Our Chair Jacqui Smith joined our Charity team on Monday 7 November to showcase the benefits of RITA devices (Reminiscence Interactive Therapy Activity) and new patient activity trollies on our elderly care wards.

Our charity has purchased two of these trollies, which contain items such as hand cream, reading glasses, activity books, distraction toys and other essential toiletries, for the benefit of our elderly patients. RITA is a preloaded touch screen system with stimulating entertainment, such as films, music, games, armchair exercise and much more which have been helping to keep our patients active and entertained.

Jacqui visited Mandarin A ward at Queen’s Hospital and saw the RITA screens and trollies in action. She also spoke to patients and staff to find out how much of a difference they are making to our patients.

Deanna Angus, nursing associate in our Dementia and Delirium team, said: “RITA is a fantastic resource for our elderly patients, specifically dementia patients who can sometimes become agitated. The screens provide comfort and an element of fun for them if they start to feel lonely.”

Our patients are not only staying entertained while in hospital, but RITA is also growing their confidence in using technology for when they go home, further combatting loneliness and isolation.

Deanna added: “The screens help staff interact with patients, helping to start conversations, which then builds confidence for the patient.”

Jacqui said: “Both the RITA screens and activity trollies are brilliant and include a nice combination of entertainment, helping us to provide excellent patient care. It’s great that our charity is focusing on helping to alleviate loneliness and boredom for elderly patients in our care.”

During the visit, Jacqui cut a red ribbon, marking the official release of the first activity trolley. With two trollies now benefitting patients on our elderly care wards, our charity plans to provide more.

Pictured top is our Chair Jacqui Smith with Charity Chair George Wood and one of the activity trollies.