Page 8 - Real Rochdale - Autumn 2018

Oasis of Calm
Rochdale Infirmary’s Oasis Unit is the first ward
in the UK to offer a specialised environment for
patients with dementia.
The unit originally opened in 2014, providing a safe
and suitable space for those living with dementia
and confusion, supporting recovery and access to
nursing and mental health staff.
Here, everything you thought you knew about
hospitals is flipped on its head, with 10 colourful
bedrooms, a relaxing lounge, dining area, library
and a calm room.
The Oasis Unit, funded by NHS Heywood, Middle-
ton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group,
was implemented by Clinical Matron Louisa Hark-
ness Hudson and then-sister Rhiannon Lloyd, with
staff playing an integral part in its design.
Everything is more relaxed on this ward, which
feels more like home than a hospital. Each bedroom
is colour co-ordinated to help patients identify
their own room, with numbers on the doors.
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A plethora of books fills the library, featuring tomes
about the local area and newspapers from days
past, plus photographs of local areas to aid with
remembering. Familiar wireless radios can also be
found on the ward, and the staff have even made a
modern flat screen television appear more as one
from decades gone by.
The team also uses an ingenious invention called
‘RemPods’ which are therapeutic pop-up
reminiscence rooms. When Real Rochdale visited,
the current set up was a sunny beach hut and
cocktail bar, ideal for jogging memories about holi-
days with families.
Ward Manager Rhiannon Lloyd said: “The service
is very individual, as there are many different types
of dementia and confusion. We try to make things
as normal as possible. Without the Oasis Unit, the
patients would be on another hospital ward where
they can be seen as a nuisance.”
The support offered by the Oasis Unit continues af- ‘Ideal for jogging memories’
There are no visiting hours as the ward is always ter a user has been discharged, working alongside
open and has space for families to stay over. mental health nurses, social workers and end of life
care.
Patients on the Oasis Unit are treated to regular
activities, such as tea parties, craft afternoons and
movie nights. Schoolchildren have visited to prac-
tice their reading skills. Hot breakfasts are on the
menu and patients are not discouraged from eating
in their rooms if they wish.
There are two consultants on the ward with two
trained nurses and two untrained, which allows for
individual time with each service user.
There are no plans to extend the 10-bed unit, and
staff are currently raising funds for a specialised
garden, designed for dementia patients.
Rhiannon Lloyd added: “We have been asking
what they would have in a garden if money was no
object. We have some way to go, but we are really
looking forward to how we can help the patients
outdoors as well.”