Amy Edisbury is an occupational therapy assistant at Cherry Ward, a specialist dementia care unit at Bowmere Hospital in Chester. Having studied fine art at university, Amy felt inspired to pursue a career in mental health following some volunteer work at Maple ward, Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s (CWP) rehabilitation ward.
With the support of the ward manager, Henk Vermeulen, she painted a Cherry Blossom tree over a number of days – which also offered the opportunity for patients on the ward to share positive comments for display if they wish. It allowed Amy to combine her background in art with her current mental health role. Whilst also sharing positivity among the patients, improving their experience and surroundings.
“I have a degree in fine art and I’m currently studying for a masters in art therapy,” Amy explains, “I did some volunteer work doing art sessions for the patients a couple of years ago and had also thought about a career in mental health for a little while. I really enjoyed what I was seeing from the occupational therapists whilst I was there, so when a position opened I applied.”
Ward manager, Henk was keen to brighten up the ward whilst also providing visual stimulation for the patients on the ward.
“It started as an improvement project and we’ve been thinking of different ways we can share feedback for a number of years,” Henk explains, “it got me thinking of how we could do it visually as we know that dementia patients typically react positively to visual stimulation. Then the thought came, well we’re called Cherry Ward, why not a painting of a Cherry Blossom tree? And from that the idea grew that patients could give feedback in cherries that are placed on the tree.”
The tree is in one of the communal areas of the ward so is easy for patients and visitors to see and enjoy.
Henk continues: “A lot of our patients are non-verbal and depending on their care and treatment plan, be with us for some time. A nice environment with visual stimulation can make all the difference, helping to aid communication and remove any barriers they may be experiencing. We also use pictures and other artwork to aid our conversations.”
“We do lots of therapeutic activities with patients to stimulate them, “Amy adds, “we have the garden outside the ward and we also do trips to Chester Zoo for the Memory Café. Plus activities that promote physical health and independence like exercise and baking. Anything that can help people to adapt better to daily living.”
As well as staff members demonstrating their artistic talents, service users across Bowmere Hospital are able to showcase their creative side with the help of Occupational Therapists. Following the unveiling of the tree, a special art gallery was organised showcasing some of our service users finest work.
CWP director of operations, Suzanne Edwards, said: “Helping to improve the lives of everyone in our community is a core mission at CWP. I am always amazed by the efforts of our staff to make patients as comfortable as possible. I congratulate the staff at Cherry Ward for everything they do, especially Amy, and look forward to seeing how the tree blossoms and grows in the coming months.”
