Every patient living with dementia should leave our hospitals as fit and healthy as possible, rather than experience a decline in their condition that can happen when a person is in an unfamiliar environment for a length of time. The appeal will fund new equipment and projects that will revolve around the everyday work of our hospitals to make sure they quickly deliver benefits for patients and their carers, families and friends.

It is estimated that 850,000 people are living with dementia in the UK and one in six people over the age of 80.  With an aging population, the demand on our hospitals to provide a dementia friendly environment and specialised care is only going to increase. There are many types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, with each person experiencing dementia in their own way.  30 to 40% of admissions for those aged over 75 have some form of dementia or early stages of mental health issues. People will not be admitted to hospital solely because of the condition, they will have a primary medical reason for coming into one of our hospitals and so the appeal is trust wide rather than being confined to one area.

What we would like to do 

•Supply patients with activities while they are in hospital; memory boxes full of reminiscent cards, photos and games to stimulate their early memories.  Portable and personal CD players with an assortment of music from different eras that will help people keep calm and relaxed. 

• Buy some special computer systems designed specifically for people living with dementia to use on the wards. 

• Make changes to the patient environment to make the area as comforting as possible by means of special clocks, lighting and toilet seats which will reduce confusion and stress.