What is being done?

Sedgemoor Ward at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton has undergone an innovative makeover which has created an environment which enhances the hospital experience of older people and especially for those who also have dementia. The improvements on the ward are benefitting all patients as well as visitors and staff.

The changes have been supported by the King’s Fund which awarded Sedgemoor a place on their Enhancing the Healing Environment Programme, one of only 12 out of 60 applicants. As well as some funding, the award included training in the latest thinking on dementia care environments.

What is new and different?

Improvements to the ward include:

• Replacing the Nurses’ station with a reception counter. This opens up the ward area and makes room for informal seating areas where visitors and patients can sit and share activities.
• A quiet room for meetings with patients and carers.
• New domestic-style fittings in the bathrooms to make them more user-friendly and familiar to patients.
• A new shower room.
• Colour themes for each bay to make it easier for patients and visitors to navigate their way around the ward.
• Clearer word and picture signage for the bathrooms.