Keeping vulnerable patients active
Victoria Ward, Warwick Hospital, cares for elderly patients with cognitive impairments such as delirium, dementia, or memory loss. These vulnerable patients can be in-patients for long periods of time. Staying in hospital can be challenging for anyone - a reduction in activities, mobility and mental stimulation can result in distress and a decline in wellbeing, particularly for frail patients.
Nursing staff at South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust place a lot of emphasis on supporting patients to stay active and to help with this the ward provide patients with activities like colouring and twiddle mats.
Ward Manager, Helen Stevenson started to notice that some of the patients weren’t showing an interest in the activities available and thought about what else they could offer. This is where the idea to create bespoke fiddle board, using recognisable objects, came about.
Using household items, the Trust’s Estates Team created transportable boards with a range of familiar objects including locks, light switches, door handles and taps. The boards have proved really successful and the Estates Team are now looking at making a larger board, fixed to a wall to encourage patients to get up and walking.
Helen Stevenson, Victoria Ward Manager said “These boards have been so well received and they are already making a big difference to our patients. Keeping patients mentally active on the ward is really important, without this they can deteriorate significantly. It is great for the nursing staff to be able to take them round to bedsides and encourage interaction. I am so grateful for the Estates Team creating these boards, they have really shown how non-patient facing staff can make a big difference to the experience of our patients.”
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