NEW facilities aimed at providing additional stimulation for dementia sufferers have been launched at a community hospital in Poole.

Alderney Hospital, which is based on Ringwood Road, has opened a hair and beauty salon and traditional tearoom at its Herm Ward in a bid to improve patient wellbeing.

It is part of a wider quality improvement project at the Dorset HealthCare run unit, with this initiative attempting to create a focus on the activities that can provide entertainment and stimulation for patients.

Research into dementia has continually demonstrated that activities such as these help sufferers feel less isolated and reduce feelings of boredom.

The opening of the new facilities was marked by a day of beauty treatments, afternoon tea and music by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

Chris Clarke, Herm Ward’s manager, said he is delighted to see the facilities in use and thanked Age UK, Alzheimer’s Society, the BSO and Dorset Forum for supporting the opening.

“The purpose of these facilities is to give our patients and carers a unique therapeutic experience on the ward, raise awareness of dementia and encourage best practice,” he said.

“We believe that mental stimulation is complimentary to a patient’s treatment and, following on from this initial success, we hope to be able to provide patients with additional entertainment outlets, which will include cinema showings, reminiscence therapy and further tea and music dances.”

Dorset HealthCare claim the initial results of the project have been positive, with a reduction in falls as well as a decline in patient aggression.

Based on therapeutic activity and personalised care, the salon and tearoom arrive alongside an improved timetable of activities, all designed to help keep patients entertained and relaxed during their stay.

New care packs have also been introduced and will enable patients and their families to be better involved throughout treatment.