Patients at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn enjoyed a weeks’ worth of events as part of Dementia Action Week.
The patients on West Newton Ward got stuck into daily activities, from painting bird houses to singing to sports.
Gardening was a particular hit with the patients. Flowers, compost and potted plants were donated to the hospital by Heacham Social Club, allowing the patients to create hanging baskets to beautify West Newton’s outside space.
Patients and their families also attended a tea party Friday lunchtime, were they tucked into cakes, fruit and other treats.
West Newton Patient Support Workers Clare Brumby, Chelsea Edwards, Angela Sauliniene and Debbie Smith have worked tirelessly this week to provide entertainment for the patients every day.
Debbie said: “This week has been all about the patients. The activities have been really successful and the patients have really enjoyed them. We would love to run an event like this again!”
The event has also had a direct impact on patients’ wellbeing. Fran Carman, Ward Sister, said: “It has been fantastic to see the patients interact and get involved with the activities. We’ve noticed an increase in both patients’ appetites and their social interaction.”
The event doesn’t just end there – patients’ painted rocks throughout the week to ready them for a treasure hunt for the public along the coast!
Support Worker Debbie said: “The plan is to scatter them at Hunstanton beach. We have put our address on the back of the rocks and we are going to see how many make their way back to us!”
The West Newton Team would like to say a huge thank you to Heacham Social Club for providing them with flowers, compost, equipment and potters for the event.
Dementia Action Week ran from 20-26 May fronted by Alzheimer’s Society.
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Featured Pictures: West Newton Team with donations from Heacham Social Club.
West Newton Team at Tea Party.
Patient getting involved painting a birdhouse for the ward gardens.
To download the press release and pictures, click here.
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