WARRINGTON Hospital’s dedicated dementia ward has celebrated its 10-year anniversary.

Last week marked a whole decade since the pioneering Forget Me Not Unit, which continues to lead the way in providing the best quality care for people living with dementia, opened at the Lovely Lane site.

Since its opening in May 2014, the unique 21-bed ward has transformed the way needs of those living with dementia are met when receiving acute hospital care.

The ward is designed to provide a welcoming and stimulating environment, with the clinical feel minimised by using state of the art design principles and innovative features such as a mock bus stop and lounge area.

The team work hard to engage patients with regular ward activities such as afternoon tea and choir performances, helping them to feel more at ease on the ward.

To celebrate the unit’s 10-year anniversary, occasion staff, volunteers and dignitaries were invited to a celebration event to reflect on achievements and best practice.

Simon Constable, chief executive of Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals, said: “Being in hospital when you are living with dementia can be a difficult and frightening experience for both the individual and those who are close to them.

“The Forget Me Not Unit provides a calm and relaxing environment to support some of our most vulnerable patients who need to be admitted to the hospital. Thank you to all the dedicated members of staff, volunteers and members of the community who have helped support the unit over the past 10 years.”

In 2019, five years after opening, the unit was extended with the Forget Me Not Garden, to bring an ‘at home’ experience for patients.

The garden, funded through Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals Charity, corporate and community supporters, provides a secure environment for patients to potter or just sit and enjoy time outside. The garden has received two awards from the RHS, as part of the Britain in Bloom Scheme, recognising the value the garden adds to patients’ lives and wellbeing and reflecting the hard work our communities do to maintain the garden.

Dementia nurse consultant, Lauren Hanson, said: “Now more than ever before, hospitals need to be able to demonstrate their commitment to improving the care of people living with dementia and their families.

“Celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the opening of the specialist dementia ward the Forget Me Not Unit at Warrington Hospital is an example of the Trust’s continued commitment to providing the highest quality care to people living with dementia.

“The multidisciplinary team of professionals provide care and treatment which is person centred and in an enabling environment which promotes wellbeing. I am very proud of all the achievements of the Forget Me Not Unit and its dedicated team to date and look forward to future developments as we continue to provide support to people living with dementia.”

Over the past decade the unit has also been nationally recognised with nominations for the national Dementia Friendly Awards by the Alzheimer’s Society and a HSJ award. In 2021 the unit was recognised with the Chief Executive Award for the outstanding care provided to patients.

If you or someone you know would like to make a donation to support the Forget Me Not Ward visit the Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals Charity Just Giving page and note that the donation is for the FMN ward.