Enter and view: Magnolia Ward

In August 2016, Healthwatch Somerset carried out an Enter and View visit to Magnolia Ward, a specialist inpatient service for older people with dementia and other confused states provided by Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. The visit formed part of a wider review of mental health inpatient services and included discussions with patients and staff, observations of the ward environment and time spent with patients in communal areas and at mealtimes.

The ward was found to provide a caring and supportive environment, with a number of dementia-friendly features including colour-coded wayfinding, a sensory room, a therapeutic garden and opportunities for patients and families to provide feedback. Patients spoke positively about staff support and the quality of care they received. Healthwatch also highlighted innovative work to support recruitment and strong links with advocacy services, volunteers and local community groups. 

Recommendations focused on increasing opportunities for meaningful activities, including the use of reminiscence resources and memory-stimulating objects to help engage patients and reduce boredom and anxiety.