Heartwarming Valentine’s movie night on Ward M1 for older patients
The staff at Wirral University Teaching Hospital (WUTH) are hosting a special Valentine’s movie night for older patients on Ward M1 at Clatterbridge Hospital.
The ward team has transformed the dining room into a dedicated ‘cinema-style’ room where a themed movie night, with Valentine’s decorations, will take place on 14th February. Earlier in the day, patients will enjoy an afternoon tea complete with love heart biscuits and cakes. All patients on the ward are aged 74 and above.
Ward M1 cares for patients who are medically fit but awaiting support services such as a social worker assessment, a package of care or a bed in a rehabilitation facility. This can often result in extended hospital stays. Many of the patients have dementia or are frail, and the ward team is committed to making their time in hospital as engaging and comforting as possible.
Ward Manager, Adele Boyle said: “The initiative started after COVID-19 when staff on the ward wanted to help patients celebrate different occasions such as Christmas, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, and Remembrance Sunday.
“After we organised a Christmas event for the patients and their relatives in December, the relatives told us they felt overwhelmed with emotion because they hadn’t seen their family member socialising for a long time. That was so gratifying to hear.
“Recently, some of our patients were discussing the royal family. Noticing that some of our patients become a bit restless in the afternoon, our quick-thinking staff set up a projector screen and played The Crown. The patients loved it. Our night staff also noticed that the patients were more settled in the evening afterwards, so we knew we’d hit on something good.”
Since then, the ward team have continued to screen different movies each afternoon for the patients to enjoy.
The Valentine’s themed afternoon is one of many planned movie events designed to engage patients. Building on the success of the movie night initiative, Adele is also exploring colour therapy afternoons supported by the ward volunteers, where patients will be able to participate in colouring activities to help stimulate them during their stay on the ward.
Adele added: “Watching movies and engaging in meaningful activities like these themed movie nights can help stimulate patients’ cognitive and communication skills. This not only enhances interactions with staff, family and friends but can also contribute to reducing any anxiety in a clinical setting.”
Janelle Holmes, Chief Executive said: "I’m extremely proud of Adele and the whole team on Ward M1 for their dedication to enhancing the well-being for our older patients. Their commitment to creating a warm and engaging atmosphere has a profound impact, making patients feel more comfortable and connected during their hospital stay”.
ENDS
Photo: (Left to right) Clara Jomon, Registered Nurse; Adele Boyle, Ward Manager; Anita Jones, Registered Nurse