Emily, who was appointed as the UK’s first Namaste Care Practitioner in a hospital setting back in 2023, came up with the idea of creating dedicated rooms towards the end of last year but they finally become a reality recently thanks to The Medway Hospital Charity funding the furnishings. A record player with a built-in radio was also donated by a member of staff who works on Tennyson Ward.
Emily said: “I’m extremely grateful to The Medway Hospital Charity for supporting my vision to provide a calm environment where patients can relax, have a cup of tea, enjoy lunch and have a Namaste care session in a home away from home setting.
“As well as allowing me to deliver Namaste care to patients, the rooms can be used by clinical staff to talk to relatives about their loved one’s condition or to help calm patients if they become upset or overwhelmed while they are in a ward setting. Families of our patients are also welcome to enjoy the room with their loved ones when they visit them.”
Donna Law, Head of The Medway Hospital Charity (pictured with Emily), said: “We were delighted to fund items for the new Namaste Care Rooms. Being in hospital can be a distressing time for anyone, but for those living with dementia, it can often be more stressful. To create a safe space that feels like a home is really impactful. Our patients now have access to familiar surroundings and we hope these welcoming spaces bring them comfort while they are in hospital.”
Steph Gorman, Acting Chief Nursing Officer, said: “Our clinical staff ensure those who are living with dementia or receiving end of life care, get the very best care, but Emily’s work helps us go one step further when providing quality of life until the end of life for those who are sadly dying.
“By creating dedicated Namaste Care Rooms Emily can deliver this personalised care away from the bed side with no distractions ensuring we provide our patients with a better experience during their stay with us.”
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