Replica bus stop donated to Grimsby hospital to help dementia patients

A special bus stop is providing dementia patients with a quiet and safe place to help prevent them from becoming unsettled and anxious.

Coming into hospital for any patient can be stressful but for people with dementia it can be even more so as they are out of their normal routine and familiar surroundings.

The Health Tree Foundation (HTF) – the official charity for Grimsby hospital – has teamed up with Stagecoach East Midlands. The national bus operator has provided a replica bus stop complete with a timetable, with the charity providing seats and wall art.

Kate Scott, dementia clinical nurse specialist, said: “When dementia patients become confused and agitated they tend to wander and will often look for something which looks familiar. The bus stop is just that.”

The stop, which is on ward B4, has a real timetable of bus services in North Lincolnshire, three pull down seats and the wall is decorated with trees, flowers and birds.  

Dementia clinical nurse specialist at Grimsby hospital David Welburn said: “It is a place for patients to escape the noise of the ward for a few moments and where they can sit and talk in a quiet environment with other patients or their families.”

The aim is to provide more bus stops across Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust.

Michelle Hargreaves, managing director of Stagecoach East Midlands, said: “We are delighted that the NHS approached us to provide even more replica bus stops to help people living with dementia. We look forward to working with the charity to provide even more.”