The blue wristbands, which feature a forget-me-not flower, will act as an additional visual prompt to help hospital staff to recognise that someone may need extra help with communication or orientation around the department.
This will include in emergency departments (Lincoln County Hospital and Pilgrim Hospital, Boston), urgent treatment centres (Grantham and District Hospital, John Coupland Hospital, Gainsborough, County Hospital Louth, Skegness and District Hospital and Johnson Community Hospital, Spalding), and same day emergency care (SDEC) services (Lincoln and Boston).
The wristband will be offered during the initial triage process when a person arrives in hospital and is identified as having a formal dementia diagnosis, or where there may be concerns about confusion.
Zoe Chapman, Safeguarding and Vulnerabilities Nurse Specialist for Dementia for Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group (LCHG), said: “This initiative was the idea of Becky, one of our Patient Flow Coordinators at Pilgrim Hospital, Boston, and we have supported to make it a reality.
“We know that coming into hospital for any reason can be a cause of anxiety, especially if you’re unwell and needing help quickly from our urgent and emergency care services. Becky recognised that we could improve the support for people who may be living with memory loss or confusion if we could better identify their needs quickly and easily.
“The wristband acts as a visual reminder about the additional needs a person may have, no matter who they are talking to within our teams, to give them a better experience during their visit.”
A number of other initiatives are already in place across Lincolnshire’s hospitals to support people living with dementia.
Dementia bags have been introduced to emergency departments, which include activities to engage and distract, such as fidget toys, colouring books and pencils, cards and information resources about dementia for patients and their carers. These have been funded by the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity.
RITA (Reminiscence Interactive Therapy Activities) systems are available for use across wards, allowing patients to listen to music, watch old films, use apps, games and other activities as part of their hospital recovery.
Dementia-friendly features are also used across hospital buildings and clinics, including with signage, clocks and mustard yellow doors on toilet facilities.