A new computer system which helps stimulate elderly patients has been donated by the Friends for use on Hoskyn Ward and in the Bluebell Lounge at the Hospital of St Cross.
The system is used by nurses to provide entertainment, distraction therapy and for company for elderly or infirm patients. Menu items included are music, films and photographic libraries all from the past as well as interactive games and “sing-a-long music.” The system has reminiscence profiles for a variety of patients and is proving very popular.
Specialist Mental Health Nurse, Debbie Harris supports all patients 65 and over at the Hospital of St Cross, Rugby who may have dementia or a mental health illness. Debbie said “The Trust has been developing a number of strategies to support patients with confusion and dementia and we are most grateful to the Friends for the support they have provided over the years with donations of equipment such as this and the creation of the Bluebell Lounge. Patients are encouraged to spend time in the Lounge with either nurses or their visitors and we find that this helps them to relax by stimulating their memories.”
Photo by Eddie White – Eleanor Shimwell and Healthcare Assistant Zoe Windows try out the new computer.