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Dementia ward unveils new outdoor courtyard for patients

A WARD for adults with dementia in Knowsley unveiled its newly refurbished courtyard and outdoor space for patients at an opening event, on 10 June 2019. The ₤80,000 improvement work involved a complete redesign of the existing outdoor space on Rydal Ward at Knowsley Resource and Recovery Centre, which is based at Whiston Hospital. This now provides a safe, open space for patients to access fresh air and daylight.

The new courtyard has been specially designed to meet the needs of older people with dementia. Previously, the pavement areas were surrounded by a kerb next to low flower beds which presented a health and safety risk for patients and meant the courtyard was unusable. This had been highlighted during a recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection as an area which needed addressing to enable patients to safely access the outdoor space.

By addressing the recommendations made by the CQC, the Trust has demonstrated its commitment to supporting people to age well, in line with the national focus on aging well included within the NHS Long Term Plan. Improving the lives and care of older people is also a priority for all health and social care providers in Knowsley.

As part of the refurbishment, all paving has now been removed and replaced with soft, granular flooring to create an even surface and a safety handrail has been installed around the perimeter of the courtyard.

Other features include a yellow brick road to aid orientation around the garden, a sand pit for promoting the recall of reminiscing, areas to promote physical activity such as skittles and several large planters which will be used for therapeutic activities on the ward so patients can grow their own plants and produce.

The new look courtyard was unveiled at the opening event by a host of special guests, including:- the Spectrum Community Choir, Mayor of Halton, Councillor Margaret Horabin, Mayor of Prescot, Councillor Pat Cook, former Everton footballer Graham Stuart and rugby players from Widnes Vikings.

Lisa Murray, Ward Manager on Rydal Ward, said:- "Previously, all patients needed to be accompanied on a 1 to 1 basis when using the garden due to the potential risk of someone having a fall. However, the new courtyard now provides a safe environment for therapeutic activities and social events. We were also delighted to have the Spectrum Community Choir perform at our opening event, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. We recognise the importance of music and the ability it has to reduce the symptoms of dementia, such as agitation, apathy and anxiety."

Simon Barber, Chief Executive at North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said:- "We are delighted with this new and improved outdoor space. In addition to the greater independence and privacy that patients will benefit from, it's also a space they can enjoy with their families and carers."

Prescot Festival Brings Cathedrals to Your Doorstep

A Merseyside arts festival is saving you a trip to Liverpool's Cathedrals by bringing the Cathedrals to you. Both of the City's majestic Cathedrals will be represented at the Prescot Festival of Music nd the Arts later this month. On Saturday, 22 June 2019, James Luxton, assistant director of music at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, conducts the Prescot Festival Chorus in Vivaldi's magnificent Gloria. The Catholic Cathedral's Anglican neighbours sing in the second half of the evening concert, when Lee Ward conducts the internationally renowned Liverpool Cathedral Choir. Accompanying them on the organ is Professor Dr Ian Tracey. Now chorus master to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society and 'Organist Titulaire' of the Anglican Cathedral, he began his musical career as organist of Prescot Parish Church. He has shown his love of community music making by being official patron of the Prescot Festival since its inception in 2005. The setting for the concert and for several events from 21 June to 30 June 2019, is the stunning Jacobean parish church of St Mary the Blessed Virgin, Prescot, Knowsley's only Grade I listed building.

The following day, Sunday 23 June, Metropolitan Cathedral organist Richard Lea gives a recital in the parish church, featuring pieces by Handel, Albinoni and other classical and sacred composers. But there's another cameo from the Anglican Cathedral, when the edifice itself makes a guest appearance. It features as a location in the 1950 Ealing comedy The Magnet, being screened on Thursday, 27 June 2019, at St Paul's Church. This whimsically charming film was shot either side of the River Mersey, in both Liverpool and the seaside resort of New Brighton. It stars a young James Fox, then aged just 10.

Then, on Sunday 30 June, Prescot Parish Church Choir will sing an anthem by Noel Rawsthorne, the organist of Liverpool Cathedral from 1955 to 1980. He was celebrated worldwide as a choral composer, and he sadly passed away earlier this year at 89. "We are proud as a festival to have created such strong links with the music department of both Cathedrals," said founder and artistic director Dr Robert Howard. "In 2016 we welcomed the girls choir of the Metropolitan Cathedral, and we are delighted to complement it this year with a festival debut appearance from the equally stellar Liverpool Cathedral Choir."

The 15th Annual Prescot Festival of Music and the Arts takes place from Friday, 21 June 2019 to Sunday, 30 June 2019, in the historic Lancashire Town of Prescot, Merseyside. Full programme information is available online and tickets are on sale online and at Poco Coffee (cash only) at:- 30 Eccleston Street, Prescot, L34 5QJ.