The great indoors can work wonders.

‘Before this project I would not have known how a change to use of space and the environment could be so beneficial – relaxing and uplifting at the same time.’ Matron Lorna Mess says that the transformation of a ward at Goodmayes Hospital in Ilford, Essex, has reduced violence and aggression, and therefore staff burnout. ‘The end result is incredible,’ she says. Nurse consultant Geraldine Rodgers’ project to create a more homely environment on the older people’s mental health ward has led to a fall in restraint and use of antipsychotic medication, as well as staff sickness levels. The money saved on agency spend has more than funded the changes. for medicine and older people, nurse specialist for Parkinson’s disease, community matron, and now nurse consultant for frailty and long-term conditions. She says: ‘I wanted to qualify as a nurse from the age of three and winning the Nursing Older People category is one of my highlights so far. ‘This project has demonstrated that enhancement of the therapeutic environment on a ward has a positive impact on patients and staff. There has been validated improvement to the patient experience, and positive outcomes such as patients feeling safe, having greater confidence in staff and improved staff morale.’ The ward had a high proportion of patients with dementia, exhibiting increased disorientation and anxiety. Geraldine Rodgers, right, has created a garden-themed room to improve patient wellbeing