Author Archives: KRtdtKnLtM

  1. Kingston Hospital opens third dementia friendly ward

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    Kingston Hospital has successfully refurbished a third elderly care ward, Kennet Ward, into a dementia friendly environment, with the support of Kingston Hospital Charity. Staff and patients at the hospital met to celebrate the ward’s transformation.

    Kennet ward is one of four elderly care wards at the Hospital and the transformation has created surroundings that are secure, safe, homely and comfortable and which encourage patients to get up and out of their bed space and maintain their independence to support them to get back home more quickly.

    Kingston Hospital Charity has provided around £650k in funding, which has helped us to re-furbish three elderly care wards, starting with Derwent Ward at the end of 2016 and followed by Blyth Ward at the end of 2018. Charitable support funded the dementia friendly aspects associated with the ward refurbishment programme, including the flooring, lighting, wall finishes, social spaces, artwork and signage.

    Jo Farrar, Chief Executive of Kingston Hospital said: “The Care Quality Commission inspection of Kingston Hospital in 2018 noted the refurbishment work we had embarked on to improve the ward environments for older patients. It’s fantastic to see the completion of these works, which will help us continue to improve the quality of the care we provide at Kingston Hospital.”

    Olivia Frimpong, the Hospital’s dementia lead said: “Initial results show that the changes to the environment are having a positive benefit. For example, the reduction in pressure sores demonstrates that patients are up and about more and the improved lighting and flooring has reduced the likelihood of falls.

    “I’m thrilled with what we have been able to achieve with the help of many who have generously contributed from across our community.”

    The re-opening of Kennet Ward marks completion of the elderly care ward refurbishment programme, which is an integral part of the hospital’s dementia care strategy that was launched in 2014 with the aim of providing consistently excellent dementia care.

    Aspects of the design features incorporated into our elderly care wards have been rolled out to other areas, particularly in the emergency department, outpatients and the medical wards, as we strive to become a dementia friendly hospital site.

    Notes to Editors

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  2. Duchess of Cambridge visit to Kingston Hospital’s Maternity Unit

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    The Duchess of Cambridge recently gave mothers in Kingston a surprise when she shadowed some of Kingston Hospital’s midwives on their daily visits around the community. During her two day visit on the 26 and 27 November, The Duchess also spent time with maternity unit staff, women and their families across all areas of the maternity service.

    Her Royal Highness is working to highlight the impact the early years of childhood has on lifelong health and happiness – and how even before a baby is born its future development can be affected by its mother’s own health.

    Frances Rivers, Homebirth Team Lead Midwife, Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said:
    “We were thrilled and honoured to have The Duchess come out with us on our rounds visiting mothers who are planning or have had a homebirth. Several of the families discussed the challenges common to all new parents of managing a newborn’s round-the-clock needs with their own well-being and the adjustment required to daily life.

    “During The Duchess’ visit to the maternity unit she sat in on our homebirth team meeting and heard the stories of the families we care for. She learned what having a homebirth involves – from the kit we bring to ensure the safety of mother and baby to the practicalities of setting up a birthing pool.”

    Sally Brittain, Director of Nursing and Quality at the hospital said:
    “It was an absolute pleasure for all of us to host The Duchess at Kingston Hospital, particularly as by throwing a spotlight on our work and the work of all midwives, we couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife 2020.”

    Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is in South West London and it was rated outstanding by the CQC in 2018.

    Kingston Hospital’s Maternity Unit

    For more information about maternity services at Kingston Hospital click here

    Watch our film – Having your baby with Kingston Hospital’ Maternity

    All press enquiries to:

    • During working hours (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) please call the Communications Team directly on 020 8934 3613/3614 or email khft.comms@nhs.net
    • Out of hours or at weekends, please call the main switchboard on 0208 546 7711 and ask for the duty press officer
    • Visit www.kingstonhospital.nhs.uk and see the News section of the website.

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