The SASC Team – Darren, Rahima, Ria, Sandra & other HO staff Sunil, Tony, Raj, Kathryn, Naeema & myself (Debbie) have signed up to take part in a Team Building Challenge – “One True Grit” at the end of March!!  It is a grueling 5K, British Army assault course over all terrain.  We will be climbing, wading, swimming & running through mud & water all for an extremely good cause, as we have decided to support the “Forget Me Not” appeal to raise funds for the dementia ward at our local Lister hospital.  As a team we have a target of £2000 to reach, but would like to exceed this target if at all possible.  That’s where we need your help!

The “Forget me Not” appeal is trying raise £250,000 so that they can improve the surroundings & environment on the dementia ward for the patients.  Improvements that they wish to make are:  

• New flooring which is matt & soft will help reduce noise by 54%.  Dementia patients are scared in new environments & the slightest sound can cause them to panic, also the current floor is shiny which a dementia patient can mistake as a wet floor so this will also help make them feel more comfortable walking around the wards. They also want to  install lighting around the edge of the floor which will help guide patients to restrooms and back to their beds which will give them more independence. Total Cost: £75K
• New Mood Lighting to replace the standard hospital fluorescent lighting – Day time lighting & dimmable lighting for the evening, to create a relaxing environment.  Total Cost: £56K
• Flat screen TV’s for all patients, so that normal daily routine can be followed as close as possible, allowing patients to enjoy their favourite TV programmes, radio etc.  Music is very important to encourage memories, it helps to trigger positive thoughts.  Total Cost: £1800 each x 60 beds - £108,000
• Special day chairs for elderly relatives or the patient that are electronic & can adapt to a bed if the relative wants to stay the night. This will help to comfort those patients that get highly distressed being left by themselves in a place they don’t know with people they don’t know. Cost £3K each x 60 - £180,000
• Refurbishment of the Day Room – A room where patients & family can go to escape the ward.  Currently it has broken chairs & grotty tables & it is frankly a depressing place to sit.  Cost £7K
• Primary coloured plates, cutlery, signs, all to assist with the patient’s condition.  It is proven that primary colours, especially red, stimulate the brain & trigger memories.