged
• Cholinesterase inhibitors are used freely with more rapid titration
• Junior doctors given training in diagnosing and managing dementia

Download a presentation about Malvern ward, Southmead Hospital