Adults in hospitals across NHS Grampian are to be offered access to new activity boxes which include a range of items – from colouring books to games and puzzles – designed to promote physical and mental stimulation. Their introduction has been made possible thanks to the generous donations made by supporters of NHS Grampian Charity.
NHS Grampian’s dementia nurse consultant, Lyn Pirie explained: “Our new boxes will support therapeutic and meaningful activity at what can otherwise be a very stressful time for people. All patients will benefit from resources that help to keep their minds occupied and minimise stress and distress.
“We’re aiming to reduce boredom and isolation, improve mood, sleep pattern, appetite, and overall wellbeing. This can have a positive impact on an individual’s level of stress and limit the frequency of severe distress, particularly for those who may be experiencing delirium or living with dementia.
“We’ve involved a diverse group of staff in developing the new boxes and they have been designed with feedback from patients, family members and carers – who highlighted the need for resources to support patient wellbeing – in mind. We’re really excited these are now available to patients and are hugely grateful to all our volunteers as well as facilities and estates teams for helping to get this off the ground.”
The activity boxes are being issued in phases, starting with Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, and will be available for all inpatient clinical wards, including emergency departments at ARI, Woodend Hospital, Dr Gray’s Hospital, and all community hospitals in both Moray and Aberdeenshire. These compliment the availability of Virtual Visiting iPads, which are also available on request, and include a range of activity apps as well as the opportunity to connect with family and friends who can’t visit in person.
90-year-old Duncan Coutts, who is currently recovering in Ward 303 at ARI, is pleased to have something new to occupy his time. As a former groundsman at Hazlehead Park where he helped to plant one million crocuses, Duncan is no stranger to keeping his hands busy. Duncan said: “It’s helped take my mind off things. I enjoy it. It really does help.”
Lisa Duthie, Charity Lead at NHS Grampian Charity, commented: “Thousands of people every year spend time as inpatients in hospitals across Grampian. While lots of wards already deliver therapeutic activities, this is the first time a coordinated approach has been taken to deliver activity boxes Grampian-wide, and to make sure as many patients as possible can benefit from them.
“These activity boxes have only been possible thanks to the generous patients, family members, visitors, and members of the public who have donated to NHS Grampian Charity. This incredible support is enhancing the experiences of patients in hospitals across the region.
“Thank you to all the staff and volunteers at NHS Grampian who have given their knowledge, skills and time to help bring this idea to life.”
The roll-out of the new boxes is being supported by NHS Grampian’s facilities and estates team as well as hospital volunteers.
Volunteer Coordinator Mandy Urquhart added: “Our fantastic team of volunteers have been hard at work putting the new boxes together and sharing these with patients. They will also help check and maintain the boxes as time goes on, with the support of the logistics team to take deliveries and help move things around. We are so grateful to staff and volunteers across our hospitals who make a huge difference to patients and visitors every single day.”
Lyn said: “We recognise the crucial role friends, families and carers can have in a person’s recovery while they are in hospital. These boxes will give people the opportunity to feel included, engage with others, and keep their minds busy, which we know all leads to better outcomes too.
“The benefit of therapeutic engagement is well researched and we’re proud to be rolling out this initiative. We’ll continue to develop and enhance what’s included in the boxes and consider what else can be delivered across the healthcare system in the future.”