Combe Ward
The creation of a dementia friendly environment in the existing “Block B” building
Our client said….
These changes will offer substantial improvements to the quality of life not only experienced by patients with dementia admitted to the hospital but also their carers, and support our staff in providing even greater levels of care too.
The Story
Combe ward was a busy acute 24-bed geriatric ward, which had remain unchanged for years. The Royal United Hospital was granted Department of Health funding to upgrade the ward to create a ‘dementia friendly environment’ in accordance with the Kings Fund Enhancing Environment programme. A key requirement was engagement with the clinical staff, carers and patient representatives.
We worked closely with the hospital’s estate staff and the clinicians to re-design key areas of the ward. In addition to the ‘dementia friendly’ aspect of the brief, other works included the upgrade of WC and shower facilities, a new ward reception, a small nurse base in each bed bay and the associated complex mechanical, electrical and hospital services.
Two of the key design changes were the creation of informal seating areas within the ward, and transforming the institutional ‘dayroom’ into a more homely space. We used colour to create a more ‘dementia friendly’ environment throughout. This involved using colour coding to assist patients moving around the ward, and an understanding of how the ‘careless’ use of colour can have negative affects on people with dementia. We used basic 3D imagery to engage with the client group to discuss and explain the proposed changes and colour themes.
Following the development of a full technical package and a competitive tender process, the project started on site in July 2013 and was completed 11 weeks later. O’LearyGoss undertook the role of Contract Administrator with site inspections, and co-ordinated the complex technical aspects of the project.
The ward was awarded the Elder Friendly Quality Mark in recognition of the quality of care its patients receive, by the Royal College of Psychiatrists in 2015.
Following on from this project, O’LearyGoss were appointed for the refurbishment of the adjoining Waterhouse Ward to a ‘dementia friendly’ medical ward.
Project Team:
Client: Royal United Hospital, Bath
Consulting services engineers: Houghton Greenlees & Associates
Cost consultant: Clark Associates
Contractor: Bray& Slaughter