NHS Orkney receives donation of Comfort boxes from Age Scotland Orkney and Dementia Friendly Orkney

Today NHS Orkney received a wonderful donation of comfort boxes from Age Scotland Orkney and Dementia Friendly Orkney who kindly funded to support dementia patients.

Gillian Skuse from Age Scotland Orkney said “During these difficult times we are keen to support people by stimulation, occupation and connectivity in recognition that the current situation can be very difficult for some of our people with dementia. These boxes add to great work being undertaken by NHS Orkney and our partner organisations. We have also distributed boxes to our three care homes and hope to extend these further into the community.”

Gillian Coghill Clinical Nurse Specialist at NHS Orkney said “The content of the boxes is designed to support varying interests and abilities. They contain items to support comfort, personal care and grooming, communication aids, puzzles, sensory objects, a range of stimulating activities and a postage paid note to write to their loved ones. Thank you so much for this kind donation, it is greatly appreciated.”

Linda Merriman, Clinical Nurse Manager said “These boxes will be of huge value to us in the provision of appropriate support to meet the needs of our dementia patients, with the current guidance in place and resulting limited ability to communicate with relatives through reduced visiting where family cannot check on what is needed and provide that additional support to the teams in identifying and getting appropriate toiletries and other items in to the ward."

“The Twiddle muffs included in these boxes are absolutely brilliant as well, we gain huge benefit in utilising these for our more distressed patients who find great comfort in using them. Thank you to everyone who has assisted in getting these boxes put together we cannot thank you enough, they will make a positive difference to our patients.”