WHH Charity reflects on a decade of support for hospital patients living with dementia

As Warrington Hospital's Forget Me Not (FMN) Unit marks its remarkable 10th year of service, Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals Charity (WHH Charity) reflects on a decade of unwavering support provided to enhance the experience and wellbeing of its patients.

The FMN Unit, which opened in May 2014, offers specialised care for hospital patients living with dementia. 

Over the past decade, WHH Charity has supported the ward through a number of campaigns to enhance patient care and wellbeing, starting with the £70,000 garden project in 2017. Completed in 2019, through community donations and corporate support, the FMN garden was designed to replicate a comforting home environment, helping alleviate patient distress. Recognised with two RHS Neighbourhood North West in Bloom awards, the charity continues to collaborate with volunteers and businesses to maintain the garden.

Additional fundraising initiatives such as memory walks and community events have provided multiple amenities for patients on the ward to further enhance their comfort and enjoyment of hospital stays. These include a hair dressing station within the unit, offering rejuvenating salon experiences for patients, along with entertainment items sourced through Amazon Wish Lists.

Katie Nixon, FMN Ward Manager at Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals, said: “The support WHH Charity have given the FMN Unit over the past 10 years has been incredible. Through their generosity, we have created a comforting 'home away from home' for dementia patients. Every donation, big or small, from garden serenity to a simple tea pot, significantly impacts our patients’ wellbeing. Pamper days in the ward salon, provided by the charity, bring smiles and happiness to our patients. With their support we’ve increased patient satisfaction, and their families witness firsthand the positive impact on their loved ones. Our bespoke care is a result of our team’s dedication, the charity’s support, and the community's backing.”

Helen Higginson, Head of Fundraising at Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals, said: “WHH Charity is deeply committed to enhancing the wellbeing of patients across our hospitals. Through close collaboration with our dedicated staff, we continually strive to adapt to the evolving needs of our patients. 

“This enables us to generate vital support and consistently improve patient comfort, care, and their overall experience here at WHH. We take great pride in our successful campaigns within the FMN Unit, further underscoring our commitment to supporting those in need."

If you or someone you know would like to make a donation to the ward, please visit our Just Giving page and note that the donation is for the FMN ward