Hospital charity helps drive improvements for dementia patients at York A&E

Work starts next week to improve the reception area at York Hospital Emergency Department to make it a more dementia friendly environment thanks to an injection of cash from York Teaching Hospital Charity’s Dementia Appeal.

The project will see the installation of a new reception desk, which will make it easier for patients to register for their arrival.  There will be improved signage installed to help patients living with dementia and other mental health conditions to negotiate the busy Emergency Department and a new private room where patients can have a private and calming discussion when they arrive.  Sating will be replaced in the waiting areas to make it more comfortable for patients and visitors.

A grant of £42,400 from the hospital charity, including £21,400 from the Dementia Appeal, has been instrumental in allowing this improvement work to be undertaken.

Mike Lee, Operational Manager for the Emergency Department said

“Visiting the Emergency Department is unfortunately the first experience of our hospital for so many patients and it is fantastic that we are able to make these important improvements to our facilities to help improve the patient experience when they arrive.  Without the support of York Teaching Hospital Charity we would be unable to make these additional improvements which will make such difference day to day for patients and we are incredibly grateful.”

Lucy Clegg, Fundraising Manager at York Teaching Hospital Charity added

“We are delighted that York Teaching Hospital Charity is able to support this project to help improve the environment for all patients but especially those living with dementia.  Thank you to everyone who continues to support the hospital charity as without your kind donations we are unable to help support these projects.”

Work will start on Monday 2 July and is expected to last until October 2018.  Access to the Emergency Department will remain open during this time although patients and visitors are asked to take note of any temporary signage during the works.

Work is being undertaken by local construction company F Parkinson Ltd.  Steve Kenneally, Framework Manager from F Parkinson who is responsible for managing works at the hospital, said

“We have worked with York Hospital over a number of years and have built up a strong relationship with the staff.  We are looking forward to making a positive improvement to the facilities in the Emergency Department.”

York Teaching Hospital Charity cares for our hospitals from York to the Yorkshire Coast.  Since 2017 the charity has been running the Dementia Appeal with the aim to raise £200,000 to support patients living with dementia during their stay in our hospitals.  If you’d like to find out more about the hospital charity or make a donation visit york.nhs.uk/fundraising or connect with York Teaching Hospital Charity on social media.

29 June 2018