Shropshire Star

Knitters sought to make blankets for patients with dementia at Shropshire's hospitals

An appeal is being made for knitters to help create blankets and bags for patients living with dementia, while they are staying at Shropshire’s major hospitals.

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The dementia team at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) is looking for people to knit or donate knitted blankets.

The colourful blankets help patients, particularly those with dementia, to find their way back to bed more easily – and also see the edge of the bed more clearly when getting in and out.

They also provide a more homely feel to the wards.

The scheme has been successful at other hospitals and now the team is keen to roll it out at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford.

Karen Breese, dementia clinical specialist nurse at SaTH, said: “We had such a good response from the community when we asked if they were able to knit us Twiddlemuffs, which provide a stimulation activity for our patients living with dementia.

"Now we are asking for help and support again, this time to provide us with knitted blankets and knitted bags.

“Due to infection control, the blankets are single-use items and they will be taken home with the patient when they are discharged.

"They must be knitted using new wool, or if anyone is planning to donate blankets, they need to be brand new.

"The blankets should also be brightly coloured or patterned, and 3ft wide.”

To donate or for more information, email karen.breese@nhs.net

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