Oakwood Dementia Ward at Prospect Park Hospital has recently undergone a significant refurbishment, creating a strong and supportive identity for the ward that eases way-finding and encourages patient engagement and interaction.
The town of Reading, where the Unit is based, was chosen as the overall theme for the ward, with local, historical imagery chosen to support reminiscence therapy – a leading therapeutic approach that encourages Dementia sufferers to tell stories about their past.
Concerned about the longevity of their design, but keen to use as much imagery throughout the ward as possible, Willis Newson approached Construction Specialties (CS) to embed a range of carefully selected images within Acrovyn by Design
CS supplied and installed our durable Acrovyn by Design wall covering, a bespoke impact and scratch resistant solution which offers complete protection for the doors as well as the embedded imagery.
The Acrovyn by Design artworks were applied to doors throughout the wards to create routes and journeys that encourage patient exploration and conversation along the way. The ward’s Activities Co-ordinator is able to use the imagery to support the reminiscence process, or as a starting point for various patient activities.
“The artworks really encourage conversation; patients and visitors instantly identify with them.” said Cathy Mills, Inpatient Services Manager at the Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. “They chat about places they remember, fashions they used to wear, and the memories the pictures spark. When I see people wandering through the corridors, they are enjoying themselves rather than feeling anxious and lost.”
The artworks have created a long lasting, durable conversation piece for the patients, and the ward is now a calmer, more relaxed place to be for patients and staff.
CS also supplied and installed nearly 200m² of Acrovyn Sheet in a range of colours to protect various doors, and walls as well as aid wayfinding throughout the ward. 440 metres of HR6S handrail were installed in CS’ bright Cobalt Blue colour, making the handrail stand out from the white corridor walls and easy for patients to see it.
