A new pilot is being rolled out at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WWL) which will look to improve the way the Trust provides care for patients living with dementia.
WWL is introducing ‘Jelly Drops’ as a way of enhancing the quality of care for those suffering with dementia as a way of helping dementia patients to stay hydrated when they are struggling to drink.
Mark Oakley, Lead Admiral Nurse pitched the idea to pilot the ‘Jelly Drops’ programme to WWL’s Patient Experience Group, and, after a successful presentation, was provided with the funding to roll it out for a three-month pilot.
As an Admiral Nurse, Mark specialises in providing care for patients living with dementia and helps carers gain the skills they need to assist with dementia care.
Speaking on the pilot Mark said: “As an Admiral Nurse my role is to advocate for the patients living with dementia who may not have a voice or forget they need something. When it comes to our patients and their experience, I want to ensure all our patients get the best possible care.
“We need to think of innovative ways of caring for patients with a dementia diagnosis as this group of patients are not always able to tell us why they do not want to do things, or do not like certain things.
“So far the feedback from the wards has been very positive about the project and we’re going to be working together on this pilot to do all we can to make a difference.”
Rabina Tindale, Chief Nurse at WWL commented on the forthcoming pilot saying: “Here at WWL we are committed to finding new and innovative ways to provide quality care to all our patients.
“The ‘Jelly Drops’ pilot is another example of this, and we hope that this will help us build on the excellent care we look to provide for our patients living with dementia.”
Each of the ‘Jelly Drops’, which were invented by the grandson of a lady suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease as a way of encouraging her to increase her fluid intake, is made up of 95% water. As well as helping those patients who are reluctant to drink or show signs of dehydration, they can also help improve oral hygiene and reduce the risk of malnutrition.
The pilot will be trialled at the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary site at Standish, Aspull, Winstanley and Bryn wards.
Should the pilot prove to be a success, Mark will look to carry on using ‘Jelly Drops’ to help those living with dementia.