Staff in the Trauma Wards at the John Radcliffe asked the charity to fund  ‘distraction trollies’ to help occupy patients during their stay in a positive way.

These contain a variety of resources for patients that may be anxious, upset, or disengaged by facilitating positive distraction. 

Time spent in hospital isn’t easy for many, with pain, anxiety, noise, and even boredom affecting patients’ ability to cope, particularly in busy areas.

The Trauma wards admit a wide range of patients, including a high number living with dementia, who have experienced falls and may be disorientated when they come into the hospital.

Jilly Heath, Dementia and Education Lead, said: “The trolleys are a great way to distract the patients from what is going on in the hospital, which can often be quite distressing.

“They have a variety of items for us to use depending on the patient’s needs. We have twiddle items that are small but effective in helping to calm patients, particularly those with dementia. Staff have also made reminiscent books which include historical images or famous people. These help to stimulate the patient's memory and evokes communication.

“We also have “knowing me passports” which can be filled in by family, friends and staff and help us to really understand the patient and what their individual needs are. These can include their likes and dislikes and any useful information we might need to be able to offer the best patient centre care possible.”

Other useful items include drawing and colouring equipment, games, books, squeeze balls, maze boards, and a radio.

The trolleys come with colour-coded drawers and because they are mobile, can be moved between wards.

Hazel Murray, Head of the charity programme team said; “We are delighted to have funded three distraction trolleys for the Trauma areas. Although seemingly a simple idea, they offer patients that extra bit of support that can really help assist their journey to recovery.

“Patient’s feedback has been extremely positive with one patient saying that the squeeze ball helped to give her arthritic fingers back some strength and another saying that the maze board was ‘entertaining, enjoyable and challenging,’ which is fantastic.

“We love it when staff in our hospitals come up with innovative ways to support patients and are sure that more distraction trolleys will be created for other hospital areas.”