Rotherham Hospital patients boosted by ward facelift

Changes in the way services are provided aim to help deliver improved care and a better ward environment for patients as part of the emergency centre development, involving wider changes to urgent care in the hospital and in the community.

One ward has already been given a fresh new look as part of a refurbishment programme which hospital chiefs say will benefit patients and staff in several different parts of the hospital.

Ward A5 — which cares for patients with diabetes, endocrinology patients and patients with complex care needs including dementia — now has a refreshed colour scheme, specifically chosen to create a calming atmosphere, as well as improved toilets and bathrooms and a more open and welcoming layout.

As well as providing an improved environment for patients, visitors and staff, the refurbishment has been carried out to meet the particular needs of patients with dementia, according to Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust which runs the hospital.

Ward manager Clare Lunn explained: “The clean lines of the ward, reduced clutter and the spacious and open feel that the ward now has, as well as being more pleasant for everyone, are particularly designed to meet the needs of our patients with dementia.

“Use of contrasting colours also helps those patients to find their way to areas where they need to be.

“We are also introducing new patient lockers, chairs and bed tables which improve the look and feel of the ward and are also lighter and easier to move which helps us with cleaning.

“New disposable curtains to go round patient beds are helping improve infection prevention and control — and they also have do not enter signs on to improve patient privacy while they are receiving care.

“We are very proud of what we have achieved on the ward.”

The trust is investing in a series of ward refurbishments over the coming months to make the most of opportunities created by construction work on the new emergency centre.