Occupational Therapy News OTnews July 2019 | Page 44

FEATURE OLDER PEOPLE
Small acts of friendship
Paola O’Sullivan and Gemma Buckley explain how the introduction of
activities on elderly acute wards has improved patients’ emotional and social
wellbeing whilst in hospital
T
he Small Acts of Friendship project was
introduced on the elderly care wards at
the Royal Sussex County Hospital to
enhance the wellbeing of inpatients.
The idea originated from the elderly care medicine
consultants, who wanted to further support patients’
social activity, mobility and dignity while in hospital.
In parallel to setting up this unique programme,
there was an NHS Experienced Based Co-Design
(EBCD) methodology to support the development
and evaluation of the project work.
44 OTnews July 2019