Published on: 23rd December 2016
Older adult patients undergoing hospital treatment for mental health problems in Lincolnshire can now take ‘time-out’ to relax and unwind in a new bespoke Mindfulness Suite.
Staff working at the Trust’s Rochford Unit, based at Pilgrim Hospital in Boston, have spent the last few months transforming a former therapy room into a brand new relaxation area for patients on the ward.
Complete with patient made, hand-knitted cushions and blankets, sensory equipment and books, relaxation CDs are also played out to help add to the chilled-out atmosphere.
Also featuring a full-length seaside mural at one end of the room, it is a quiet place where patients can practise mindfulness techniques and enjoy a variety of therapeutic activities as part of their hospital recovery.
Occupational Therapist Priscilla Owusu, said the creation of the room had been a real joint venture between the staff and patients.
We hope the new suite will act as a sanctuary, where our patients feel safe and are able to relax, during times when they feel anxious or upset. By using the items available to them in the room such as books, cards and relaxation CDs we hope it will encourage patients to learn and develop their own coping strategies. We fully involved our patients in choosing the resources for the room and they can now enjoy activities such as knitting, reading and different relaxation techniques. This will enable them to manage their activities and daily living and assist them with their journeys out of hospital and back into the community.
The new suite was officially opened recently by patient Olive, along with divisional manager for older adult services Steve Roberts. Staff and patients then enjoyed afternoon tea together to celebrate the occasion.
The Rochford Unit has 17 beds and provides short-term treatment, assessment and support for patients over the age of 65 who are affected by conditions such as psychosis, depression and anxiety
, said Steve.
The new area is a wonderful place where patients can take themselves for some quiet time while they’re on the ward. The staff and patients have all worked incredibly hard together to make the Mindfulness Suite a reality, which is already getting fabulous feedback from everyone enjoying it.
