Throughout this year, some of our Health and Social Care learners have been busy volunteering at the Lister Hospital as part of the Forget-Me-Not Scheme, coordinated by Molly Shepherd.
The fast-paced environment of busy hospital wards can increase disorientation and confusion amongst patients with memory problems or dementia, sometimes resulting in the patient’s needs going unrecognised.
The Forget-Me-Not scheme was designed to help staff recognise patients who are experiencing memory problems or confusion. The blue forget-me-not symbol is affixed above the patients’ bed or offered as a wristband for patients to wear, indicating that they are experiencing memory problems and require extra support.
Once hospital staff have recognised the Forget-Me-Not symbol, they will make clear who they are, what is happening and what they are doing, explaining this in a clear and simple manner – as many times as needed. Hospital staff will also support patients to care for themselves where possible, encouraging independence.
Forget-Me-Not patients will be supported by their close friends and family while in hospital too, informing staff of patient likes, dislikes and personal wishes.
The scheme is designed to support dementia patients to improve their communication, understanding, wellbeing and overall patient-experience.
The Forget-Me-Not project was coordinated by Molly Shepherd, part of the North Hertfordshire NHS Trust.
Molly supported our Health and Social Care learners throughout the required training and offered them ongoing guidance throughout their work in the hospital.
One Health and Social Care learner commented:
‘Molly and Ruth are amazing people to work with and are very supportive, I have enjoyed talking to the various patients I have seen while volunteering and the different personalities they all have. I have had serious, sad, happy and interesting conversations with patients, and I really do think that I made a difference to their time in hospital, so I have enjoyed making a change’
Thanks to Molly and our learners, the patients found the initiative to be a really helpful experience. One patient commented that NHC volunteer, Mary, had ‘made him feel like a normal person rather than someone who is ill’ and that it was a ‘hugely positive experience’.
We are so proud of our Health and Social Care learners for the impact they have had on the experience and wellbeing of these patients.
If you want to help support the health and wellbeing of your community, like Molly and our learners have done, explore Health and Social Care courses at North Hertfordshire College.