News and events

Patients on a ward at St Helier Hospital were treated to an afternoon of music and singing as part of an ongoing programme of special events and activities to help those living with dementia.

Ward C2, which has been specially adapted to care for people living with dementia, played host to the concert led by singer and guitarist Daniel Agyeman, from the charity Music in Hospitals. The concert featured some of the biggest hits of yesteryear and had the patients, visitors, and staff singing along in no time!

Chief Nurse Charlotte Hall said: “With Ward C2, we have created an environment which will allow the delivery of personalised care based on the specific needs of patients with dementia. It has been specifically designed to include features known to help people with dementia feel less disorientated or confused. The therapeutic and calming effect of music is widely recognised and the wonderful concert performed by Daniel is the latest in a long line of special activities that we have introduced to help our patients living with dementia.

“Dementia not only affects the patient – it has a huge impact on their friends and families, many of whom may also be their carers. It was such a delight to see the patients so happy and I am thrilled that some of them were joined by their friends and family on what was a truly joyful afternoon.

“My thanks to Daniel and Music in Hospitals for making this afternoon so special and to the team involved in Ward C2 for all of their hard work.” 

Debi Miller, Lead Nurse for the Older Persons Pathway Team, added: “Whether it be the introduction oftwiddlemuffs (to help keep worried hands busy), afternoon tea for patients and their carers, or ‘memory boxes’ filled with memorabilia from decades past, our aim is to make each person’s stay in hospital as comfortable as possible. We are really keen to keep developing what we are able to offer our older patients and those living with dementia, not just on Ward C2 but across our hospitals.

“In addition to the concert – which we hope to make a regular fixture – we also found a lovely harpist who comes to play for the patients, and have a number of other activities we would really like to introduce. The support we get from our volunteers is fantastic, and we are always happy to hear from others who would like to help.”

Ward C2 is supported by the League of Friends for St Helier Hospital. If you would like to volunteer or make a donation to support activities on Ward C2, or are interested in other volunteering opportunities at Epsom and St Helier hospitals, please visit www.epsom-sthelier.nhs.uk/get-involved or email voluntary.services@esth.nhs.uk.

For more information about the work of Music in Hospitals, you can visit www.musicinhospitals.org.uk.