Patient Safety Awards 2016: Patient Safety in Care of Older People

Winner: North East London Foundation Trust

The winning quality improvement project focused on enhancing the environment in a dementia ward, using a validated assessment tool to find out if the ward was “dementia friendly”.

One simple innovation – coloured toilet doors with clear sings – led to four patients becoming independent with toileting within 12 hours of the change

Patients and staff of Daisy Ward worked together to create an environment that makes sense to dementia patients and is more homelike. The dining area became a social area, a new indoor garden was created to provide a space of calm that would engage the senses.

One simple innovation – coloured toilet doors with clear sings – led to four patients becoming independent with toileting within 12 hours of the change.

The new ward environment has achieved its aims with a positive impact on staff and patients, with a validated improvement in patient experience and outcomes.

The next step is to share the learning across the trust.

The judges said: “This was outstanding and inspiring. The team had a wonderful approach, asking the questions and working with others to determine solutions.”