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An older adult mental health ward in Hereford has achieved a prestigious accreditation for its dementia-friendly environment.

Cantilupe ward, run by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, has achieved gold status through the Tier 2 Environments for Ageing and Dementia Design Assessment Tool (EADDAT) by the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) at the University of Stirling.

To meet the requirements for this certification, environments must have dementia-friendly features. This includes clear signage, optimal lighting, quiet acoustics to create a calm atmosphere, enhanced safety features, and community spaces for social interaction.

Amanda Peach, Senior Occupational Therapist and lead for the project said: “After the refurbishment, we wanted to create a safe space to support our patients with complex mental health needs including dementia. The sensory room offers many features, such as scenic artwork, soft furnishings for sound dampening, neutral décor and sensory lights to create a calming atmosphere. The room doubles as an activity space equipped with books, a record player, and a projector. We also host activities like meditation and relaxation sessions, encouraging patients to take an active role in their own care. Additionally, the space supports reminiscence and recall, a proven approach in dementia care, by helping patients reconnect with meaningful memories through music, imagery, and familiar objects”.

Cantilupe Ward, located within the Stonebow Unit provides specialist mental health care for older adults experiencing dementia, or complex and/or enduring mental health needs.

“Gaining certification, not only for the room but the whole ward, was the next step in demonstrating the positive transformation the ward has been through. Our aim is to enhance patient experience and provide a supportive, calming environment,” Amanda adds.

This success follows Cantilupe’s multi-million-pound transformation in 2024. The ward was the second of three mental health wards at the Stonebow Unit to undergo redevelopment as part of the Eliminating Dormitories project; a national scheme to eradicate dormitory style accommodation from mental health facilities across the country.

“Amanda’s knowledge and research of therapeutic environments shaped every element of this space, all to help the people we care for”, Ian Richards, Ward Manager, said. “I’m so proud of what has been achieved and want to thank not only Amanda, but the whole team for their support through the whole process.”

Find out more about the ward on the service's page on our website.