Patients with dementia, learning difficulties and sensory needs are being supported by a new Sensory Trolley in the Emergency Department (ED) at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary thanks to donations from two local Rotary Clubs.
The initiative, led by Annette Shepherd, Patient Experience Lead at University Hospital of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT), has been supported by a donation of £500 from Lancaster Loyne Rotary Club and £200 from Carnforth Rotary Club. Additional funding for the trolley came from Bay Hospitals Charity.
Annette said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to the two Rotary Clubs and to Bay Hospitals Charity for kindly supporting our patients.
“We know that sensory items can have a significant positive impact on our patients, as well as their families and carers. We would really value feedback from anyone who has accessed or used these sensory items, to help us understand their benefits and how we can continue to improve support.”
The Sensory Trolley has been introduced to support patients of all ages who may find the busy and sometimes overwhelming environment of the ED particularly challenging.
Designed to promote comfort, distraction and positive engagement, the Sensory Trolley includes a range of items such as ear defenders to reduce noise, jigsaws, aqua painting activities, tactile lap pads and sensory tools like rain sticks. These resources can be tailored to individual needs, offering calming and stimulating activities for patients with dementia, learning disabilities, autism and other complex needs.
The trolley is safely stored within the ED and brought out by trained staff when patients would benefit from additional support. Families and carers are encouraged to use the equipment alongside loved ones, helping to reduce distress and create a more reassuring experience during what can be a difficult time.
Dianne Smith, Admiral Nurse for dementia care at UHMBT, said: “The sensory trolley provides a valuable opportunity to offer comfort and distraction, helping patients feel calmer and more engaged through activities they enjoy, with support from their families and carers.”
Judith Read, Charity Manager, Bay Hospitals Charity, said: “We are incredibly grateful to both Lancaster Loyne Rotary Club and Carnforth Rotary Club for their generous support.
“Donations like these make a real difference to patient experience, particularly for some of our most vulnerable patients. The sensory trolley is a fantastic example of how charitable funding can support innovative ideas that bring comfort and reassurance to people when they need it most.”
It is hoped the trolley will be used regularly, helping to make time spent in the ED more manageable and positive for patients and their families.
The official handover of the Sensory Trolley took take place at the RLI ED on Tuesday 19 May, with Club Secretary Katherine Robinson and Trustee Ken Maunder from Lancaster Loyne Rotary Club attending as well as Dianne, Judith, Associate Chief Nurse Emma Fitton, Head of Patient Experience Barry Rigg, Patient Experience Facilitator Sharon Allen and RLI Complex Needs Champion Beth Jones.
This project reflects the UHMBT's commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all patients.
If you have used the sensory trolley and would like to provide any feedback, please click on this link: https://forms.office.com/e/HUD7Zi5uBF or phone 01229 404434.
Bay Hospitals Charity works in partnership with UHMBT to fund enhancements that go beyond core NHS provision, helping to improve environments, provide specialist equipment and support staff in delivering the best possible care.
More information about Bay Hospitals Charity is on the charity’s website on this link.