Health and social care students from North Hertfordshire College have been volunteering at Lister Hospital in Stevenage as part of a Forget-Me-Not Scheme.

The scheme is designed to support dementia patients to improve their communication, understanding, wellbeing and overall patient experience.

The fast-paced environment of busy hospital wards can increase disorientation among patients with memory problems or dementia, sometimes resulting in the patient’s needs going unrecognised.

The Forget-Me-Not Scheme was designed to help hospital staff quickly recognise these patients through the Forget-Me-Not symbol affixed above their bed or worn as a wristband.

After recognising the symbol, staff will clearly and simply explain who they are, what is happening and what they are doing – as many times as required.

A group of students have been working on the wards, supporting the national initiative. 

One student commented: “I have enjoyed talking to the various patients I have seen while volunteering. I really do think that I made a difference to their time in hospital, so I have enjoyed making a change.”