A transformed Blyth Ward re-opened to patients on 12 November 2018, thanks to the generosity of many of our supporters.

Blyth Ward is the second of Kingston Hospital’s elderly care wards to be refurbished to be dementia friendly – a safe, homely and comfortable social and therapeutic environment that facilitates all types of functioning.  Work on Derwent Ward was completed at the end of 2016 and Kennet Ward is expected to undergo its refurbishment during the summer of 2019.

Approximately £650,000 has been raised to fund the ‘added-value’ elements that are critical to transforming each of these wards, including the flooring, lighting, wall finishes, artwork, signage, social spaces and furniture.

The Care Quality Commission when publishing its report in August 2018, following its latest inspection, highlighted examples of outstanding practice which included Kingston Hospital’s significant emphasis “on meeting the needs of people living with dementia”, including its commitment to improve the experience of patients by refurbishing its elderly care wards.

Thank you very much to all who generously contributed.