WORK is underway to make some of the older people's ward at Royal Bournemouth Hospital dementia friendly.

A ward specialising in the care of elderly patients is the first to be transformed to ensure patients with dementia are less anxious and confused during a hospital stay.

Work includes painting walls to theme areas, creating dementia-friendly door wraps, creating seating areas, refurbishing the toilet and bathroom area, installing LED dimmable lighting as well as other specific dementia-friendly items.

It is part of a larger project to improve dementia care in the hospital.

Kelly Lockyer, a dementia specialist nurse, said: "Living with dementia can be so frightening for patients and also their families.

"The simple changes we want to make to our wards - such as installing large-faced clocks or decorating wards in bright but basic colour schemes - will go such a long way to helping our patients as well as our staff.

"The ward we are looking to make more dementia friendly is a 28 bed ward specialising in the care of elderly patients. In the last 12 month period 715 patients were looked after in this ward with the average length of stay at 14 and a half days. The results of this project will ensure that patients with dementia are less anxious and confused during a hospital stay and will consequently reduce their stay in hospital."

Bournemouth Hospital Charity is behind the fundraising appeal to make the improvements and J.P. Morgan donated £2,000 towards the project.

Ruth Brown, a member of the company's community relations committee, said: "This dementia-friendly ward will be of great benefit to many and we were delighted to be able to help."

To help with the project, call 01202 705307 or email charityrbch@gmail.com