Patients living with dementia are benefiting from new facilities on Ward 5 at Scunthorpe General Hospital, following refurbishment work funded through a generous legacy donation.
Delivered through collaboration between the Trust’s Capital Projects Team, our charity – The Health Tree Foundation – and Vulnerabilities Team, the project has transformed a bay and side room to create a more welcoming environment for patients living with dementia. A second bay is also planned for refurbishment in the coming months.
The improvements form part of a wider programme of dementia-friendly enhancements across Scunthorpe General Hospital, funded by a £326,000 legacy left by former Scunthorpe resident Elizabeth Fairchild. Following an appeal to trace her connection to the town, relatives revealed she was born in Scunthorpe, later moved to America and developed dementia later in life, making the improvements a particularly fitting legacy.
Emily Bexton, Matron for Acute and Emergency Medicine Care Group, said: “These enhancements help create a more supportive and welcoming environment, helping to reduce confusion and anxiety for patients living with dementia.”
The refurbishment includes features designed to make the area feel less clinical and more familiar, including new flooring and adjustable lighting.
Emily added: “Within our acute short stay ward, we have a high turnover of patients, so these improvements really add to the patient experience. It feels much more welcoming and provides a calmer environment for patients and their families.”
The broader dementia-friendly programme has already introduced specialist signage, refurbished bed spaces, improved lighting and dedicated dementia support across the hospital. Evidence shows such environments can help reduce anxiety and distress while improving patient experience and outcomes.
Emily said: “We are grateful to everyone involved in delivering this project and to the generosity of Elizabeth Fairchild, whose legacy continues to make a lasting difference to patients receiving care at Scunthorpe General Hospital.”