Kingston Hospital has been named as one of the best organisations in the country for making effort to be more dementia friendly.

Last year, the hospital transformed an elderly care ward to create a homely, welcoming space aimed to enhance the wellbeing of patients with dementia.

It has now become one of three finalists in the Dementia Friendly Organisation of the Year (large) category in the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friendly Awards 2017.

Olivia Frimpong, dementia improvement lead at Kingston Hospital, said: “People with dementia often have complex needs so being in hospital can be a frightening experience for them. Improving care and the environment for our patients with dementia has been one of the Trust's main priorities.

“Our team worked with experts and people with dementia to transform a tired elderly care ward into a calm and homely, non-clinical environment that promotes independence.

“We’ve made changes to flooring and lighting throughout the ward. We’ve introduced colour for wayfinding, adding artwork throughout the ward and de-cluttering corridors. We’ve also created an activities room where we run a programme of group activities including reminiscence therapy, hairdressing, music groups, exercise class and lunch clubs.

“We’ve kept the same number of hospital beds and square footage, but the ward is transformed into a dementia friendly space.”

The other finalists in the category are British Gas and Bedfordshire Police.

Winners will be announced at an award ceremony on November 29.