IMPROVEMENTS to care provided to hospital patients with dementia are to be extended to St Cross in the next six months.
The Forget-Me-Not campaign will see sky blue coloured pillow cases used by all patients with dementia and those with difficulty communicating so they can easily be identified by staff.
It has been launched at University Hospital.
Tracey Chapman, clinical nurse specialist for patients with dementia, said: “The sky blue pillow case is a discreet way for staff to identify patients with dementia and confusion and to remind them that these patients may need more of their time and patience.
“We have a long history of practices designed to raise standards of care for those with dementia and confusion, and we hope this enables us to raise standards of care even more.”
Coventry City players Joe Murphy and Franck Moussa visited the hospital last week to meet the team who support older patients with confusion and dementia, even taking part in interactive activities organised daily for patients with the condition.
“Not only are the pillow cases aptly named but with dementia affecting so many people’s lives it is wonderful to see loved ones can rest assured their relatives are getting the best care possible.” said goalkeeper Murphy.
“The nurses who we met were so warm and committed to improving the hospital stay for patients with dementia.”
Moussa added: “Both Joe and I didn’t know much about dementia before our visit, but we realise now that this affects many people’s lives.
“It was great to see how the nurses and activity co-ordinators interact with patients with dementia and treat them as individuals.”
Franck Moussa and Joe Murphy pictured with patient John Sharpe. (s)
