Dementia Ward

The Architectural design and subsequent refit for this Dementia living space for the NHS which took 6 months from start to finish to complete. The project was initiated with a series of meetings with staff to assess what they felt the major operational problems were with the current layout. One of the major issues that had to be addressed in the new scheme was the ward layout as the original space lacked logical orientation, which unsettled the patients and created increased anxiety.

We moved on to hold workshops with all the stakeholders to discuss further their views on what worked and what they felt needed improving. We also undertook an observational study of the ward during a working day, mapping the areas that staff and patients used and pinpointing the underutilised spaces.
 
Drawing on our knowledge and previous experience of how shape, form, colour and light can positively contribute to improving the healing environment, we worked collaboratively with consultants, nurses, occupational therapists, hospital staff and patients to form the design from initial sketches to the delivery of the final project.
View across the dementia ward with defined seating spaces; picture 1 of 16

Colour defines areas of the ward, to improve orientation. Teal blue walls contrast against brown upholstery and ash wood, helping patients with impaired vision to recognise doors, windows and seating.

Dementia furniture in the NHS ward; picture 2 of 16

Dementia patients who maybe visually impaired find it easier to sit down when there is a clear contrast between the floor and seat colours

Architectural design for a dementia ward for the NHS; picture 3 of 16

The architectural design used timber alcoves around seating areas help to improve acoustics, through the prevention of sound traveling within the space which was leading to unsettled patients.

Images and photographs of the local landscape help to being points of interest to the dementia ward; picture 4 of 16

The use of large natural landscape images for the walls open up the NHS dementia ward and give the ward a sense of place.

Safe TV which can be used by dementia patients; picture 5 of 16

A communal television is disguised behind calming imagery to enable quieter periods within the living space, encouraging interaction and conversation.

Computer that can be used by dementia patients; picture 6 of 16

An infection safe computer unit allows access to online communication within the clinical environment.

Music for dementia patients with radio and CD; picture 7 of 16

Images of the local area from the 1920's and music speakers disguised as old-fashioned radios enable patients to reminise.

Tropical fish tank which is safe for patients with dementia; picture 8 of 16

A fish tank and changing LED lit screens add calming interest to the space with the translucency allowing a clear line of sight for staff across the ward space.

sub-divide the space in the NHS ward with screens; picture 9 of 16Dementia interactive for sensory stimulation; picture 10 of 16

A sensory board enables stimulation for patients and provokes interaction with staff and family. The board features inter-changeable panels that can be undated dependant on the patients background.

Dementia lounge with digital fire place; picture 11 of 16

The creation of the quiet lounge provides a comfortable and homely space, the used of high specification fabrics allow a domestic feel to the space. The two-seater benches designed along with patients for maximum comfort and support enable patients to sit closley with family members and staff .

Dementia lounge with dignified patient seating; picture 12 of 16Design and mapping for a dementia ward; picture 13 of 16

Mapping the flow of patient and staff movement informs the layout of the space, with unused space used for seating areas helping the ward space to be as operational as possible.

Design for a dementia ward; picture 14 of 16Design for a dementia ward; picture 15 of 16Design for a dementia ward; picture 16 of 16

From initial design through to final installation