NHS Grampian is ploughing £60,000 into upgrading a Moray hospital and making it more friendly towards patients suffering from dementia.
Work has begun on a string of much-needed improvements at Dufftown’s Stephen Hospital.
One of the main projects is refurbishing flooring across certain areas of the building to make it easier for older patients to get about.
The building hosts a physiotherapy gym, and the new flooring will allow people with mobility aids, such as sticks or frames, to negotiate the area more easily.
Senior charge nurse Keith Mackay said that many patients attended the hospital to relearn how to walk and that new flooring would help their recovery.
Mr Mackay said: “Many of the patients at Stephen Hospital come here for a period of rehabilitation, including relearning to walk and perform other everyday tasks.
“The current flooring is more than 20 years old, the variety of surfaces and carpet joins cause a number of problems – especially for people who are already struggling with their mobility.
“It is also dark pink and patterned, which we know some dementia patients find disorientating.
“That’s why we’ve made sure the new surfaces are plain, light coloured and as dementia friendly as possible.”
Work on revamping the hospital is expected to conclude by the end of next month.
Mr Mackay apologised to patients for any disruption during the refurbishment, but he vowed that “the end result will be a much improved facility for patients”.
Stephen Hospital was consists of two wings – one which was built in 1890, and another which was added in 1984.
The purpose-built health centre was attached to the main building in 1976.
The venue has 20 beds and offers medical treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative and terminal care.
There is also a department which deals with minor injuries and casualties.
Last night, Speyside Glenlivet councillor Mike McConnachie welcomed the project.
Mr McConnachie said: “I’m pleased to see this level of investment in the hospital, anyone locally who has stayed there for any period only has good things to say about it and its staff.
“It’s already well-regarded locally, and these improvements will only help that.”