The John Van Geest unit at Stamford and Rutland Hospital receives a dementia-friendly makeover

Dementia patients at a hospital will feel more comfortable after a unit there has received a makeover.

The seating area of the John Van Geest unit at the Stamford and Rutland Hospital has been transformed into a 'home from home' environment with new decor which has been funded by the Friends of Stamford Hospital.

Vicki Griggs, manager of the John Van Geest Unit, said: "We would like to thank the Friends of Stamford Hospital for their generosity.

"The new decor will comfort patients who are confused in the unfamiliar hospital environment by making the unit feel more homely.

"We also have photos of popular landmarks in the town so patients who are confused can spot them and instantly know they are in Stamford.

"We have received some really positive feedback from patients and their visitors and are continuing to look at the ways in which we can improve the care of our dementia patients."

The trust has been working with Rempods, a company that specialise in improving clinical environments for people with dementia.

It has created a welcoming atmosphere by replicating rooms from the home.

The living area is where patients can enjoy reading, listening to music of socialise with others.

The unit celebrated the transformation with an afternoon tea in the living area where patients, visitors, staff and members of the Friends of Stamford Hospital enjoyed a selection of sandwiches and cakes.

It specialises in medicine for the elderly and supports patients who may need ongoing treatment but no longer require 24 hour medical supervision.

Patients transferred to the unit often have complex discharge planning needs of maybe waiting for care packages.

The unit has 22 beds.

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