Two new specialist dementia care wards were officially opened on 5th December by Bedford and Kempston MP Richard Fuller.
The Harpur and Elizabeth wards were refurbished by Princebuild over a 26 week period, during which time the wards were transformed into vibrant and welcoming spaces for patients, their families and carers.
The wards are part of a one million pound project to create a specialist environment which will provide dementia care for the Bedford community and the refurbishment not only provides practical changes such as new flooring, new nurse’s stations and improved storage facilities, but also the addition of specialist familiarisation features to help make the patients feel more at home and to lessen their anxiety. Colour zoning, specially designed furniture, quiet rooms and memory walls have all been included to assist patients in their recovery and stimulate their minds.
The care and support of dementia patients is a national priority for the NHS, so to be involved with a project which will make so much difference to the care Bedford Hospital is able to provide is very rewarding for the project team and Princebuild as a whole.
Ryan McCormack, Project Officer at Bedford Hospital commented “We are delighted with the outcome of this project. Princebuild’s collaborative approach to this project meant it was delivered on time and under budget. In addition Princebuild added extra value as they were very familiar with working in a clinical environment and understood the challenges of working on a functioning ward within a busy hospital.”
The project is one of several that Princebuild have worked on for the Bedford NHS Trust, with the second phase of a refurbishment in the Endoscopy Unit also being recently completed.
For more information about the specialist wards and a video from the opening day please visit the Bedford Today website.