New dementia-friendly vehicles have been introduced by the Yorkshire Ambulance Service.
The ambulances include a range of features to provide a more calming environment for patients such as printed blinds showcasing a countryside landscape for a sense of comfort, as well as better contrasting on the seats, floor and steps to improve visibility.
The ambulances are for both the 999 and non-emergency patient transport service. The move takes the number of dementia-friendly ambulances for the 999 service up to 13, with a further 21 in the commissioning process.
The Yorkshire Ambulance Service says that an additional 91 vehicles will be delivered by March 2024 and 60 patient transport service vehicles are in development.
“These simple additions to our vehicles will have a positive impact on patient experience.” – Lesley Butterworth
November 2023 saw the Yorkshire Ambulance Service highlight how vehicles of this kind can help better meet dementia patient needs as part of a research project in Australia.
Lindsay Bent, an intensive care paramedic at Ambulance Victoria in Australia, received a Churchill fellowship to carry out research into dementia-friendly ambulances.
His journey has seen him visit several ambulance services across the UK to understand how the NHS is helping the experience of those living with dementia.
Head of nursing and patient experience at the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, Lesley Butterworth, said: “Following some challenges along the way, we are pleased to have taken delivery of some of our new dementia-friendly vehicles.
“The printed blinds make the passenger area seem less clinical, and they give a point of focus and conversation for someone who is living with dementia and may be distressed in this environment.”
She continued: “The new contrasting on the seats, floor and steps of the vehicles also makes the edges more easily identifiable for patients. These simple additions to our vehicles will have a positive impact on patient experience.”
Image credit: iStock
